An Elegant Woodland Wedding at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Florida

Shannon Opel (33 and a pediatric physician assistant) and Jeffrey Swift’s (33 and an emergency medicine physician) alfresco affair combined a natural color palette with rustic elements and elegant details.

“I really loved the idea of juxtaposing rustic farm tables with elegant, crystal chandeliers,” Shannon says of outfitting their fauna-filled venue. For their outdoor ceremony, the pair enlisted the help of their yellow Labrador, Charlie. “He accompanied my mom down the aisle and sat next to my bridesmaids before Jeff called him over for the rings,” Shannon says. “He stayed the entire night and even had some fun on the dance floor!”

Shannon hired an acoustic guitar player to perform during their ceremony as guests looked on from bamboo chairs. In her bouquet, she included a ribbon from her mother’s wedding dress and a brooch from her grandmother. During cocktail hour, hedged walls showcased the selection of hors-d'oeuvres.

As a nod to their home state, the newlyweds sent guests home with Wisconsin craft beers and bags full of the pair’s favorite treats — including Teddy Grahams and gummy worms. When it came time for their first dance, Shannon and Jeffrey chose “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes. “That song captures the feelings we had for each other throughout our courtship,” Shannon says.