A Vintage Pink-and-Blue Wedding Outdoors in Florida

Updated on September 20, 2018

Shannon and David

Shannon, an occupational therapist, and David, a contracts manager, aren't exactly sure when and where they first met. But after five years together, they were sure that their September 24, 2011, nuptials on the Florida coastline would infuse elements of the South, for a kick-off-your-shoes-and-dance type of wedding.

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The Location

The bride and groom chose Cabana Blue for its mix of beach and garden settings, Choctawhatchee Bay views, and a cafe-light-strewn deck that was perfect for dancing under the stars.

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The Boutonniere

David wore a small boutonniere featuring feathers, a burlap leaf, and a button.

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The Bouquet

Bella Flora used David Austin roses, dahlias, lisianthus, dusty miller, and succulents in Shannon's bouquet. Handkerchiefs that had belonged to the bride's grandmothers were wrapped around the stem.

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The Fashions

The bride sported a Watters & Watters gown from Simply Elegant, and she wore Nina Shoes wedges so she wouldn't sink into the sand or grass. She and her bridesmaids accessorized with vintage-inspired bracelets from Lauren Blythe Designs. The groom donned a Jos. A. Bank suit and tie.

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A Stitch in Time

Shannon's best friend, Tami Huston, embroidered the couple's name and wedding date on the inside layer of the gown's skirt. It served as the bride's "something blue."

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A Handmade Touch

The mother of the bride made Shannon a birdcage veil, which was accented with a few fresh blooms.

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Pretty in Pink

Shannon's bridesmaids wore convertible coral wrap dresses by Coralie Beatrix.

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Dressed to Impress

Shannon's friend Heather Bracewell of Expealidocious made the flower girl dresses and embroidered each girl's first initial on her bodice.

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The Program

A lace-trimmed painted canvas detailed the key parts of the wedding service and was displayed at the entrance to the ceremony location.

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Ceremony Decor

Stands made from branches flanked the aisle. The florists donated soup to a local shelter (and gave their time to serve it) and then used the empty tin cans to display flowers at Shannon and David's reception.

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The Ceremony

The wedding service was performed by the father of the groom and included a reading of Proverbs 3. David had read it to Shannon when he proposed with a ring he created with Rock Hard Designs. Their bands, something quite old, had belonged to the groom's great-grandparents. At the ceremony's conclusion, the newlyweds walked up the aisle to The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love," played by friend Sean Diedtrich on a vintage keyboard.

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Cocktail Hour

Special koozies with the wedding logo and date were on hand for guests to keep their cold beverages cool. They served as favors, too.

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Portraits

Lauren Kinsey photographed the couple around their venue, Cabana Blue, and its sister property, Bentley's on the Bay.

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The Guest Book

The couple set out an album of their engagement photos for their loved ones to write their well wishes in, but also included a less traditional guestbook. They set up a canvas and laid out paints in their wedding's color palette for people to add a "stroke of love." The original artwork now hangs in their home.

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The Decor

A collection of vintage bottles, jars, doilies, and mercury glass votives decorated the tables. Blooms in soft, muted corals, peaches, pinks, whites, and ivories completed the centerpieces.

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The Cake

The confection sat on a table made from an old iron gate. One of the cake's tiers was red velvet (just one nod to the bride's Alabama roots) and the other was marble.

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Sweet Treats

The dessert table boasted red velvet, strawberry, and chocolate cake pops placed in metal tubs and supported by with white beans. Mini pecan pie pops (another Southern touch) were also offered as take-home favors.

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