Weddings at Casa Ybel Resort

Intimate Beach Weddings at Casa Ybel Resort

2011-05-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

A good portion of the weddings we have at Casa Ybel Resort are little, intimate, destination weddings, on our stunning white sand beach. As far as dream locations go for perfect seaside nuptials, Casa Ybel more than delivers, with powder sand, stunning views, seashells, breezes, wildlife, tropical landscaping, and impeccable service.

This last Fall/Winter season at Casa Ybel Resort was no exception, and was full of perfect intimate weddings, amazing details, stunning couples, and lots of smiling faces!

To celebrate, I thought I would feature four of my favorite Intimate weddings from this last season for you to enjoy!

I'd like to start with the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Schlater, who married at Casa Ybel Resort on October 9, 2010. Mr. and Mrs. Schlater celebrated with twenty guests, saying their I do's on our private beach, followed by a celebratory plated dinner inside the Gazebo Room at Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant.

Nick Adams Photography captured the day, and was kind enough to share some amazing photos with us. Enjoy!

Elegant Details in the Reception Room, seashells, ivory ribbon, seashell place card holders, and individual menus for each guest

Beautiful wedding cake from Masons Bakery

The bride and groom share a quick kiss before the ceremony

Gorgeous couple under our front gazebo

The bride with sand between her toes, making her way down the powdery aisle

Perfect beach ceremony, with the Gulf of Mexico as a natural backdrop

The unity sand ceremony

It's Official!!

The new Mr. and Mrs. Schlater between the sea oats

Gorgeous couple and a gorgeous Sanibel sunset

The gazebo room, set with a family style table and elegant decor

The next feature wedding is that of Mr. and Mrs. Halverson, married on November 7, 2010. This couple was great fun, providing lots of great details for their guests, including a late night "pizza bar" for the guests still dancing into the night.

This wedding was stunningly captured by Jason Angelini Photoraphy, who we cannot thank enough for sharing!

Back/night time view of Thistle Lodge, such a powerful image!

Groom, bride, and a perfect little DIY bouquet

Delicious pasta and wedding dinner prepared by Thistle Lodge's fabulous Chef's, John Wolffe and Jamie Crisp

Bamboo and chiffon arch, complete with palm fronds, in the sand

Sweet little floral clusters on the ceremony chairs

Such a happy couple!

This is what makes Sanibel famous....our beaches look like this 365 days a year

Quick kiss in the sea oats

Adorable ring shot with a real Sanibel shell

Our next feature is that of Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, a young, contemporary, and super stylish couple, who were married here December 11, 2010.

This wedding was captured by the ever talented Krista, owner of Impressions Photography in Fort Myers.

Stylish, and super gorgeous, our couple having fun during the photos in our lakeside gazebo

Bridal Portraits are amazing, especially when your subject is this stunning

Groom and best man pre-ceremony, on Casa Ybel's gorgeous sand studded beach

Perfect day on the beach for the perfect intimate ceremony

Another unity sand ceremony, a staple of perfect beach weddings

Another beautiful shot in the gazebo

I adore dark sunsets, and this one suited our couple perfectly!

You can just feel the happiness from the photo

Her dress was amazing, and the little details were great for a beach wedding with style

The modern wedding bands were so visually impacting

Our final couple featured in this blog is Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, also married on December 11, 2011. Another example of a perfect intimate wedding, this couple opted for our landscaped lawn ceremony, and held the reception in our Waterfront Room, overlooking the Gulf waters and Casa Ybel grounds.

This wedding was shot by Tonya Malay Photgraphy, who captured such a timeless grace and elegance in this bride and wedding, it is unbelievably gorgeous. Her work is always fabulous, and she is amazing fun to work with.

Seriously, how gorgeous is this bride and picture?!

Complete and total elegance

Great touch on the ceremony site, Shepard's hooks with Chinese lanterns lining the aisle

Beautiful lawn ceremony, with the Gulf waters in the background

This has got to be the cutest baby picture ever

The happy couple, officially Mr. and Mrs. Patterson!

Beautiful couple with a beautiful sunset on a perfect beach, what could be better?

Classic and timeless

This is the picture of perfect happy family

Love the leg kicked up to complete the effect!

Stunning!

