Gulfshore Life Celebrate 2023

ELEGANT IDEAS FOR FLAWLESS ENTERTAINING ON THE GULF

When Hurricane Ian destroyed their venue, musicians Jay Allen and Kylie Morgan took the opportunity to help the community and create a magical wedding at Fort Myers’ La Casa Toscana.

Courtesy Hunter Berry Photography

With 40-beachfront acres and a prime location within Marsh Harbour, the iconic Abaco Beach Resort offers guests access to a variety of land- and water-based activities ranging from island-hopping, fishing, snorkeling, and diving to shopping and dining. The resort caters to families, couples, friends, and groups looking to escape the crowds of some of the larger islands while experiencing the relaxed hassle-free attitude that makes The Abacos so authentically unique.

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Margaret Short’s Naples-based TableTop Creations Photographed by Nicole Nixon

Creat g Magic, One Ev at a T e.

MEET YOUR PLANNERS

At Faithful Weddings, this dedicated team of passionate wedding and event planners are devoted to creating exceptional celebrations throughout Southwest Florida. With years of experience, we have had the honor of crafting countless unforgettable moments for our clients. From intimate ceremonies to grand soirées, our meticulous attention to detail and persona ized approach ensure that every event is a true reflection of our clients' dreams and desires.

With a deep understanding of the region's unique charm and diverse venues, we take pride in orchestrating seamless, magical experiences that leave a lasting impression on both hosts and guests.

LIFE OF THE PARTY

It’s not often you see a mod scene like Jay Allen and Kylie Morgan’s wedding—especially in Southwest Florida, where the coastal aesthetic reigns. After Hurricane Ian destroyed their venue in Fort Myers Beach, the Nashville-based singer-songwriters transformed La Casa Toscana into a romantic, rock ‘n’ roll paradise, complete with a Johnny Cash-inspired suit for the groom, a tattoo artist on site for unconventional party favors and a kaleidoscopic dance floor (page 46). The black-and-white-themed visual was softened by Kylie’s flowing boho dress, Jade Strings’ ethereal music, and delicately hung white chandeliers and florals on a banyan tree. The juxtaposition is possible in Southwest Florida thanks to the wealth of party professionals who know how to infuse sheer elegance into highly personalized experiences.

And, this year we were thrilled to learn that several entertaining experts have expanded their services to provide more for eager hosts: Chef Vincenzo Betulia made his much-anticipated foray into catering, bringing his knack for elevated European countryside fare to the home (page 14).

Event planner Margaret Short launched a collection of tablescape kits to make throwing a dinner party as easy as clicking a button (page 12). Jana Tobey, of Tobey Events, debuted an à la carte model to complement her full-service planning business to work with hosts of all stripes (page 24).

New professionals are also stepping onto the scene to help memorialize special days long after the last rental chairs are packed away. Darien Hoffmann of Naples-based business Rejoice and Blossom preserves florals into resin art and fur -

niture (page 20), and a rising crop of event social media professionals capture parties in real time, on cell phones, to give hosts quick access to images with Instagram-friendly styling and dimensions (page 22). As a bonus, everyone can be more present during the event without worrying about capturing every little moment themselves. To us, that’s what makes a good party—having everyone come together to celebrate a common good with minimal distractions and plenty of fun. Every story in this issue aims to help make it a little easier for you and your guests to tune out the rest of the world and tune into each other to build meaningful, lasting memories.

The Gulfshore Life Team

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ENTERTAINING IN STYLE

Trends, ideas and go-to resources for your picturesque weddings, record-breaking fundraisers, unforgettable birthdays and every special occasion in between

SETTING THE TABLE

Dinner party decor goes DIY with Margaret Events’ new collection of curated tabletop designs.

Naples event planner Margaret Short is a go-to for over-thetop celebrations. Now, she’s also helping up the game for intimate gatherings. “A lot of my clients ask, ‘Can you come over and help me set my table?’” she notes.

Margaret launched TableTop Creations earlier this year, with dinner party table settings and decor that you order with the click of a button. The process is

simple: You browse from nearly a dozen collections, choose the party date and size, and order a ready-to-assemble tablescape. Packages come with DIY instructions (or can be set up by a TableTop Creator for a fee), and it all gets picked up after to eliminate planning stress.

They can also arrange à la carte services, like booking bartenders and private chefs.

“We have these contacts and

resources, let’s provide them,” Margaret figures.

She plans to roll out collaborator collections with local event pros, too. The first one, slated for fall, honors her stepdaughter, Mackenzie Ryan, who passed away after a car accident in May.

The two launched TableTop Creations together. “We have to do this,” Margaret says. “We have to move forward because that’s what she would want.”

An Enchanting Wedding Dream

At Faith Acres, your dreams of an idyllic wedding come to life. Whether you envision a whimsical garden affair, a rustic barn celebration, or a sophisticated outdoor extravaganza, our grounds provide the perfect canvas for your love story. Let us transport you and your guests to a world of enchantment, where cherished memories are made and shared.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Each of chef Vincenzo Betulia’s ventures is better than the last—and his formal expansion into catering may be his best move yet.

Imagine a five-course meal catered from the kitchen of a Port Royal mansion, yachts bobbing in the bay out back. Here, Vincenzo Betulia—alongside his trusted roster of chefs (including company pastry pro Maria Selas and chefs Shane Rossbach and

Amado De Paz)—prepares lobster with burrata and pickled eggplant. He spoons dollops of housemade ricotta for a runny egg yolk ravioli before moving to Wagyu steak, finished in a red wine reduction and paired with a round of layered spun potato. Guests end the eve -

ning with butterscotch pot de crème served on Versace plates—a chef’s kiss ‘goodbye’ to season.

Vincenzo never intended to start a catering company, despite countless requests to his restaurant quartet. On the occasions he accepted a gig,

The Catering — By Andrew Atkins — Photography by Chris Grosser

Vincenzo brings his lauded culinary creativity and attention to catering.

attendees always approached him, complimenting the food’s freshness. It sparked a realization. “Holy cow, we’re actually pretty good at this,” he remembers thinking. So, the chef launched Tulia Catering last October.

The Sicily native was the first in Naples to host a Friends of James Beard Benefit dinner—a covetable nod from the institu-

tion that’s been the premiere judge of culinary excellence— back in 2015. Through Tulia Catering, he crafts bespoke menus and personalized experiences. He may collaborate with event organizers to facilitate a cigar-and-bourbon nook for a golden birthday or perhaps even a grappa-and-limoncello station to toast the launch of a luxe dealership.

While Vincenzo’s hands-on approach means he’s often onsite for events, he relies on his trusted team to coordinate the culinary delights. (You can also request Vincenzo’s on-staff sommelier, Marcello Palazzi, to attend to all your vino needs.)

“Whatever they’re envisioning, it’s what I’m trying to make come true,” he says. “The client is in the driver’s seat.”

UP IN SMOKE

First impressions are everything, and you can ensure your event makes the ultimate statement from the get-go by welcoming guests with fanciful cocktails engulfed in billowing smoke.

Davina Chant, founder of Fort Myers-based The Twisted Trotter, debuted her Liquid Tablescapes service earlier this year to complement the brand’s mainstay mobile bars. As smoking cocktails have

surged nationally, she recognized the bewitching spectacle was noticeably missing locally.

The sensory-rich presentation takes the welcome cocktail experience up a notch. Picture swirls of smoke flowing from above, enveloping Champagne flutes and highball glasses. The smoke hovers around the drinks for a few minutes, then billows over the table’s edge and toward the floor, disappearing. To achieve the effect, Davina places three to four canisters filled with dry ice on acrylic stands. As the frozen carbon dioxide hits room temperature, it turns to vapor. “It’s an entertainment and conversation piece,” Davina says.

Cocktail aficionados may be used to seeing smoky whiskeys and Negronis at restaurants, when bartenders light wood planks or chips on fire to enhance the flavor and create a visual wow factor.

For an event setting, Davina prefers flavorless dry ice, which doesn’t affect the drinks’ profile. She often concocts colorful and garnished cocktails to enhance the grandeur.

After the initial flow of guests has passed, Davina and team refill the dry ice to recreate the smoldering effect. “We pride ourselves in taking a ‘bar service’ to an unforgettable experience, where unique bars and elaborate displays steal the show,” she says. “What better way to greet your guests?”

The Cocktails — By Addison Pezoldt

The Twisted Trotter takes welcome cocktails to a sultry, new level.

BED OF ROSES

Naples-based Rejoice and Blossom turns floral arrangements into forever art and furnishings.

Florals are central to event design, but their ephemeral beauty fades. Hold on to their charm by turning blooms into art, with Darien Hoffmann’s floral preservation outfit Rejoice and Blossom.

Preserving flowers is nothing new. Many can remember hanging a treasured arrangement to dry upside down or tucking a bloom into a book. In recent years, artists have been immortalizing arrange-

ments in resin—a longer-lasting approach that turns florals into art, furnishings and jewelry.

Darien taught herself everything and practiced with garden flowers before debuting Rejoice and Blossom in 2019. She and her fisherman husband, Kieran, run the business out of a warehouse in Naples. The couple’s 5-yearold son helps unbox bouquets and dry the flowers. Darien often color-corrects the blooms with

floral paint to preserve the vibrant hues. She places each flower into a resin-filled mold, quickly arranging flowers, one layer at a time, before the resin dries in about an hour. The pieces then cure in a 78-degree room.

She makes coffee tables, serving trays and earrings. For one project, Darien outfitted a pair of glittery lace-up boots, with a resin heel, with peach spray roses, eucalyptus and Craspedias—hey, why not?

Courtesy Rejoice and Blossom

INSTANT GRATIFICATION

Enter the newest must-have member of the party planning team: the social media manager.

Nowadays, we’re accustomed to sharing every moment immediately online. In addition to securing photographers and videographers, hosts are hiring social media pros to record events’ most intimate scenes in real-time—and with the right social media dimensions—on cell phones. “I’m focused on the moments that the professional photographer and videographer can’t get because they have an entire shot list to get through,”

Jade Gibson, of Naples-based entertainment group Jade Strings, says.

Jade might capture a Naples Winter Wine Festival hostess putting the finishing touches on her Vintner Dinner’s tablescape, a sweet interaction between a bride and her sister or an impromptu dance party at the

end of a gala. It helps that Jade and her team know what to look for—she estimates she’s been to more than 400 events since starting her musician collective in 2018. In the fall of 2022, she expanded to include social media services. “[People] spend months and months planning every detail, and they miss so many elements on the day because they’re overwhelmed,” she says. “The official photos and videos won’t arrive for months, so I help them experience—and share—all the little things almost immediately.”

