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 (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.