A Simple Wedding at the Destin Bay House in Destin, Florida

Cristen Hartley, a teacher, 30 and Brandon Hartley, a boat captain, 29, met during a run and grew to become close friends. “My first memory of him is a fake Russian accent telling people that he couldn't give directions," says Cristen. The couple eventually went out for sushi and have been together ever since. "He says he knew at the sushi restaurant when I asked if I had any food in my teeth," says Cristen. They became engaged in 2012 and were married one year later. The couple's reception and ceremony had multiple themes and simple decor to highlight their bay venue. “Our wedding was an eclectic combination of vintage, rustic and coastal fairy tales,” says Cristen. Wooden signs, pine cones, candles and sand dollars were used to accent the couple's simple white decor. Cristen and Brandon's cocktail hour focused on entertaining their guests with lawn games, a rainbow parachute, scavenger hunt and MadLibs style guest book. Guests were also asked to place a note of anniversary advice in glass bottles. As their wedding took place in early November, Cristen and Brandon served a Thanksgiving inspired dinner complete with roasted and Cajun turkey to their 70 guests. A three-tier buttercream covered carrot cake was also available for dessert. The couple exited their reception in a "Happily Ever After" boat off the venue's dock.