Southern Weddings

Our second lovely bit of inspiration for today comes from photographer Jessica Lorren and event planner Lauren Daversa. These two, along with a talented team of South Florida vendors, imagined a shoot based around a “tropical island wedding with a twist.” We’re all about “with a twist,” here, and thought you all would enjoy the soft colors, nautical touches, and clean antique details. Enjoy the lovely images, read on for even more of the inspiration behind the shoot, and check back on Saturday for a GORGEOUS corresponding video from Cabana Pictures!

From Jessica:

“I was born and raised in South Florida and have always been in love with the natural landscape here. The greens and blues of the sea, pink and orange citrus hues, soft sandy beaches, clear blue sky – it all served as the perfect inspiration to create a tropical island wedding with a twist.

I’ve had the good fortune of shooting some beautiful Florida weddings over the past two years, but started to feel like I was seeing a lot of the same thing (there’s only so much one can do with seashells). I wanted to go beyond the expected, providing a fresh approach to “the beach wedding” and inspiring brides to think outside the box. We came up with what I think is a unique concept – an Old Florida Seaside Rendezvous – with the goal of showing brides what’s possible if you’re willing to truly take advantage of the magical backdrop this Southern coastal region has to offer.

A tiny little island just off the coast served as the backdrop for our outdoor ceremony and reception. As you look through the images, you’ll notice dozens of details that were all inspired by the location. Fresh citrus was procured from local groves (yes, I literally climbed the trees and picked it!), antiques were scoured from local shops – reflecting the true character of South Florida – like the brass keg and alligator, vintage wine casks used to transport wine on ships, barometer for the ring shot, and web-spun patio drink cart. Outdoor fabrics in classic cabana stripes brought in the feeling of an old Florida resort town. Using items native to the area, as well as inexpensive vintage items, is a great idea for any bride who is both on a budget and looking to be environmentally friendly. It also imbues the wedding with instant character.

We envisioned the guests arriving by boat, greeted at the dock with fresh oysters, “Honeymooner” cocktails, pink champagne, and sparkling key limeade. Citrus flavors and colors were repeated throughout the shoot. The ceremony took place down by the water, with a simple bamboo and fabric canopy serving as the backdrop. Guests found their table numbers via escort cards that had been strung onto vintage fishing poles, and made their way to the charming reception tables scattered with citrus and rope covered sea glass jugs. Dessert was an assortment of coconut cake, mini key lime pies, and lemon cookies, set at a table with favors inspired by a message in a bottle – with the idea that guests would repurpose the bottle at home as a bud vase. The bride wore an ethereal gown made of swiss dot fabric – sophisticated but sweet. She and her groom danced on the great lawn in front of the old Coast Guard house, with a painter standing by to memorialize the magic on canvas. They set off for their honeymoon at the end of the night on an old sailboat, capping off a picture perfect seaside wedding day.”

The vendors who brought this magical scene to life:

Photographer: Jessica Lorren Organic Photography // Hair Stylist: Team Beauti // Event Planner: Lauren Daversa Events // Event Designer: Kate Spencer // Reception Venue: Palm Beach Maritime Museum // Flowers: Simply Flowers // Desserts: The Sugar Monkey // Live Artist: Frances Lynn // Dress Store: Bacio Bacio // Dress Designer: Romona Keveza // Heirlooms and Extras: Culpepper Nautical and Brass Scale Antiques

Written with love by Emily