It just keeps getting better

The benefit of a cold day in December? Getting adorable post-ceremony pictures like this...

and this...

Flawless.

They were so happy.

I loved the centerpieces, beautiful black lanterns with pillar candles, surrounded by candle filled mason jars.

The entire room was complete with black chair covers and napkins, to compliment the centerpieces and classic theme to this wedding.

The cake, from Masons Bakery, a simple three tier cake with black ribbon, surrounded by candles, and dark purple Calla Lilies.

Classic shot of our bride and groom on the Waterfront Room stairs at the Thistle Lodge.

As you can see, we had an incredible season, filled with smiles, laughter, tears of joy, and amazing times had by all! I just adore our intimate wedding clients, and cannot wait to see what this year brings us!

Thank you to all of the phenomenal vendors who helped us make these weddings perfect, to the clients who shared your most important days with us, and to the photographers who shared the incredible work you see above with us, for everyone to enjoy!!

Congratulations to each and every one of our amazing clients!!

Mother's Day Brunch at Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant

2011-05-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Every Mother deserves to be spoiled every day. Even just a little bit. Unfortunately, with the normal hustle and bustle of life, not many Mom's get to enjoy said daily spoiling!! As daughters and sons, it becomes our responsibility to make sure our Mother's get at least ONE good day that is all about them. After all, they gave us life, we can at least give them a fabulous day off once a year!!

That is what Mother's Day is all about; finally giving back to the woman who gives you everything. As a mother and a daughter, I cannot think of a better way to spend Mother's Day than relaxing with my loved ones, eating amazing gourmet food-all while gazing out over the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and maybe even sipping on a Mimosa....or two.

Stunning View from the Tables at Thistle Lodge

Luckily, the Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant here at Casa Ybel Resort can provide just that! Our Chef's work hard every year to create a phenomenal brunch buffet for mother's and their families to enjoy. Let us do the work for you, and pamper your group with fabulous service, spectacular food, and unparalleled views and atmosphere that only Sanibel Island can provide.

Reservation slots are filling fast, so call today to make yours, and give your mom the Mother's Day she deserves!!

Simply call 1-800-276-4753 or 239-472-3145 to make your reservation today!

Easter At Thistle Lodge

2011-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Still looking for plans for the perfect Easter Holiday?

Look no further than Casa Ybel Resort and Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant!

Our annual Easter buffet at the Thistle Lodge is always a spectacular culinary feast, and this year will be no exception. Our Chef's have been hard at work creating the perfect menu for you and your family to enjoy. Our Holiday buffet will include Easter favorites such as, Holiday ham, candied yams, buttermilk whipped potatoes, and some local island favorites-including a raw bar!!

Easter on the beach-does life get better than this?!

(Image credit, rivv.com)

Couple this amazing food with our panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and impeccable service, and we will make yours an Easter you will never forget.

For the full menu and pricing, please

click here:

For reservations, call 239-472-9200, spots are filling fast so call now!

Casa Ybel Resort Wedding Video Launch

2011-02-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

I am so beyond words, ridiculously excited about today's post. Back in September, we had the pleasure of working with one of the industry's most incredible cinematographers, Mr. Ray Roman, to collaborate on shooting a wedding video for our resort. If you don't know his work, you absolutely should, and brides-you should hire him for your wedding. I have said that before, but really-once you see this video-there should be no doubt in your mind how incredible he is.

Casa Ybel Resort, Sanibel Island Destination Wedding from Casa Ybel Resort on Vimeo.

You can also click here to be directed to our facebook page to view our official video again in HD

(and like us while you're at it!) !!

Or you can click here to view it on our You Tube Page.

The Compton wedding, which took place at our resort on September 18, 2010, was perfect from beginning to end. I blogged this one before, but there is just so much gorgeous eye candy-I'm giving it to you again. Here are some of the gorgeous highlights from this fabulous wedding.

To see the full original post, please click here.

Once again, I need to thank Maria Angela Photography for these stunning images.

Also, to the amazing, incredible, uber-talented group of vendors we worked with on this wedding: thank you. Thank you a thousand times for an unbelievable event, and we cannot wait to work with all of you again to make dreams come true!!

