A Pretty Waterfront Wedding at Private Residence in Odessa, Florida

Between the lantern aisle decor, white centerpieces and vintage furniture, Elizabeth Riggs (27 and a counselor) and Matt Riggs’s (40 and in finance) tented wedding was just the right mix of rustic and elegant. For a personal touch, the couple had their wedding at a friend’s lakefront home. “I think our venue best reflected us as a couple," says Elizabeth. "We both wanted to get married somewhere that felt relaxing and comfortable, where it would just be about us and our guests.” Robin Reiss Photography captured every moment as the couple started their day with an outdoor ceremony. Their 100 guests watched from chiavari chairs; Winsor Event Studio accented each row with candlelit lanterns and white rose petals. After Elizabeth and Matt exchanged vows, the guests were treated to an outdoor cocktail hour and then returned to the lake for a tented reception. Botanica and the couple’s planner lined the family-style tables with arrangements of white peonies and green hydrangeas for a natural touch, with chandeliers and string lighting hanging overhead. A few unexpected and happy twists also popped up during the night. “My step-daughter surprised us by singing 'All of Me' by John Legend,” says Elizabeth. The couple and their guests enjoyed a fun sparkler exit before each left with a s'mores wedding favor. Elizabeth shares a tip: “Always reserve a tent! The weather changed unexpectedly, and we had to scramble around at the last minute to find a nice tent.”