1. Real Weddings

A Beach-Inspired, Neutral Wedding at Marco Beach Ocean Resort in Marco Island, Florida

rn Complete with a neutral palette and damask-accented cake, this wedding put an elegant twist on its beach theme. Laura Christner

rn Complete with a neutral palette and damask-accented cake, this wedding put an elegant twist on its beach theme. Laura Christner (33) and John Christner (37) started the day with a ceremony at Marco Beach Ocean Resort in Marco Island, Florida, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Side by Side Wedding Services, their planner, lined the aisle with candlelight and Lyfe of the Party, their florist, added arrangements of seashells, orchids and hydrangeas to each row of chiavari chairs. Laura made her entrance in a Danielle Caprese ball gown with a voluminous tulle skirt and intricately beaded bodice, while John met her at their white wedding arbor. Once the couple shared their first kiss, all continued the celebration with an indoor reception. Seaside Strings, a string quartet, played in the background as guests found their escort cards attached to neutral starfish and nestled within a bed of sand. Their tables also had beach-inspired arrangements of white roses and hydrangeas as crystal votives, seashells and sand surrounded its base. What was our favorite detail? Their wedding cake. Kakes By Karen baked a four-tier confection with an ivory damask pattern along the second and third tiers, as rhinestone trim circled its base. But this wasn't the only sweet at Laura and John’s celebration. “We had an after-party with lots of late-night snacks and treats for our guests to enjoy or take with them.” Tonya Malay Photography captured every detail, as guests finished the night with cupcake favors.

“I love the beach and I always wanted a beach wedding in Florida,” Laura says. With this in mind, Laura and John added a beach theme to their indoor wedding. The invitation suite was even accented with a green starfish and matching font.
Side by Side Wedding Services, Laura and John's planner, added an elegant touch to their waterfront ceremony space. Lines of gold chiavari chairs were met with candles and seashells in cylinder glass vases as Lyfe of the Party, their florist, added arrangements of white hydrangeas, starfish and roses along the aisle.
Beach-inspired accents were also included in John's wedding day look. Lyfe of the Party, their florist, designed a classic white rose boutonniere wrapped in green ribbon and accented with a mini conch shell below the bloom.
When planning a waterfront wedding in Florida, it can be nice to include a few fans for guests. Laura and John gave their 37 friends and family members ivory and neutral fans that resembled a clamshell to go with their beach theme, for their wedding at Marco Beach Ocean Resort in Marco Island, Florida.
Lyfe of the Party, Laura and John's florist, added a fresh touch to their white fabric-draped wedding arbor. Ivory orchids, ivory roses and white hydrangeas were placed on each post as a crystal chandelier was hung overhead. The arrangements also matched Laura's all-white bouquet.
Laura and John gave their guests a few favors during the reception. A neutral starfish souvenir was attached to each escort card as a local, bottled favor accented each place setting. The latter was filled with sand and seashells Laura personally collected from the beach in Marco Island, Florida.
Laura and John also had a few sweet treats for their guests to take home. After an array of late-night snacks and an after-party, all were encouraged to take home a cupcake topped with a single starfish accent.
Laura and John's wedding cake stood out against their decor for its elegance and delicate detailing. Kakes By Karen baked a four-tier confection accented with ivory fondant, a damask pattern and ivory peonies. For a personal touch, they topped the dessert with a rhinestone "C."