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-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