July 28, 2018
I can’t say enough about how stunning Ashley and Geoff’s Don CeSar wedding on St. Pete beach was! When Ashley initially reached out, she described their wedding day as very natural and relaxed. Elegant and thoughtful. She explained that celebrating this day and their love with their family and closest friends was the priority. “We want good food, great wine and lots of laughter. We plan to sit everyone at a single long table, decorated with a runner of greens and exotic flowers. I want nature and the sun and smell of the beach to be just as memorable a part of this wedding as the dress and the date.” And let me tell you – this wedding was just that. Filled with laughter, smiles, tears and BEAUTIFUL flowers – this day was nothing short of perfection.
The wedding day was very relaxed. Ashley put on her stunning Galia Lahav gown with the help of her mom and maid of honor. The lace detailing was exquisite! Her mom helped her put on the veil with custom matching lace to complete the look! Ashely told me that initially she didn’t even want a veil, but when she tried one on at the shop that is when she truly felt like a bride, so it truly was the perfect final touch. In her hands, Ashley carried a tropical bouquet by FH Events filled with protea, orchids, tulips, white peonies and ranunculus.
Geoff wore a lightweight beige linen suit and an orchid boutonniere. Geoff and Ashley opted to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time, so the anticipation was building all morning as we kept them away from each other, sneaking off to do individual portraits and family photos.
The Don CeSar wedding ceremony was in the courtyard. As guests made their way, they were welcomed by a custom chalk sign. The ceremony archway was covered in palm fronds and the stairs had pillar candles lining the edges on either side. Geoff walked to his place and waited for Ashley to make her way down the aisle, escorted by her father. She looked absolutely stunning as she walked down that aisle!
Throughout the ceremony, Ashley and Geoff exchanged the sweetest glances. You could see so much joy on their faces as they exchanged vows! These two were so excited to finally be married!
The reception space for this Don CeSar wedding was unlike any I had ever seen. Dinner was held outside on the south terrace. All seated along the same 48 foot table, the tropical floral runner was truly an incredible centerpiece! Floating candles were placed throughout the wooden farm tables. Elegant ghost chairs were used for seating. At each place sat a menu on a gold-rimmed charger, gold flatware and seashell with guest names, guiding them to their seats. Everyone that saw the space was absolutely blown away by the beauty!
The evening slipped away into the sunset as guests enjoyed the live music from Nik & Reema. Ashley and Geoff were so happy to celebrate this wedding day with their close friends and family. Stealing hugs and kisses throughout the evening, it was so clear to everyone that this was their perfect wedding day!
Ashley and Geoff, congratulations to you both! We loved celebrating with you two and we’re so grateful that we had the opportunity to capture this incredible occasion for you two! I know you two have a bright future ahead of you with plenty of date nights listening to The National. 😉 Here’s to many, many years of happiness!
We are thrilled to see this stunning wedding featured over on Ruffled Blog!
Venue and catering: The Don CeSar Hotel // Wedding Planner: Tres Chic Southern Weddings // Florist, lounge furniture, and lighting: FH Weddings and Events // Band: Nik & Reema // Dress designer: Galia Lahav // Bridal boutique & veil: Boca Raton Bridal // Shoes: Bella Belle // Rings: Mavilo // Ring box: The Mrs. Box // Paper goods: EVR Paper Co. // Linen: Nuage Designs // Chair rentals: A Chair Affair // Ceremony welcome sign: The Chalk Shop // Groom’s and Groomsmen attire: Pronto Uomo Platinum suit form Men’s Wearhouse // Hair and makeup: Spa Oceana at the Don CeSar // Cake and desserts: Hands on Sweets // Officiant: Ed Philips from Sensational Ceremonies // Shell place cards: CalligraLee // Cake topper: Here’s To Us UK // Canvas welcome bags: DreamState // Candle favors: Voluspa // Styling mat: Simply Rooted Surfaces // Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab //