Just as we were thinking that winter weddings + sandy beaches probably don’t mix, in comes Whitney + James’ intimate Rosemary Beach nuptials (by way of photog, Katch Silva) and our minds are forever changed! Events By Nouveau helped these two, who were planning a destination wedding from afar, design a minimal, yet stunning, setting where they could truly enjoy some quality time with every person on their petite guest list. And the ethereal winter light + foggy backdrop only made their day (and photos!) that much better. Whitney shares more with us below:
James and I picked our location and date because winter at the beach is special to us. We’re both Southern and grew up visiting the Florida Panhandle. He also has family here, and we have lots of moments in our relationship that took place during winter on the Gulf Coast, so we’re very connected to the area and the season. It just made sense to us to have our wedding there and we liked the idea of starting off the new year by getting married.
Whit wore the Watters “Ellery” dress from Lovely Bride + shoes from BHLDN, which she customized with handmade laces!
Oh, that fog!
We wanted everyone to feel the warmth and sparkle of the holidays hanging on just a little longer, but without a holiday “theme.” So we used a lot of greenery with white flowers and privetberry, and lots of twinkle lights. My favorite elements were the garland at the head of the room, which was inspired by the felt sculptures of artist Robert Morris, and the gorgeous greenery chandeliers in the courtyard.
Whitney: So hard to pick just one. My dad walking me down the aisle, and everyone crying during the ceremony while we read our vows. I didn't expect so many tears, it was so emotional and very sweet. Also, at the reception, James did the African anteater dance from the movie Can't Buy Me Love, which no one understood (including me) - except for my two sisters, who jumped in to join him. The rest of us stared at him like he'd lost his mind, including his groomsman who he kept trying to pull in, he just looked horrified and confused. It was amazing. I still laugh about it, I'm laughing about it right now.
James: Standing in the side room of the Town Hall waiting for the ceremony to start. Just feeling a strong sense of anticipation waiting to see Whitney, and my groomsmen cracking me up to try to help me relax. It was a really intense moment.
Even though they were planning an out-of-town wedding, which hindered their ability to DIY a lot of details, they cerated a few small things to give the setting a personal touch. Our fave DIY was the handmade silhouettes decorating their chairs at the head table. Pretty fun!
Processional: Bridal Party: Gymnopedie – Erik Satie; Bride: Clair de Lune – Debussy
Recessional: Question – Old 97s
First Dance: I'm So Glad – Royal Wood
Communicate more than you think you need to. People are wonderful and want to help, so don't be shy and give them something to do! Prioritize from the very beginning, make a list of your top priorities and meet them first - the rest will fall into place. And aggressively take care of your health, even if you don't feel under the weather. Stress will make you sick.
photography: Katch Silva // venue name: Rosemary Beach Town Hall, Rosemary Beach, Florida // event design: Events By Nouveau // planning: Arden Sanders, It's A Shore Thing // florals: Events By Nouveau // wedding dress: Watters "Ellery" from Lovely Bride // bride's shoes: BHLDN // hair stylist: Salon Vivo // makeup artist: bride // groom attire: Suit Supply // catering: Townsend Catering // cake: Sweet for Sirten // music: Brian Buonassassi of B-Boy Productions // officiant: Mike Vosbrink // crown: Events By Nouveau // bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN, Lovely Bride // invitations: Minted // silhouette cocktail napkins: bride // rentals: Events By Nouveau
Such beautiful images, especially from what I’m assuming is the first look.
Her shoes were awesome! I always like it when I see unconventional touches in weddings. The fog also made everything seem so magical.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
This looks amazing! Thanks so much :) And a big congrats again to Whitney and James!
very awesome!!
We are planning our beach wedding for next year. Thank you so much for giving us more ideas. Simplicity at its best!