Destination Weddings: FLORIDA!

The beauty of dreams is that a dream can be as fanatical, as the imagination allows. The dream cannot be constrained neither by the laws of the universe, nor by the scope of existence or the rules of etiquette, it is limited only by the courage of a dreamer. It is difficult to find a dreamer more ambitious, than a bride. The bride can dream of a wedding which is not possible in many ways. Some conditions of perfect dream wedding may be physically impossible to meet, other conditions are unfeasible for financial reasons, etc. However, the dream still lives, an insane, irrational, uncontrollable, and therefore infinitely beautiful dream.

It does not matter, how impossible is your idea of a perfect dream wedding, since the beautiful state of Florida is capable to realize all of your dreams, even the most frantic ones. Florida itself is a gorgeous background for any wedding, and the opportunities it offers for the wedding ceremonies are unquestionably astonishing, such as Palm Beach wedding. The subtle beauty of the nature, its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, miraculous beaches and elegant coastline which is with its curves - all this creates a romantic atmosphere beyond compare. Even the air itself, with its lucidity and brightness, may set the tone for the most splendid and the most gorgeous wedding.

So, what about the fantasies that have become reality in Florida? The presence of the azure ocean and its coastal beauties gives an endless rein to the imagination. Anticipation builds as guests travel one of America’s most picturesque drives, Florida’s Overseas Highway, to reach their wedding destination: Hawks Cay Resort. 

Blessed with the tranquil, sun-kissed qualities of a Caribbean island, yet with the sublime convenience of domestic travel, the 60-acre resort offers the best of all worlds. Hawks Cay rests on quiet Duck Key, a 90-mile drive from Miami and an hour’s drive shy of Key West. Here, island living begins and ends each day in 177 upscale rooms and 150 luxurious villas. Guests step outside to enjoy a host of activities, such as water sports, world-class fishing and interactions with dolphins. Those in need of pure relaxation unwind by the resort’s saltwater lagoon and five swimming pools or head to Calm Waters Spa. Couples who take their vows at Hawks Cay see their dearest wishes come true, thanks to comprehensive wedding packages and an attentive event staff. The ocean figures prominently in ceremony sites that include a seaside gazebo, Sunset Beach, and Blue, the resort’s event catamaran. The indoor function space with water views, plus numerous terraces and decks, provide options for receptions both intimate and grand. 

And what about a beautiful fairy tale in a miraculous forest? Florida can provide you with this opportunity, also. Looking like an authentic magical forest from all the fairy tales which we have ever read, the Cross Creek Ranch in Dover, Florida. Imagine your wedding day with family and friends along a winding stream, under a canopy of breathtaking ancient oak trees. At Cross Creek Ranch, we listen to your vision for this very special day and ensure every indulgence is provided. Let our staff orchestrate every detail of your wedding flawlessly. We’ll work with you as your wedding planners, recommending and coordinating your caterer, flowers, photographer, disk jockey and wedding cake to ensure your schedule runs smoothly for a spectacular day. 

And what if the soul craves for something utterly outstanding? Sugar-white sand is the star on this bayou-meets-beach stretch of the Florida Panhandle. Linked by Highway 30A (another nickname for the area), this 26-mile stretch is fringed by blue-green Gulf waters and spans 16 elegant beach communities, from Inlet Beach in the east to Seascape on the west. The wide beaches here are some of the prettiest on the country so sunset ceremonies in the sand are de rigeur, though you can also try the more traditional route in the Seaside Chapel or Eden Gardens State Park, home to a lovely white Antebellum-style mansion set amid towering oaks dripping in Spanish moss. 

On the table, you'll find fresh seafood with a Creole touch (New Orleans is a four-hour drive away, and Emeril Lagasse has a home here) and a host of southern staples from biscuits to sweet tea. Family-friendly condo units, two large resorts and an amazing array of rental homes make South Walton ideal for groups and families. Active guests can enjoy water sports such as parasailing and stand-up paddle boarding, 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, 15 coastal dune lakes ideal for kayaking and bird watching, 207 holes of golf, and shopping that ranges from funky art galleries to premium outlets. When appetites kick in, try local hot spots such as Stinky’s Fish Camp in Dune Allen or winebar/bistro Vin’tij in Miramar Beach. You can get your guests in an Emerald Coast mood with welcome bag treats such as sweet tea and Southern pecan pie, plus take-home goodies like Bad Byron’s Butt Rub barbecue seasoning and handmade aloe-vera soap by The Soap Pedaler. Sensational Gulf sunsets mean beachfront photos are a must, but you can also mix up your wedding photos with romantic portraits shot by the massive Wedding Tree in Eden Gardens State Park and at the Greek-inspired Caliza Pool at Alys Beach.

