Check out the full wedding gallery for more inspiration!

This beautiful destination wedding was located on the quaint island of Boca Grande, Florida. The welcome reception included a warm fire pit with a s’more station and ice cream treats. The ceremony was held in the newly renovated St. Andrews Episcopal Church, which had an antique flair lit by brass lanterns which created a homey feeling among all who attended. The finishing touch to the pews were hydrangea and ribbon. The red door to enter the chapel was adorned with a starfish made up of white floral blooms.

All the wedding guests paraded to the reception site led by the bride and groom and an accordion player, where they enjoyed a cocktail hour and socialized among familiar faces. The reception was held in a breathtaking white draped tent outlined by glimmering crystal chandeliers. The floral throughout was composed of  purple hydrangeas, white gladiolus, and l peonies. The dessert table was overflowing with three classic cakes and matching cupcakes. Guests were thrilled to see the Cigar roller available for their enjoyment, and they smoked under the stars in the outdoor lounge.

Event Design, Planning + Paper Goods: Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites / Wedding Photography: Impressions / Florals: Floral Artistry / Ceremony Venue: St. Andrews Episcopal Church / Reception Venue: Gasparilla Inn / Tent: Premier Tents / Talent: Paul Lawrence / Music: Buzzcats

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Post tags: Boca Grande, Destination, Florida, Impressions Photography, Island, Kelly McWilliams, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: Destination, Florida Weddings, Naples

Seriously … the music is from Clint Wiley (the groom), singing to his lovely bride, Lauren. Get that hankie out!

Clint and Lauren Wiley – Director’s Cut from Rob Epple on Vimeo.

Awwwwww…..SO romantic!  Lauren and Clint ~ we hope y’all had a really HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

You can see more of the beautiful bride and groom on Michelle’s blog and here in our gallery!

See more of AMC Video Productions amazing wedding films on their website!

Cinematography: Rob Epple, AMC Video Productions
Photography: Michelle Reed Photography
Wedding Planning: Kelly McWilliams, Weddings by Socialites
Band: Mr. Potato Head, Clint Willey’s None Other

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Post tags: AMC Video Productions, Clint Wiley, Georgia, Michelle Reed Photography, Savannah, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Cinematography

Sometimes, I’m at a loss for words. Well, to be honest, I’m at a loss for words quite often. But this wedding, sent to us by Weddings by Socialites, really left me speechless. Kate ~ this stunning bride ~ seems almost ethereal, as though she was floating throughout the entire day!

floral design by signature florals

All of the accoutrements of the day … the bouquets, the floral centerpieces, the billowing fabric, and the most soothing colors in this seaside palette … peaceful, joyful, simple serenity …

images courtesy of Ashley Brockinton

from Kelly at Weddings by Socialites …

This quaint couple met, fell in love, and brought the majority of their family & friends from England in celebration of their marriage! This beautiful destination wedding was located on the water at Villa Aloreon, a private residence, in Fort Myers, Florida. The three story villa was large enough for the entire wedding party to stay and continue their fun. Kate had her hair and make-up done on site, and then shared a romantic first glance with Tim prior to meeting their wedding party for pre-ceremony photos on the picturesque grounds of the Villa Aloreon. Their ceremony on the bay was created to be very intimate and simply romantic underneath the bamboo blessing canopy. The cocktail hour had swaying sheer aqua linens and accents of sea glass, shells, and candles. A bubble motif was carried throughout the wedding, both high and low through details such as invitations, menus, escort cards and paper lanterns. The reception also included crisp white linens topped off with cheerful centerpieces consisting of deep purple hydrangea and bright coral roses. To add a little bit of European flavor each guest received a monogrammed pillow box of English breakfast tea.

Tim & Kate

Tim and Kate met in Cambridge, England while Kate was studying there in 2007. Of all places, they met during a rowing club social event at a pub in the city!  They went out for their first date a week later and never looked back!

the proposal {from Kate}
Well, the day started out with a drive to an unknown location. This location turned out to be a beautiful beach that we never got to see. Unknown to Tim at the time, this was a government restricted area that you can only access by special permit! After a bit of panic and some tactful, ‘lets drive the scenic route home’ talk from Tim and some very interesting navigation with the GPS, we ended up at a gorgeous secluded beach at sunset.

the proposal {from Tim}
Once we got out of the car and walked along the beach I was very nervous although I don’t know why. I had the ring in my pocket and wasn’t sure when to ask Kate, although I knew she would be expecting it. We walked for a few minutes and then I asked her to marry me. I was so happy when she said yes!

change of plans
The planning of our wedding went through many different stages and eventually we settled on getting married in England. Then a job offer came through that we could not refuse and we threw all the plans out the window and moved ourselves and the wedding to America. With Kellyʼs incredible help we managed to reorganize the wedding in a little over two months!

the wedding
The best part for us was that almost all of our family and friends ~ from England and all over America ~ changed their plans and flew to Florida for the wedding. We hope they know how much it meant to us!

most memorable part
Our last dance is the moment that both of us remember more than anything else. Most of the guests had gone home and only Tim and I were left on the dance floor. During the song the whole world seemed to stop and we were the only people in the room. It was the best way to end a perfect day. (song: Boats and Birds – Gregory & The Hawk)

Event Design/Planning: Weddings by Socialites/ Kelly McWilliams
Photography: Ashley Brockinton
Flowers: Signature Florals
Cinematography: AMC Video Productions
Ceremony/Reception: Private Residence on the Gulf of Mexico
Hair: Jennifer King
Make-up: Heather Longshore
Cake: Mason’s Bakery

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Post tags: Ashley Brockinton, Heather Longshore, Jennifer King, Masons Bakery, Signature Florals, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: Destination, Florida Weddings, Little Black Book Blog, Naples, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers

see more of this gorgeous day here!

