Location, location, location! Jennifer and Ricardo searched high and low for the perfect spot to say “I Do.” They found just what they were looking for in the crystal blue waters and white sand beach at the Naples Beach Hotel. After an intimate and heartfelt ceremony, the couple invited guests to “kick off their heels” (flip-flop favors included!) and dance the night away. At the end of the night it was clear, Ricardo and Jennifer had found the perfect destination for their once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Jennifer + Ricardo | June 26, 2011 | Naples, Florida
The ceremony
Romantic, intimate and fun– Our ceremony began at sunset on the terrace overlooking the ocean at the Naples Beach Hotel; 50 guests celebrated with us. My husband’s family and friends traveled from Sao Paulo, Brazil and other guests came from New York and the UK. We chose a spiritual, non-denominational ceremony that included traditional vows and a moment of remembrance for my mother with the singing of the Ave Maria by a longtime friend. Bridesmaids wore strapless sangria dresses and carried white bouquets, and I carried a bouquet of wine-colored cala lilies. A cocktail hour with caipirinhas and champagne immediately followed the ceremony.
The reception
Our reception was held in an intimate oak room overlooking the golf course of the Naples Beach Hotel. Ricardo’s video production company made a video to the tune of the Indiana Jones theme to explain how we met. We included pictures of nearly all the guests, and Ricardo and I waited outside while the guests watched the show. We entered at the end of the video and went straight to our first dance, which spontaneously included the tossing of my bouquet. The DJ played for the rest of the reception, pausing only once to let Ricardo and I say a few words, and for my uncle to give a toast. We gave everyone flip-flops at the reception so that they could kick-off their shoes and dance– our dance floor got a little crazy with the introduction of a limbo stick, bouncing strobe balls, and neon necklaces. It was a blast!
The way Jennifer felt in her wedding dress
A little girl who was a guest at the hotel asked to have her picture taken with me. I let her hold my bouquet– it was my Cinderella moment!! I felt like the happiest, most beautiful, princess in the world.
Why she decided to sell her wedding dress
My wedding was the happiest day of my life and I have beautiful photos and memories. The wedding dress is stunning and I believe it is full of good energy! I would love for someone else to enjoy it as much as I did.
