I am in a serious swoon over this super-romantic, beach chic wedding from Stephanie A. Smith Photography. With vintage details and the softest blue and peach color palette, this gorgeous Florida wedding will have you in a major swoon, too. The stunning bride, Katie, is here with her planning insight:
What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?
To be honest it was a group effort. I did not hire a wedding planner and chose to keep it smaller and intimate with close family and friends (50 guests). I had amazing moms that helped with the preparations and details, a wonderful matron of honor that kept everything on schedule and in order, and an outstanding staff at Miromar that made sure everything was PERFECT! I could not have had such an amazing day if it wasn’t for the help from so many people. They truly made sure the day was perfect for everyone.
What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?
Referrals and meetings. Miromar offered a list of trusted vendors which was my first source. From there you can tell a lot from the type of correspondence they provide and how quickly they respond to you. My WONDERFUL photographer I actually found my checking blogs. By googling wedding photographers (and looking at A LOT) I was able to tell from Stephanie’s blog that she captured the type and style of pictures I hoped for. Talking to her on the phone and seeing how fun and enthusiastic she was just sealed the deal.
What was your inspiration for your wedding details and/or design?
I would say it was “vintage / beachy” I wanted to give it the beach style since we were on the water but LOVED the vintage wedding style. I also found a bouquet in a Martha Stewart Weddings magazine that I fell in love with and it set the tone and color palette for the entire wedding. It was a loose mix of peach, white, and light blues that I just loved. All I had to do is show the picture to my florist and say that this was the color and inspiration for the entire vintage feel and he did an amazing job at duplicating my vision. Pictures help!
What was your favorite thing about your wedding?
I honestly can’t say it was one event but it was little moments. Here are a few that caught me by surprise that I just loved: Getting ready with the girls and drinking mimosas, first looks not only with my husband with also with my dad and brothers – priceless. That moment walking down the aisle. I thought for sure I would be so nervous I would only want to look for my husband but I became overwhelmed looking at all of our family and friends who were there for us and the love they showed on their faces as my dad and I walked down the aisle. Don’t forget to look around – it is amazing. My first dance with my husband. It was the first time I cried all day. For some reason it completely took me off guard and although we were in front of everyone, it felt like our first moment we really had by ourselves. Dancing! I was on the dance floor all night and loved every minute of it. With 50 people I was able to talk and or dance with everyone and not spend time “making the rounds.”
What is your best piece of advice for other brides?
VIDEO TAPE YOUR WEDDING. My biggest regret. I thought it was unnecessary at the time but I really wish I could watch some of these moments. Relax. You won’t regret that the napkins were folded the wrong way but you will regret that you overacted to it. Let someone else worry about it. Think of your guests first. If they are comfortable and having a great time – its always going to be considered a great wedding and think about each moment – remember how you are feeling.
Fabulous advice, Katie! I especially love that they had an intimate party of close friends and family.
How about you? When it comes to your guest list, are you of the “less is more” mindset or feel like the more the merrier? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Planning!
Carlee
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