1. Real Weddings

A Whimsical Beach Wedding at Palm Beach Shores Community Center in Palm Beach Shores, Florida

From the conch shell aisle decor to the whimsical aquatic accents, Rachel McCullough (33 and an entrepreneur) and Curt McCullough (47 and a medical de

From the conch shell aisle decor to the whimsical aquatic accents, Rachel McCullough (33 and an entrepreneur) and Curt McCullough (47 and a medical device distributor) brought the ocean into their wedding with more than a few bright blue and green details. Krystal Zaskey Photography documented the day as it began with a simple beach ceremony and ended with a whimsical reception at Palm Beach Shores Community Center. The Majestic Vision, the couple’s planner, helped fill their intimate wedding with sea-inspired decor. “Once I found Stefany Allongo, she made planning a breeze and fun," Rachel says. "My wedding day was perfect and relaxing because of her.” White folding chairs and the couple’s bamboo wedding arch were met with starfish tied with straw and blue ribbon. The reception, however, was covered in fun details. Lanterns filled with sand and seashells were placed at the center of each round table as starfish-accented burlap runners. Two large seahorses were also placed in front of the couple’s sweetheart table. For an added treat, the kids' table had an edible beach ball and sand bucket centerpiece made of Rice Krispies Treats. Each piece of decor complemented Rachel and Curt’s wedding cake. A local Publix baked its three-tier square and round ivory confection covered with bright blue coral reef detailing. Two white starfish served as the topper. For future couples, Rachel shares a tip: “Never skimp on your photographers or videographers. I am happy that my photographers captured the day so perfectly. I almost didn't need a video.”

Pearl-Covered White Clutch and Bracelet
After finding the flower girl’s watercolor dress, Rachel and Curt were inspired to decorate their wedding under an ocean and beach theme. Their 65 guests were notified of this choice early on as the couple chose a beach-inspired invitation suite with starfish and sand designs.
Starfish Aisle Decor With Straw, Ribbon
“I wanted something classy and sexy that looked different than any other dress I've ever seen,” Rachel says. The team at Mariolka's Bridal Boutique helped her to find just that. She wore a fun, white Blue by Enzoani ball gown with beading, a tulle skirt, a sheer-embroidered bodice and a short train.
Clam Shell-Shaped Wedding Program Fan
Inspired by a watercolor flower-girl dress that resembled a mermaid, Rachel and Curt filled their day with ocean decor. Pink conch shells were placed along the ceremony aisle as rows of white folding chairs were accented with white starfish tied with straw and light blue ribbon. The couple’s bamboo wedding arch was met with the same decoration as well as simple white fabric.
With a clear waterfront view, Rachel and Curt used only a few pieces of decor for the wedding. Their bamboo wedding arch was draped in white fabric and accented with starfish, straw and light blue ribbon for a simpler touch that complemented their theme. The aisle was similarly decorated with starfish and conch shells.
Curt’s three daughters were chosen as Rachel’s bridal party. Each girl wore a seafoam green, light blue or turquoise convertible dress in her chosen style. “I instantly fell in love with a watercolor dress that had colors of the ocean, like a mermaid,” Rachel says.
The couple’s 65 guests found their seat listed on a fun place card. Each piece of stationery was backed in the couple’s light blue wedding color and accented with a seashell print. Following their ocean and beach theme, the table names included “the manatee table” and “mermaids and sharks.”
Rachel, Curt, and their planner, Majestic Vision, had some fun decorating the kids' table. Unlike the other seats at their reception, it included an edible beach-ball and sand-bucket centerpiece made of Rice Krispies Treats. Buckets of candy as well as a coloring books were placed by each seat as fabric shark and mermaid-inspired accents covered the chairs.
With their ocean and beach theme in mind, two neutral seahorse accents were placed in front of the couple’s sweetheart table. Assorted starfish and a large ball that resembled coral covered the blue linens as blue and white buoys accented the wall. They even chose clear blue chargers with a wave pattern to complement the decor.
Bright Blue and Green Candy Bar
Baked by Publix, the couple chose a three-tier ivory confection for their wedding. The round and square cake was covered with bright blue coral detailing to go with the ocean theme, and two starfish were used as its topper. Rachel and Curt also invited their 65 guests to take home bright blue and green candies as their wedding favors.