by: Beautiful duo, Erin and Christopher, were married amidst their family and friends in Sarasota this spring. And ... wow! With their ceremony and reception in the tropical Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, it's easy to fall in love with the luxe, modish pink and navy blue wedding deets of their day.
With a classic combo of navy, pink and ivory hues in their flowers, centerpieces, attire {check out the groomsmen's' shoes!}, and their beautiful MagnetStreet Weddings invites ... we're smitten with every bit and piece of their day. Their photographer, Renee of Renee Nicole Photography, grabbed the best of the best moments.
Plus Erin offered fantastic advice for couples currently planning their wedding ... scroll through the eye candy to check out her pointers below!
Their pink and navy blue wedding invite and enclosure cards from the Sunset Silhouette design suite.
Childhood camp to an engagement
After they graduated college as acquaintances, Erin and Christopher realized that they had actually attended neighboring summer camps as children. After a mutual friend posted a #tbt photo on Facebook from their camp days, Erin reached out to Christopher. He proposed four years later geographically in the location smack dab between both their childhood summer camps. Camp brought them together, and that's where they started their lives together!
Finding the right dress
"It was a pain ... so much fluff and tulle out there. I was about to go with a more expensive one which I wasn't 100% about ... and then I found mine at the store where my best friend bought her wedding dress. It was simple, elegant, had some sparkle, and showcased my figure."
First look?
"We did not. We decided after seeing some awkward first look moments and the traditional side to my husband, we decided to see each other for the first time when I walked down the aisle."
Her something borrowed, blue, old, and new
Old: necklace
New: dress, shoes, and earrings
Borrowed: engagement ring (it was his grandmother's)
Blue: a pin of Stitch (from her favorite Disney movie) dressed as Elvis
Favorite photo
"The one of us both laughing ... It just shows our personalities, in that we didn't want the day to be serious. We wanted it to be fun and about love."
Of course, cake!
"We had a cake that was for the two of us, but also had a dessert table. I love dessert and wanted to feature our favorites (mine caramel apples, his milk and cookies). Not everyone likes cake, so we wanted to provide options."
Erin's advice for brides-to-be
- Don't feel like you have to overdo it or spend a boatload! There are so many ways to cut costs, and I was very proud of staying within my budget.
- Make sure your wedding day is about you and your soon to be husband ... not your parents. Your parents already got married. It's your day and I made sure every step of the way I spoke to my husband about it and asked his opinion.
- If you want something your parents don't, make it happen (my mother didn't like that we had starfish as our table assignment holders, but I wanted them). Ultimately ... I was happy I did, and it looked cute. If I hadn't, I would have regretted that decision.
- You are going to stress ... it's inevitable, but remember the day is to have fun. Don't worry about little bits of drama!
Congrats to the gorgeous couple! We hope you had the time of your lives on your Tahiti honeymoon!
Erin and Christopher's wedding vendors did a fabulous job! Special thanks to:
Photographer: Renee Nicole Photography | Florist: Peg Friedrichs | Videographer: Baby Blue Film | Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Caterer: Michael's on East | Wedding Coordinator: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning | Hair and Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne | Dress: Martina Liana, Elegance by Roya Bridal Atelier | Cake: The Cake Zone
