English Garden Wedding With a Tropical Twist

Photography by Scott Smallin  

I'd like to share a few photos from Becky and Eric's charming English Garden themed wedding we had the privilege of planning this past August (Thank you Scott from Scott Smallin Photography) .  Becky and Eric are from the Chicago area, and as with many of our out of town clients, we began planning via email and phone.  They wanted an intimate ceremony in a romantic setting with their children and closest family and friends followed by a private dinner reception.   Becky loved the look of English Garden, but also wanted to incorporate a bit of a tropical feel.   The Dunes Golf and Beach Club provided the perfect setting and Kelly at Little Shop of Flowers brought our ideas to life to translate the ceremony site into a miniature English Garden .  A subtle wave and coral design on the wedding cake, the tropical print of the groomsmen's shirts and steel drum music for the ceremony and dinner reception integrated the tropical element.  The outcome was truly enchanting.  We loved working with Becky and Eric and wish them many more enchanted days together as husband and wife!

Children of the Bride & Groom served as their attendants.

Wrought iron cages overflowing with gorgeous flowers hung from shepherds hooks to decorate the aisle for the ceremony then were moved to the dining room to be used as centerpieces.

The Bride's son escorted her down the aisle, presented her in marriage and also acted as an attendant.  When reviewing the reply he would give when asked the question, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man" without missing a beat replied "who'd want her"???

Becky's gorgeous bouquet of pink cymbidium orchids, peonies, garden and spray roses in shades of ivory and pinks.  A necklace belonging to the Bride's father woven into the bouquet added a sentimental element.

I abolutely ADORED these centerpieces.

View Becky & Eric's complete wedding gallery on our web site

http://www.grandoccasions-inc.com/Becky---Eric-Myrtle-Beach-Destination-Wedding.html

Lana & Dave's Vintage Beach Wedding

Photography courtesy of  Scott Smallin   

We've been promising to share highlights of some of our 2011 weddings, but got a little behind over the holidays.  So without further adieu, we are delighted to begin by sharing Lana and Dave's special day with you! 

  When I was contacted by Lana from Pennsylvania to plan her and Dave's destination wedding I was immensely excited to be given "creative" license and to begin pulling her vision of a romantic beach wedding together turn it into a reality. Lana had already chosen a gown with a vintage feel,  had colors selected for her bridesmaids and flowergirl and they knew they wanted the ceremony decorations to look like they belonged on the beach and not detract from or compete with the natural beauty of the ocean and seashore, but other than that they didn't have a clue what direction to take.  I learned that they both loved antiques so I kept that in mind while developing their design.  A romantic sunset ceremony with a vintage beach theme was perfect for them and I immediately knew what elements to incorporate and what vendors would be able to replicate that vision. 

 A second marriage for both the bride and the groom, Lana and Dave wanted a romantic ceremony on the beach near sunset for the two of them and their immediate family. The couples grown children (each had 1 daughter and 1 son) and the granddaughter of the bride would serve as the wedding party. 

The adorable flower girl, granddaughter of the Bride wanted to have a bouquet like the Bride and Bridesmaids in place of a basket of petals.

The precious ring bearer (grandson of the Bride) preferred to remain on the sidelines.

Lana being escorted and presented in marriage by her son.

It was the perfect evening and Huntington Beach State Park was the perfect spot for Lana and Dave's romantic sunset ceremony.

Soft green hues and a variety of textures gave the ceremony the organic feel the couple was looking for.

Fishnets with sugar starfish draped the arch.

Crocheted barefoot sandals perfect for beach weddings.

Lana's beautiful bouquet of roses, hydrangea, cymbidium orchids, freshia and coffee berries.

 The cake table covered in a seafoam linen with vintage lace overlay and accented with starfish, fishnets, bamboo and moss continued the vintage beach theme.

 Cheers!

 Congratulations to Dave & Lana

Married married on August 24, 2011

We wish you many year of happiness, love and laughter!

  

WE WON! Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award 2012

THANK YOU! 

 We’d like to say “THANK YOU” to all of our wonderful clients who allowed us the privilege of being a part of their special day and who have made it possible for Grand Occasions to win the Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award for the 3^rd year in a row!  We are truly honored to receive this award and to have had the pleasure of meeting and working with each of you. Thank you for taking the time to write such sweet, encouraging and humbling reviews for us.  We’d also like to say "Thanks" to Wedding Wire for creating this prestigious award and for providing an excellent resource for our brides.  Last, but definitely not least, we can't forget all of our amazing vendors who make it possible for us to create fabulous weddings for our clients, Thank You!  We’re looking forward to another exciting year! 

Many thanks,

Elizabeth

Say I DO to The Shoe Contest

Our Say I DO to The Shoe contest has begun.  We'll be sharing pictures of the contestants and their shoes very soon.  Everyone can vote (except me).  Just visit our Facebook Page, "like" us then "like" and comment on your favorite shoes!  Each "like" counts as one point and each comment 2.  The winner will receive a TOMS gift card and a gift basket full of Foot~tastic prizes.  Have fun and good luck!

Our Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/grandoccasions

TOMS Shoes 

http://www.toms.com/