Many party planners request candid pics and videos full of movement and expression, reflecting the trend toward eschewing perfectly curated feeds in favor of unedited moments and authenticity. One local bride green-lit posting her gown on

Instagram before the ceremony— superstitions be darned.

Stephany Anderson, of Naplesbased Social Icing Productions, takes it a step further, providing graphic design and content management. She can create and manage event social media pages up to three months in advance.

“We either offer guidance or post for clients to get guests excited about what’s to come,” she says.

“On the day of, we create business cards to hand out to friends and family with the dedicated hashtag, so we can collect all the photos everyone takes.”

Pros like Stephany and Jade can also orchestrate to best capture the highlights. “If everyone is holding up their phones ... it’s not going to make for a very good picture, and you can’t get that moment back,” Stephany says.

The Photography — By Laura Kostelny —

Photography by Carrie Patterson

Hiring a social media manager for your event can help you capture all the stunning, candid moments without you or your guests having to be on phones.

CREATIVE COUPLING

Jana Tobey brings new rules of engagement to the world of event planning.

So, you have a vision in mind, you’re mighty handy, and no one can devise a schedule better than you. You’ve decided to plan your own wedding, but a little help would be nice.

Enter: KissToCake. Founded by Jana Tobey of the successful, Southwest Florida-based Tobey Events, KissToCake launched this year as an auxiliary wedding day management service with à la carte add-ons. “We get to lift the stress off everyone so that they can focus on

being fully present for those moments,” Jana says.

The standard package gets you a planner to run the rehearsal, create the event timeline, coordinate with vendors and be onsite for at least eight hours to ensure everything runs without a hitch. You can add other services like design consultation; access to a list of vetted florists, caterers and photographers; and membership to an online portal with proprietary checklists and tools to manage budgets, schedules, and all the other ins and outs in one place.

Jana created Kiss to Cake with budget-conscious couples in mind. Growing up in a military household, the planner moved around a lot and the family often had to pinch pennies. “When my dad was on active duty, it meant living on a budget. I vividly recall my mom sitting at the kitchen table on Sundays, clipping coupons for our grocery runs,” she says.

The service allows couples to get targeted help only around the things they need most. “Every bride and groom deserves to have

Anna Nguyen

Through Tobey Events, Jana orchestrates elaborate celebrations. Her new outfit, KissToCake, allows DIY couples who don’t need full planning services to book à la carte support, like a wedding day management coordinator.

the wedding of their dreams, but we understand our full planning and design services may not be feasible for everyone.”

Couples with infinite budgets can also appreciate the hands-on, à la carte approach. Perhaps you want to have coordinators direct guests and manage vendors or get Jana’s team to keep the event on schedule. But those looking for an all-access bridal fairy can

turn to Jana’s full planning and design company.

After 14 years of planning corporate events, Jana broke into the business of the betrothed by accident, when she happened to meet a frazzled bride in 2020. “Her venue had shut down due to unforeseen construction, and she needed to move everything— in three weeks,” Jana recalls. “I helped redesign and relocate the

The planner specializes in whimsical events for conscientious hosts. She works with floral designers to donate arrangements post-party and prioritizes eco-friendly materials.

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event, coordinated with all of the vendors, set up, worked it and broke it all down.” After the flawless reception, the bride called her a hero. Jana printed up ‘Wedding Hero’ business cards as soon as she got home. She rebranded to Tobey Events this past year.

Through her company, Jana also provides responsible guidance. “I strongly believe that everything should have multi-

ple uses,” she says, adding that she’ll work with floral designers to donate arrangements to nonprofits and hospices after the events. Jana partners with similarly minded vendors, like Savoir Event Rentals. “For outdoor weddings, we use biodegradable materials that won’t harm wildlife,” she says. And, all designs include cleanup programs. “For beach receptions, we turn to

fully recyclable and sustainable one-time-use pieces made from bamboo or other eco-friendly materials so we can avoid the 500-year lifespan of plastic utensils in landfills,” Jana adds.

In the end, her goal is to amplify the beauty of the day. “Weddings are one of the most iconic moments in life, and I get to ensure that they are filled with magic,” she says.

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CREATURE COMFORTS

From vintage to modern, interior-coded decor brings unexpected verve to the outdoors.

For Florida events, nature beckons with promises of cocktails by the sea and dancing under live oaks. Good weather permitting, gathering alfresco is celebrating at its finest. But the typical outdoor decor can feel limiting. Event designers are turning to indoor furnishings to cultivate distinct and personalized open-air settings to take things up a notch. “It’s that juxtaposition between what’s traditional and what’s unexpected,” event planner Anna Lucia Richardson says.

We can thank Sofia Richie and other starlets’ castle weddings for the uptick in taking indoor furniture out for parties. “In Florida, everything we have is new,” Naples-based Carrie Darling says. “We have beautiful lawns with trees, which is great, but this is a way of adding so much more aesthetically into the space.”

It’s not uncommon to find plush sofas and loveseats, velvet pillows, area rugs and coffee tables at Carrie’s events. And her husband, Matt, often builds elaborate pieces to ensure Carrie Darling Events’ alfresco gatherings feel as plush as any interior space. For one Captiva Island soiree, they created pillows printed

Courtesy Alisa Sue Photography

For a backyard bash, Anna Lucia Events used sculptural black chairs, a mirrored-top table and pendants hanging from the branches to create a sleek scene.

with designs from the invitation suite to sit atop the Louis XV-style settee. A jute rug, Acapulco chair, glass-top coffee table and Moroccan poufs rounded out the outdoor ‘living room.’

For one client seeking a polished backyard bash, Anna Lucia paired sculptural black Panton chairs and a charcoal-gray Parsons table with a mirrored top to reflect the host’s contemporary leanings. The glossy surfaces glistened under the light from sleek pendants hanging from the tree branches. “The very dark, monochromatic palette creates an entirely different vibe against the organic elements of lawn and trees in the background,” Anna Lucia says.

The creative repertoire expands with indoor decor. Kelly Zielinski, of Fort Myers-based event rentals company Something Borrowed, loves sourcing unique pieces for unconventional uses— think antique washers turned into beverage stations and ornate vanities as cake tables. And she wows with architectural elements, like a set of arched double doors used as a grand bridal reveal for an open-air aisle.

Beyond the aesthetics, there is a sentimental core behind the indoor-out trend. Indoor decor can be much more personal than what you get from plastic folding chairs. Naples florist Tom Trovato recalls

Courtesy Anna Lucia Events

one client who used her mother’s chandeliers in the event tent. These interior pieces also lend themselves to more intimate arrangements and comfier lounging. Sarah Katsandris, of Plíthos Event Rentals and Styling in Fort Myers, is a go-to for local planners looking for velvet sofas, marble lamps, dangling chandeliers, woven placemats, and custom-built bars and light walls. Sarah finds that the furnishings and decor bring a sense of home to any outdoor gathering. “The lounge furniture creates this intimate, cozy feel,” she says. “It seamlessly draws in your guests for those memorable conversations and epic Instagram photos.”

TICKLED PINK

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, brightens party palates.

Blush, Champagne and baby blues have been the hues du jour for big celebrations. But after Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2023 as Viva Magenta, hosts and planners have been welcoming the punchy update.

Lisa Radlovacki, owner of Naples-based Lisa London Weddings & Events, often uses the shade in her designs and says the color’s rising popularity reflects our desire to look toward the future after years of pandemic shutdowns and hurricane woes: “What better way to [celebrate] than including a

fun, bright, happy color scheme that gets everyone in the mood to party?”

The purple-pink hue is lively and adaptable.

“You can add small pops of it as an accent and break up a traditional palette or add lots of it to create a drastically more sexy, after-dark look,” Lisa says. An easy way to weave in the color is through florals.

“Magenta is often a natural hue for [hosts] who embrace our subtropical surroundings,” Matthew Huddleston, of Naples-based 50Fifty Creative Services, says, adding that bougainvillea makes for a lovely dose.

Magenta adds vibrancy and sophistication to event design, and the color’s surprisingly versatile—pair it with neutrals or other jewel-toned hues.

Lisa recently planned a fuschia fantasy party in Naples with abundant pink blooms. She keeps her arrangements free-flowing and organic to soften the bright color’s effect. “We are obsessed with magenta ceiling installations—florals that look like they are falling from above as opposed to stiff chandeliers,” she says. “I love a room with dripping florals.”

Purple-pink uplighting or neon signs can also elevate an evening affair and create a magical effect. Though, gourmands may prefer to weave in the color through food. Lexie Verbruggen, of Marco Island-based Sweetified Custom Cakes, likes to add magenta florals, icing or fondant to her desserts— especially traditionally white cakes. “I think it makes such a bold statement. Your cake should be an edible work of art, so why not showcase it with an eye-catching color?” Lexie says.

Despite its depth, planners note that Viva Magenta is a harmonious hue that plays well with others. Pair it with beige or grey shades for elegant sophistication. Black and other dark contrasts deliver a dramatically sultry effect, and mixing with similarly toned bold blues and greens reads as energetic and fun—as a party should.

Courtesy 50Fifty Creative Services/Audrey Snow

The Florals — By Samantha Garbarini — Photography by Anna Nguyen

SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND

Southwest Florida’s paradisiacal landscapes provide boundless inspiration for event design—the trick is to make it look chic, not kitschy. To exemplify Floridian flair, we tapped Naples bloom masters Kaleidoscope Floral to design arrangements that hail the Sunshine State in a distinct and sophisticated fashion.

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENT (Previous spread)

As an ode to Florida’s tropical bounty, Kaleidoscope Floral’s Sean Stevenson challenged himself to treat citrus, mangoes, papaya and bananas with the same reverence as flowers. He cut open grapefruits and oranges to reveal their colorful centers, then arranged the fruit in organic, overflowing abundance. Papaya leaves and banana stalks give the arrangement height.

GO WITH THE FLOW

Sean wanted to capture the motion and cerulean hues of the Gulf, so he grouped voluminous clusters of blue hydrangeas in ebbs and flows, building up to a wave-like crest on one side. “[Using] primarily one ingredient, [you have to give] it a really interesting shape and movement,” he says. Sprays of delicate tweedia and larkspur bring in the ocean’s blue tones, while sprigs of white rice flowers evoke the crashing surf.

INTO THE WILD

People don’t often think of the Everglades for event inspiration, but Sean recognizes the inherent beauty of our swamps. For a fittingly wild scene, he created a miniature ecosystem of grasses, cypress, palms, ferns and air plants, many of which he foraged from his parents’ Naples backyard. The arrangement is light on flowers, featuring just water lilies and a few white orchids—a nod to the local storied ghost orchid. “It is more designed as a living collection of plants, like a terrarium feel,” he says.

