Natalie + Jake

We had very tight seven months to plan Natalie & Jake’s wedding. They knew they wanted a destination wedding weekend for their friends and family in their favorite vacation spot: the 30A Corridor in Florida. White sand beaches, crystal blue sparkling water and gorgeous sunsets were the inspiration for their wedding day. They considered this area their special getaway, and wanted to share all their favorite foods, places, and vibes with the most important people in their lives.

Guests arrived to an outdoor welcome reception overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at The Pearl hotel in the heart of Rosemary Beach. They sipped Prosecco popsicle cocktails and noshed on a raw bar while enjoying the sunset (just after a squall came through at the usual 5:00pm timeframe).

At the wedding cocktail reception, six servers dressed in white jackets and white ties greeted guests with cold Prosecco Mojitos upon arrival. They snacked on tray-passed, local-favorite southern classics such as Fried Oysters, Crabcakes, and Chicharrónes with Pimento Cheese.

Natalie and Jake’s entrance into the reception was like no other. As a surprise to the couple, DJ Shane Keller reached out to the announcer for the Penguins hockey team and had him pre-record an entrance announcement similar to what fans at a Penguins hockey game would hear. Guests rang cow bells, a tradition from the University of Nebraska – Omaha hockey games, as Natalie and Jake took to the dance floor. The energy was over-the-top and unforgettable. 

Dinner included Beef Tenderloin and Local Florida Grouper. In honor of Jake’s family’s tradition, each table received an iced bucket of Coors Light that was replenished all evening. Dessert featured coconut wedding cake, Charlie’s 30A Donuts, and Jake’s signature “Jake Shake”, a Pittsburgh treat. During dinner the lights on the ceiling simulated a Florida sunset and slowly changed colors from pinks, ambers to twilight.

Tables were adorned in natural white linen, natural wood white wicker chargers, Chanel chairs and natural fiber, soft blue linen napkins. Table numbers featured motifs of the 30A area including the famous Alys Beach Bikes, Seashells, and the Charlie’s Donut Truck. All paying homage to the natural, organic landscape and memorable icons of the 30A of the coastal region. A 30’ long hanging centerpiece that consisted of lighted wicker orbs, greens, and over 2,000 Capiz shells was hung above the head table.

As guests departed for the after-party, they walked through a grove of palm trees light like the Florida sunset as they cheered and offered well wishes for the happy couple.