Brittany and Erik Return to Sandestin for Their First Anniversary

kellideary — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:39:19 +0000

We love when couples come back to Sandestin to relive their wedding memories on their anniversary. One particular couple, Brittany and Erik, wrote a very sweet story and sent us photo’s of their time during their First Anniversary vacation, and I hope you enjoy reading it and looking through the photos as much as we did

Our Time at SanDestin

By: Brittany & Erik Wangenheim

Erik & I got married at SanDestin Golf & Beach Resort May 12, 2012, and returned to its beautiful beaches one year later for our first anniversary. Sandestin was such a wonderful place to get married because it offered the natural beauty I was looking for during our sunset ceremony, a variety of activities for my guests to keep them entertained over the weekend, and the peaceful atmosphere full of tranquility providing a weekend getaway for all.

We married on the LeCiel patio at sunset where we exchanged our vows in front of our family and friends right beside the warm waters of the bay. It was absolutely stunning, and I could not give more praise to Brian at Myrtie Blue for the floral and event décor as well as Barbara Miller for her coordination of the evening. The great aspect of this venue is that it is the only covered spot that really sits on top of the bay area. It also opens up to a beautiful ballroom directly behind the awning. I loved this venue because out of the many I looked into, it provided me all of these things: an absolutely breathtaking sunset view of the bay for my guests, the availability to create a beautiful floral and event décor design through the awning structure, the privacy of a cornered spot on the bay, a connecting ballroom so my guests did not have to drive to another location for the reception, the walking distance between the hotels of Baytown Wharf and our wedding spot, and the layout of the venue – a large ballroom with two sets of open doors to the patio (awning area) where guests could come and go if they’d like to have a drink outside by the bay or come inside for dancing and food. It really was the perfect venue for what I was looking for. I think beach venues can be a little intimidating for the elderly (stability) and your musicians (sound), so this is the best of both worlds. We had a spectacular time and received so many compliments from our guests on the food, service, décor, and choice of venue. I even had my Bachelorette Party in the Village where I took the same girls on my sixteenth birthday! I have grown up going to Sandestin and will always return there for the best memories and beautiful ocean views.

Photo Below of Wedding Day:

For our First Year Anniversary, we stayed in the Luau, located on the beach side of property. We received free bikes, kayaks, and tennis for four hours each day. It was one of the most special vacations we have taken together since our honeymoon in Seattle, Washington. The Sandestin team had everything ready for us when we arrived and left us a delicious red wine and congratulatory card in our room. We spent our weekend taking a dinner cruise on the bay with Solaris Cruises (live music, great food, anniversary packages available), riding bikes to our wedding venue to relive the memories, spending time on the beach, eating the local seafood of the Baytowne Wharf Village, and making a new favorite spot – Elephant Walk (delicious food, flawless service, drinks/food by the beach or a nice dinner). Bake My Day also made us a delicious Anniversary cake based on our original wedding cake which was delivered to the resort as a surprise from my mother.

We really felt appreciated and valued for choosing Sandestin and plan to return each year together. We like to think of Sandestin as our “home away from home”. We love Sandestin. Thanks guys!

A New Twist on Barefoot Wedding…

kellideary — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:53:58 +0000

We’ve all imagined it…a barefoot beach wedding, the salty sea air, emerald waters, and sand beneath our feet…(Not in our shoes!) In planning a beach wedding specifically, It’s O.K to unwind and, and “Take your shoes off and stay a while”. After all this is why you decided on a beach wedding more than likely. A chance to get-a-way with the people you love and have a beach wedding and vacation all-in-one. I’ve scoped out options (through one of my favorite websites – Etsy) to help you and your guests embrace the barefoot fashion, and hopefully these will inspire your very own beach wedding.

Bridal Barefoot Beach Jewelry – These are a must have for beach weddings. It’s always nice to sport the designer trends of bridal shoes, but as all fashionistas know… high heels and sand just don’t mix. So, pack up those designer heels for portraits, but leave them at the boardwalk for the ceremony. This gives the ultimate marriage to fashion and sand. (Found on Etsy)

Leave the shoes behind! Again, if you don’t want sand to be sneaking into your shoes, then why should your guests? This is a perfect idea to let guests know it’s ok to sink their feet in the sand. (Yet another Etsy Favorite!)

Lastly, Leave a Mark…with flip flops! These cute flip flops would be a perfect option as guests leave their shoes behind, they can pick up these snazzy sandals and every where they step they will remember what this special day means.

Venue Spotlight – The Beach Club

kellideary — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:02:10 +0000

Sandestin offers a wide variety of picture-perfect venues, providing tailored options for weddings of every size. Brides have indoor and outdoor options including private clubs, terraces overlooking the bay or a pool, ballrooms, the beach and so much more…And we are now thrilled to announce the addition of Sandestin’s Beach Club to Sandestin’s list of venues for weddings.

