1. Real Weddings

A Beach Inspired Wedding at the H2O Villa Estate in Islamorada, Florida

While living in Colorado, Kristen Pitroff, a makeup artist, 31, and Damien Daly, a mechanical engineer, 32, spent three years planning their beach wed

While living in Colorado, Kristen Pitroff, a makeup artist, 31, and Damien Daly, a mechanical engineer, 32, spent three years planning their beach wedding in Islamorada, Florida. Their relationship began when Kristen stole a kiss from Damien one night before she started college. After an eight year separation, reunion at a mutual friend’s wedding and an Orlando Magic basketball game, they were back together. A year later, they were engaged. “We knew we wanted a beach wedding, we are complete water babies and live for the ocean!” says Kristen. Their ceremony was held alongside the reception space with the natural atmosphere serving as the couples main decor. Soft shades of pink and cream accented “the beauty of the ocean in the background and the tropical foliage,” says Kristen After the ceremony, the couple had cornhole and Jenga lawn games to entertain their guests as well as an acoustic guitar player. The cocktail hour had a personal touch to it as the appetizers were prepared by Kristen and Damien’s families. Custom made cozie favors were also given to guests to keep the drinks cold. “Damien and I wanted our wedding to be remembered as just being such a fun time for everyone,” says Kristen.

The couple decorated their ceremony with rows of white chairs and a simple bamboo arch wrapped in white fabric.
The couple’s flower girl carried a purple and pink bubble gun down the aisle. She was wore an ivory tiered dress accented by a pink and ivory floral fabric headband.
Kristen and Damien’s Recessional
Kristen chose a strapless Casablanca dress with a sweetheart neckline and floor-length veil for her wedding.
The bride carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas and pink peonies. Her dress was also paired with starfish accented flip-flops.
The bridesmaids wore different styled dresses in shades of cream and pink. Each carried a bouquet of baby’s breath.
Damien was dressed in a khaki suit and pink tie while his groomsmen wore khaki pants and classic white shirts. All were accented with a starfish boutonniere I made by the bride, Kristen says.
Each table was set with white or light pink linens and metallic centerpieces. “Damien and I wanted something that would be timeless,” says Kristen.
Kristen and Damien chose different sized candles as well as champagne and bronze colored bottles filled with baby’s breath for their centerpieces.
The couple chose a two-tier wedding cake from Publix decorated with pink ribbon, white seashells, white adirondack chairs and tan details resembling sand.