Vendors:

Venue: Casa Ybel Resort

Catering: Casa Ybel Resort, Chefs John Wolff and Jamie Crisp

Wedding Planner: Jennifer Dube

Flowers: Signature Floral and Gifts

Video: Ray Roman Films

Photography: Maria Angela Photography

Cake: Masons Bakery

Lighting: Soundwave Productions

Linen: Connie Duglin Linen

Music: DJ Ron Rutz

Make Up: Katelyn Parsons, Pure Makeup Artistry

Officite: Pastor Tom Funk

Please enjoy, and call our event department at 239-472-0693 for more information about having a wedding at our gorgeous resort!

We cannot wait to work with you!

Casa Ybel Resort Wedding Awards!!

2011-02-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

Casa Ybel Resort Wedding Department is thrilled to announce it's receipt of not one, but two amazing awards in the wedding community!!

For the third time, we are receiving The Knot Best of Award for 2011!! This award is so meaningful to us because it comes from you-the brides and grooms!! There is no higher honor than being recognized for delivering a fabulous product, by the very people we have the pleasure of working with. We are truly humbled, honored and so appreciative of our amazing clients, and the feedback we receive! It is an honor to have a part in your special days!

On the same amazing note, we have also received for the second year in a row, the Brides Choice Award from Wedding Wire!! Again, this is chosen by the brides, so it is just an incredible honor to be recognized, and puts us in the top 5% of wedding vendors across the country!! We cannot begin to express how amazing that feels, and thank you so much for the kind words and votes!!

Stop it, really, you are making us blush!! Actually, on second thought, keep the feedback coming, and we will be sure to deliver and continue making dreams come true for our fabulous clients!!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

Intimate Beach Wedding Done Right

2011-01-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

I simply adore tiny, family only Intimate Weddings. They are just so cozy, and beyond full of love and laughter! Not that the larger ones are not, but there is so much more time to be close and to really enjoy each and every person when it is just immediate family.

Mr. and Mrs. Sikes were married at Casa Ybel Resort on June 30th, 2010, in the most perfect little intimate ceremony, with just immediate family and their beautiful children. Everything about that day and this wedding was personal, sweet, and such a joy to be a part of!!

The wedding was shot by Audrey and Michael from Audrey Snow Photography, who did an amazing job capturing this wonderful family!!

What perfect little angels

Love the simplicity of her gown, with the perfect little embellishments

Pure romantic flowers

Gorgeous bride, so elegant

Sand Ceremony to Blend the Entire Family

LOVE the look when he firsts sees her coming down the aisle

The pure joy on her face says it all-surrounded by the sea oats

This is just the perfect little ceremony. Can you imagine anything more special?

The family blended...love the symbolism here

So happy and in love

First kiss!!!

Isn't it lovely?

Family portrait

No words to describe! Again, just lovely

This is how the beach is meant to be enjoyed

Timless family love

Loved her gorgeous flowers

Precious girls

Lucky in love

Adorable little cake from Masons Bakery

These next two pictures really capture the romance on Sanibel Island

Beautiful pictures in our lakeside gazebo

The night time shots are so pretty!

All in all, this was another stunning wedding for Casa Ybel, full of pure love and joy, and it was an honor to share in that! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sikes, and a lifetime of joy and love to you!!

Stunning Casa Ybel Wedding Couple

2010-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

The next couple we are featuring on the blog everyone here at Casa Ybel Resort just fell in love with. It was impossible not to!!

Not only are they just super sweet, nice, down to earth, happy people; but to top it off they are both stunning, and madly in love with one another. Planning the wedding was a dream, and seemed effortless, with the couple focusing on the love they have for one another rather than getting overwhelmed by planning a destination wedding.

Stuart and LeighAnn Denyer were married at Casa Ybel Resort on August 21, 2010. They had a wonderful ceremony on our white sand beach, followed by a full reception in our Waterfront Dining Room overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

The photographs were shot by the amazing and talented Audrey and Michael Owen from Audrey Snow Photography.

Thank you to Audrey and Michael for sharing with us!!

Adorable detail shots of the brides getting ready room

The detail on her dress was so classic and elegant

Just loved the bright, vibrant colors in her bridal bouquet

Her bridesmaids each carried a single Gerber daisy, tied simply with ribbon, gorgeous and so simple

The look on her face walking to the ceremony says it all! This is a woman in love!