SHORE THING

For a beach-inspired arrangement, Sean toasts the Gulf’s whitesand beaches, with white moth orchids, white buttercups, and quicksand and Champagne roses in a giant clam shell. The

florist follows a lessis-more philosophy for his designs. “Even when I make an arrangement with tons of ingredients, I like to have groupings of them together, because that’s how flowers grow naturally,” he says.

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TO CHERISH

Country singer-songwriters Jay Allen and Kylie Morgan didn’t let a hurricane and postponed date deter them from marrying in their beloved Fort Myers.

When Hurricane Ian destroyed

Kylie Morgan and Jay Allen’s wedding venue (a shipyard on the water in Fort Myers Beach), the couple postponed the October 1 ceremony and started brainstorming ways to help friends and residents in their adopted second home. “We were on top of the world, thinking we were going to get married in this place of our dreams,” says 37-year-old Jay, who competed in last year’s season of The Voice. To get Kylie’s mind off the wedding— and the destruction in Southwest Florida—he Googled “city with the nicest weather right now” for travel ideas, and New Orleans topped the list. During their Crescent City jaunt, they started planning for a relief concert at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

The Party — By Lane Nieset — Photography by Hunter Berry

Black was a dominant color in the wedding, including for the groom’s ensemble. Kylie’s “something old” was a picture of her grandmother tied in blue ribbon around her bouquet by Kaleidoscope Floral.

in Nashville, where they live, to raise money for families displaced by the storm. “I wanted to shine a light on what was happening down there,” Jay says.

In about a month, Estero-based Felicia Gostisbehere-Couto, of Avec Moi Event Planning & Design, which specializes in “transformative wedding designs,” recreated the vision in a new locale. She adapted some of the elements from the original venue, like the catering plans with Bonita Springs’ Artichoke & Company and the tattoo-in-

spired black-and-white dance floor wrap and signage—to the Tuscan-inspired La Casa Toscana, which sits on a 10-acre estate in Fort Myers. “I wanted to get married in Italy—it was the dream,” 28-year-old Kylie says. “This was like our Italy in Fort Myers.”

The couple tied the knot the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which serendipitously works out to be the ideal anniversary date, since this is one of the only times of the year the couple has off from touring and other

obligations. “This surpassed the ‘wedding of our dreams’ by a thousand,” Jay says. “This is the theme of life—something terrible and sad happens, but God turns it into something beautiful.”

Jay often wears black (“Think Johnny Cash, with his black button-downs and boots,” he says), and the color tied into the wedding theme. The groom’s ink-black look was from Los Angeles-based The Black Tux. The bride wore a bohemian, Italian-made gown from Maison Signore, which she found at New

Hurricane Ian destroyed the musicians’ original venue on Fort Myers Beach, so they relocated to the idyllic La Casa Toscana.

The whiskey-caramel cake was from Kentucky-based Sweets By Cindy.

York City’s Kleinfeld Bridal (after trying on what felt like 70 other dresses) while filming an episode of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress , slated to air this fall. “I didn’t want a princess ball gown. I wanted one I could dance in, one that I could do a cartwheel in—which I did in the dress on the show,” says Kylie, adding that she wanted a beachy, boho look since they were initially planning to get married by the water.

Breaking from tradition, Jay helped pick out her look (“He’s my best friend,” she says).

Friend and designer Bluff Agency’s Kelly Paige, who crafts Kylie’s costumes for live shows, created a robe out of the bride’s mom’s wedding dress, and Kylie’s older sister gave her ‘something old,’ a photograph of her grandmother tied with a blue ribbon to a bouquet by

Naples-based Kaleidoscope Floral. For her ‘something borrowed,’ Kylie wore the foot tassels the couple’s Fort Myers friend, lovingly referred to as ‘Mama Mary,’ wore on her wedding day.

Kylie and Jay also created a logo for the wedding. The upside-down triangle dictated the ceremony’s design and symbolized their union, since their hometowns are roughly 700 miles from one another and 700 miles from Nashville, their current home. They realized the symmetry one year when they were mapping out Thanksgiving plans. The black theme continued through the whiskey-caramel cake and the dance floor—a centerpiece of the event that stretched across the main reception space.

An on-site tattoo artist marked the couple’s love in ink. They both got the cer -

emony logo and words ‘Til Death’ matching on their arms, adding to Jay’s collection of 113 tattoos. They also performed songs they wrote for each other during the reception. “Singing is their love language,” Felicia says. Jay sang his love song as a duet with Kylie’s younger sister, Raylee. They only rehearsed once in the bathroom before performing it that day. “I love them both so much, I didn’t know who to look at,” Kylie says.

Despite the lovebirds postponing the nuptials and planning an entirely new wedding in a month, they both believe it was a blessing in disguise:

“People say if it rains on your wedding day, it’s good luck, and we had a hurricane,” Jay says.

“God definitely had his thumb on it.”

Kylie and Jay also hired a tattoo artist, who gave the couple matching ink during the reception.

The black-and-white dance floor nods to Jay’s affinity for tattoo art; Kylie chose a dress she could dance in by Maison Signore.

VENUES THAT WOW

From elegant country clubs to waterfront resorts, these locales provide the perfect backdrop. We recommend you contact the venues for their latest information.

