Rehearsal Dinner

Hotel Effie

Welcome Party

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Wedding

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Late Night Bars

Breakfast with Newlyweds

Our Wedding

Blake and Dana met where all perfect couples meet, a fraternity party while they were both attending Dension University in 2015. Dana was studying Biology while Blake was pursuing his love for tennis while majoring in Economics and Theater. Fast forward to 2020, Dana decided to move home to Michigan over the holidays to quarantine with her family. While home, Blake and Dana rekindled a friendship and went on a first date at the only bar that was open, Dick O Dows. The rest is history... If only it was that easy. Dana went back to Chicago to finish out the Summer and decided to move back to Michigan to end the long distance with Blake. They got their first apartment in Troy. Months later they started house hunting and found the perfect home in Beverly Hills, which they bought in February 2023. Their days often include socializing and playing racquet sports at the BAC, spending time with each others families, grabbing dinner, and hanging out with friends. The Summer of 2023 brought a lot of joy. While traveling abroad in the UK, Blake popped the question in Scotland. They continued to celebrate for the remainder of their trip and when they returned home with their family and friends. You are all an integral part of Blake and Dana's love story and they look forward to celebrating with everyone in one of their favorite places, Sandestin, Florida.

Our Story

Photos

Lauren

Molly

Rachel

Julie

Kendall

Emily

Alicia

Emilio

Addison

Ryan

Kyle

Jack

Alex

Wedding Party

CAN I BRING A GUEST?If your guests name is listed on your invite and when you RSVP, then yes! Otherwise, we would love to keep the wedding as an intimate event with close friends and family. Your invitation will be made out to "{Your Name} &amp; Guest" If a plus one has been given to you. ARE KIDS INVITED?We love your little ones. However, we have decided to keep our wedding and reception an adults-only event. The being said if you are making this a family trip please set up babysitting accommodations prior to the event. WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?Whatever shoes you feel most comfortable in. Although we will be in Florida, the ceremony and reception areas will be on a lawn. WHAT IF I DON'T RSVP IN TIME?Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate you if you RSVP late. We will need to provide our vendors and venue with exact guest count by a certain date. Please RSVP as soon as possible so this will help with planning and secure your seat. CAN I TAKE PICTURES DURING THE CEREMONY?We are having an "unplugged ceremony" (No phones or cameras). The greatest gift you can give us is being fully present. We have hired professionals to capture this moment for us and we promise to share our photos as soon as we receive them. Before and after the ceremony, please take as many photos and videos as you'd like.

Q + A

Opened in 2021, this luxurious hotel has both suites and hotel rooms. This hotel is right next to the Grand Complex (and reception) and has access to the beautiful rooftop bar/pool

Hotel Effie Sandestin

Other Names: "Village &amp; Grand Complex" This Complex is made up of 4 buildings all next to each other (and the Hotel Effie), they accommodate/book 2-6 bedroom apartments, condos, single hotel rooms, suites, and rooms/apts with golf carts (please ask while booking if interested). This Complex is great for guests wanting to stay in a group, families, or guests who need a kitchen area. Village, Le Jardin, and Fisherman's Village Locations: Boutique-esc luxury condominiums are all onsite. Private and more of a home feel - great for guests who want a longer stay or hosting/nonhotel staying option. All are next to the reception/ ceremony/ restaurants/ bars. All have amenity access (bars/pools etc) Grand Complex Locations: Bahia, Elation, Grand &amp; La Sata buildings accommodate 1-6 bedrooms condo/hotel options within complex (right next to Effie &amp; ceremony/reception). Grand has a hotel bar &amp; main lobby - others are just stand-alone. All four are neighbors and all have amenity access (bars/pools etc)

Grand Complex

We would strongly recommend staying on-site at Sandestin Golf &amp; Beach Resort. This will include any trolley rides to the beach and all amenities (rooftop bar, multiple pools, golf/tennis/pickle) to be taken advantage of while there. The ceremony and reception are right outside the main lobby of these hotels. Food/nightlife are also a 5-minute walk from these hotels. If you choose to stay off-site, I would recommend the Hilton Sandestin, this is right on the beach and a very short drive to the Sandestin - they share a golf course. Ubers and Taxis are few are far between in this Sandestin/30A area and expensive, especially at night, so I would recommend renting a car or setting up a scheduled form of transportation.

Travel

SANDESTIN If you are staying at Sandestin Golf &amp; Beach Resort, please see the attached link with the list of amenities and activities:<a href="https://www.sandestin.com/things-to-do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sandestin.com/things-to-do</a> Highlights: free trolley to anywhere within the San Destin Resort which includes the beach, shopping, restaurants, nightlife at Bay Towne Wharf, golf, pickleball, tennis, yoga, and swimming pools OTHER ACTIVITIES Baytowne Wharf: If you are staying at the resort, this is walking distance from your hotel accommodation. If you are staying off-site - we would recommend still coming to shop &amp; dine. This little community is filled with restaurants, live music, great bars with bay and ocean views, family-friendly playgrounds and activities, ice cream, local vendors and boutiques. There is free parking if you drive. Seaside: Explore the city of Seaside, cute shops &amp; boutiques, yummy eateries, ice cream, bookstores, and bars. 30A Beach: This highway is along the coastline &amp; has numerous public access beaches. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin: This outside shopping center has it all, if you forget anything or just want to shop - we would recommend here! RESTAURANTS (The Smith's Favorites) Vue on 30a: Beautiful view of the ocean, great fine dining experience<a href="https://vueon30a.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://vueon30a.net/</a> Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar: Two-story beach and ocean view with great bar &amp; seafood options. We love to watch football or whatever sports game is on at this spot.<a href="https://www.shunkgulley.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.shunkgulley.com/</a> Stinky's Fish Camp: Neighborhood fresh fish spot right along 30A.<a href="https://stinkysfishcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://stinkysfishcamp.com/</a> The Donut Hole: Dana's absolute favorite spot for breakfast, great American-style breakfast with fresh donuts everyday<a href="https://30a.com/locations/donut-hole/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://30a.com/locations/donut-hole/</a> Sunrise Coffee 30A: Dana &amp; Blake bike here often to pick up their great breakfast sandwiches &amp; coffee. This local spot is right across from public access along the beach.<a href="https://www.sunrisecoffee30a.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sunrisecoffee30a.com/</a>

Things to Do

Registry

Dana & Blake

Dana & Blake

Registry