Against the backdrop of a New England-style estate in Florida, Abigail and Will’s celebration wove together cherished family traditions with playful modern touches. From grandmother’s lace in the mantilla ceremony to their daughter’s wagon-pulled entrance, thoughtful detail transformed this waterfront setting into a place where childhood memories and new beginnings created pure magic.
Location: Palma Sola, Florida, USA
Style: Boho, whimsical, elegant
Time of planning: 1 year
Setting: Estate
Season: Winter
What began with Will’s hesitant acceptance of Abigail’s invitation to a local dance club blossomed into an international romance. After weeks of dating, Abigail left to study in Rome, but distance only strengthened their connection. Will surprised her with a visit, and as they explored Europe together, Abigail cooked him her famous “Marry Me Chicken” – the meal that inspired Will’s first declaration of love. Years later, during what seemed like a simple hiking trip to a waterfall, Will transformed their adventure into a perfect proposal. Abigail’s enthusiastic response – “Oh my gosh, are you joking? Is this for real? YES!” – echoed across the water while their families secretly captured the moment from a nearby hiding spot.
Location & Planning
When Jennifer Matteo Event Planning first visited The Jubilee Estate, they knew its New England charm and waterfront setting would perfectly frame this colorful celebration. Together with the couple, they crafted a vision that balanced boho whimsy with meaningful traditions. The Fox in the Attic‘s watercolor stationery set the tone, while Flower Smith brought their palette to life through vibrant, seasonal blooms.
Bride's Look
The bride chose a Hopkins by Pronovias gown that captured youthful romance with its field-of-flowers embroidered tulle and sweetheart neckline. Her grandmother’s wedding band served as a precious “something old,” while her bouquet by Flower Smith featured early-spring blooms in shades of ivory, apricot, peach, pink, honey, lavender, and powder blue, finished with flowing silk ribbons.
Ceremony
At the water’s edge, Flower Smith created a garden-like setting with lush floral nests and meadow blooms that appeared to grow naturally from the ground. Sarasota Alfresco provided elegant umbrellas that sheltered guests while adding to the garden party atmosphere. The couple’s nephew pulled their daughter down the aisle in a wagon, creating an adorable twist on traditional flower girl duties.
The ceremony wove together faith and whimsy – his sister read from the Bible, while her sister shared “My Personal Penguin.” During their mantilla ceremony, they used lace from her grandmother’s wedding dress, symbolizing the merging of past and present. As they departed as newlyweds, guests showered them with dried flower petals, each bloom chosen to represent beloved family members watching from above.
Private Moment
As Golden Hour painted the estate’s grounds in honey, Abigail and Will wandered through the waterfront gardens while The Ganeys captured their peaceful exploration. The gentle Florida breeze carried the distant sounds of celebration as they discovered hidden corners of the property, pausing beneath ancient oak trees and along the water’s edge where boats sailed silently by.
These quiet minutes allowed them to appreciate the details they’d chosen together and the natural beauty surrounding them – from butterflies dancing through Flower Smith‘s garden-like installations to pelicans gliding across the sunset-painted water.
Decor & Setting
Flower Smith created a visual journey through the space, with lush floral nests that seemed to grow naturally from the ground, while meadow blooms lined pathways between gathering spaces. Long tables by Palacios Events guests to share stories over family-style meals draped with gauzy runners that caught the breeze.
Treasury Rentals provided mixed-height bud vases that danced among flickering taper candles, creating an atmosphere that felt both elevated and intimate. Overhead, café lights and boho baskets cast a warm glow as the day transformed into the evening; at the same time, personal touches—from the elementary school card catalog displaying memorial flowers to watercolor playing cards serving as escort cards—wove meaningful moments into every corner of the celebration.
"Abigail knew she wanted a backyard style wedding full of color and beautiful flowers. She visioned a large white New England style home on the water. When she found the Jubilee Estate it was exactly what she hoped for and more."
Reception
Jennifer Matteo Event Planning transformed the poolside lawn into an enchanted garden party. Instead of one traditional cake, I Love Lady Cakes crafted five unique vintage-inspired designs, each with its own flavor and whimsical saying. The Wandering Whale served the groom’s favorite piña coladas from a charming cart, while espresso martinis honored the bride’s preferred cocktail.
As night fell, Big O Productions orchestrated the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable celebration. The energy peaked when Abigail and Will invited everyone to join their favorite tailgate tradition – a rousing round of “Thunderstruck” that had the entire party on their feet. The evening was perfectly balanced, with an elegant garden party sophistication and a joyful, playful spirit that defined their relationship.
After Party
As the sun set, guests gathered for a cocktail hour around the shimmering pool, where The Wandering Whale had created personalized drink experiences that told the couple’s story.
The Ganeys captured these uninhibited final hours – the splash of the first brave jump into the illuminated pool, Abigail’s sequined reception dress glittering at poolside, Will leading an impromptu conga line between the water and dance floor, and friends gathering for one last group photo beneath the disco balls, their hair still damp from swimming. As the evening wrapped in the warm Florida breeze, these unplanned, joy-filled moments proved just as magical as the carefully curated ones that came before.
Advice from the couple:
• Find elements that honor both families’ traditions
• Don’t be afraid to be a little untraditional – your personal touches make the day uniquely yours.
• Take a moment just the two of you to look at your ceremony space after everyone leaves, and have one last private dance to soak in the magic you’ve created together
PLANNER Jennifer Matteo Event Planning | PHOTOGRAPHER The Ganeys | VIDEOGRAPHER Pineapple Films | VENUE The Jubilee Estate | FLORALS Flower Smith | DRESS Pronovias | STATIONERY The Fox in the Attic | RENTALS Palacios Events, Treasury Rentals, US Tent Rental, Sarasota Alfresco | CATERING Curated Catering Events | BAR The Wandering Whale | ENTERTAINMENT Big O Productions | CAKE I Love Lady Cakes | CONTENT Velzy Co | RESTROOMS Tailored Thrones
