Allie & Mark {June Wedding at Carillon Beach}

Over the years, it has been so much fun watching brides come from all over the world to celebrate their destination weddings with us in Florida.  This year we were honored to coordinate 4 of our own Carillon Beach homeowner’s weddings!  We got to hear stories of them growing up and visiting their Carillon homes for family vacations.  We also got to hear them mention how they would bring friends along, and would sneak through our wedding events, hoping one day they would also get married in Carillon Beach.  One of our gorgeous brides, Allie, was able to do just that…


Allie now lives in Charleston, SC, but was happy to be back in Florida for her wedding. Another plus side to getting ready in her family home, was being calm and collected throughout the entire day!  It was nice to get ready in a familiar home with well known surroundings. When we walked into the house, Allie was getting pampered by Two Fishes Artistry, and should couldn’t have looked more relaxed. Her beautiful bouquet of pink peonies, tulips, garden roses and freesia was to-die for!

You can tell Mark fell in love with that infectious laugh! You could tell her excitement as she finished up some of her last minute details. Allie and Mark chose to have a small bridal party with only a matron of honor and a best man. It was decided that it would be the least stressful and simple choice for their intimate celebration.

When we first met Allie & her mother Nancy to sit and plan her dream wedding, we joked that having retired General as a father, Allie would never marry a military guy… She seemed to prove herself wrong as her handsome ‘Major Oberson’ waited for her at the end of the aisle. You could tell just how proud her father was as he walked down his only daughter.

With Ret. military chaplain, Rev. Harry Houseman as the officiant, the Meeting House was filled with proud members of the US military that evening.

As soon as the ceremony was over, we took the newlyweds into the Promenade for a few quick photos. I just love this shot of Allie and Mark! Plus, who doesn’t love those ‘something blue’ Badgley Mischka’s?!

A timeless organically elegant look was captured throughout their reception.

Nouveau’s pergolas and mahogany chiavari chairs brought such a perfect sense of romance to Allie’s tented reception.

The cake was perfectly paired with the decor of the wedding. It complimented every aspect of her event. The lounge area was illuminated by Nouveau’s bottle chandelier and accented by a bold, damask print.

For the reception, Allie removed her veil and replaced it with a whimsical, white flower. The guests also enjoyed passed champagne with chambord and a fresh raspberry garnish. Now that’s what I call a HAPPY BRIDE! 🙂

Delicious details from Townsend Catering. Mark & Allie chose to go with a station menu to encourage their guests to stroll around and enjoy the great company.

Allie’s proud parents toasted the new couple to kick off the evening. Everyone danced the night away as Meet the Press band wow’d the crowd! Congratulations to Allie & Mark! We can’t wait to see you on your visits to Carillon!

{CREDITS}

Venues & Coordination:  Carillon Beach Meeting House & The Village Green (exclusive to Carillon Weddings)
Photography: Paul & Mecheal Johnson of Paul Johnson Photography; Allie’s full BLOG
Floral/Event Design:  Christina Springfield of Events by Nouveau Flowers
Officiant: Rev. Harry Houseman
Catering: Townsend Catering
Cake:  Confections on the Coast
Ceremony Music: Bay Arts Trio + Trumpet (WMP)
Reception Music: Meet the Press band (Gulf Talent Services)
Hair & Makeup: Renee Armour of Two Fishes Artistry

Amy & Gary {May Wedding at Carillon Beach}

I must say that I have really been looking forward to posting this wedding.  I’m fairly certain that Amy is one of THE sweetest people I have ever met.  She was literally the opposite of a “bride-zilla”, which was one of the first phrases out of her mouth while planning her wedding.  “I really am not picky, I trust you guys and I do not want to be a bridezilla!”  Now, if this isn’t a wedding planner’s dream bride, I don’t know what is?!  As a trained dancer from FSU, her elegance and grace was apparent throughout her big day.  Amy’s appreciation for classical music, as well as great dance music, really gave her guests something to enjoy!  She knew immediately that she wanted to go from a full quartet for her ceremony and cocktail hour, to a great DJ who really knew how to keep the guests dancing!  I know I learned a few steps as she taught us all how to “Dougie!”  I hope you enjoy Amy & Gary’s wedding as much as we loved being there for it.  Don’t forget to catch the fantastic trailer at the end.  But first, I love starting out with a few of her adorable engagement session shots in Apalachicola, FL!…

Lady Love…

We like boots with a ‘tude on this sweet, Southern gal! You’d better hold on to this one, Gary!

Wedding Time.

Ooh La La! What gal doesn’t love dressing up in Louboutins & Vera Wang on her wedding day?!  This classically beautiful bride made an easy transition from quiet & sweet, to sassy & glamorous!

