By Nora Sullivan
October 1, 2026
When childhood classmates Kayla and Andrew reconnected years later as adults, neither could have predicted that a casual stroll through a Florida beach town would lay the exact blueprint for their future wedding. What began as a childhood acquaintance blossomed into a romance defined by shared values, mutual faith, and a deep appreciation for coastal beauty. Years after matching on Hinge and realizing their connection was effortless, the couple turned a daydream shared on a scenic Florida green into an extraordinary reality.
Surrounded by family, friends, and a breathtaking coastal palette of light blue, dusty blue, white, tan, and gold, Kayla and Andrew exchanged vows on the Eastern Green in Rosemary Beach. The celebration, expertly shaped by the teams at 30A to Wed and Destin to Wed, transformed the iconic Florida destination into a living mood board of seaside elegance. Every detail—down to the guests arriving in carefully coordinated shades of blue—mirrored the serene landscape of the Gulf Coast shoreline.
The journey to the Eastern Green began long before the wedding invitations were ever sent out. Kayla and Andrew first met as third-grade classmates in elementary school, though their paths diverged before crossing again years later in adulthood. When they matched on a dating app, their first date immediately set a comfortable, natural tone. They quickly discovered a shared foundation rooted in core values, faith in God, and a unified vision for their future.
In September 2023, the couple took a trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida, where casual conversations naturally drifted toward marriage and the future. During one evening walk, they happened upon a wedding reception being carefully assembled on the Eastern Green. Struck by the romantic scenery, Kayla remarked aloud that if she were ever to get married, celebrating right there on the green would be her ultimate dream. Just a few months later, on February 23, 2024, Andrew turned that aspiration into a concrete reality by surprising Kayla with a proposal on the very same patch of grass where she had shared her vision. Less than a year following the engagement, on February 1, 2025, that initial dream came full circle as they gathered with their loved ones for a celebration on the Eastern Green.
The Planning and Vision
The design and aesthetic of the wedding were directly inspired by the natural coastal beauty of Rosemary Beach and the subtle, earthy tones found along its shoreline. The overarching vision called for an atmosphere filled with soft blues, crisp whites, and warm neutrals that felt timeless, sophisticated, and deeply reflective of the destination.
One of the highlights of the planning journey was the collaborative effort required to bring the intricate creative details to life. Working alongside wedding planner Sherri Kuhn and the talented floral designers at Florals by the Sea, every individual element was thoughtfully chosen, ranging from custom linens and distinct floral arrangements to bespoke seating and refined furnishings. The design team successfully incorporated a rich mix of textures and patterns, utilizing floral patterned linens, varied table layouts, and mismatched blue bridesmaid dresses, all while preserving a cohesive, elegant aesthetic.
To complete the immersive visual experience, guests were specifically requested to wear shades of blue. Seeing friends and family arrive in garments that harmonized with the surrounding coastal backdrop generated an extraordinary sense of unity and visual cohesion throughout the entire day.
The Fashion
For her walk down the aisle, the bride wore a custom iteration of Anne Barge’s acclaimed "Dream Weaver" gown. The custom design featured a clean, straight neckline in place of the original V-neck configuration, complemented by delicate beaded floral appliqués that imparted a soft, romantic shimmer. Drawn inherently to the timeless elegance and classic Southern charm characteristic of Anne Barge designs, the gown carried deep personal meaning. Remarkably, it was the very first dress Kayla tried on when visiting The Bridal Finery in Winter Park, Florida, where the expert staff had curated a specialized selection of gowns based entirely on her personal preferences.
The bridal party’s attire continued the coastal narrative, with the bridesmaids wearing a carefully curated collection of mismatched dresses from Revelry. The gowns spanned a sophisticated spectrum of navy, dusty blue, and light blue, interspersed with distinct blue-and-white patterned styles to establish a layered, harmonious palette. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen maintained a classic, refined aesthetic, donning traditional black suits from Jos. A. Bank.
Florals, Decor, and Atmosphere
The floral design, masterfully curated by Florals by the Sea, relied heavily on all-white arrangements and lush greenery to cultivate a timeless, coastal-inspired aesthetic from morning until night. A striking floral arch was constructed at the entrance of Town Hall to welcome arriving guests and immediately establish the tone for the ceremony. Demonstrating thoughtful resourcefulness, the aisle florals utilized during the ceremony were later expertly repurposed and arranged around the DJ booth, creating a dramatic and visually striking reception moment. A second grand floral arch framed the entrance to the sailcloth tent situated on the Eastern Green, forming a seamless, elegant transition into the evening celebration space.
Securing a sailcloth tent for the reception was a primary priority for the bride from the earliest stages of planning, and watching that vision materialize became one of the most memorable milestones of the day. White floral drum chandeliers were suspended gracefully beneath the tent canopy, serving as a signature architectural and design element that introduced softness and ambient warmth to the expansive space.
The tabletop design presented a refined interplay of gold accents, clear glassware, and clean white elements, striking a careful balance between tactile texture and coastal simplicity. Beneath it all, the dance floor—wrapped by Emerald Coast Event Wraps—featured a sophisticated tan and white patterned design that provided warmth and visual interest while neatly anchoring the entire reception layout. Subtle coastal touches were woven throughout the decor details as well, including custom seashell place cards crafted by Niaspapers and seashell-themed bar signage produced by The Luxe & Co.
Food, Drink, and Celebration Details
Culinary operations were expertly handled by Townsend Catering, offering guests an array of elevated dining choices. Among the highlights was a build-your-own pasta station, classic chicken piccata, and tender beef tenderloin artfully served inside a martini glass for a polished presentation. As the evening progressed toward its late-night hours, comforting chicken biscuits were served as a playful and satisfying culinary finale.
The bar program featured custom signature cocktails tailored specifically to the couple. The bride’s selection was the "Rose-Married Spritz," a refreshing blend of St-Germain, Prosecco, soda water, fresh mint, and a lemon wheel. The groom’s counterpart was the "Happily Ever Highball," featuring Japanese whiskey, lime soda, and a citrus shrub.
Serving as the centerpiece of the dessert experience was a four-tier, all-white wedding cake crafted by Sweetly Sisters. The confection featured delicate floral appliqués cascading diagonally from the base to the top tier, matching visual artistry with exceptional flavor. The wedding cake was accompanied by a dedicated groom’s dessert courtesy of Townsend Catering: warm chocolate chip cookie skillets, affectionately known as Pazookies, served alongside vanilla ice cream.
The inclusion of Pazookies served as a nostalgic nod to the groom’s affinity for warm, freshly baked cookies, while also honoring an early milestone in the couple’s relationship when they ended a formal date by sharing Pazookies at Chili’s.
The ceremony itself was anchored by profound personal touches, most notably the decision to have Andrew’s uncle and father figure, Randy, officiate the wedding. His presence invested the proceedings with a deeply personal significance that resonated profoundly with both the bride and groom.
As the evening drew to a close, the newlyweds made their exit in a playful white Moke. The vehicle was the exact same model that Andrew had originally rented for their proposal weekend, brought back for the wedding day to inject a final touch of coastal charm as they drove away through Rosemary Beach, captured frame-by-frame by the photography and videography team at Katherine & Tyler Photo and Films.
