1. Real Weddings

Golden A Relaxed Nautical Wedding at the Jefferson Beach Marina in Saint Clair Shores, MI

Elizabeth, 36, a chef, and Jarret, 36, an engineer, planned an afternoon garden party at with a relaxed vibe, preppy coral flowers and vibrant pops of

Elizabeth, 36, a chef, and Jarret, 36, an engineer, planned an afternoon garden party at with a relaxed vibe, preppy coral flowers and vibrant pops of green.“We celebrated with a laid-back affair at the marina and chose fabrics, flowers and decor that felt nontraditional,” Elizabeth says.

Elaborate beading on the bodice and a flowing organza skirt lent a soft look to the bride’s bright ivory dress.
The bride wore her hair half down in soft waves and accentuated a sweeping, cascade braid with a jeweled hair clip.
The diamond and ruby engagement ring was designed by the groom to incorporate both Jarret and Elizabeth’s respective birthstones.
The bride chose two separate wedding bands – one eternity band made entirely of rubies and the second made from diamonds.
Both the bride and bridesmaids carried pink and green bouquets made from an assortment of soft pink peonies, champagne-colored roses and mixed greenery.
The groomsmen paired their Van’s boat shoes with Space Invaders-themed socks while the groom wore anchors.
Jarret wore a bright-green pom on his lapel tied with tan, satin ribbon.
As self-proclaimed A-Team fans, it only made sense for the couple to play the cult classic show’s theme song during their recessional.
The bride worked with Wedding Paper Divas to create a customized black and pink floral stationary suite.
Bright-green poms added a whimsical flair to the pastel arrangements. “We wanted a very organic air to the day and went with textured greens mixed with lush champagne and pink florals for a soft look.”
The couple tied the knot at the Jefferson Beach Marina overlooking Lake Saint Clair just before noon on a Saturday.
After meeting online in early 2011, the couple eventually made plans to meet for dinner. “We’ve had a hard time spending even a little time apart ever since!” says Elizabeth.
Cream linens with a lace overlay covered each table while glass bowls filled with hydrangeas, champagne roses and dusty miller served as the fresh centerpieces.
Simple and elegant green paper fans added a DIY touch to each table.
Aside from a single tier cake, the couple also served an assortment of flavored cupcakes -- including champagne and strawberry, brown butter maple and chocolate peanut butter with sea salt.
Guests were able to leave their well-wishes and wedding cards in a green and yellow vintage trunk.
“We chose a nautical theme for the favors and really enjoyed picking out items that reflected our personalities,” Elizabeth says.
Rather than hire a wedding officiant, the captain of the boat performed the ceremony. (The ship even blew its horn after the couple’s first kiss!)