1. Real Weddings

An Elegant, Holiday-Themed Wedding at Black Dolphin Inn in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Holiday cheer set the mood and the theme for Erin O’Carroll (35 and a lawyer) and Chris Wollett’s (37 and a college tennis coach) beautiful Spanish-Is

Holiday cheer set the mood and the theme for Erin O’Carroll (35 and a lawyer) and Chris Wollett’s (37 and a college tennis coach) beautiful Spanish-Isle style courtyard wedding at Black Dolphin Inn in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Vintage, holiday-inspired details, like red and green winter florals including hypericum berries and fresh cedar sprigs, plus Mediterranean dishes, added a festive feel to the Spanish-style estate. “We discovered we had a stunning location practically in our backyard,” Erin says of booking the riverfront home where both of their families could stay in the 14 guest rooms. “Each morning leading up to the wedding, everyone would gather on the dock overlooking the Indian River to drink coffee and mimosas while watching the dolphins play.” Erin’s golden retriever, Sophie, donned a holiday-themed wreath of fresh cedar and hypericum for her role as the couple’s flower girl. Under 400 feet of white market lights, guests dined on a Spanish-inspired feast including braised short ribs, shrimp with chorizo and flutes of sparkling wine decorated with a seasonal favorite: fresh cranberries. A tiered, naked, chocolate cake was the epitome of indulgent, thanks to mini chocolate chips, peanut butter buttercream, chocolate truffle ganache and raspberry preserves. “The bottom tier was surrounded by homemade chocolate bars,” Erin says of the dramatic confection topped with two red amaryllis blooms. “Our goal was to serve a bountiful spread full of rich colors and flavors."—Ginger Harris

Steeped in Florida history, the riverfront Spanish Isle-inspired inn boasted 14 rooms. "Each room is different with exquisite touches," Erin says. "The bridal suite that I chose for two nights before the wedding has a giant white soaking tub in the middle of the room under a cupola and a chandelier. So romantic."
Erin's bouquet set the tone for the rest of the day's arrangements. "Timeless holiday decor was my goal, so I stuck with the tried-and-true favorites of red amaryllis, hypericum berries and fresh cedar sprigs."
"The focal point was an old iron gate with two large floral arrangements of red amaryllis and fresh cedar. The gate was centered against a wall of lush bamboo. The colors were amazing," Erin says.
Chris's boutonniere was adorned with berries, the same berries found in the flower girl's collar.
In lieu of a bridal party, Erin and Chris enlisted the help of their 5-year-old nephew, Ayden, who carried wedding rings on a Christmas ornament and helped the flower girl down the aisle.
French county chairs adorned with fresh garland and hypericum berries draped the aisles from shepherd’s hooks, giving the ceremony a distinct holiday feel.
French county chairs adorned with fresh garland and hypericum berries draped the aisles from shepherd’s hooks, giving the ceremony a distinct holiday feel.
The flower girl and pup of honor— Erin’s golden retriever, Sophie— donned a holiday-themed wreath of fresh cedar and hypericum as she walked down the aisle.
"We call New Smyrna Beach, Florida, our home and couldn’t think of any other place as perfect to host our friends and family for our special day," Erin says. "We discovered that we had a stunning wedding location practically in our backyard."
Guests sated their sweet tooth on a three-tier chocolate cake featuring a trio of flavors between moist, fudgy layers: peanut butter, chocolate and chocolate truffle with ganache and raspberry preserves.
Steeped in Florida history, the riverfront Spanish Isle-inspired inn boasted 14 rooms. "Each room is different with exquisite touches," Erin says. "The bridal suite that I chose for two nights before the wedding has a giant white soaking tub in the middle of the room under a cupola and a chandelier. So romantic."
Steeped in Florida history, the riverfront Spanish Isle-inspired inn boasted 14 rooms. "Each room is different with exquisite touches," Erin says. "The bridal suite that I chose for two nights before the wedding has a giant white soaking tub in the middle of the room under a cupola and a chandelier. So romantic."
Guests dined on a Spanish-inspired feast including braised short ribs, shrimp with chorizo and flutes of sparkling wine decorated with a seasonal favorite: fresh cranberries. "Our goal was to serve a bountiful spread full of rich colors and flavors," Erin says of the alfresco meal.
Little touches of the sea mixed with holiday decor melded together to give Erin and Chris's reception a true Florida feel, or as Erin likes to call it, "a holiday dinner party with a hint of old-world Spanish isle flair and subtle coastal nods."