Artis—Naples

COLLIER COUNTY

ARTIS—NAPLES

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples; (239) 597-1111

Water Views: Ocean Capacity: 1,477

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome artisnaples.org

BAYFRONT INN

1221 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; (239) 649-5800

Water Views: Ocean Capacity: 80

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes bayfrontinnnaples.com

THE BURROW

1780 Commercial Drive, Naples; Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: From $5,500

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome burrowevents.square.site

THE CLUB AT MEDITERRA

15755 Corso Mediterra Circle, Naples; (239) 254-3000

Water Views: Ocean, lakes, ponds

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $2,000

On-Site Catering: Yes mediterraliving.com

THE CLUB AT THE STRAND

5840 Strand Blvd., Naples; (239) 592-7710

Water Views: Lake Capacity: 200

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes thestrandclub.com

COLLIER MUSEUM AT GOVERNMENT CENTER

3331 Tamiami Trail E., Naples; (239) 252-8476

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 100 (indoors), 2,000 (outdoors)

Site Fee: From $200

On-Site Catering: N/A colliermuseums.com

CYPRESS WOODS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

3525 Northbrooke Drive, Naples; (239) 593-3392

Water Views: Natural wetlands

Capacity: 30-175

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes cypresswoodsgolf.com

EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL

1901 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples; (239) 403-2000

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 80

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes edgewaternaples.com

FAITH ACRES

4840 Teak Wood Drive, Naples; (239) 450-9300

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 200

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; preferred vendors welcome faithacresnaples.com

THE FLYING BRIDGE

475 North Road, Naples; (239) 213-1441

Water Views: Gordon River

Capacity: 80-120

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes flyingbridgenaples.com

HILTON MARCO ISLAND

BEACH RESORT & SPA

560 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; (239) 394-5000

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 300

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes hiltonmarcoisland.com

HILTON NAPLES

5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; (239) 430-4900

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 300 (banquet seating), 420 (theater-style seating)

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes hilton.com

offers event space in their galleries, at the Norris Garden, and on the rooftop terrace, which looks out to the Gulf.

HOTEL ESCALANTE

290 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; (239) 659-3466

Water Views: Pool Capacity: 350

Site Fee: Call; nonprofit discounts available On-Site Catering: Yes hotelescalante.com

HYATT HOUSE

345 5th Ave. S., Naples; (239) 775-1000

Water Views: Gordon River, pool Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes hyatt.com

INN AT PELICAN BAY

800 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples; (239) 597-8777

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 12 (indoors), 100 (outdoors)

Site Fee: $500-$2,500

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome innatpelicanbay.com

INN ON FIFTH & CLUB LEVEL SUITES

699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; (239) 403-8777

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 100

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes innonfifth.com

JW MARRIOTT MARCO ISLAND BEACH RESORT

400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; (239) 394-2511

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 1,800

Wedding Site Fee: $5,000

On-Site Catering: Yes jwmarco.com

KENSINGTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

2700 Pine Ridge Road, Naples; (239) 298-8504

Water Views: Lake Capacity: 200 (indoors), 300+ (outdoors)

Site Fee: From $1,500

On-Site Catering: Yes kensingtoncc.com

LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT

9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; (239) 597-3123

Water Views: Ocean, Vanderbilt Bay

Capacity: 300-450

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes laplayaresort.com

MARCO BEACH OCEAN RESORT

480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; (239) 235-9035

Water Views: Ocean Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes marcobeachocean.com

NAPLES BAY RESORT & MARINA

1500 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; (866) 605-1199

Water Views: Naples Bay

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes naplesbayresort.com

NAPLES DEPOT MUSEUM

1051 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; (239) 252-8287

Temporarily closed

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome colliermuseums.com

NAPLES GRANDE BEACH RESORT

475 Seagate Drive, Naples; (239) 597-3232

Water Views: Ocean, pool Capacity: 250-1,600

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes naplesgrande.com

WE CATER TO ALL

SO LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!

Host an event your guests will rave about with DeRomo’s. DeRomo’s offers a combination of culinary magic and experienced event specialists that can bring your dream reception to life. Let us help you celebrate your event safely and stylishly with our ideal venue. We will do the work while you enjoy the party! Give us a call today!

BANQUET ROOM Our Banquet Room is ideal for up 100 guests.

PRIVATE DINING ROOM For smaller events up to 25 guests and is intimately secluded.

CATERING Assortment of food trays & platters for pick-up or delivery.

Weddings & Anniversaries • Christenings • Baby Showers • Bar & Bat Mitzvahs • Confirmations Graduations • Holiday Parties • Awards Banquets • Fundraisers • Corporate Events

DeRomos.com | 239.325.3583

26811 South Bay Drive

Suites 140 & 148

Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Celebrate — The Venues

NAPLES HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HISTORIC PALM COTTAGE

137 12th Ave. S., Naples; (239) 261-8164

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 65 (indoors), 200 (outdoors)

Site Fee: From $2,000 On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome napleshistoricalsociety.org

NAPLES LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

4784 Naples Lakes Blvd., Naples; (239) 919-1150

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 140

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes napleslakesfl.com

NAPLES PRINCESS

550 Port O Call Way, Naples; (239) 649-2275

Water Views: Ocean, Naples Bay

Capacity: 149

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes naplesprincesscruises.com

NAPLES WEDDING BARN

2250 28th Ave. S.E., Naples; (239) 610-3160

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $4,000-$6,500

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome swflweddingvenues.com

NGALA WILDLIFE PRESERVE

2755 Inez Road, Naples; (239) 353-3572

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 1,500

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes ngala.net

Celebrate — The Venues

THE WHITE ROSE

2320 Moulder Drive, Naples; (239) 610-3160

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $5,000-$8,000

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome swflweddingvenues.com

LEE COUNTY A LINE RANCH

18500 Palm Creek Drive, North Fort Myers; (239) 872-9751

Water Views: Lake Capacity: Call Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome alineranch.com

THE ALDERMAN HOUSE BY MIZNER 2572 First Street, Naples; (239) 710-6466

Water Views:

Caloosahatchee River Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes aldermanhouse.com

Courtesy Naples Marco Island Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

Aboard the Naples Princess, you can experience the ultimate Southwest Floridian backdrop—cotton candy skies and glittering waters.