This destination wedding was at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida. The seaside wedding is full of striking floral, such as peonies, roses, and orchids in various shades of white and coral. Accenting pearl shells and coral pieces flowed throughout both the ceremony and reception. The bridal party also enjoyed posing with the parasols during pictures that were later available for guests.

The overall theme of the wedding was Coral (both in color and sea coral) and paperbag brown.  We used the paperbag brown from start to finish, from the save the date and invitation envelopes to the to-go late night munchies. The girls got ready in The Presidents room.  Jenn did hair & makeup while they enjoyed a getting ready “tea sandwich” lunch

Arielle and Jason did a first glance before the Ketubah signing so that we could do all the photos before the ceremony, and they could enjoy the cocoktail hour.  We had planned the ceremony for the Kings Crown Lawn and sure enough, as soon as it was time to go…the storm clouds rolled in.  We went back and forth between using the indoor back up space, but eventually decided to go for it.  Well, there was quite a lighting show during the ceremony.  Jason stepped on the glass, we all screamed Mazel Tov and then made a run for the dining room.  The clouds broke open literally as the last guest got inside.

Rather than the typical buffet or plated dinner, we planned an interactive dinner that included some family style, some stations, and some butlered items.  Pretty much, just food everywhere and of every type. Guest were seated at Grand tables (8′x5′) of 10-12 guests (with the exception of the wedding party table of 20).  After dinner we had toasts by the best man, maid of honor, and the newlyweds.  Then we cut the cake and went right into the 1st dance inside Kings Crown Lounge (“At Last” by Etta James) followed by the father daughter dance, and mother son to “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong & Mother- Son: “ Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart.  After a bit of partying we had the traditional Hora dance and even with the low ceilings, the bride and groom went up!

It was a great night of dancing.  Towards the end of the evening we changed over the displayed dinner items to the take away table of mini burgers, mini grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and french fries. Guests loaded their custom paperbag boxes with the goodies and then took the wedding trolley back to their hotel rooms right after the sparkler getaway.

Event Design and Planning: Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites / Photography: Deborah Cull Photography / Flowers: Floral Artistry / Ceremony and Reception Location and Catering: South Seas Island Resort / Hair & Makeup: Jenn King / Cake: Kakes by Karen / Dress: Melissa Sweet / Linens: Weddings by Socialites (custom made) / All paper details & Welcome bags: Weddings by Socialites / Ceremony Music: Vanderbilt Strings / Reception music: Dan Confrey / Rabbi: Rabbi Gerson / Lighting: Weddings by Socialites / Chair Rentals: Niche Rentals

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Post tags: Dan Confrey, Deborah Cull photography, Floral Artistry, Florida, Jenn king, Kakes by Karen, Melissa Sweet, Niche Rentals, South Seas island Resort, Vanderbilt Strings, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: All Real Weddings, Florida Weddings, Panhandle, Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

the photographs were all taken by the absolutely wonderful Impressions Photography

From Kelly…This table is just classic.  I always find that when I use Brown with Red the boldness that Red sometimes gives is much less abrasive.  The 2 arrangements are just 2 dozen open red roses in glass cylinders wrapped half way in satin brown ribbon.  To bring “elegant drama” to the table I added candlesticks in varying heights.  I have to admit, I really love really tall candlesticks.   The linen is a brown taffeta pintuck.

Don’t have the budget for roses? Skip them! The candlesticks look stunning on their own…and as Kelly told me, “Probably the most important thing to keep in mind if this is the direction you’re going in- make sure you have something to draw the eyes in. Texture and color usually work best.”

This is actually a combination of two gorgeous tables…the dining table and the cake table, perfectly complimenting each other with their simple, but modern style.

From Kelly…I used a potted Phalaenopsis orchid surrounded by 8 small floating candle cylinders filled with black river rock.   Crisp white napkins folded in squares placed center on the white plates continue the clean modern look.  Again, I used the apple green bengaline tablecloth.  The 4 tier modern cake is from another Little Black Book member, Kakes by Karen.

* * *

Hasn’t this been so great! But guess what…it isn’t over! The incredible Rob Epple over at AMC Video has put together a gorgeous vignette of the day, with the designs that Kelly put together taking center stage.

Thank you so very much to Kelly and to Rob for putting together such a beautiful feature for us. We are so lucky to work with such talented artists!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: AMC Video, Centerpieces, Kelly McWilliams, Table Settings, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

the photographs were all taken by the absolutely wonderful Impressions Photography

LOVE this one. Actually, of the table settings that you are going to see from Kelly today, this one is my favorite. I just think that a simple pink rose set on each table setting, paired with the simple breezy color palette is just lovely!

From Kelly…Pink rose blooms are just so so pretty.  On this table I wanted to create something with a light, effortless effect.  I like this for an indoor reception after a beach wedding- a brunch maybe?  We placed a single rose bloom on each taupe plate and then added the sea mist blue napkins under the plate.  This ties the candles to the base linen (apple green bengaline).  I scattered the pillar candles down the striped runner (natural sea colors) to add some unstructured character.

This one is a little more whimsical than the first…definitely geared towards a smaller affair, perhaps even an intimate but semi-casual rehearsal dinner. Love the hint of whimsy in the patterned dishware! Like I mentioned earlier, the photography is all by Impressions Photography and they are absolutely gorgeous.

We have so much more to come from Kelly at Weddings by Socialites and guess what, we have a pretty awesome surprise to coordinate with this feature!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Centerpiece, Kelly McWilliams, Table Settings, Weddings by Socialites
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Decor