After a courtship destined from the start and culminating with a proposal in front of a rose garden, Jamee and Matt exchanged vows on a day that seemed to be scripted by the movies with perfect weather and a pristine, crystal blue beach backdrop in front of 200 friends and family. Journey into the sunset with this match made in seaside heaven with photos by Tonya Malay Photography.
Tell us how you met…
We met on Spring Break during college in Fort Myers, Florida. Matt was playing basketball at the time. Matt wasn’t sure that he was going to make Spring Break because his team almost made the playoffs, but they lost at the last minute and he ended up traveling to Florida. He was hanging with his buddies, and they spotted a group of gorgeous girls, and Matt’s friend was wearing a Miami hat. It turned out two of the girls attended Miami University, and then everyone immediately clicked. We hit it off instantly.
Now for the proposal… details!
Matt proposed in the rose garden at Grant Park in Chicago. I was so surprised. We were walking through the park, and suddenly Matt went to one knee and after fumbling his words and finally was able to ask me to marry him. He was so nervous. After the proposal we walked to the Buckingham Fountain where both sets of parents were waiting for us with champagne and congratulations.
We want to know about all the wedding details, was it small and intimate or big and traditional?
Big, Elegant, and Classic. We had friends and family travel from all over the United States to attend our fun destination wedding. We were the biggest wedding that the Marco Beach Ocean Resort ever had at the resort. Everyone arrived Wednesday and Thursday prior to the wedding and made the trip a vacation. We had blast spending time with everyone.
Tell us about your wedding gown and what your bridal party wore.
Matt: “I had my suit custom made in China. They have a tailor that does a tour around the US. He takes your measurements, you pick your fabric, and upon their return to China they make the suit and then ship to the US once it’s done.”
Jamee: “I found my wedding gown at a small boutique in Noblesville, Indiana. It was the second dress I tried on, and I knew the instant I put it on that the dress was made for me . I ended up buying it, and then had it altered to a sweetheart neckline, and added vintage lace along the bottom as well as a vintage broche. Our groomsmen wore tan and white seersucker suits from Jos. A Banks. and the bridesmaids wore navy J Crew strapless dresses.
Can you give us an overview of the event?
Our wedding was everything we envisioned. It couldn’t have been more perfect. We still have friends and family tell us that our wedding was the best wedding they ever attended. Everyone arrived mid week and we spent each day enjoying activities with our friends and family. We had a couple of cocktail gatherings, a rehearsal the night before, and days spent on the beach relaxing and enjoying the perfect Florida weather.
Was there a specific theme or style?
Vintage Elegance
What inspired the theme or style?
Jamee: I spent hours and hours on Pinterest getting ideas for my wedding. My planner, Kehrin Hassan, was unbelievable and suggested so many wonderful ideas that we incorporated into the wedding. She was absolutely wonderful! The event coordinator at the resort, Corrin Clark was great as well! They suggested so many wonderful ideas that we incorporated into the wedding. They were both a joy to work with!
What were your playful twists that made the event unique?
Jamee: My brother sang during the ceremony, and Matt surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers prior to the ceremony.
Did you DIY any of the details?
Table Cards. Wedding Arch-Matt made the arch out of PVC piping and Kehrin with Jet Set Wed decorated the arch with fabric and flowers.
What was the most memorable moment?
Jamee: “The most memorable moment of the day was when I read my note from Matt that he sent to me before the wedding. I was in tears.”
Matt: “Standing at the arch watching Jamee walk down the aisle. She looked so beautiful…I was blown away.”
Tell us about the food and desserts.
The cake was chocolate with raspberry filling and tasted AMAZING! For our main course we had sea bass and filet. Our friends and family said it was the best wedding food they ever had. The chef at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort was so talented and his food was amazing.
What kind of energy did your entertainment give the guests?
The music by Seaside Strings during our ceremony was absolutely beautiful. (followed by) DJ Ceron had the dance floor literally packed all night long and never took a break. He said ours was one of the funnest weddings he’s ever worked.
If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?
We wouldn’t change a thing!
What was the best wedding advice you received?
Matt: One of my friends told me “Keep it fun and flirty and act like you’re still dating.”
Wedding Professionals
Venue: Marco Beach Ocean Resort | Photographer: Tonya Malay Photography | Decor and Planner: Jet Set Wed | Floral: Marco Island Florist | Linens: Connie Duglin Linens | Cake: Ella’s Cakes | DJ: DJ Ceron | Live Music: Seaside Strings | Videographer: Parallel Media | Makeup: Sara Brown with Skin Ritual, Indianapolis | Hair: Jessica Warrix with JW Salon, Indianapolis
