Holly & Andrew’s Elegant Destination Wedding
Holly & Andrew
November 11, 2017
Clearwater, FL
Michigan couple Holly and Andrew knew they wanted a destination wedding, so Florida, a place they both loved and where Holly’s family resides, seemed like the perfect place. Their romantic beach wedding offered their guests a warm getaway. After a slight worry of rain, the skies cleared and their sunset ceremony began. Holly wore a beautiful, flowing gown with stunning cut-out details and carried a bouquet of white roses and greenery. Her bridesmaids’ navy dresses perfectly complemented the groomsmen’s blue suits and navy ties. The couple exchanges vows under a stunning arch covered in white flowers and lush palms as a rainbow shined down on them.
Guests made their way to a romantic tropical reception, where they were greeted by the sound of a steel drum band. Stunning centerpieces of palms and greenery sat atop white linens. Gold-edged chargers and flatware added a touch of elegance, while bamboo chairs paid homage to the beach setting. After a delicious dinner of Florida-inspired cuisine, guests enjoyed a variety of desserts, including key lime pie, carrot cake and more. The couple shared their first dance, then danced the night away to lively entertainment form The Black Honkeys. Before the evening’s celebration ended, Andrew’s band took the stage to play a few songs!
Vendors
Venue & Catering: Carlouel Yacht Club – Clearwater, FL
Planning/Design: Parties A’La Carte
Photography: Stephanie A. Smith Photography
Floral: ConceptBait
Stationery: Urban Coast
Cake: Publix
Linens: Over The Top
Rentals: A Chair Affair
Entertainment: The Black Honkeys
Transportation: Jolly Trolley
Hair/Makeup: Lasting Luxe
Bridal Gown: BHLDN
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids, Johanna August
“Our photographer, Stephanie A. Smith, was awesome. You end up spending a ton of time with your photographer during the day, so it’s important to get along with them. She was fun, enthusiastic and she worked her butt off. Not to mention the photos are amazing!” -Holly
“A moment of panic occurred when we started to see rain drops coming down only moments before walking down the (sandy) aisle. Of course, with our wedding guests already sitting out on the beach waiting for us, we had to quickly determine if we were going to brave the rain or relocate. It’s the moment you wish will never happen when planning a wedding on the beach. We fortunately saw a break in the clouds and ran outside to get the show on the road. Not only did it turn into a beautiful sunset, which was more than I could ask for to begin with, but we got the most beautiful rainbow. Andrew and I had no idea that while we were getting married, we had a rainbow shining down on us. We didn’t realize it until we were walking back up the aisle!” -Holly
“Carlouel Yacht Club is a very special place. We spent years admiring it from our evening boat rides, but with the breathtaking beach in the front of the property and the club house on the intra coastal, what’s not to fall in love with?” -Holly
“My husband and I love music . We wanted the music to be memorable throughout the entire evening, starting from the moment people stepped onto the beach for our ceremony. We had our guests listen to Motown love songs (a little tribute to our Detroit native family and friends) on the beach which you wouldn’t necessarily think of, but it was fun and romantic. My wedding party walked down the aisle to Van Morrison, while I walked down the aisle to The Beatles. Once guests walked over to the club house, they were greeted with a steel drum band. We danced all night to oldies by the amazing The Black Honkeys and then Andrew even took over the stage for a few songs with his former band. We had such a variety of fun, happy music that catered to all different ages and generations. We just wanted everyone to have an opportunity to dance to their favorite songs.” -Holly
