Lauryn and Cody’s Opal Sands Resort Wedding

Lauryn and Cody’s Opal Sands Resort was 12 years in the making. They met in college on a double date, dated long-distance, ended up in Maryland together, adopted a pup, and finally picked a date!

Honestly, they are an adorable couple and could not be sweeter. Our Special Moments Event Planning team loved working with them. And now, people can stop asking if they’ve picked a wedding date!

 

 

The Night Before

The weekend festivities began the night before the wedding with a welcome party, delicious food, and welcome bags for all of the guests.

 

Start The Day

The wedding day began with hair and makeup for the ladies who had some bubbly, had breakfast delivered, and had a little fun together before getting dressed.

 

 

Across the hotel, our groom and his guys were getting dressed and ready for their photos together.

 

 

Bring Back My Girls!

With Lauryn dressed and ready, it was time to see her wedding party again before heading off for a couple more ‘first looks.’

 

 

Time To See Dad

After her reveal with her wedding party, it was time to see her dad for the first time.

 

 

Save The Best For Last

Finally, it was time for Lauryn to see Cody!

With the groom in place in a private part of the hotel, Lauryn made her entrance, And the two spent some personal time together before joining wedding parties and family for some pre-ceremony photos.

 

A Waterfront Wedding Ceremony

Outside on the resort’s event lawn, everything was in place for the couple’s waterfront wedding ceremony. The beautiful lawn overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. You get the sunshine, views of the shimmering water, and lovely breezes, but not the sand.

A custom Welcome sign greeted guests as they approached the lawn. White garden chairs led to a ceremony structure draped with white fabric and swagged with white and deep burgundy flowers.

 

 

Everyone Should Have Flower Men!

With guests seated and a majority of the wedding party in place, it was time for The Flower Men. 

Tossing flower petals and handing out a few beers, these two guys made their way down the aisle.

 

 

Everyone should have Flower Men!

 

Time To Tie The Knot

After twelve years, it was time for Lauryn and Cody to tie the knot. Lauryn, escorted by her father, made her way down the aisle to her anxiously awaiting groom.

 

 

 

The couple exchanged rings and vows with the sparkling Gulf of Mexico behind them, sealing their vows with a kiss.

 

 

Heading out for a quick toast with their wedding party, it was time for some family photos and cocktail hour.

 

 

Cocktail Hour

Following the wedding ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d ‘oeuvres that included Applewood Bacon Wrapped Diver Scallop, Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Boursin Cheese with Red Onion Marmalade, Coconut Shrimp with a Rum and Honey Sauce, Fried Truffle Mac and Cheese Bites, and Tuna Tartar with Wasabi Creme on a Wonton Crisp.

And what’s a Florida wedding without fresh Seafood? The cocktail hour also included a Chilled Seafood Display of Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, freshly shucked Oysters, Cocktail Crab Claws, and Fresh Local Fish Ceviche.

 

Dinner, Dancing, and Espresso Martinis!

Inside, the ballroom was set with rustic wooden feasting tables and large round tables draped in champagne-colored linens. 

Tables overflowed with glass cylinders holding chunky pillar candles and fresh flowers in white and burgundy. Charger plates were set with custom menu cards tucked into raisin-colored napkins. Mahogany-colored chairs with plum cushions added to the rich tones of the decor.

The couple’s sweetheart table sat in one corner of the dance floor, just before a hedge wall with a custom neon sign. Large floral arrangements, lots of candles, and an upholstered loveseat completed the look.

 

 

With everyone seated, the newlyweds made their entrance and took to the dance floor for their first dance to ‘The Bones’ by Maren Morris.

 

 

Following a blessing by the Mother of the Groom, guests enjoyed a delicious multi-course dinner.

 

Salad Course

Fresh Arugula, Baby Spinach, Bacon, Tomatoes, Apples, Pears, Pistachios, and Goat Cheese with Sherry Maple Vinaigrette.

Entree 

A Duo of Parmesan Crusted Grouper with Citrus Buerre Blanc paired with Seared Filet Mignon with Port Wine Demi-Glace.

Served with Potato & Cheddar Soufflé and Roasted Asparagus and Carrots. 

 

Between their salad and entree, the newlyweds took some time outside for gorgeous sunset photos along the gulf.

 

 

Returning to the festivities, the evening continued with Champagne toasts, parent dances, a yummy dessert display, a coffee bar, and an Espresso Martini Station (Lauryn’s favorite!).

After that, there was nothing left but to dance the night away!

Congratulations, Lauryn and Cody! We’re glad we got to be part of your special moments.

 

Thank You!

Thank you to Lauryn and Cody for their kind words and  Star Review.

 

 

Clearwater Beach Wedding Vendors

Wedding Venue: Opal Sand Resort

Clearwater Beach Wedding Planner: Special Moments Event Planning

Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Wedding Photographer: A2U Studios

Floral Design: Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft

Wedding Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies Tampa / St. Pete – Brian Jones

Rentals: A Chair Affair

Linens: Connie Duglin Linens

Band: Phase 5 Band

Signage and Programs: Special Moments Event Planning