A Colorful Beach Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples in Naples, Florida

Sara Doty (33 and a salon owner) and Michael Cnudde (52 and a real estate broker) became engaged about five years after they met in a salon. Michael popped the question on a trip to Chicago while the couple was celebrating their first dating anniversary. They spent the next eight months planning a colorful spring wedding Naples, Florida. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, was easily chosen as their venue. “We ended up there about a year earlier by mistake. We missed a flight and absolutely fell in love with everything about Naples, the beach and the Ritz-Carlton,” says Sara. The couple chose a bright color palette of mint, pink and peach. Sara and Michael had a beach ceremony surrounded by 26 of their friends and family members. The space was decorated with a neutral aisle runner, white folding chairs and an eye-catching mint, pink and orange pom-pom accented the wedding arch. After their sand-mixing ceremony, all moved inside the resort for a cocktail hour and an intimate reception. Each guest found his or her seat on a note inside a sand and seashell filled glass bottle, complementing the couple's beach theme. Round tables were accented with ivory printed linens, silver chiavari chairs wrapped with mint, orange or blush tulle and low sand-filled centerpieces in cylinder vases. Sara and Michael served an assortment of appetizers, including coconut shrimp and beef wellington, and a plated meal before treating their guests to a three-tiered mint ombre confection. The couple spent their reception dancing with their friends and family to a DJ from Talent and Entertainment Productions. They ended the night with a macaroni and grilled cheese bar.