ABOVE LEFT A shell boutonniere, wrapped in turquoise satin ribbon (Fabric Works) and accented with faux yellow coral and pearls, is a creative DIY option.
ABOVE RIGHT To play up a comfortable, casual style, go with a simple, pale mint chiffon maxi (Johanna August, Bella Bridesmaid) bridesmaid gown. A sweet seahorse pendant necklace (her own) makes the perfect accessory and attendant gift.
ABOVE LEFT For a slightly more formal look, select a short dupioni strapless number (Alfred Sung, Bella Bridesmaid) with a ruched bodice. Classic pearl jewelry (her own) is a nod to the oceanic gem.
ABOVE RIGHT A bouquet of dainty conch shells, cream garden roses, oyster shells, leafy green stock and faux yellow coral, wrapped in wide soft mint grosgrain ribbon (Fabric Works) makes a cool, seaside statement.
ABOVE A monogrammable burlap beach bag, leather jewelry roll and candle (The Ivy Cottage) make for thoughtful gifts for bridesmaids, flower girls and other members of the wedding party. A turquoise and gold bauble necklace (Private Gallery) evokes a coastal vibe for the laid-back bride.
ABOVE A dainty flower girl dress (Holiday) with a handsewn lace collar is traditional, yet the pastel blue hue is a sweet surprise. A crisp white ring bearer outfit (Holiday) with ecru accents is handsome and beachy.
ABOVE The light and airy decor at The Veranda creates a relaxing atmosphere. Chill out by the pool to relieve pre-wedding stress.
ABOVE LEFT A handmade hanging swing bed (SaltAire Restoration), decked with a cream upholstered cushion and fluffy plush pillows in the wedding color palette, is the perfect place for the bride and groom to kick back with a mason jar of spiked lemonade and enjoy the view of their beach party reception. Oversized lanterns with candles add a soft glow at twilight.
ABOVE RIGHT Traditional meets contemporary in a subtle white invitation set (William Arthur, Gwin’s Stationery), featuring gold text, layered over a heavy aqua cardstock. Gold envelope liners add a punch of unexpected elegance. A collection of vintage azure bottles (Hemstitch Vintage Rentals) with assorted scrapbook paper for signatures and well-wishes makes for a unique, themed alternative to a typical guest registry book. Assorted shells and starfish (Heron House).
ABOVE An intimate sit-down dinner beside the dunes and sea oats is sure to impress guests. A handmade, distressed round wood table and white-washed, linen upholstered chairs (SaltAire Restoration) suggest a natural driftwood aesthetic. A burlap table runner is scattered with aquamarine and lemon yellow glass bottles (Hemstitch Vintage Rentals). A centerpiece of cream garden roses, greenery and faux coral and seagrass coordinates with the bridal bouquet. Earthy, unfussy place settings feature Sorbetto Aqua dinner plates (Vietri, The Ivy Cottage) and hand-sewn yellow striped napkins (Ely’s Fabric Warehouse).
ABOVE A fresh-from-the-sea spread of pick-up hors d’oeuvres (Naman’s Catering) includes scrumptious crab cakes, salmon and dill cream cheese rosette canapés, sesame-laden tuna crostini, Cajun seafood canapés.
ABOVE Creamy passed oysters are served up on rock salt (Naman’s Catering).
ABOVE Children and adults alike will swoon over a self-serve candy bar filled with lollipops, lemon drops, gumballs and more. Aqua cake stand and jars (Hemstitch Vintage Rentals). Crab shell art (Mary Hong, SaltAire Restoration).
ABOVE LEFT A towering three-tiered wedding confection (J.A.M. Cakery), frosted in yellow buttercream, is embellished with handmade ivory sugar blooms.
ABOVE RIGHT Antique silverware (Hemstitch Vintage Rentals) is hand-stamped with the words “Mr.” and “Mrs.” Bridesmaid hint: These make for a thoughtful keepsake wedding gift. They are perfect for the couple’s exchange of the first bite of delicious wedding cake. Yellow and white striped linens (Ely’s Fabric Warehouse) atop an antiqued aqua cake table continue the color scheme.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Built with the modern bride in mind, The Veranda is a breathtaking three-story, 10-bedroom, 10-bath luxury beach house nestled on the quiet West Beach Boulevard of Gulf Shores. Tastefully decorated by Mary Messer, it features all the comforts of home with all the amenities of a wedding venue. The stunning kitchen is a caterer’s dream, with multiple extra-large refrigerators, top appliances and plenty of counter space. An exquisite bridal suite that includes a designated gown closet and a luxury bathroom makes
wedding day primping a pleasure. The extra-wide dune walkover can fit a bride’s entire train without letting it drag in the sand. The covered porch, sundeck, and private heated pool – not to mention the white sandy shores that are just a few yards away – ensure plenty of outdoor fun.
The Veranda • 2469 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores. 855-613-0188.
RESOURCES
Bella Bridesmaid • 5 N. Church St., Fairhope. 517-5474.
Ely’s Fabric Warehouse • 2767 Spring Hill Ave. 478-5374.
Fabric Works • 5441 U.S. Highway 90. 666-0285.
Gwin’s Stationery • 4513 Old Shell Road. 344-3335.
Hemstitch Vintage Rentals • 503 E. Government St., Pensacola. 850-710-3450.
Heron House • 4011 Government Blvd. 665-0003.
Holiday • 4513 Old Shell Road. 342-4911.
The Ivy Cottage • 2401 Old Shell Road. 473-4438.
J.A.M. Cakery • 18880 State Highway 181, Suite 1c, Fairhope. 599-7977.
Naman’s Catering • 1909 Brookdale Drive. 473-3900.
Private Gallery • 30500 State Highway 181, Suite 220, Spanish Fort. 621-3767. 218 Fairhope Ave. 990-4555. 943-9393. 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Suite A-2, Orange Beach. 981-8455.
SaltAire Restoration • 8371 State Highway 59, Foley. 943-2731.
text by Lawren Largue • photos by Matthew Wood • model lindsey bembry • floral styling by Patricia Wood
