1. Real Weddings

A Romantic Beach Wedding at The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada, FL

Sarah Jones (28, Marketing Manager) met Morten Tegien (30, Helicopter Pilot) on a boat just off the shores of Croatia in 2012. Sarah, who had recently

Sarah Jones (28, Marketing Manager) met Morten Tegien (30, Helicopter Pilot) on a boat just off the shores of Croatia in 2012. Sarah, who had recently decided the quit her job and travel the world, was a passenger on the sail boat with a few close friends, while Morten was the captain of the charter. After a week of sailing together, the two decided to keep in touch. Morten invited Sarah to visit him in Norway, his home country, after she completed her travels. Weeks later, Sarah took up Morten's offer and the two spent a week together in the northern European country. When it was time for Sarah to return to the states, Sarah asked Morten when they could see each other next, to which he replied "How about I come to the US next Wednesday?" The rest is history. Sarah moved to Norway and spent six months learning the language, experiencing the culture, and getting to know Morten's friends and family members. ?At the end of her half year stay, Morten took Sarah on an 11 hour hike up to the Trolltunga rock formation in Fjord, Norway. At the point of the rock formation, about 3000 feet in the air, Morten popped the question. Over the course of their one year engagement, Sarah and Morten planned a fall wedding to be held in Islamorada , Florida. Since most guests traveled long distances for the nuptials, Sarah and Morten planned a week long celebration complete with sailing excursions, snorkel trips, cocktail parties and fishing trips. The couple chose to host their big day at the The Caribbean Resort, the perfect spot for their outdoor ceremony and tented reception. In lieu of the classic beach-themed wedding, the two opted to include lush florals and and neutral color scheme, transforming the beach location into a romantic hideaway.

Simple Invitation Suite
Lush Blush Peony Bridal Bouquet
Sarah and her bridesmaids sported bold and comfy floral kimono robes while they got ready for the big day.
Sarah designed her own dress, creating a fitted mermaid style gown with rucking around the torso. She accessorized the custom gown with a statement bib necklace.
Groom in Gray Suit and Navy Tie
Peony Boutonniere
Beachfront Ceremony Set Up
Guests stayed informed and cool during the outdoor nuptials thanks to double duty ceremony program fans.
Sarah and Morten made their beach front wedding feel romantic and lush by draping arrangements peonies and greens alongside white fabric from the wedding arch.
Newlywed Pictures
Sarah's 'maids wore floor length blush dresses from Joanna August, while the groomsmen wore sharp gray suits with matching carmel brown leather shoes.
Clear Tent Reception Dinner Table
String lights illuminated the clear tent while arrangements of lush peonies, roses and eucalyptus hung from the rods by thick ivory ribbon.
Guests found their names and table assignments calligraphed on thick kraft paper cards, displayed on sliced birch tree branches.
As a nod to the nearby ocean front, driftwood housed small arrangements of hydrangea, rose, eucalyptus and fern along the centre of the long farm tables.
Metallic Charger Place Setting
Bride and Groom's Reception Chair Signs
Bride and Groom's First Dance
"My favorite part was the traditional Norwegian cake which Morten made himself," says Sarah. The "kransekake," is a tower of almond cakes, decorated with a traditional white icing.
Photo Booth with Multicultural Props
Sarah and Morten danced their way out of the reception wearing their themed prop hats while guests waved both American and Norwegian flags.