Sarah and Douglas explored many different venues in and around Ocala, Florida before deciding that Douglas’s parents’ private estate was the perfect place to host their delicate, garden-themed wedding. His parents spent the year prepping the property to make sure it was perfectly landscaped to host their closest family and friends, and the ancient oaks dramatically stole the stage with their grandeur. Planned with the help of John Gandy Events, and captured by Megan Gielow and Luma Collective, this backyard garden party wedding defined the phrase “effortlessly elegant.”
Design inspo: Delicate monograms
Invitations with delicately monogrammed florals and minimalistic leafy accents set the stage for guests to arrive at this elegant backyard event.
Lace and long-sleeves
Sarah wore a gorgeous lace-top, long-sleeve dress with a tulle A-line skirt. Her bouquet by Missy Gunnels Florals complemented the muted rainbow of florals that would later be seen at the ceremony and on each of the reception tables. A simple veil and chic hair and makeup by Studio Chic Design completed her timeless bridal look.
Muted blue bridesmaids
The bridesmaids wore blue spaghetti strap tulle dresses to match the fabric of Sarah’s. Muted rainbow bouquets popped against the style, while the blue was just soft enough to blend into the aesthetic of the backyard design.
Classic groomsmen style
The groom and groomsmen wore classic black suits with satin lapels and timeless black bow ties.
Married under a grand oak tree
Bride Sarah walked down the aisle to see her groom tearing up, while his dad and brother stood with him, supporting him with their hands on his shoulders. The ceremony that the couple had put together was the perfect balance of formal yet heartfelt.
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Meticulous, custom cocktail hour details
During cocktail hour, guests explored the gardens while also enjoying custom cocktails and an elaborate spread of oysters, shellfish, and other delicacies. Douglas’s dad dug up the pre-wedding buried bottle of bourbon and passed it around with friends, celebrating the rain that never arrived! With an eye to detail, servers carried tea towels with the same custom monogram from the initial wedding invitation.
Intentional outdoor detail: Heaters
The reception dinner took place on a custom stone terrace, complete with mint linens, muted rainbow centerpieces, and heaters place with intention to keep guests comfortable as the event moved from day to night.
Smaller cake, bite-sized options
The beautiful two-tier, floral-accented wedding cake was complemented with other bite-sized dessert options for guests from Catering Capers.
Intentional string light placement
String lights woven intentionally throughout the property allowed guests to meander and mingle both on and outside of the dance floor.
From dancing to departure
As the day turned into night, guests enjoyed dancing and singing along with Bay Kings Band until Sarah and Douglas departed in a classic, vintage Rolls Royce.
