KATIE KENNEDY

Mine: Dress: Soprano || Shoes: J. Crew || Bracelet: David Yurman || Earrings: Kate Spade

His: Shirt: J. Crew || Pants: J. Crew || Shoes: Aldo || Socks: J. Crew || Belt: Cole Haan

Happy Wedding Wednesday! It seems like I just posted a wedding update, but Irma has definitely helped me lose track of time and days. I’m so excited to return to normalcy and that includes my regularly scheduled blog posts.

We are so beyond fortunate to report that the family and home are all okay. We are currently without power (and may be for quite some time), but if that’s the only thing to complain about, I feel pretty blessed. St. Petersburg seemed to have made out okay too. The love and support I have seen towards one another is so inspirational and reminds me all of the good there is in the world. A special thank you needs to go out to the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and linemen and women who are helping the city get back to normal and continue to stay safe. I also greatly appreciate the local businesses for opening their doors and welcoming us in with open arms, sharing their AC, power, and companionship.

Our church and reception venue were also safe from any harm, which means that our wedding planning can continue on, business as usual. From here, we have a lot of the smaller details to work out. I’ve heard that this can be one of the more stressful parts of planning, but my Southern Wedding Planner helps me keep track of everything. New thoughts and ideas are popping up everyday, but so far the biggies left are:

• flower arrangements. My favorite bouquet flowers are hydrangeas. Other than that, I’m looking to keep flowers simple, but tasteful.
• bridesmaid dresses. I’m looking to save my bridesmaids some money by finding some rental options. Any former brides out there that have any thoughts or insight?
• desserts. Keeping with the Florida vibes, our wedding ‘cake’ will be swapped for some Key Lime Pie. Meanwhile, my guests will enjoy cupcakes. Shoutout to my dear friend, Hannah, for the inspiration from her own wedding.
• save the dates and invitations. Minted has so many great options. How will I ever decide?!

The last thing to share with you are some more pictures from my engagement session with Cathy Durig. Last week I highlighted the more casual of the two outfits I got to shoot, but today I wanted to share my formal. When I saw this navy, lace dress from Soprano, I instantly feel in love. The midi-length was so tasteful and the high neckline was extremely flattering. At under $60, this is a great staple piece I can have on repeat when the occasion strikes. It’s dressy enough to wear to a wedding in any season, but is still laidback enough to wear on date night when we’re out on the town.

Staying more monochromatic, David and I were coordinated with his white oxford and navy chinos (both from J. Crew). I admit, I was a little nervous about there being so much navy. Even though it’s my favorite color, I was afraid that we would end up looking too matchy. When I saw the results from Cathy, I loved how everything turned out. Our outfits reflect both of our styles and helped us look in sync. Now the tough part is picking which one to have printed on our save-the-dates. Any suggestions?

Love from Florida,
Katie

(Mine) Top: ASOS || Pants: Old Navy || Watch: Tory Burch || Earrings: Kate Spade || Necklace: Gorjana

(His) Top: J. Crew || Pants: J. Crew || Watch: MVMT

Welcome back dear reader. I know I’m a day late and a dollar short (thanks Irma), but I still wanted to share a little belated Wedding Wednesday. It’s been a long time since I talked about my big day. So, let me get you back up to speed on what’s all happened so far:

• Everything I consider “major” has been booked and taken care of. This means the venues for the both reception and ceremony, the photographer, music, and food. The most stressful part right now is we have to hold our breath and prey that our church and reception venue don’t have damage from the storm.
• The dress has been picked out and I would be lying if I said Jackie Kennedy wasn’t a huge piece of inspiration. If the last name to be fits I guess. Up next, I’ll have to schedule my fittings and figure out a way to incorporate a piece of my grandma’s dress. Unfortunately, most of her dress was not salvageable after 50 plus years in the Florida humidity, but she had an absolutely beautiful navy beaded belt detail around the waist that I will be finding a place for.
• Because I’m a rare homebred Floridian, I wanted to incorporate a lot of old school Florida pieces. I’ve been hunting down and stock piling vintage postcards like it’s my job or future currency. I also have a yummy sweet treat for cocktail hour planned that I’m over-the-moon excited about.
• The tickets to our honeymoon have been booked. We are planning three blissful weeks to explore Italy. We still haven’t purchased our tickets back to the states yet because I’m still trying to decide if I even want to come back! I’m kidding, but being an expat in Lake Como doesn’t sound like too awful of a gig.
• Finally, we just had an amazing engagement photo session with our photographer, Cathy Durig. She’s a local photographer by way of Fort Lauderdale and Charlotte, but I’m so thankful she’s found her way to the Sunshine City. I’m also grateful for my dear friend for recommending her to me. Kelsey, you knew exactly what I was looking for! Cathy was so fun to work with and gave great direction. We talked local food, Game of Thrones, and Florida State. Anyone who shares my alma mater is a friend in my book. I’m beyond excited to work with you for my big and I’ll practice “relaxing the arm.”

For my engagement pictures, I knew I wanted to be by the water and stumbled upon the Redington Shores Pier. I thought it was perfect location to match my vintage Florida inspired wedding. When the storm clouds rolled in that morning, I was pins and needles for our sunset time frame. Thankfully, the clouds rolled away leaving an absolutely gorgeous sunset and perfect lighting.

This look was the more casual of the two. I wanted to keep it light, comfy, and super nautical. I loved this oversized shirt from ASOS. The blue in the stripes was a gorgeous cloud blue color and just worked for the location. Once again, I’m wearing my miracle white jeans from Old Navy. The whole outfit was perfect for running around the beach. David was a lot easier to dress. I mean, all guys have to do to look put together is throw on a button down and pair of chino pants (both of David’s found at J. Crew). They have no idea how easy it is for them!

Next week, I’ll be sharing my dressier engagement look and the darling lace midi dress I ordered just for the occasion! Be sure to stop by! To all in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and beyond, be safe and be prepared. Storms are so predictable and it’s better to have and not need then need and not have.

Best,
Katie