A Stunning

Discover a truly distinctive wedding venue that caters to your dreams of a perfect day.

Experience the enchantment of elegant waterfront wedding ceremonies that provide a breathtaking backdrop to your vows.

Embrace the convenience of an all-in-one location, offering a seamless transition from the heartfelt ceremony to the joyous reception area and the grand ballroom.

Savor delectable culinary delights with on-site catering services, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.

Experience the wedding of your dreams at Naples Bay Resort & Marina.

For more information visit naplesbayresortweddings.com or call (239) 530-1199 to arrange a Wedding Tour

Celebrate — The Venues

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE CRUISES

G Dock, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers; (239) 472-8443

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 49 per boat (3 boats)

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Can be arranged adventuresinparadise.com

BURROUGHS HOME & GARDENS

2505 First St., Fort Myers; (239) 337-9505

Water Views: Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 200-400

Site Fee: $3,500-$7,500

On-Site Catering: N/A; preferred vendors welcome burroughshome.com

CAPTIVA CRUISES

11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva; (239) 472-5300

Water Views: Ocean, Pine Island Sound

Capacity: 148

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome captivacruises.com

CASA YBEL RESORT

2255 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel; (866) 748-8958

Temporarily closed

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 10-200

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes casaybelresort.com

THE CLUB AT BAREFOOT BEACH

105 Shell Drive, Bonita Springs; (239) 992-0024

Water Views: Ocean Capacity: 75

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes theclubatbarefootbeach.com

Wine Bistro

DEROMO’S BANQUET ROOM

26795 S. Bay Drive, Suite 170, Bonita Springs; (239) 325-3583

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 110

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes deromos.com

THE CLUB AT GRANDEZZA

11481 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero; (239) 948-3569

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 270

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes grandezzacc.com

COLONIAL COUNTRY CLUB

9181 Independence Way, Fort Myers; (239) 747-0035

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 240

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes colonialgolfclub.com

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers; (239) 335-3689

Water Views: Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 300; call for larger events

Site Fee: From $1,000

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome edisonford.org

THE FERNERY

1400 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers; (239) 719-3048

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 70

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome fortmyersfernery.com

Celebrate — The Venues

THE GASPARILLA INN & CLUB

500 Palm Ave., Boca Grande; (877) 764-1420

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 300

Site Fee: $4,000-$5,000

On-Site Catering: Yes the-gasparilla-inn.com

GRACE RIVER ISLAND RESORT

14524 Riverside Drive, Fort Myers; (239) 322-7053

Water Views:

Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 80

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome graceriverislandresort.com

THE HEITMAN HOUSE

2577 First Street, Fort Myers; (239) 872-5541

Water Views:

Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $3,500-$7,200

On-Site Catering: Yes heitmanhouse.com

HERITAGE PALMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

10420 Washingtonia Palm Way, Fort Myers; (239) 278-9090

Water Views: Lakes, pools

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: Food minimum $5,000

On-Site Catering: Yes hpgcc.com

HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT RESORT AND SPA

5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs; (239) 444-1234

Water Views: Ocean, Estero Bay

Capacity: 1,400

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes hyattregencycoconutpoint.com

LA CASA TOSCANA

8330 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers; (239) 322-0717

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: From $27,700

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome lacasatoscanaswfl.com

LA FINKA

18051 Nalle Road, Fort Myers; (215) 584-5086

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome lafinkaswfl.com

THE LANDINGS YACHT, GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB

4425 S. Landings Drive, Fort Myers; (239) 482-3211

Water Views:

Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: $500

On-Site Catering: Yes landingsygtc.com

LEXINGTON COUNTRY CLUB

16257 Willowcrest Way, Fort Myers; (239) 437-0404

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 300

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes lexingtoncountryclub.com

LOVERS KEY ADVENTURES & EVENTS

8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; (239) 233-3824

Temporarily closed

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $1,000-$10,000

On-Site Catering: N/A; preferred vendors welcome loverskeyadventures.com

LUMINARY HOTEL & CO.

2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers; (239) 314-3729

Water Views: Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 3,000

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes luminaryhotel.com

Celebrate — The Venues

M&M FARMS

5450 Higginbotham Road, Fort Myers; (239) 900-5425

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 200

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome mmfarmswfl.com

MARRIOTT SANIBEL HARBOUR

RESORT & SPA

17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers; (239) 466-4000

Water Views: San Carlos Bay

Capacity: 965

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes marriott.com

MARRIOTT SANIBEL HARBOUR PRINCESS

17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers; (239) 466-4000

Water Views: San Carlos Bay

Capacity: 40 (upper deck), 120 (private yacht charter)

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes marriott.com

MIROMAR LAKES BEACH & GOLF CLUB

18061 Miromar Lakes Parkway, Miromar Lakes; (239) 908-2398

Water Views: Lake

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

Any event, any location, & any style!

