Tarpon Lodge Wedding

On our first call, Emily explained to me her vision for her wedding and I was so excited! As I got to know Emily and Gene better, I realized what an amazing couple they are. They had been dating nine years and were more than excited to make it official. Of course, as weddings of 2020 have taught us, there are always a decent amount of stress while planning a wedding in a pandemic. Nonetheless, we always left our time together with a solid plan and a good amount of laughter.

Gene wore a navy suit and opted for a less formal look with no tie. Emily told me immediately she wanted to have a very tropical, but not up-tight wedding. Her colors of bright pink, blush, and yellow were nearly a perfect compliment to her sunny and bright personality. Her bouquet was unstructured and was beautifully complimented with the lush greenery of the ceremony backdrop.

After the ceremony, we moved inside the restaurant for dinner and dancing. The tables were adorned with bright florals and large monstera leaves to bring the tropical vibe inside. Before we headed in, the guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the lawn and we snuck out for a few portraits at sunset. The mother of the bride later told me “ We have the same picture of their backs on a dock the first year they dated. They were getting scuba certified and I took the same pose on a Homosassa dock.” It was special to commemorate their newlywed status with another picture similar to where it all began.

For more Tarpon Lodge weddings in Bokeelia, Florida, check out our Instagram guide here.

Planning & Design: Kelly McWilliams
Photo: Maria Glassford Photography
Florals: Floral Symphony
Videographer: Aloha Film Works
Make-up: Naples Make-up Artistry
Cake: Show Me Love Confections
Linens: BBJ Linens
Venue: Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant