The White Room Wedding Venue St. Augustine, Florida

January 22, 2018

A Christmas proposal under the city lights of Philly:

Marisa and Jarett decided to fly back to her hometown of Philidelphia in early December to celebrate an early birthday for Marisa. As they were planning on celebrating Christmas, little did she know….they would be celebrating their engagement too! The day before her birthday, Marisa’s family decided to take the couple out to explore the city. Bundled up and cozy warm, on a freezing Philly night, they spent the evening walking through the downtown historic streets checking out the Christmas lights. As they made their way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art they walked out to the pier by Boathouse Row to view the colorful city lights over the water. It was at this exact moment when Jarret went down on bended knee and popped the question! In Marisa’s own words “Of course I said YES!” The surprises didn’t stop there…as she was teary-eyed, ring struck, and overwhelmed with joyous emotion, Jarret’s family walked out onto the pier! They made a surprise celebratory entrance! They had flown in from Tampa, Florida earlier that week to surprise her too. To have both families there to celebrate on this December night was so perfect! Sharing that special moment with the newly engaged couple meant the world to them. The trifecta of celebrations was the absolute perfect way to end the year! This proposal is literally what movies are made from!

The White Room Wedding Venue St. Augustine Florida

Beach Vibe Bridal Preparations & The Bridal Suite at the White Room:

The Bridesmaids rented out a sunny beach house that overlooked the pink sand beaches of St. Augustine. This fun vibrant beach house provided the perfect positive energy that Marisa and her bridesmaids gave off that day. Lots of laughs, mimosa’s and tons of beautiful smiles filled the bridal suite with love, joy, and happiness. Marisa opted for the signature soft bridal braid by the fabulous Sara Jane, owner of Blush and Mane. Her hairstyle was beautifully complemented by the soft blushing bride makeup of Carrie Wilson. Both of these elements combined really brought forth the natural beauty of Marisa’s crystal blue eyes. The Bridesmaids helped Marisa get ready in the bridal suite at the White Room. Her mother helped with the finishing touches and tying the chiffon belt on her sequin gown by Karen Willis Holmes. I AM IN LOVE with this dress adorned with sequins. It was something totally different, really fun and classic like the bride!

Chatsworth Pub: Drinks & Dudes before the I Do’s:

Next, I met the guys at the local St. Augustine Chatsworth Pub that is located next door to the White Room. The dark wood tones and exposed brick seating area give off the masculine vibe that is perfect for celebrating with your groomsmen. Jarret was able to have a relaxing time hanging out with his guys sharing a pint and good times before we met Marisa for their First Look.

Insight on the First Look from Marisa:

“From beginning to end our day was so special and unforgettable. My favorite moment was seeing Jarret for our first look. Leading up to the moment I was slightly anxious and nervous but as soon as I saw him, all my nerves were gone and I was so ready to marry him! Our couple’s portraits were so enjoyable because it was time for just the two of us. We were both just so happy and full of emotion and the photos portrayed that moment for us!”

The White Room Wedding Venue St. Augustine, Florida:

In the heart of one of the most romantic cities to say “I Do” in is the immaculate White Room Wedding Venue. The balcony to the White Room overlooks the gorgeous waterway of the Matanzas Bay, which looks like a real-life watercolor painting filled with sailboats and sparkly blue water. Marisa and Jarett knew from the moment they toured the venue it was the perfect location for their destination wedding. Location is everything, especially when most of your guests will be coming in from out of state. The couple really loved the idea of a small town vibe for their guests to explore over their wedding weekend.

The Villa Blanca Ceremony Space at the White Room resembles a little white wedding chapel that to Marisa is “seriously jaw-dropping”….and I totally agree. If you get the chance to view see it in person it’s a totally timeless feel to it that creates the perfect backdrop to drop some vows. (omg here we go with the dad jokes). The crystal chandeliers and exposed wooden beams give a touch of modern elegance to the simplicity of the white room at the Villa Blanca.

The Villa Blanca Ceremony & Grand Ballroom Reception in the White Room:

At the front of the ceremony space was a copper pipe alter draped in complimentary blush and green florals by Jade Violet Floral. The alter was handcrafted by Jarret! It was a perfect modern accent at the Villa Blanca.

Jarret’s father became ordained in order to be the officiant of the ceremony. Having a family member who is so close to you both officiate the ceremony really brings a touch of closeness and a personal presence to who you are as a couple. Everyone who knows the couple knows about the sweetest, chocolatliest, big brown lab that is Moose…the second love of their lives. The ceremony was full of laughs, tears, and references to the one and only Moose. All of these personal touches at the ceremony really meant so much to the couple.

The reception in the stunning Grand Ballroom was the best way to kick off the rest of night at the White Room. The Bay Kings Band provided awesome live music that made guests really enjoy the reception. The outside balcony was set up for a personal cigar bar for guests to enjoy. If you wanted to take a moment to step out and relax during the reception, you were able to enjoy the view of Downtown St. Augustine and the Bridge of Lions. Another personal touch that was a favorite part of the day was the late night munchies that came out later in the reception. Guests enjoyed french fries in a cone and ice cream sandwiches on a popsicle stick covered in rainbow jimmies aka literal food heaven.

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One of my own personal favorite moments of the year:

My personal FAVORITE part of the day was one of the very last moment’s I was able to capture before I headed out for the night! Marisa and I were both laughing SO hard while this epic photo moment was happening. It was super important for Marisa to get a photo dancing with her grandpa before I left for the night. Right before I left she grabbed him for a quick snap photo op and THIS is the song they danced to: “Boyz N The Hood” by Eazy-E…the low key mellow Cover version. If you’re a kid of the 90’s I know you’ve heard it. If you haven’t here are some of the lyrics “Cruisin down the street in my six-fo’ Jockin the bitches, slappin the hoes” I STILL belly laugh when I look at this photo because I love it SO much!!! THE BEST!!

-Any advice for future brides?

“Make the day about the two of you, include details in the wedding that you’ll think back on and smile! Don’t be afraid to stray away from the norm and do something different. Most wedding vendors are very artistic people (florist, make up artists, photographers, etc.), don’t be afraid to allow them to use their creativity and tailor to your own personality rather than matching a picture you found on pinterest. Wedding planning is not a time to be indecisive, the best thing I’ve learned is to make a decision and go with it! Life will be much easier.”

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