Liz and Blake are a very interesting couple, and their friends and family were great to spend the post-holiday weekend with.
The happy newlyweds live just outside Washington, D.C., where Blake is a Foreign Service Officer. (I had to look it up too - these are the people that staff embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions.) Liz is in law school, although I think she will be one of the most beautiful lawyers in the country!
Blake's parents live in Sawgrass Country Club, so the wedding weekend was hosted around Ponte Vedra Beach. After a short rehearsal on Friday evening, the bride and groom joined their guests for a rehearsal dinner at Cafe on the Green, at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort and Spa.
On the wedding day, the girls were treated to hair and makeup at a Sawgrass condo while Wilson's Ltd. prepared the ceremony and reception venues.
The entrance to the atrium at Sawgrass Golf Club was elegantly draped with chiffon, creating a curtained entrance for the bride. A beautiful arch and alter arrangements flanked the fireplace to create a romantic alter for the exchange of vows and rings.
After the ceremony, the guests moved to Sawgrass Beach Club for an sophisticated dinner reception. They enjoyed the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean while the bridal party headed out to the beach for sunset photos with photographer Michael McNett. Cocktail hour featured a specialty drink called "The Liberty," a red, white, and blue mixture in honor of the groom's patriotism.
The dining room was a combination of white and navy blue, with tables named for landmarks around Washington, D.C. Each table featured a photo of the bride and groom at each landmark, and the escort cards where American flag themed.
The Faze provided excellent music to keep the party going. The giant five-tier cake by Etiquette of Chocolate was designed with the same motif as the bride's gown, and each tier was a unique flavor combination.
It was a beautiful day with beautiful people, and a beautiful way to end the year!
