Sarah and Phillip’s Opal Sands Wedding

The Opal Sands was the backdrop for Sarah and Phillip’s  Clearwater Beach wedding. They could not have been a sweeter couple, and we love the little personal touches they incorporated into their wedding day.

 

 

Let’s Get This Party Started

For Sarah, Phillip, and their wedding parties, the day began with lunch in their suites, photographing wedding details, and getting ready for the fantastic evening ahead.

 

 

Sarah and Phillip’s First Look

Before their waterfront wedding ceremony, the bride and groom-to-be took time away from their family and friends for a first look and some time together.

 

 

Lost In The Dream

Outside on the Opal Sand’s event lawn, all preparations for the couple’s wedding ceremony were in place.

With the shimmering Gulf of Mexico as their backdrop, the guests, groom, and wedding parties took their place. 

Phillip was all smiles as he watched his bride, escorted by her brother, make her way across the lawn.

 

Groom on the event lawn at the Opal Sands, watching his bride approach.

Bride walking down the aisle at the Opal Sands, escorted by her brother.

 

The couple exchanged wedding rings and vows before sealing their vows with a kiss. Following the traditional breaking of the glass, they made their exit to “One Day Like This” by Elbow.

 

 

But First, Tequila!

Wedding guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the lawn, which included a delicious Raw Bar with Oysters, Shrimp Cocktails, Crab Claw, and Ceviche, along with passed hors d’ oeuvres.

 

Raw bar during cocktail hour at the Opal Sands.

 

And how cute is the Margarita Station they included in cocktail hour? You had the option of a Paloma, Skinny, Spicy, or Cucumber Margarita with four incredible Tequila options.

 

Tequila Station during cocktail hour at the Opal Sands!

Sunset On The Beach

With sunset approaching, it was time for a quick toast with their wedding party and Sarah and Phillip’s portrait session. The Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach, and a magical sunset made for fantastic wedding photos.

 

 

Little Personal Touches

Just outside the ballroom, guests were able to find their seating assignments. Large tropical leaves held each guest’s name and table number.

 

Escort cards for a tropical wedding at the Opal Sands.

 

Inside the ballroom, a table held a vinyl record with the couple’s names, wedding date, and first dance song. Wedding guests were invited to write a message to the couple in silver or gold markers. It made a great remembrance of the day they could easily frame.

 

 

A pair of wedding favors were set out on the same table for each guest—a candle and box of matches, each with a fun custom label.

 

Wedding favors

 

Tables were draped in crisp white linens, gold charge plates, a custom menu card, and a napkin in a delicate rose fold. Each table contained gold candles, table numbers, and fun photos of the bride and groom.

 

 

Off to one side of the couple’s sweetheart table was their delicious semi-naked wedding cake decorated with dehydrated citrus slices and a custom cake topper. The cake flavors included Tiramisu, Mango with Vanilla Buttercream, and Key Lime with Lemon Butter Cream.

 

 

Real Love Baby

Following introductions, Sarah and Phillip took to the dance floor for their first dance to “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty. 

 

Bride and groom's first dance at their Opal Sands wedding reception.

 

Next up were parent dances and a refreshing salad course. Their plated appetizer selection was Ginger Braised Pork Belly with Sweet Potato Puree, Baby Spinach, and Cherry Bourbon Glaze.

For their entree, guests enjoyed a duo of Parmesan Crusted Grouper with Rose Sauce and Seared Filet Mignon with Port Wine Demi-Glace.

After a few touching yet fun toasts, the newlyweds cut their delicious wedding cake, and everyone took to the dance floor. Guests stopped dancing long enough to enjoy the wedding cake, miniature desserts, and some late-night snacks, including Chicken Sliders and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

Congratulations, Sarah and Phillip! We wish you a lifetime filled with special moments!

 

Black and white photo of a bride and groom at the Opal Sands.

Clearwater Beach Wedding Vendors

Thank you to the Clearwater Beach wedding vendors who made this day unique.

Clearwater Beach Wedding Venue: Opal Sands Resort

Clearwater Beach Wedding Coordination: Special Moments Event Planning

Wedding Photography: Limelight Photography

DJ: Roeshink Entertainment

Wedding Cake: A Piece of Cake and Desserts

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