1. Real Weddings

Tara & Chris: A Destination Wedding in Sanibel Island, FL

Like most couples, Tara Scotton and Chris Volpe didn't want an ordinary wedding -- they wanted an extraordinary celebration surrounded by all of their

Like most couples, Tara Scotton and Chris Volpe didn't want an ordinary wedding -- they wanted an extraordinary celebration surrounded by all of their friends and family. The Bride Tara Scotton, 27, managing partner of a design firm The Groom Chris Volpe, 31, vice president of a bank The Date May 20 The couple lives in Delaware, so they gave themselves a year and a half to plan the wedding of their dreams in a tropical location. Originally we wanted to head to the Caribbean, says Tara, but logistically, for the amount of guests we had, it wasn’t working. She and Chris decided to use the Internet to find a location a bit closer to home. When they stumbled across the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island, they knew their search was over. As soon as we saw Casa Ybel, it looked just right, she remembers. We booked it sight unseen!

The ceremony was held on the lawn of Casa Ybel, overlooking the beach. There were no decorations to speak of—the natural beauty of the location was enough, says Tara. The bride was radiant in a delicate silk Richard Tyler gown, while her maids stayed cool and comfortable in coral-color halter sundresses and matching flip-flops. The groomsmen continued the casual vibe in white linen pants and blue linen shirts paired with flip-flops.
Though it wasn't in the Caribbean, Tara and Chris' tropical celebration went off without a hitch, thanks to realistic planning and a personal touch. The bride's advice: Listen to your hearts and don't feel like you have to be 100 percent traditional, says Tara. This is your one shot to create a memory unique to you.
Neither the bride nor the groom has much of a sweet tooth, but they raved about their three-tier, key lime–filled vanilla cake. Covered in white-chocolate seashells and coral-color starfish, the confection sat on a sand-like base made of natural sugar.
The sounds of a steel drum added a tropical vibe to the reception, which was held under a huge white tent. More starfish, this time in fishbowls filled with sand and candles, adorned tables covered in white linens and custom, lime green silk runners.
The Program
Chris went a bit formal in a sand-color suit with a lime green tie.
Tiny starfish were the perfect seaside accent, popping up in the ladies’ bouquets of Yoko Ono mums and even in the men’s boutonnieres.
The Centerpieces