It Was All About Color and Fun For This Florida Destination Wedding

After connecting online during the peak of the pandemic, Kyra and Sam bided their time until they could finally meet up for their first date at a neighborhood bar. Their date was wildly successful, and, immediately after, they infamously spent 15 straight days together despite not officially calling it “dating” until a month later. Sam moved in with Kyra before long, and the rest was history! Three years later, Kyra and Sam were dog-sitting for her parents when Sam suggested they take the pup, Gunner, for a picnic on the beach—a common occurrence for the pair during nice weather. Kyra noticed Sam acting weirdly eager to grab her a second drink (especially on a Wednesday night), until he reached into the cooler and pulled out a ring box. She said “yes” as the sun set, while Gunner licked away her happy tears. Sam then whisked her away to a surprise celebration with their closest friends and family at their favorite neighborhood bar.

With most of their loved ones hailing from New England, Kyra and Sam knew their wedding at La Playa Resort in Naples would be an unforgettable retreat from winter in the Northeast. To amp up the beachy vibe, Carrie Darling Events channeled an Old Florida style with bold hues of magenta, coral, and orange. After privately exchanging vows, Kyra and Sam tied the knot in a beachside ceremony with their two pups watching from the front row.

For cocktail hour, guests gathered on the lawn for signature cocktails and a raw bar. Tropical print linens and seashell decor added the perfect touch. In the reception space, wood farmhouse tables with sheer pink runners alternated with round tables covered with white linens. Vibrant centerpieces by Kaleidoscope Floral, white taper candles, and tinted glassware added color to the tables. On the farmhouse tables, place settings featured scalloped chargers with bold pink and orange napkins, while orange mosaic chargers and blush napkins graced the round tables. Palm leaves and colorful blooms burst from the top of a tiki bar with flamingo-print wallpaper and rattan chandeliers.

Kyra wore a flowy princess gown with floral embroidery and hand-beaded sandals, while Sam sported a light blue suit with a blue floral tie. When it came time to hit the dance floor, Kyra changed into a mini-dress and a pair of pearl-encrusted Nike sneakers customized with her new name and wedding date—perfect for the choreographed line dance to “Uptown Funk” that honored her late grandmother!

Nothing prepared guests for the seating chart! Set up like a postal room, each guest had a mail slot where they found a vintage Florida postcard with their table number and a handwritten personal note from the couple.