A Contemporary Tropical Love Story

In the heart of Naples, Florida, McNally and Devaun celebrated their intimate destination wedding, surrounded by their closest loved ones. Their love story was beautifully highlighted by a theme that captured the essence of tropical chic, with a unique twist that made it distinctly their own.

Introduced by their wedding planner, McNally's mother reached out to me at the last minute, wishing to gift the couple bespoke pieces to enhance their celebration. The outdoor setting of the boutique hotel on Fifth Avenue was both intimate and stunning, with vibrant flowers adding a contemporary tropical feel. With less than a month to prepare, I was commissioned to create all the pieces for the event.

It was time to break some rules and craft a unique, beautiful design that required full focus and dedication—challenge accepted! The design process has its timelines, as finding inspiration is a journey: getting to know the couple, understanding their preferences, and bringing their love story to life in a way that honors them and their guests. There’s no set formula for design; it’s intimately connected to the vibe you share with them.

Initially, the couple had chosen minimalistic blue palm trees for their invitations, but they felt the elements didn’t fit their narrative. My creative process for paper goods is like a story that begins with the "Yes!" and builds up to the "I do!" Each piece of stationery must convey a cohesive message, becoming part of the wedding memories. I start with the end in mind: what does their envisioned celebration look like?

The idea was to subtly incorporate palm trees by designing a unique floral motif that evoked the palms without being too literal. The watercolor-styled florals, created especially for McNally and Devaun, echoed the colors of the table arrangements, creating a harmonious aesthetic that complemented the overall decor.

To honor the couple's minimalistic vision, we included guest names on sleek tags attached to their menus. McNally, the first of four siblings to marry, and Devaun, cherished by his new family, wanted a low-key celebration. Yet, their wedding became a testament to the love shared between both families.

We designed and produced the pieces in record time, capturing the essence of their love story without compromising on quality and excellence. The secret? A beautiful story of love that inspired from day one.

Cheers to the Mrs. and Mr. Koski!

Wedding Planner & Designer: @naplespartyplanner

Venue: @innonfifth

Photo: @taylorsheaphoto

Floral Design: @laroseflb

Paper Goods: @timeless.impress