Such a stunner!

The bride, a perfect, classic all American beauty from Texas

Handsome little ring bearer

The groom: a handsome, European charmer, with an accent to die for!

Great detail shot of the sea oats which lined the path down the aisle

Brides walk down the aisle

The first look...love written all over his face!

The ring exchange

Beautiful shot of bridesmaids

The groomsmen

Timeless shot

First kiss!!

...and the second! They just couldn't wait!

I adore this shot of our little ring bearer walking the shore line

Gorgeous ladies!

Handsome new husband

Just perfect

Love the sky...and in each following picture you can see just how quickly the sky and sunset changes and gets more and more stunning on Sanibel!

Another classic shot

Beautiful man and wife

Pink Sky

Full blown sunset, complete with perfect colors and even a bright cast ray!

This is why I adore Sanibel

The reception details

Keeping with the simplistic, classic feel, the room was adorned with simply white linen, beach like wicker chairs, and single bud vases with bright pink orchids

Simple and beautiful!

ADORE this shot of the bride on the grand staircase

First Dance

See what I mean about them being so, so in love?! Just look at that face!! That is a man deeply in love with his wife!

During the toasts

They had us all laughing.

Perfect little beach cake

Cake Cutting

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. and Mrs. Denyer from all of us at Casa Ybel Resort! Just having the opportunity to share in your love and joy will leave an impression on us all for a long time to come.

October Wedding at Casa Ybel Resort

2010-11-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

We here at Casa Ybel feel so fortunate to work with some amazing, talented, and wonderful people on a regular basis.

This is overwhelmingly true when it comes to our next featured couple, married here on October 23, 2010. Professional golfer and realty T.V. star, Ashley Prange married professional baseball player Brian Snyder on Casa Ybel Resort's stunning lawn, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. They continued with a gorgeous reception in our Waterfront Dining Room, where guests were treated to a Delicious buffet featuring Native Grouper, Norwegian Salmon, and Macadamia Crusted Chicken Breast.

They were such nice, down to earth people, and planning was so much fun!!

Please enjoy the pictures from their special day, shared with us by the fantastic Frank Simonetti!

Ashley was such a stunning bride!

Sassy girls on the steps of Thistle Lodge

Ceremony lawn, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico

Happy bride and groom

They are so good together

See what I mean?!

The bride took DIY to the next level, creating all of her own decor, and even her own bouquets!!

So pretty

Simply ADORE these little ring bearers, and their fedoras! Great touch!

Ashley being escorted down the aisle by her adoring father

Perfect day for a Sanibel Island wedding

Cute moment

Bridal party taking a stroll down the beach

Bridal beauty!

The newlyweds

Wedding cake, with black ribbon and hints of Carolina Blue

The brides DIY centerpieces came out great

How amazing is this sunset? Only on Sanibel!

Catalogue worthy

Pure joy

They got each other GOOD

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, and many, many years of happiness!!

Perfect Casa Ybel Resort Wedding

2010-10-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be sharing the following wedding with you, I can hardly stand it! I am very proud of this wedding, as it is that of our very own restaurant manager, Casey Compton and his gorgeous new wife Kristen!!

Since they were able to plan a wedding during our slow season, I was able to offer full service coordination for this event, and I cannot tell you how much fun it was! Working with Casey, Kristen and their families was a dream, and really getting into all of the aspects of planning and design was amazing.

They also allowed us to utilize this wedding for our upcoming collaboration with Ray Roman Films, who has filmed an unbelievable wedding video for the resort, which I will be sharing with you all soon!!

A special thanks goes out to the super talented Maria Angela of Maria Angela photography for doing such an amazing job on the photography for this wedding, and for sharing these fabulous pictures with us!

(See bottom of blog post for a complete list of the FABULOUS vendors from this wedding!!)

Stunning bride getting ready

Isn't she gorgeous?

Amazing bridal bouquet by Sue Bain, Signature Florals, and some pretty detail shots from the day

See how much fun they are?! They were so nice to work with!

Does it get more perfect than this?

