Southern Weddings

From Katie at {Jenna Walker Photographers}. For more, visit the Jenna Walker {BLOG}  From Katie… “I was in Naples, Florida for Cheryl & Phil’s wedding at the {Port Royal Club} – and how beautiful it was. With most guests hailing from Michigan and the UK, this was certainly a destination weekend of togetherness for the whole crew. That sort of intimacy is always amazing – watching and meeting these families that may see each other but a few times a year. And making each day count. From the Welcome Dinner to the rehearsal to their big day, Cheryl & Phil were the most gracious of hosts both to their guests and to us.  It was my first time meeting both of them, and wow – they have such energy and empathy for the people in their lives.” 

Visual Designer and Florist {50 FIFTY FLORAL ART}, Cake {Mikkelsen’s Pastry Shop}, Paper Goods {Emerald City Designs}, DJ Steve Miller of the {Steve Miller Band},  Bridesmaid Dresses custom made by {Beth Groesbeck}, Catering {Port Royal Club}

More from Katie…”While I spent the morning at the spa with the girls, the uber-talented {Kevin Von Qualen} came along to help me shoot. He enjoyed an afternoon of sailing with Phil & his groomsmen. Rough gig huh?! It looked like an amazing time – this might be the first time I have a shot of a groom doing a back float in the Gulf of Mexico just hours before his wedding!”

{Cheryl’s answers in italics} 

The weather: We were blessed with the last beautiful Saturday of May – before the onset of the hurricane season. Blue skies, mid 80s, a few distant white fluffy clouds and, for the boys out sailing, a nice sea breeze
What was the inspiration for your wedding design? We wanted a white wedding but with a natural tropical feel. Our inspiration was Mother Nature — the ocean, sand and palms. Following the waterside service, we wanted the reception to have a South Beach feel.
How did the two of you meet? We met at a Detroit Tigers baseball game – to which I’d been invited by Cheryl’s sister Melissa who works in the same office.
Describe your engagement: I proposed while on a boat, in the middle of our lake, at sunset, having just arrived back from a London and a trip to Tiffany’s.
What attracted me to my husband was: The first time I felt the attraction we were on the dance floor dancing to every song . I loved the way we danced together, the way he looked at me the way he touched me. After that night I couldn’t wait to see him again. Phil is a true Gentleman, when the music stopped he continues to be my Knight in shining armor.
What attracted me to my wife was: She is so beautiful inside and out, and she just makes me want to be a better person every day.

More to come in Part II…