Rachel and Wells
April 2013
*Selected Photos By Stormy Sea Studios
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Rachel and Wells studied abroad together in Spain and ever since have loved traveling together back to Spain as well as the Netherlands, Germany, Czech, Hungary, Alaska, Australia,
various places in the Caribbean. Rachel's mother, Julie, is also English shared her love of her mother country with Rachel as she grew up.
It is no wonder a travel theme fit perfectly into the couple's wedding plans at the St. Petersburg Women's Club. A historic venue with many elements like a Mediterranean exterior, vintage furnishings and Old World feel, the club would be the perfect backdrop for both their wedding and reception.
Planning this early April celebration was also done from a distance. The bride and groom lived out of state while mom, Julie, assisted from Ocala.
Rachel chose a navy blue, platinum, and pale and bright yellow palette for her entire event.
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Her mom used her background as a florist to create bouquets and guest table florals to reflect her daughter's favorite flowers including tulips and hydrangea.The aroma of fresh roses were everywhere.
Guest tables were simply dressed in basic white with white chair covers and ties as bold statements of navy blue were found in runners and pocket-folded napkins.
Every table was named after one of the couple's favorite destinations. The table names were fashioned from sections of a world map, secured atop a wine cork in a vintage silver candlestick holder.
Blue uplights created a regal effect around the perimeter of the room.
Mom, Julie, made napkin rings from pieces of map for each place setting atop our silver charger plates.
Instead of a traditional long head table with seating only on one side, Rachel and Wells felt more comfortable with a long feasting table with bridal party members on all sides.
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What would a travel themed event be without luggage? Vintage pieces were placed on and around the club's wood furnishings for guest table placement, gifts, and sign in.
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A dramatic cake options was for Blue Velvet with an ivory fondant icing from Sweet Tweets Cakery.
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Getting ready was done mostly at a local hotel, so that Rachel was able to arrive refreshed and in style for the ceremony held outdoors at the Women's Club facing Coffee Pot Bayou.
Her mom, Julie, had many helping hands prior to the wedding including friends from Ocala. She attended at least one of our open houses, where she fell in love with our Paella and how it fit so well into Rachel's travel theme.
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The milder temperatures were perfect for the outdoor ceremony. Military protocal was a must with Wells' Army affiliation.
Hand-passed hors d'oeuvres were offered during social hour and the open bar remained outdoors on the covered patio the duration of the wedding.
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Guests signed in on a printed map and luggage tags were used as place cards for each table.
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The festivities continued throughout the evening with a final farewell to Rachel and Wells with a Sky Lantern launch along the waterfront.
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Vendors:
St. Petersburg Women's Club
Event Planning/Coordination/Design and Catering:
Fresh Flowers:
Mother of the Bride, Julie Ludlow
Photography: Stormy Sea Studios
DJ: Dave Spinder
Wedding Cake: Sweettweets Cakery
Stage Curtains and Lighting: A Linen Valley
Outdoor Chair Rental: Coast to Coast Event Rentals