Arch at ceremony site

Cocktail hour on the terrace

Great detail shot of the head table

Guest Tables

DROP DEAD shot of the cake and ice sculpture. Gorgeous cake by Masons Bakery, lighting by Soundwave Productions

Scallop Shell Ice Sculpture by Thistle Lodge's Executive Sous Chef, Jamie Crisp

The INCREDIBLE night club lounge area set in our Waterfront Room for after dinner. Soundwave did a magnificent job with the pipe and drape, lighting, effects, and custom lighted monogram on the dance floor. Totally transformed this room!!

DJ Ron Rutz did an phenominal job the entire day, and kept the crowd dancing late into the night!

Mini cookies and "milk shots" on the venetian table dessert spread for the after party

Some beach portraits

Gorgeous!

This was a perfect event from beginning to end, and I cannot express how much joy I took in being able to plan it for such a great couple! The incredible team of vendors did a job above and beyond what I was imagining, and I am thrilled with the results!!

PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US FOR THE WEDDING VIDEO BY RAY ROMAN FILMS

Vendors:

Venue: Casa Ybel Resort

Catering: Casa Ybel Resort, Chefs John Wolff and Jamie Crisp

Wedding Planner: Jennifer Dube

Flowers: Signature Floral and Gifts

Video: Ray Roman Films

Photography: Maria Angela Photography

Cake: Masons Bakery

Lighting: Soundwave Productions

Linen: Connie Duglin Linen

Music: DJ Ron Rutz

New Vendor Spotlight!!

2010-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

It is so nice when we get the opportunity to collaborate with our favorite vendors on an amazing project. It is made even more exciting when we have the chance to work with brand new vendors, and discover how amazing they are to work with, and how amazing their product is!!

This was recently an opportunity we had, and the process from beginning to end was so pleasant, I felt the need to tell you all about it!

Casa Ybel Resort teamed up with some of our favorite local vendors (including Masons Bakery, Signature Florals, Pure Make-Up Artistry, Maria Angela, Connie Duglin Linen, and DJ Ron Rutz) and some brand new vendors to pull off an AMAZING wedding, as well as shoot a fabulous video for the resort!!

We worked with the uber talented Ray Roman, of Ray Roman Films on this video, and cannot begin to explain how wonderful that was. Ray is so incredible at what he does, very easy to work with professional, and the product is going to be out of this world!! The video is still in the editing process so I cannot share it yet, but from the short, unedited clips I've seen I can tell that is is going to be amazing. The second we have the video complete, you can be sure I will share it with the world!! Stay tuned for that!!

Also in this pool of incredible vendors was a company I had not had the pleasure of working with before, Soundwave Production and Lighting Design.

I had the pleasure of meeting Andy Cyman, one of the lighting designers from this fabulous company about a year ago at a bridal networking event, and we had been dying to collaborate on a project all that time! When this opportunity finally presented itself, we jumped on it, and I cannot express enough how fabulous it was to work with them!!

Andy and his team put together an amazing design for this wedding, and his work will be wonderfully showcased on the video. I will share all of the pictures and video once it comes in, and you will be blown away! The experience simply reiterated to me what lighting TRULY does to take your event to the next level. The rooms were simply transformed, and even made the bride squeal and jump up and down!! Take a look at the following pictures from the Soundwave Portofolio at other properties they have worked at.

See how much of an impact lighting design has??!

Takes the cake to an epic level!!

The whole room "pops" now

(The above pictures were not taken at Casa Ybel, and are simply showcase pieces for Soundwave)

We highly recommend all of the vendors listed in the blog post, and brides, PLEASE contact Soundwave for all of your lighting wants and needs! If you are booked at Casa Ybel and are interested in adding lighting to your event, just give me a call and we will get started on your unique design!!

STAY TUNED TO THE BLOG IN THE COMING WEEKS FOR THE COMING CASA YBEL WEDDING VIDEO!! IT WILL BE WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!

Summer Weddings Part Two

2010-08-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, summer time in Florida. It is sunny, warm, and everyone is happy-out of school, breaks from work, vacation time for all! It is also a great time to get married, if you take some steps to help your guests beat the heat, and prepare for the elements!