239-963-5331

Theadornartistry.com

Email: Contact@theadornartistry.com

On-Site Catering: Yes miromarlakes.com

MISTY MORNING BARN

18810 Misty Morning Lane, Fort Myers; (239) 229-2490

Water Views: Pond

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $3,500-$4,500

On-Site Catering: N/A; preferred vendors welcome mistymorningbarn.com

PINK SHELL BEACH RESORT & MARINA

275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach; (239) 463-6181

Water Views: Ocean

Discover

the elegance of Adorn, a leading brand in Southwest Florida and beyond, renowned for its exceptional wedding and event hair and makeup services. With 15 years of expertise, we not only ensure flawless preparations for your special day but also serve as dedicated beauty consultants throughout the entire process. Experience our heartfelt commitment as we make you look and feel absolutely radiant.

Founders: Lauren Palombo & Amy Tremulis

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes pinkshell.com

THE TREEHOUSE

1790 Hough Street, Fort Myers; (239) 349-7245

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome thetreehousefortmyers.com

THE PLANTATION GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

10500 Dartington Drive, Fort Myers; (239) 561-8650

Water Views: Lakes, ponds

Capacity: 185

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes plantationgolfcc.com

THE RUSTIC BARN AT BUCKINGHAM FARMS

12931 Orange River Blvd., Fort Myers; (239) 206-2303

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: 150

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes buckinghamfarmsonline.com

SEA OATS LUXURY ESTATE

Private estate on Captiva; (800) 787-5829

Water Views: Roosevelt Channel

Capacity: 75

Site Fee: From $10,000

On-Site Catering: Yes seaoatscaptivaisland.com

SEA PALMS ESTATE

Private estate on Captiva; (800) 787-5829

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 50

Site Fee: From $10,000

On-Site Catering: Yes seapalmsestate.com

Set on three miles of private beach, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort has dozens of venues with chic design, sophisticated catering and dreamy views.

SHANGRI-LA SPRINGS

27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; (239) 319-5534

Water Views: Oak Creek

Capacity: 10-400

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome shangrilasprings.com

SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER

2301 First Street, Fort Myers; (239) 333-1933

Water Views: Caloosahatchee River

Capacity: 300

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; approved vendors welcome sbdac.com

SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT

5400 Plantation Road, Captiva; (800) 524-7601

Water Views: Ocean

Capacity: 500 (ballroom), 250 (outdoors)

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes southseas.com

SPANISH WELLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

9801 Treasure Cay Lane, Bonita Springs; (239) 992-5100

Water Views: Pond

Capacity: 180

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes spanishwellscountryclub.com

SUNDIAL BEACH RESORT & SPA

1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel; (239) 472-4151

Temporarily Closed

Water Views: Ocean

Courtesy JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Capacity: 300

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes sundialresort.com

TARPON LODGE & RESTAURANT

13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia; (239) 283-3999

Water Views: Pine Island Sound

Capacity: 125

Site Fee: Call On-Site Catering: Yes tarponlodge.com

’TWEEN WATERS ISLAND RESORT & SPA

15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva; (800) 223-5865

Water Views: Ocean, Pine Island Sound Capacity: 130- 200+ (outdoors)

Site Fee: $1,500-$4,000

On-Site Catering: Yes tween-waters.com

THE VERANDAH CLUB

12201 River Village Way, Fort Myers; (239) 694-7229

Water Views: Orange River

Capacity: 250

Site Fee: $1,500

On-Site Catering: Yes verandahgolfclub.com

THE WAREHOUSE

2633 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers; (239) 940-8911

Water Views: N/A

Capacity: Call

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: N/A; outside vendors welcome thewarehousefm.com

THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL RESORT AT MARINA VILLAGE

5951 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral; (239) 541-5000

Water Views: Tarpon Point Marina

Capacity: 1,200

Site Fee: Call

On-Site Catering: Yes westincapecoral.com

WONDER GARDENS

27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; (239) 992-2591

Water Views: Yes

Capacity: 24- 250

Site Fee: From $500

On-Site Catering: N/A; preferred vendors welcome wondergardens.org

Indulging in the enchanting blend of flavors at Forever Fiore—a captivating tea room, floral boutique, and event space. Immerse yourself in the inviting ambiance, surrounded by flowers and aromatic teas. From exquisite floral arrangements to premium teas, our haven of tranquility and elegance awaits. Whether you seek relaxation or plan a special occasion, Forever Fiore invites you to savor life’s precious moments. Discover timeless beauty at Forever Fiore.

The Perfect Catch

Like every other element of modern celebrations, the boutonniere is ripe for reinvention. Dapper grooms are ditching the traditional rose for succulents, sprigs of herbs and eco-friendly silk blooms. For a Port Royal wedding, event planner Margaret Short gave the fashion an outdoorsy spin. Inspired by the groom’s love of angling and boating, she suggested anchoring the look with fishing lures. Naples-based Beach Rose Floral wrapped lavender and rosemary sprigs around feathers and bait to create trophy-worthy accessories for the whole groom’s party. As brooches make their return in fashion, the personalized boutonniere is a charming rendition.

Courtesy Jason Mize Photography