The Beach Club is located on the beach side of property, and offers a beach-side pool with spectacular views! For more information on this venue, or to get a list of all of our venues, visit our venue gallery, or contact our Event Director at 850-267-6736.

Browse images below of the Beach Club.

Photography By: Amanda Suanne Photography

A Hidden Gem – The Village of Baytowne Wharf

kellideary — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:09:41 +0000

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is famous for it’s all inclusive amenities. From the glistening white sandy beach and award winning golf course, to the salon and designer shopping. Sandestin offers everything you can imagine on the resort, which makes it an ideal location for a destination wedding.

One of the many highlights, tucked away on this fabulous resort, is The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy dinner and a glass of wine while overlooking the bay, shopping designer stores, art work displayed along the walkways, or grab a cup of coffee as you stroll down the streets taking in all that this quaint coastal village has to offer. When the sun sets over the bay, that is when the village really lights up. Dance the night away at some of the areas most exciting night clubs and piano bar – it’s a great location for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

It’s a perfect place for you and your guests because there is something for everyone.

Best Wishes!

Kelli

What Will Your Wedding Say?

kellideary — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:42:42 +0000

Your wedding is the perfect time to showcase your unique style, and your design will speak very loudly about who you are. If you are a very outgoing person, then you will likely choose a bold design, and if you are a traditional person, you will in the same way choose a more traditional design. Whatever your personality and taste may be, choose a design that best suites you. I have posted some samples of beautiful designs that may help you in your decision making process.

We love the elegant details to this ballroom wedding. Just because you are having a destination wedding doesn’t mean it can’t be luxurious!

Photo’s By: Paul Johnson Photography

If you are dreaming of a beach wedding or ocean front view, here are some images to inspire you. This particular wedding was taken at one of our newly added venues, the Beach Club.

Photo By: Amanda Suanne Photography

If a garden wedding wedding is your style, then check out this Tiffany blue wedding located on our Grand Lawn.

Photo’s By: Amanda Suanne Photography

With so many venue options, the sky is the limit at Sandestin!

Happy Planning!

Kelli, Sandestin Weddings

Sandestin, Your Perfect Destination Wedding Choice

kellideary — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:01:11 +0000

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the Premiere Resort for hosting destination weddings along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Voted the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast, and chosen as The Best of Wedding Picks by The Knot for 2013, we are positioned to offer you a wedding experience that is above all else!

If you’ve never experienced a wedding at Sandestin, We’d like to invite you to browse through our “Real Weddings” Gallery. We have a large a variety of color schemes, venues, and unique touches that make each Sandestin Wedding unlike any other! From beach to bay, we have everything you could want in a resort destination location.

So, take some time to browse, and contact us for more information at 850.267.6736, or inquire online.

Happy Planning!

Kelli, Sandestin Weddings

Photo By: HBB Photography

April’s Venue Spotlight – LeCiel

kellideary — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:33:19 +0000

LeCiel, French for the word “sky”, is your “something blue”. Nestled pristinely on the Choctawhatchee Bay, LeCiel provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding and reception. The LeCiel ballroom provides an elegant atmosphere for any special occasion, and exits to a beautiful bay-front view located just off of the LeCiel patio and pool area.

Below are images from recent weddings held at LeCiel. To view more images and more venues, visit our venue gallery.

Happy Planning!

Kelli, Sandestin Weddings

Photo’s by: Paul Johnson Photography

Photo’s By: Michael Newman Photography

Photo’s By: Paul Johnson Photography

Brittany and Chris

kellideary — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:12:09 +0000

Brittany and Chris exchanged vows on the beautiful Grand Lawn at Sandestin. It was such a glorious day…it was perfect! We are thrilled to share their special day with you, and think you will be inspired!

Best,

Kelli, Sandestin Weddings

Photography By: Amanda Suanne Photography

Join Us For the 27th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

kellideary — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:30:08 +0000

We are counting down the days to the Sandestin Wine Festival…Less than 8 days to go! Featuring special guest Paula Deen, this event is going to be one you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking to plan your destination wedding, this will be the perfect weekend to plan a visit! To purchase tickets, or for more information visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com

We hope to see you there!

Johannah and Michael

kellideary — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:54:24 +0000

We are delighted to showcase Johanna and Michael’s March 2013 wedding. They exchanged vows at the LeCiel Bayfront Patio, then held an elegant reception in the LeCiel ballroom just steps away. It was a fairy tale wedding, and we are thrilled they shared their special day with us! We hope their wedding inspires your very own fairy tale wedding.

Best!

Kelli Deary, Sandestin Weddings

Photography By: Paul Johnson Photography