Summer in Florida also means a greater possibility of rain, but, you know what they say, rain on your wedding day is good luck!! Our next couple will have a LOT of good luck in their marriage, because there was a lot of rain on their day. Thankfully, they took it all in stride, prepared for the possibility ahead of time, and didn't let it put a damper on their day!! We simply moved the ceremony indoors, and it even let up for them to go outside for some great pictures after dinner.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Faubel, and thank you to Jesse Netsch for another beautifully captured wedding!

Some bridal portraits on the stairs, and an indoor ceremony

Still gorgeous!! Look at those flowers, so pretty from Floral Artistry

Such fierce love in that first kiss!

Super high winds make for adorable pictures

The bridal party was so cute and so much fun

Look at the bride "working it"!!

Great wine, and stunning cake

Happy Couple

Some amazing beach shots after the rain

Summer means everything is super green and lush

LOVE the brides laugh in this picture, such a great moment

Little details make the day...and so does the bride having a lot of fun

Such bright, vibrant colors, it was gorgeous

Loved the couture custom cake servers and champagne flute, very sophisticated

Stunning bride, stunning flowers, and a stunning day

Just a wonderful example of how event the rain shouldn't stop this from being the happiest day of your life!!

Congratulations!

Summer Wedding at Casa Ybel Resort

2010-08-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

I truly love our Intimate Weddings here at Casa Ybel Resort. There is something so sweet about a destination wedding on the beach, with only immediately family and close friends. Everything is so laid back, and the bride and groom really get to enjoy spending time with each person at the wedding.

The joy, love, and closeness of family was particularly evident at the wedding of Elizabeth and Jay Follis on July 10, 2010. They were such a great couple to work with, and it was a great pleasure to help them have a perfect little destination wedding!

Once again, Jesse Netsch was on hand to capture the day beautifully!! Enjoy!

Beautiful bride and groom

Beach themed centerpieces, and adorable card box

Guest book and her ADORABLE flip flops! I LOVE the color!

Custom Menu Cards

Champagne flutes, and shoe station sign at ceremony site

Custom drink cozies for the guests to keep their water cool during the ceremony. They provided bottled water as well to help beat the heat!!

Stunning blue, blue sky and hand fans for guests

A sweet moment of prayer for our bride during the beautiful ceremony

Such a happy couple!!

Another adorable moment during pictures, and the sweetest little wedding cake

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Follis!!

Outdoor Destination Tented Wedding at Casa Ybel!

2010-08-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Some of the best advice I can give to any couple planning a destination wedding is to take things as they come, trust in your vendors, and have FUN!! Your wedding day goes by in a flash, and you don't want to miss a second of the fun and magic that weddings create! A little faith, and a light heart go a long way when planning a wedding.

Our couple in this post really epitomized this relaxed, fun attitude during their destination wedding, May 1st 2010, here at Casa Ybel Resort.

Kristie was so much fun to work with during the entire planning process, and took everything in stride. She did her research, and trusted in her vendors, and everyone pulled together to make hers a FABULOUS day. Both Kristie, and her groom Kevin approached the wedding day with the best attitudes, and had so much fun. I couldn't help being happy just watching the wedding that night...they never stopped laughing, smiling, and DANCING, like I've never soon. This group, from New Jersey, certainly knew how to throw a wonderful party, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

All of these great images were shared with us by the amazing, Cher Hanna from Cher Hanna Photography. She did an incredible job in capturing the pure joy and beauty of this perfect beach side wedding. Thank you for sharing!!

Love the getting ready shots of both the bride and groom. They left themselves enough time to get separate shots, and some lovely bridal portraits. Cher Hanna is fabulous with the detail shots!!

The bridal party, such a FUN group!

The reception was perfectly tropical. The mix of the turquoise, and the beautiful greens and fresh limes was stunning! Thank you to Sue Bain from Signature Florals did all of the gorgeous flowers for this wedding.

The guest favors, wicker hand fans

Some of the butler passed hors d'ourves, so delicious!

The great bar selection, and chilled champagne to kick off the reception!

I love the couples portraits. The love between them is so clear and perfect!

Stolen moment during the first dance

Wide spread buffet, with a lot of variety for the guests!

See what I mean about the detail shots? Just fabulous!

Another amazing cake from Masons Bakery, with cannoli cream filling

DJ Chris Ceron kept the dance floor packed all night long!!