Give your reception a fun-in-the-sun vibe with a tropical daiquiri menu, accompanied by an oyster bar and miniature versions of Southern comfort food: crab cakes, hush puppies, barbecue sliders and shrimp and grits. To make sure your party will remember the good time they had on the Gulf, gift them with a cocktail shaker and daiquiri mix personalized with your names and wedding date. 

So, in the world there are countless places to spend your wedding. However, there is one place where any dream, even the most audacious one, can come to life. All those fabulous entourage of the most important day in the life every girl dreams about in her wildest fantasies appear outstandingly real in lovely wedding venues of Florida. Regardless of the time of the year and the concrete place, a Florida wedding would unquestionably be the most beautiful fantasy which came to life.

Wedding Venue Hopping

So my sister's getting married this December. Older sisters seem to have an inevitable power over the younger ones. They could give you a mountain of tasks to do and all you could ever do is say, "Okay!". Haha. Seriously, I think I'm even more excited than she is. I spent one whole Saturday just searching for possible venues online. So the next weekend she decided to check out some of the places, and I had to go with her. I was happy to oblige. :) Our first stop was Renaissance Hotel. It was the 1st on her list. Unfortunately, the event's place coordinator was out for lunch. So we just took a photo instead.


And that's me telling the guards to fuck off. Bawal magpicture? Baket Discovery ba to? or Manila Pen? Anywaaaay.

After stopping by Greenhills to eat lunch, we then proceeded to our next destination--Lemuria.
It's my sister's favorite among the rest. So she had high hopes. Well, the place was amazing. We love the country-ish homey feel to it. Only problem is--it's too small. It can only accommodate 40 people. A hundred could fit but the guests wouldn't be in the same room. And it's a little pricey for her.

The gate. Looks like a country home. Love.

The soon to be bride and groom fooling around.

Going upstairs to the main dining room.

Super nice table setting. Feeling likes I'm in an old winery.

The 2nd and bigger dining hall downstairs.

The hostess was very gracious and nice I'd probably go reserve a seat or two for their Valentine's day event! A masquerade ball!:)

Lemuria is located at Horseshoe Village, Q.C.

Our next stop---OASIS. It's located along Aurora Blvd. So it's very accessible. When we checked out the place there was a wedding taking place. And for us to enter their admin office we had to brush shoulders with the wedding's visitors, entourage, etc. Minus pogi points for me. I wouldn't want that for my sister's wedding. Coz if it were up to me I'd want it to be as solemn and private as possible. And I didn't really feel that vibe in Oasis. It was so chaotic (sorry). Non-wedding guests were coming in and out of the venue. We were even permitted to check out the reception venue with the guests there! I felt a little queasy coz I wouldn't want any stranger going in and out of my sister's reception. But that's me.

Their bridal hall. Looks like an office building to me.

The lounge.

View of the wedding taking place from the 2nd floor.

As soon as we got back to the car we crossed that place out of our list. Sorry. :) Next stop-- Plaza Ibarra. It's located along Timog Avenue, Q.C.

I have passed by this place a million times but it's the 1st time I ever got a glimpse of what's actually inside. The guy who accommodated us was very nice as well. He even showed us the function hall while an event (a wedding and a debut) was taking place. But unlike Oasis, we were only taking a peek-see behind a door. :) We love the setting.






Our last stop for that night--Annabel's. It's a nice romantic cozy restaurant which offers International dishes. And who would have thought there's a big garden inside which is just perfect for weddings?:) And the best part is the price! It's the cheapest among the 4 places.

Looks creepy.

I felt extremely exhausted after (plus the fact that we haven't slept since the night before). But I had a lot of fun being part of my sister's journey to a new life. :) She still has a lot of places on her list. And I now have to go and work on the other tasks she dumped on me. Very willingly. :)

Toodles!