Perfect little details surrounded Amy’s big day. We just loved how her Tiffany blue and soft pinks complimented each other. Amy chose to have her paper products custom designed by the incredibly talented, Dauphine Press.

What a wonderful Etsy.com find! Amy had a personalized tag made for her amazing bouquet of orchids. We love those kinds of personal touches!

Southern belles love their peonies and Amy was no exception! They are just beautiful at this time of year. Our ballerina showed off her perfectly pointed toes as she waited to walk through the Promenade. I could not stop laughing because she kept pointing out her non-existent “kankles” from getting a bit of a sunburn earlier in the week. *Don’t kill me, Amy!* Needless to say, we had lots of laughs from her silly comments before the ceremony. To compliment her bouquet, we chose to go with simple, orchid blooms for the boutonnieres.

We just love the simplicity of the Meeting House in Carillon Beach. Keep an eye out for those same, cherub arrangements as they are transferred to the reception!

So in love! 🙂 You can almost hear her giggle through the picture.

This is one of my favorite ‘new’ ways for guests to sign a guestbook! One of their precious engagement photos was turned into a custom-designed puzzle where their guests would piece together and sign a special note to the bride and groom. A clear, double-sided frame was also included so Amy and Gary could choose to have either side showing in their home – all their signatures or their photo! I know this is a cute idea that will definitely be seen again!  ((I particularly liked the nod to the Dawgs!  As a surprise to Gary, she even had the string quartet play “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as they recessed after their ceremony.  To those fellow Georgia Fans, we all know this song as “Glory, Glory to Old Georgia”! GO DAWGS!))

Ahh, a classic first dance to Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road”.

We all got such a kick out of Amy’s dance with her father. As a nod to their family, and her last name being the oh-so-Italian, Mutarelli… Amy chose to dance to “The Godfather Waltz” straight from the movie!

Amy’s tablescape was beautifully accented with the cherub arrangements from the Meeting House. Her look was very whimsical, but romantic. Her wedding cake was also a piece of artwork in itself.

After the ceremony, we swept them away for their sunset pictures at about 7:30. Although it was a little windy, Amy looked just gorgeous!

In the springtime, we tend to keep a look out for our lucky frog who always seems to make his appearance at our events. I’m glad he made it so close to the dance floor  because these guests were definitely dancers! A handful of the girls were part of the FSU dance team and they surely showed off their moves! After their seated buffet was over, the guests moved outside, under cafe lights to dance the night away. After a quick dress change so Amy could boogie down, everyone ooo’d and ahh’d at her perfect, short BCBG dress! She was a knockout!

It was another flawless night in Carillon Beach…  We’re so happy for this happy couple and wish them both the absolute best!

{CREDITS}
Venues & Coordination:  Carillon Weddings
Makeup: Robin Klag (site)
Photography: Genya Garrett & Wesleyann Knetzer of VUE Photography; blogged wedding
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Floral/Event Design:  Christina Springfield of Events by Nouveau Flowers
Catering: Townsend Catering
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Ceremony Music: Bay Arts Quartet (WMP)
Reception Music: DJ Paul (GTS)
Invites: Dauphine Press

Reinventing Mom’s Wedding Dress!

I can hardly wait to post this blog!  I have been waiting for Dawn to send me pictures of her mother’s dress is its original form, and I cannot wait to share them!  I’m not sure if you remember Dawn & Josh’s beautifully dreamy wedding on June 19, 2010, so be sure to check out their wedding in our archives!  This is one of my favorite stories from over the past few years!  Dawn wore the same beautiful dress that Peggy (Dawn’s mother) wore when Peggy married Mike (Dawn’s father), 26 years prior!  Not many brides can say that!  Not only was it special, but it was PERFECT for their ceremony on Carillon Beach.  The only changes were made to the sleeves and bodice of the gown, but everything else stayed in place.  I can’t imagine how sentimental it must have been for Peggy and Mike to see their daughter in the same dress.  She was gorgeous!

{Peggy’s Wedding Gown Circa 1984}

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The original wedding dress!!

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Don’t you just love these old, photos?! Peggy was gorgeous!

Here is Dawn trying on her mother’s old gown… You will be able to tell that she kept the original lace when they reworked the bodice for her.

The train had the perfect flow on the beach!

{Dawn’s Wedding Gown Circa 2010}

An absolutely priceless image of Peggy helping Dawn into her gown!

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It had the same phenomenal flow, 26 years later!

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I think it’s safe to say that Mike and Josh both loved the ladies in this dress. I know we did!

View their wedding on our blog!