All in all, it was a wonderful wedding, a great party, and another very satisfied couple married at Casa Ybel Resort!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, and many years of happiness!

Sweet Beach Wedding

2010-06-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

We here at Casa Ybel Resort are always so fortunate to be able to celebrate the most special occasions with the most special people-it really makes our jobs so rewarding. When the group you have the opportunity to host just also happens to be some of the sweetest, most genuine people in the world it is such an added bonus it makes us all a little giddy on the Island!!

This was true with Mr. and Mrs. Spence, who married at Casa Ybel on May 8 2010 with a very small, perfect group. The whole wedding just drips in sweetness and love-from the pretty pink details, mixed with elegant classic white-to the brides just perfect sweetheart tulle ball gown and the grooms white tux. The wedding truly reflected how very much in love and adorable these folks were!!

A big thanks as always to Mr. Jesse Netsch for the wonderful photos!!

Adorable Moments at the ceremony

First kiss as husband on wife on a PERFECT beach! Just LOOK at that sky!!

Bride and bridal party were so beautiful

I loved all of the sweet pink details through the reception

Congratulations from Casa Ybel, to an amazing couple!!

Spring Wedding at Casa Ybel

2010-06-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Our next couple had me in stitches the whole wedding day-seriously. They were one of the most fun couples I have ever had the pleasure to work with, not to mention totally in love and gorgeous! The whole design of the wedding was fun, bright, vibrant, bohemian and perfect for the beach in Spring time!!

Mr. and Mrs. Richardson married on the beach at Casa Ybel on April 25, 2010 in an amazing little ceremony with forty close friends and family. With a crazy life in general, a new baby for the couple, and planning a destination wedding, they took the planning in a fun spirit-which translated wonderfully on the big day! Everyone had such a great time, and the joy is evident through the photos as it was on the day!!

Once again, the amazing Jesse Netsch was on hand to capture all of the fun and share with us, so please enjoy!!

BEST bridesmaid dresses EVER!

The colors were all so bright and cheery!!

See what I mean about the fun?!

All the perfect beach details

Getting ready shots

What a wonderful day for the beach!!

Loved the groomsmen shirts too, cuffs were so cool

So much fun for an amazing couple! Congratulations to Kezia and Shawn!!

Perfect Intimate Beach Wedding

2010-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

The next wedding I'd like to share from our Spring Season is truly one of my favorites.

Mr. and Mrs. Enghauser were adorable, sweet, and so happy-it was a true joy to have a part in their day!!

The bride's uncle is a very talented designer, and as his gift to the bride, he designed the wedding. He did an amazing job, from the custom bamboo Chuppah, to the stunning linen at the reception-it was just gorgeous.

Jesse Netsch did a fabulous job as always capturing the big day-enjoy the shots!!!

The floral was all done by Floral Artistry

Such a cute couple!!

The room was stunning!

The custom linen, vibrant flowers, and little details everywhere were truly amazing

Congratulations to the newly weds, and many years of wedded bliss!!

Spring Wedding Season Begins!

2010-05-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Spring time in Florida is always the best reminder to me why I live down here! Perfect weather, amazing beaches, great local food-the works. It is so nice, even the locals have a little spring in their step (pun certainly intended!!).

This is why this time of year is such a popular one for beach weddings, and why not?! I have quite a few yummy weddings to share with you all from our Spring season...

Kicking things off is the wedding of Nissa Salden and Reid Rose from March 20, 2010

Nissa and Reid were such a lovely couple, and had a fabulous day! Frank Simonetti captured their day, and was kind enough to share some of his great shots with us!!

Nissa was so gorgeous, and her dress was one of the prettiest I've ever seen!

Such a beautiful bridal portrait, and sweet moment between Nissa and Reid

Programs and hand fans at the ceremony

It's Official! Mr. and Mrs. Rose!

They had a perfect sunset...

Just love the natural lighting

See what I mean about that sunset?!

Our bride and groom exploring the grounds, and showing off the rock!

The guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on our terrace before dinner

Adorable little cake from Masons Bakery. Flowers by the uber-amazing Sue Bain at Signature Floral and Gifts.

The Waterfront Dining Room looked so pretty

The bride and groom mingling

All in all, it was a wonderful evening with perfect weather, great food, family, friends, and celebrating!!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Rose from all of us here at Casa Ybel Resort!!

