Lakeside Soire
A waterfront home in Leesburg is the idyllic backdrop for this stylish backyard wedding.
Love for a Lifetime
Clare Courtney, 26, and Carlos Saldarriaga, 27, met in Spanish class during their freshman year at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala. Clare describes her early relationship with Carlos as a typical teenage crush. “Once he got his driver’s license, he asked me out on a date and that’s when our relationship started to grow,” she says.
They continued dating throughout high school and college. After 9 years, Carlos suggested they spend a weekend in Naples. “On our way, I remember texting my sister saying, ‘I don’t think he’ll propose this weekend, but we’ll still have a great time,’ ” Clare says. Shortly after arriving at their hotel, the couple took a romantic sunset walk along a boat pier. That's when Carlos proposed. It was May 30, 2014.
Clare gave herself exactly one year to plan her dream wedding. When it came to choosing a theme, there was one “must-have” on her list. “I wanted to make sure that all of the reception decor was very warm and inviting,” she says. “My husband’s family traveled from Colombia to be at the wedding, and since the reception was held at my parents house, I wanted everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable in our home.”
Instead of focusing on a specific look for the occasion, Clare’s wedding coordinator and designer, Brandee Gaar of Blush by Brandee Gaar, chose elegant and rustic elements that fit with Clare’s vision while incorporating personalized touches that created special moments for both the bride and groom and their families.
The bride and groom share a kiss.
“The hand-drawn chalkboards placed throughout were informational pieces of art,” says Brandee Gaar, the wedding coordinator/designer
Clare chose navy blue mix-and-matched tops and coordinated skirts for her bridesmaids.
Each wedding guest received a small bag of Colombian coffee beans—an homage to the groom's family.
he bridesmaids' chairs are highlighted with floral arrangements.
Blue china accented with a sprig of yellow solidago created a simple and vibrant table setting.
Images of Clare’s grandparents taken on their wedding day adorn her bridal bouquet.
Dining tables had tall birch pedestals of ivy, yellow solidago, and white hydrangeas, ranunculus, and stock blossoms.
Floral details and the couple's initials embellished the elegant wedding cake.
Bridesmaids carried bright and cheery sunflower bouquets.
Carlos and his groomsmen wore coordinated dark blue tuxedoes.
The wedding invitations reflect the relaxed elegance of the bride and groom's big day.
Fragrant freesia was used in Clare's cascading bouquet.
The bride and groom's chairs are designated with chalkboard signs and floral decor.
Color coordinated lounge furniture provided outdoor seating.
The couple lead their guests in the “second line” dance—a celebratory tradition in New Orleans—in honor of Clare's family.
Decorative lanterns hung from the tent ceiling created a romantic ambiance for the couple's first dance as husband and wife.
A nighttime view of the celebration from the water.
A festive dessert cart with an array of after-dinner treats.
Meyer Lemon Shooters
Contributors
Design & Coordination
Blush by Brandee Gaar
Venue
Private Home
Floral
Lee James Floral Designs
Catering
Pisces Rising
Lighting
Kaleidoscope Event Lighting
DJ
Atomic Entertainment
Band
Wings of Sound
Videographer
Perfect Sky Productions
Cake
Party Flavors Custom Cakes
Stationery
Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio
Hair & Makeup
LeJeune Artistry
Tent
Sperry Tents Miami
Table & Chairs
A Chair Affair, Inc.
Lounge Furniture
AFR Event Furnishings
Chalk Decor
Chalk Shop Events
Desserts & Candy
Two Sweets Bake Shop
Bride’s Wedding Dress
Calvet Couture Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Reception Dress
Solutions Bridal Designer House
Bridesmaids' Dresses
Bella Bridesmaids
Tuxedos
Absolutely Fitting
