1. Real Weddings

A Classic Wedding at the Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida

Nicola Weston (36, director of marketing at London Bay Homes) and Erik Lutgert (38, vice president of Lutgert Companies) first met through mutual frie

Nicola Weston (36, director of marketing at London Bay Homes) and Erik Lutgert (38, vice president of Lutgert Companies) first met through mutual friends. After some persistence of Erik’s part, the couple went out on their first date. Nicola and Erik spent their day paddle boating on the Gulf of Mexico. “I immediately knew the water was important to Erik, a.k.a Gator,” says Nicola. He proposed three years later while ice skating in Central Park in New york City. Erik’s daughter, Lexi, was there to take part in the celebration. “In the middle of the rink he bent on one knee,” says Nicola. Erik gave her a six-band trinity ring from Cartier she had noticed years ago. “I had told him I’d rather have this beautiful classic ring rather than a diamond,” she says. They finished the day with a horse and carriage ride through the park. Ten months later, Nicola and Erik had a classic wedding decorated in cream, gold, blush and white at the Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida. A grand white floral arch with hydrangeas, garden roses, and willow branches served as the entrance to their ceremony.

White Rose Wedding Arch with Sign Topper
Nicola and Erik’s nieces and nephews were incorporated into the wedding. The flower girls and junior bridesmaids wore knee-length cream lace ‘Lyla’ dresses from BHLDN. The junior groomsmen and ring bearer complemented them with classic black tuxedos.
Pale Yellow Garden Rose Bouquet
Nicola’s six best friends, stepdaughter and new sister-in-law served in her bridal party. Each wore a tinted slate blue Jenny Yoo dress with tulle accents in different lengths.
The couple chose custom invitations with a pattern inspired by their reception linens. “We had a custom map created by a calligrapher, Sarah Hanna. It was a fun piece as we added arrow on the map to identify locations where guests came from and our honeymoon location,” says Nicola. Their rehearsal dinner invitation, however, had a wakeboarding theme.
The couple surprised their guests with a professional bagpiper, James Freeman, who led the couple down a winding aisle at the end of the ceremony. “It was a special moment,” says Nicola.
Nicola wore a white spaghetti strapped Amsale dress with french lace on the bodice from Malindy Elene Couture for the Bride. Erik complemented her with a classic black tuxedo and bow tie.
White Wedding Arch Genesis Quote in Script
The focal point for the couple’s ceremony was a grand floral arch at the beginning of a winding aisle. It was composed of peach garden roses, white hydrangea and willow tips.
The couple made their exit in a classic green Rolls-Royce to honor Erik’s grandfather who was an avid collector, says Nicola.
Tulle Accented Bridesmaids Dresses with White Bouquets
White Rose and Hydrangea Bridesmaid Bouquet
Royal Poinciana Golf Club Beachside Venue
Elegant Glass Candelabra and Rose Escort Card Display
Hydrangea, Garden Rose and Greenery Accented Centerpiece
The couple’s wedding decor was inspired by a pattern on some of the table linens, says Nicola. They decorated the reception with an arrangement of round and square tables covered in champagne and cream linens, cream chiavari chairs, white napkins and gold rimmed chargers. Each table was set with a low or tall arrangement of white hydrangeas, garden roses, double lisianthus and blush ivy.
Each square table was set with a low arrangement of white hydrangeas, white garden roses and white double lisianthus in square breakaway vases.
The couple chose a four-tier classic white wedding cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. Baked by Kakes by Karen, the confection was made with both chocolate and meyer lemon cake separated by raspberry filling. A cascading white composite rose detail was placed across each tier.
Nicola and Erik’s Reception Kiss