1. Real Weddings

A Simple Wedding at Longboat Key Club Moorings in Longboat Key, Florida

Jessica Cordes, a marketing manager, 35, and Rex Jackson, a marketing director, 39, held an intimate outdoor wedding and reception in Longboat Key, Fl

Jessica Cordes, a marketing manager, 35, and Rex Jackson, a marketing director, 39, held an intimate outdoor wedding and reception in Longboat Key, Florida. “We love the beach and knew immediately that's where we wanted to get married,” says Jessica. The beach ceremony venue helped inspire the couple’s wedding colors of turquoise and bright yellow. Simple reception and ceremony decor were used to let the venues “speak for themselves,” says Jessica. As guests left their shoes behind, they were met with rows of white fabric covered chairs tied with a white sashes and hanging white starfish at the end of each aisle. The couple’s wedding arch was draped in white fabric and topped with arrangements of yellow flowers. The ceremony also included a family moment as Jessica and Rex ensured Rex’s daughters were part of the ceremony. Claire and Harper were the flower girls and “groom’s girls” during the ceremony, says Jessica. The couple held their reception at a vineyard inspired space covered in greenery and soft string lighting. There, Jessica and Rex had their first dance before Rex took a special turn around the dance floor with each of his daughters. Rex and his daughter Claire, 6, did a choreographed routine to “My Favorite Things” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. “We wanted to dance under the stars with our friends and family, and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening!” says Jessica.

During the beach ceremony, guests were encouraged to put their toes in the sand and leave their shoes behind.
Jessica and Rex’s flower girls wore sleeveless white dresses with teal floral sashes as they scattered yellow flower petals down the aisle.
The couple ensured that Rex’s daughters had an integral part in their celebration. “Claire and Harper played a dual role as flower girls and grooms' girls, standing up next to their dad for most of the ceremony,” says Jessica.
Jessica and Rex's Beach Ceremony Exit Car
Jessica wore a white strapless fit-and-flare gown on her wedding day. It was accented with silver beading on the hip and bodice.
The bride chose a bouquet from Beneva Flowers composed of yellow proteas, roses and orchids. It was accented with burnt orange calla lilies.
The couple held their reception at the Longboat Key Club Moorings where a large three-tier fountain served as the focal point.
The couple chose a three-tier white wedding cake wrapped with square turquoise design tiles. It was accented with orange Cattleya orchids and baked by Pastries by Design.
The couple took their first dance in front of 50 family members and friends in Longboat Key, Florida.
Rex also danced with each of his daughters at the reception “He and Claire (age 6) choreographed a routine to "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, complete with dramatic twirls and lifts!” says Jessica