A Traditional, Romantic Wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Naples in Naples, Florida

Jen Garber (31 and a client manager at American Express) and Sam Herzfeld (36 and a principal at Safety Facility Services) were set up on their first date through with the help of a mutual friend. “After that, it was love at first shared scotch,” says Jen. The couple spent seven months planning their wedding for 200 of their friends and family members. As The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, was their home away from home, it became the perfect spot for Jen and Sam to house their wedding. “I have had such amazing memories there with my family, and I could not think of a more perfect backdrop to have this magical memory,” says Jen. The venue became their cake designer and florist for the couple’s special day as well as their inspiration for the decor. Hues of white and purple were used to accent the venue as elegant branches with orchids, candles and string lighting gave the couple’s ceremony and reception a romantic atmosphere. The couple had a traditional Jewish wedding under a huppah covered with white cymbidium orchids. After a cocktail hour of spiked Arnold Palmers and passed hors d'oeuvres, the couple and their guests moved into the reception area. Each guest was met with a simple place card by Karen Messing next to a small vase with a single white orchid. The ballroom was decorated with similar accents as purple lighting bathed the room of dark chiavari chairs, white linens and large illuminated branches on each table. After a seated meal, Jen, Sam and 200 members of their friends and families enjoyed a night of dancing and a traditional hora to The Headliners with Talent and Entertainment Productions. “The best advice I ever received: the night of your wedding, don't leave your husband's side - dance and have a blast with your husband,” says Jen. “ After all, that's why everyone is there - for the two of you.”