• Real Weddings

Captiva Island, a small, beautiful island off the Florida coast, was the perfect setting for this charming wedding. The bride and groom wanted an atmosphere that was serene enough to slow down time and enable them enjoy each precious moment of their special day; surrounded by natural beauty on a soft white beach, it wasn't hard to create. To ensure that everything proceeded perfectly, Shannon Reeves coordinated this spectacular event. More of this thoughtfully designed wedding can be seen in the gallery here.

From the Bride:I was lucky enough to be able to transform my mother’s vintage, long-sleeved lace wedding gown to create my own one-of-a-kind dress. I worked with Amanda Vernell of Twice Blushed in Seattle to execute exactly what I was hoping for, using only the materials from my mom’s dress and train to create its shape and accents. Amanda also made my birdcage veil by hand using the lace from my mom’s dress.

Each one of my beautiful bridesmaids are fashionable and full of personality, so I wanted them to feel like they would shine when they walked down the aisle. To me, J.Crew was the obvious choice for their dresses. We picked the color and material, and they picked the style. We felt like the color was a perfect compliment to our romantic beach wedding and the silk chiffon kept the girls comfortable and feeling fancy.

For decor and design, our goal was to let Captiva - a pretty-as-can-be island in South Florida - speak for itself, with simple touches like creamy ivory linens and touches of burlap and lace. You don't need much more than the beach, a sunset and good people to throw a good party in paradise.

Wedding pie? Nowhere in the world has better key lime pie - the state pie of Florida - than Key Lime Bistro in Captiva Island, so what a better “wedding cake” than the pie that screams "Florida?"

Photographer: Darling Juliet Venue: Stafford on the Beach, Captiva Island Hair & Makeup: The Spa at 'Tween Waters Cake: Key Lime Bistro Caterer: City Smoke Barbecue Coordinator: Shannon Reeves Events Dress Designer & Hair Accessories: Amanda Vernell of Twice BlushedStationery: AK Graphics Flowers: Floral Artistry of Sanibel Prop or Furniture Rentals: Caloosa Tent & RentalBridesmaid Dresses: J. CrewGroom's Suit: Vera Wang Black DJ: Shane Deegan of Seattle | Groom's Sunglasses: Electric Visual | Groom's Shoes: Fallen Footwear | Officiant: Joe Dapier | Stationery: AK Graphics