Real Weddings: Rylie & Dalton

from Coastal Weddings Magazine Spring 2025

Real Weddings: Jessica & Heidi

We, based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, about 20 miles from our wedding destination, live a true water-based lifestyle on a bayou. I am an at-sea fish biologist for the State of Florida, working on charter fishing boats aiding marine fisheries research. Dalton, a first mate on a sportfishing boat, participates in many billfish fishing tournaments in the Gulf of Mexico and owns his own custom fishing rod company, “Sarverods.” We both attended Navarre High School in Navarre, Florida, where our paths first crossed through mutual friends. Despite initially wanting to keep things platonic, I couldn’t resist Dalton’s persistence.

After seven years together, our bond grew stronger as we supported each other through various life changes. Dalton’s grand romantic gesture of driving through a hurricane to return home from North Carolina, after deciding a week into school that he didn’t want to be apart from me, showcases our deep commitment.

The proposal, a weekend before my college graduation, took place during a sunset photo session at Bean Point beach in Anna Maria Island, Florida. Dalton proposed with a beautiful green diamond, symbolizing our love for nature.

We tied the knot at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Beach Club on September 10, 2024, in a celebration that perfectly encapsulated our love story and shared passion for the water. The venue’s pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico created a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Our love for the water was seamlessly integrated into their special day, making the Beach Club’s beautiful views and tranquil setting the perfect choice. Our journey together, from high school friends to lifelong partners, is a testament to their enduring love and commitment.