If I were to describe this wedding’s details I would say the couple “let it be-ach” (sorry for the pun). When the bride told us what they used as inspiration, she said that she just let the beach do it’s work and embraced it’s elements. According to her, “The scenery alone was enough decor” and this was emphasized by the amazing weather and these beautiful people. The other beach-inspired details were awesome too. There were plenty of seashells that adorned the whole day. But aside from all these motif, I must also point out that I love how the bride’s gown. The skirt was made of sheer material that it gave the look a soft feel and on some pictures, she even looked like she was literally floating. Congratulations to our couple, Ashley & Chris!
Bride:
What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?
We met out one night through mutual friends. He begged for a date so I finally gave in. We have been inseparable ever since. After 5 years of dating, we knew we were meant to be together.
What makes the two of you a perfect match?
His strengths are my weaknesses and vice versa. He is the only one I want to come home to and share the good and bad things with; the only one I want to grow old with.
How did he (or you) propose?
It was a getaway weekend in New Orleans. He planned the hotel (Ritz Carlton) and dinner. He booked the club room and arranged for red roses and chocolate covered strawberries to be in our room when we arrived. Before dinner, he took me out to the courtyard. He had the gazebo reserved and the concierge filming everything. Nervously, he got down on one knee and proposed.
How long was the planning process? Did you think it was enough time?
6 months…plenty of time
What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding?
To remember to live a fulfilling life together. Put God first. Always make time for your family.
What tips & tricks (can we use “hacks”?) can you share future brides that you yourself have learned during and after your wedding?
I am not a planner at all so destination wedding was perfect for me! Go in with the attitude that not everything may turn out perfect. The only thing that matters though is you and him at the alter saying “I Do” to the rest of your life. If you do that, everything will turn out just they way you wanted it to!
What were some challenges you faced while planning your wedding & what did you do to address them?
I get overwhelmed very easily when it comes to planning big events like this. I learned to hand over tasks/phone
calls that needed to be done. This helped the process go much smoother.
What inspired your wedding décor? Why did you choose the things that you did?
Of course, the beach was the biggest inspiration. The scenery alone was enough decor. We did do a few center pieces with seashells and lanterns for the reception. My bouquets and boutineers were made by my aunt so we only had two fresh flower arrangements for the ceremony that we added to the reception. It was just enough decor for the perfect beach setting.
What was the wedding budget?
My parents actually never gave me a budget. But we were very sensible with everything we did.
Where did you save the most money?
I saved the most money on decor and flowers. We brought our own decor and only had to order two flower arrangements for the alter. I also saved money on my invitations. I found a Groupon for an invitation website and saved hundreds.
What was the biggest expense?
Food was the biggest expense.
How many guests were invited in your wedding and what was the final guest count?
With a destination wedding, we still invited everyone we would invite if the wedding was at home so our number was 250. We had 59 people actually attend the wedding.
How did you narrow down your list?
We did not have to narrow down the list. Since people had to travel, that knocked the count down.
What songs did you use during the ceremony?
Processional-A Thousand Years
Brides Entrance-Can’t Help Fallin In Love
Recessional-Marry Me
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Secrets Wild Orchid in Jamaica
What are you most excited about for the future?
I am very excited to start building our home and hopefully in a couple of years start having children!
Do you have advice for couples still in the planning process?
Take this time and enjoy it! Relax on your wedding day. The day of our wedding, my husband went to play golf and I went to the beach. I have never been so relaxed! And that is how it should be
What is the overall story for this album?
Showing the details, anticipation, and the I Do’s of every wedding!
What inspired the wedding day outfits?
My husband actually picked out the groomsmen outfits. He did not want the everyday beach khakis and white shirts. My matron of honor found the bridesmaid dresses and it all turned out beautiful with the beach setting.
What was your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day was getting ready with my mom, sisters, and good friends. We laughed until we cried and just relaxed until it was time!
What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?
The highlight from the ceremony was walking down the aisle (all eyes on me) to my soon-to-be husband at the end waiting for me. The highlight of the reception was all the dancing and good times we had with family and friends. It was so much fun spending the night with people who wanted to celebrate the festivities with us!
What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for you? (& your guests?)
For me, it was the time spent with family and friends during the reception. I think our guests just loved a nice vacation away even if it was just for the weekend!
Anything else you would like to add ?
A wedding can only be as much fun as you make it. Don’t stress out. Go in enjoying the day and remembering all the great memories you and your guests will make!
Vendors
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Makeup Artist: Hope Artistry
Cake Designer: Kakes by Karen
Reception Venue: Marco Beach Ocean Resort
Dress Store: Town & Country Bridal
Videographer: Chad Graham [225-205-6613]
Bakery: Kakes by Karen
Entertainment: The Best Wedding DJ Ever – Mike
The beach shots are amazing, thanks for sharing them!