Jess and Andrew chose the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande for a wedding that leaned into the natural charm of its surroundings. Their ceremony took place beneath the area’s iconic banyan trees, where the sprawling roots and branches framed the event with a quiet drama. The couple’s design plan focused on soft blues, whites, and fresh greenery, fitting for a garden wedding with a relaxed but polished feel.
Jess wore the Nova Bagatelle gown by Vivienne Westwood, bought at LOHO Bride. The dress fit the vibe perfectly—classic with a modern edge. Bridesmaids wore blue dresses, each picking their own style, which added a personal touch across the bridal party. The groom’s attire wasn’t specified, but the mood suggested something comfortable yet refined to match the setting.
The floral design by Victoria Blooms emphasized lush white flowers and layers of greenery, with subtle blue accents echoing the wedding palette. Custom botanical details appeared throughout, including on the invitation suite designed by Gina Wilson Designs. The invitations featured botanical artwork that inspired elements like the reception bar, creating a consistent look from start to finish.
Before dinner, guests mingled on the lawn with cocktails in hand. The sailcloth tent provided shelter for the reception, where the menu included watermelon and feta salad, a choice between Verlasso salmon or red wine braised beef short rib, and a three-tier marble wedding cake with vanilla pastry cream. The cake design was simple and vintage-inspired, reflecting the couple’s preference for timeless details.
Music played a big part in setting the atmosphere. A live string ensemble accompanied the ceremony, switching to a guitarist during cocktail hour. Later, a live band kept the dance floor lively. The bride’s sister added a playful element with custom tambourines handed out to guests, which proved popular on the dance floor.
Jess and Andrew’s engagement story fits the scene: Andrew surprised Jess with a proposal during a trip to Lake Como. They were marking their fifth anniversary, and the proposal happened while walking through the gardens at Grand Hotel Tremezzo. It’s a detail that echoes the garden theme of their wedding day, linking the start of their engagement to the natural beauty they celebrated in Florida.
The event planning was handled by NK Productions Wedding Planning, with rentals from Atlas Event Rentals and Palacios Events. Catering and the cake came from The Gasparilla Inn & Club, while Goodley Entertainment and The Miami Project Band provided music. Camden Lane Photography captured the day, documenting the balance of natural and designed elements.
What stands out is how the couple’s choices let the location shine without overwhelming it. The banyan trees weren’t just a backdrop but part of the ceremony’s character. The design choices—soft blues, white florals, natural wood—felt fresh but not forced, blending the garden’s effortless beauty with subtle personal touches.
That kind of balance is hard to pull off. It’s easy to overdo floral arrangements or decorations in a place that already looks good on its own. Jess and Andrew kept things light and fun, making sure family and friends enjoyed the best of Boca Grande. The custom invitation artwork weaving through the day’s details gave the event a quiet cohesion that guests likely noticed without thinking about.
This wedding shows how a well-chosen setting and thoughtful, restrained design can combine to create something quietly memorable. It’s a good reminder that sometimes less really is more when it comes to celebrating outdoors. If you’re thinking about a garden wedding, take a note or two from this day at the Gasparilla Inn.
According to Style Me Pretty.