Thank you, Dawn and Peggy, for sharing your wonderful pictures and memories!

Dana & Nick {September Wedding at Carillon Beach}

A wonderfully sweet, Georgia couple were destined to get married in an intimate setting.  The Carillon Beach Meeting House was a perfect match for Dana and Nick.  Dana’s family owns a home in nearby, Rosemary Beach, but Carillon had just what they were looking for… a quiet location with beautiful scenery.  The soft hues and Dana’s romantic dress added to the magic of the evening.

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

Jenny, Dana’s wonderful mom, was just beaming with joy! Dana & Jenny were such a wonderful pair while we went through the planning process. When the day finally came, you could just see the excitement in both of their faces.

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

After the ceremony was over, the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour outside on the side decks. The weather was perfect for an outdoor cocktail hour! For the reception, we decided to play up the natural beauty and simplicity of the Meeting House. A pretty, neutral linen and tall arrangements helped to create a very clean, organic feel.

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

I love this image of the bridal party in front of The Carillon. {tidbit of knowledge}: carillon n. A stationary set of chromatically tuned bells in a tower, usually played from a keyboard. This is our Carillon… The center of the community.

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

Although Dana had the Wedding Music Plus trio perform from the prelude, to the ceremony, to the cocktail hour and even through dinner, Dana wanted to have her first dance with Nick to Train’s “Marry Me.”

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

With perfect weather, the guests were able to enjoy their dinners outside. It was pretty when the sun set and the lights on the trees transformed the entire outdoors atmosphere into something magical!

Dana and Nick at Carillon Beach

Dana’s gorgeous cake was cut and the evening ended with happy hearts and full stomachs! It was a beautiful evening for a beautiful couple!

{CREDITS}

Venues: Carillon Beach Meeting House, exclusive to Carillon Weddings

Photography: Kay Meyer Photography; Dana’s wedding blog

Floral/Event Design: Events by Nouveau Flowers

Minister: Nick’s father

Catering: Townsend Catering

Cake: Confections on the Coast

Ceremony/Cocktail/Dinner Music: String Trio (WMP)

Aimee & Brad {February Wedding at Carillon Beach}

When coordinators talk about a memorable bride & memorable wedding, this wedding is definitely up on the top of the list!  Aimee was such a sweet, Southern bride who couldn’t wait to plan out her dream wedding with us.  I am confident to say that she has kept ties with all of us vendors beyond her wedding day, especially now that they’re expecting baby McBrier!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Not much before the wedding, Aimee called the shop to tell me that she found her dream dress that would be a “knock out.” Knowing that she started working in a Bridal Store, I definitely couldn’t wait to see this last-minute switch to designer, Matthew Christopher!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Beautiful details surrounded Aimee on her big day… from the embroidered handkerchief to her feathery garter!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

A sweet touch as Aimee helps her flower girl get ready for the ceremony! … What a precious pearl bracelet!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Aimee’s bridesmaids dresses were perfect and very flattering for everyone! The neckline had such a wonderful detail that no necklaces were needed.

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

A little bridesmaid fun before Aimee was swept away to rendezvous with her groom!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Looking back on her vendor appointment, the flowers turned out to be exactly what Aimee had hoped for!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Their ceremony took place on the Village Green, with brown benches because we decided it would create the best country feel! The ribbons that blew in the wind added such a sweet touch!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

A gorgeous outdoor wedding!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Sweet simplicity.

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

… Something blue… a fabulous peek inside of the tent!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

The first thing that the guests saw was Rhonda’s fabulous cake with perfectly stylized-flower details. We loved the garden flower varieties throughout the reception.

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Even the food was simply sweet and southern!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Daddy-Daughter dance & a welcome prayer before dinner. Check out the fantastic feathers on her back!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

The lights were perfectly strung over the dance floor for the perfect amount of lighting!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Garter toss!!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

Bonfires on chilly nights? Yes, please!

Aimee and Brad at Carillon Beach

A flawless night! We truly were blown away by Aimee’s exquisite dress! Congrats, Brad & Aimee on a perfect night and a special announcement! 😉  What a fabulous evening for an adorable couple!

{CREDITS}

Venues:  Carillon Beach Village Green, exclusive to Carillon Weddings

Coordination & Planning: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson of Carillon Weddings

Photography: Genya & Wesleyann of VUE Photography; Aimee’s wedding blog

Floral/Event Design:  Christina Springfield of Events by Nouveau Flowers

Catering:  Donna & David Townsend of Townsend Catering

Cake:  Rhonda Joodi of Confections on the Coast

Ceremony/Reception DJ: Paul Kirker from GTS

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