A Traditional Wedding at Marco Island Yacht Club in Marco Island, Florida

Rachael Lauster (20 and a student) and Daniel Lauster (24 and in the U.S. Marine Corps) met through a mutual friend at a local country-western bar and started seeing each other one week later. The couple worked with Carrie Darling Events to plan their royal blue, white and yellow-accented wedding within four months. “I wanted my whole wedding theme to be simple, yet romantic,” says Rachael. Marco Island Yacht Club was chosen as their venue for personal reasons. “I grew up in Marco Island and I definitely wanted to have my wedding there,” says Rachael. “My parents also had their wedding reception at the Marco Island Yacht Club back in 1984!” The couple had a covered outdoor ceremony decorated with white flower petals along the aisle, white folding chairs, white draped fabric and four arrangements accented in yellow, white and blue flowers. After Rachael and Daniel said “I do,” their 100 guests went inside for a cocktail hour and reception decorated with round tables, silver chiavari chairs, royal blue runners, candles and lush centerpieces that mirrored their wedding arch accents. All were treated to a three-tier red velvet wedding cake covered in cream cheese frosting. DJ J. Roberts played in the background before the band SowFlo took over the dance floor for their last two hours. Rachael, Daniel and their guests, enjoyed a night of dancing before each left the reception with a custom sand dollar ornament wedding favor. “I thought it was a very special gift for our guests. Every year when they decorate their Christmas tree, they can remember the awesome wedding they went to!” says Rachael.