Real Wedding / Bailey & Trent

Decatur, IL

the Vendors

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville / welcome party

AMI Beach Weddings / event coordination

Sandhill Photography / photographs

Flowers by Edie / floral design

Bridge Street Bistro / reception

Bride Bailey, who signs her correspondence with “tides and good vibes,” knew where she wanted her destination beach wedding to be held. It had to be Anna Maria Island, where she vacationed since childhood. The couple, who were brought together by “fate, distance, and a little social media courage,” also wanted the celebration to be more than just a ceremony. They planned a weeklong event for guests, starting with a welcome party at Compass Hotel by Margaritaville.

True to her laid-back style, Bailey chose wildflowers for her floral, complementing her wedding party colors of marigold and navy. Trent coached the ring bearer, four-year-old Waylon, for his essential role. Guests watched with good humor as two-year-old Wren found her basket much better for gathering sand than spreading flower petals.

The only hiccup in the celebration was a short delay in the start of the ceremony, as the wedding party forgot their flowers at the rental house. The couple simply laughed while the florals were retrieved by several trusty wedding party members.

A floral crown adorned Bailey’s head as she walked barefoot towards Trent, whose presence from their first meeting “felt like home.”