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A date we went on that we’ll always remember: Dinner in the New York Grill atop skyscraper in Tokyo – stunning views!
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: the white paper parasols, imported from china, for each of the guests – with special designs for the two mums and a super sized one for Cheryl and her Dad.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Time – with busy careers, and a young baby – there never seemed enough time to get it all done.
Where there any special family traditions you included in the wedding? All the bridesmaids and the Mother of the bride wore my maternal Grandma’s jewelry. My Grandma had a HUGE jewelry collection. Some of my fondest memories of her, whom I was very close to, where trying on her jewelry while she told me stories of where each piece came from. I knew that if Peggy were around today she would have loved the idea.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Seeing Cheryl approaching me at the "alter"; I had to really hold back a wave of emotion and a tear. When Phil and I went for a walk on the Beach at sunset.
Scariest moment? Trying to get Kevin , the boys’ photographer, ashore from the yacht without soaking his cameras Not knowing how our 41/2 month old son was going to hold up in the heat surrounded by a crowd of people and loud music.
Funniest moment? Uncle Kevin dancing and lip-synching
What were your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue items? Something old was an old English penny, something new was a lace embroidered handkerchief , something blue was my son’s birth stone Blue Topaz (he was born December31st), something borrowed was my bridesmaid Vanessa’s Angle pin.
The most unexpected event on our wedding day was: Uncle Perry singing a big production show tune before we sat down for dinner…we thought he was just going to say grace.
How was your wedding different than the way you’d always imagined it would be? It was more personal, more involving and more spontaneous than I had expected. It wasn’t held up by any protocols or "doing the right thing".
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Authentic, natural, intimate
Did you write your own vows? Yes – to include baby James and to put ourselves in the context of where we were and who was with us.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Live your dream – and not other people’s expectations. Have fun planning for the day, Volunteer someone to take care of last minute emergencies the week leading up to the wedding. Remember the things that matter and forget the things that don’t.
What’s next for you? Everything…traveling the world with work and for play; maybe moving job/state/home; finally having Cheryl’s dog Rauch come live with us (not allowed in our current rental home so he’s living with her parents!), and giving James’ a brother or sister to play with.

Written with love by Southern Weddings
4 Comments
  1. avatar Ashley @ Bliss Event Group reply

    The outdoor reception and party reminds me of South Beach..very upscale beach-chic. The blue,green and white is organic and fresh. Beautiful.

  2. avatar Critsey reply

    Great details! I love the lounge area! Congrats to the beautiful couple!

  3. avatar Poser reply

    great stuff! love the green at the beach.

  4. avatar Dani Ross reply

    what a wonderful event! so chic.

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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… 

Written with love by Southern Weddings
4 Comments
  1. avatar [C+D] Cathy and David – Photographers reply

    Oh how beautiful… We CAN’T WAIT to do our first destination wedding. :) Love the last couple with the lens flare. Beautiful. We also look forward to your new media kit! :-D

  2. avatar Leigh reply

    What a gorgeous wedding! I live in Naples, so I was especially excited to see this!

  3. avatar Leigh reply

    What a gorgeous wedding! I live in Naples so I was especially excited to see this!

  4. avatar Jenna Walker Photographers reply

    Thanks Ladies…we’re so excited for Cheryl & Phil! You’re the best!

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If you previously requested the New SWS Media Kit via email, you will receive it by the end of the day today.  Thank you for your patience and all the excitement around here lately!  We are thrilled about the future of Southern Weddings.  We are so honored to showcase the best of the best in Southern weddings and inspiration from all over the world here on the SWS Daily Blog.  If you would like a copy of the new media kit, email {advertise at swsmag dot com}.  Happy Monday!

Here are a few images from the current issue… Enjoy!

  • Pink & White Candy Bar: design by Bliss Event Group, photo by Almasy Photo
  • Green and White Bouquet: photo by Rae Leytham Photography
  • Oak Trees: It doesn’t get much more southern than this. Photo by Liz Banfield for Soiree Charleston
  • Floral Lion: perfect for a southern garden tea party. The majestic lion made of ruffled pink carnations and fuchsia garden roses speaks of family heritage and whimsy from the moment you see it. Design by Preston Bailey, photo by John Labbé
  • SWS Wedding of the Year Couple, Natalie & Beau: design by Bliss Event Group, photo by Salter Photography
  • Parasol Seating: design by Tara Guérard of Soiree Charleston, photo by Liz Banfield
  • Truffles: this is a fabulous favor from Nonnie Waller’s Traditional Southern. The packaging is delightful and they send a personalized monogrammed handkerchief with each order—just lovely!
  • Diamond Engagement Ring: ring via Rock Hard Designs, photo by JRD Photography
  • Pink Bouquet: design by Bliss Event Group, photo by Cook Images
  • Southern Cake: another favorite… this four-tiered confection rests on a base of magnolia leaves and is laced with sugar hydrangea blossoms. So southern and delightful! Cake by Betty Weber Couture Cakes, photo by Rae Leytham Photography
  • Cowboy Boots: the bride went to Texas A&M. Her boots are such a fun contrast to the frilly tulle of her dress, photo by Meg Baisden Photography
  • Bride with Rolls Royce: this Phantom Rolls Royce used to belong to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The bride looks like a Southern princess in front of this fabulous car! Photo by East Hill Photo
  • Tulip Table: a huge part of celebrations is coming together as a family and feeling the warmth of that famed southern hospitality. This image really speaks that. Photo by Christian Oth Studios for Jung Lee’s Fête: The Wedding Experience
  • Monogrammed Napkins: design by Tara Guérard, photo Liz Banfield
  • Mason Jars: tags from My Wedding Labels, photo Almasy Photo.
Written with love by Southern Weddings
1 Comment
  1. avatar Neil Cowley reply

    Howdy Laura, thanks for dropping by….pretty soon I’ll have some stuff for you….unless you count the southern hemisphere as being ‘south’…I’m about to move south but haven’t shot much below the mason dixon so far. Forward me that new kit and I’ll keep ya’ll in mind as I’m reaching out to all my new girls down south. Peace!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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