There is something uniquely special about growing up in a small town. Sure, Florida isn’t covered in sprawling cornfields or those usual images that come to mind when you picture a “small town”. But growing up in Delray Beach felt like that. My neighborhood was originally a mango grove, I grew up rollerblading the same 1 mile path to my grandparents’ house and would see at least 10 of my schoolmates while cruising around. My mom saw people she knew from high school in the grocery store on a regular basis, her childhood friend owned the office supply/stationery store that had been in town for almost 100 years. My best friend, Ashley, who I met in high school thanks to our mom’s (former classmates) forcing us together - her best friend in elementary school was Carly. Did you follow that? I barely did. I’ll create a flow chart later.

I had seen both of them go through the ups and downs of serious relationships and serious breakups, mainly because I was close to some of their closest friends. I’d hear about Carly’s through Ashley, I’d hear about Niko’s from the guy I was dating at the time. To see them link up and know that all of that heartache was done felt a bit fairytale like. They have the sort of energy you seek out in a life partner. There is a certainty emanating from both of them. They both can’t wipe smiles off their faces when they look at each other, they work hard and respect each other. I mean hell, they somehow survived overhauling their backyard and turning it into their perfect wedding venue. That is true partnership there.

Carly’s perfected designer’s eye brought every little detail together. She jumped into color, worked with the natural surroundings seemlessly, brought in textures and classic Florida design elements and had a modern but elegant vision for her bouquet that felt so perfectly suited for her. It was the perfect wedding. It was exactly what a wedding should be. A reflection of the couple, a place for family and friends to celebrate and uphold an unbreakable bond, and a damn good dance party.