A Coastal Love Story in Blush and Blue, Inspired by the Iconic Pink Romance of The Don Cesar Hotel

By Kevin Harson12 January 2026

We decided to go with soft Pastels – Blush pink, ivory, white, and blue

Inspired by the iconic pink exterior of the Don CeSar and ititsoastal setting, lush blooms in blush, white, and soft blue, paired with candlelight, created a romantic ambiance. Gold accents, textured linens, and personalized details added a refined touch, perfectly blending timeliness and sophistication with coastal charm.

New Year’s 2024: I remember being especially excited for midnight, because I knew that 2024 would bring a proposal! I didn’t know exactly when, but Steve and I both knew we were headed in that direction, and I could hardly wait. Fast forward to February 14th, 2024 – Steve took me out for a Valentine’s Day dinner. That afternoon, I had a hair appointment and asked my stylist to make my hair extra pretty just in case this turned out to be the night. We had a late dinner reservation at one of our favorite places, The Living Room. Throughout dinner, I was a mix of nervous and excited, enjoying the evening while celebrating Valentine’s Day with him. On the way home, I couldn’t help feeling a little bit disappointed, but I was also looking forward to a cozy night on the couch watching a movie with our sweet mini goldendoodle, Sammi. When we walked in the door, we were greeted by a very excited Sammi. I turned around, and suddenly Steve got down on one knee and completely surprised me with a proposal! He explained that he had originally planned to propose during dinner, but since Sammi has always been such a big part of my life, he now wanted her to be part of the proposal too.

Timeless and elegant gown designed by Justin Alexander features a classic A-line silhouette and a sweeping train adorned in romantic floral lace.

The bridesmaids wore beautiful sky-blue chiffon gowns from Azazie, each reflecting their personal style, while the matron’s on honor made a statement in blue and white floral gowns from Birdy Grey. The mix of styles and prints perfectly complements the wedding’s color palette.

Guests enjoyed a three-course plated dinner, beginning with a fresh salad, followed by a duo of short ribs and grouper, and finished with a classic vanilla bean wedding cake. As the reception came to a close, they were treated to a late-night hot dog station, a tribute to the bride’s hometown of Chicago.

The ballroom was designed with floral-focused arrangements in a modern-romantic style and a soft pastel palette. Textured linens and carefully curated tabletop details created a subtle monochromic look, accented with gold flatware. The menus featured the same floral pattern as the custom dance floor, tying the design together seamlessly.

The four-tiered wedding cake featured a modern diagonal textured pattern and was adorned with fresh florals in soft pastels – blush, ivory, white, and a hint of blue. The third tier included a sweet nod to the couple’s dog, Sammi, seamlessly tucked into the design.

Guests were greeted by a dreamy dance floor as they entered the reception, a custom vinyl wrap inspired by the couple’s invitation art. Soft blue watercolor peonies floated across a white background, adding a delicate, personal touch. As a focal point of the room, the dance floor instantly set the tone for a night of celebration.

Inspired by the couple’s love of candy, a chic display located at the back of the dance floor featured gold and white themed sweets and a striking delphinium centerpiece in the middle. Guests indulged in these treats throughout the night, all while dancing the evening away.

The couple wanted a personalized touch for the head table, which was filled with their favorite people. Elegant napkins, embroidered with an ’S’ for the new Mr. and Mrs. Serneels, added a simple yet impactful custom detail.