Exciting Promotion for Casa Ybel Resort Weddings!

2010-03-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thinking about hosting your wedding at Casa Ybel Resort?

Now is the best time to book, and here is why:

From now until May 1, 2010, Casa Ybel Resort is extending an exciting offer! If you book your wedding with us in the months of June, July, August, September, or October of 2010, we are offering a 10% discount off of the total package price for your event!

Every little bit helps, and 10% off of our inclusive packages is a pretty good deal! To further sweeten the offer, we would also like to offer a complimentary Signature Drink to be served at your cocktail reception. Creating the Signature Drink is some of the most fun you will have while planning your wedding. These drinks can be just about any color you would like, we will be sure to create a delicious and refreshing blend, and we can even create a cute name just for you!

To take advantage of this offer, please contact

Catering Sales Director, Jessica Pasek

239-472-0693 Ext. 1351

jessica@casaybelresort.com

Happy Planning!!

Perfect Intimate Destination Wedding at Casa Ybel Resort

2010-03-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

The following wedding has to be one of my favorite for the season so far. Beautifully photographed by Cher Hanna (Cher Hanna Website), the Miller/Wells wedding on January 30, 2010 was stunning from beginning to end.

Ashley and Ellory were such a sweet couple, and they deserved an amazing day! They were married on our beach behind the Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant, followed by an Intimate reception on our outdoor terrace. There were so many amazing images from that day; I found it really difficult to narrow it down!!

For this one, I will let the pictures speak for themselves!!

Our gorgeous Thistle Lodge Beachfront

Great shot of the front pond at Casa Ybel Resort

Stunning photos and bride! I love the lighting

The bride and groom wrote each other letters the night before the wedding, then they were delivered to one another right before the ceremony. I love the look of pure love on her face as she reads his!

Ellory reading Ashley's note

Adorable presentation of the programs and wash cloths to wipe off the sand

Adorable beach ceremony

Pretty aisle and arch floral above

First kiss and bridal party

Pretty tables on our terrace. The favors were little jars of Sanibel Beach Sand

Perfect little beach wedding cake

The menu and butler passed appetizers. Crab cakes, beef satay, and spinach stuffed mushrooms

Some great shots of the couple

First introduction and dance as husband and wife

The terrace looked so pretty all lit up with the white lights

I ADORE these portraits!! Cher Hanna did an amazing job!!

It's obvious everyone had a great time, dancing the night away!

Cake time!

It was an amazing night. Check out the full moon, and fabulous night time shots of Thistle Lodge

I just love these night time shots behind the Lodge

A bubbly send off for our happy couple!!

What a stunning wedding for such a great couple! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wells!!

Elegant Casa Ybel Destination Wedding

2010-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

February was such a gorgeous month here on Sanibel. Even though we had a far colder than usual winter this year, all of our weddings went off without a hitch, and our clients braved the cold to still have a perfect day!

The stunning wedding on February 6, 2010 was no exception! The Gadell/Sanders wedding took place on one of our lush lawn spaces, followed by cocktails on our outdoor terrace, and dinner in our Waterfront Dining Room.

The flowers were done by Beach Bud Florals(Beach Buds Website), the music by DJ Ron Rutz (Ron Rutz Website), and the photography by Nick Adams (Nick Adams Photography). Nick was again kind enough to share some amazing images with us of this gorgeous day!!

Here is our amazing couple. I was in love with her blue hydrangea bouquet

She was flawless

How gorgeous are these guys?! Should be models!

Such a gorgeous lawn ceremony, and the genuine emotion of the ceremony captured perfectly.

Husband and Wife!!

Stunning sunset, stunning couple

What a fun shot of the bridal party!

They had a very elegant reception, with a plated meal of Grilled Filet of Beef and Jumbo Prawns with Red Wine Demi and Scampi Sauce, and an amazing Fresh Coconut Wedding Cake!

First dance as husband and wife, and the brides dance with her father. I love the emotion!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Sanders! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and love!

Beach Brunch Wedding at Casa Ybel Resort

2010-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful start to the year we have had!!! Since January hit, we have been blessed with so many amazing weddings and clients! As a result, my blogging has been minimimal, due to time restrictions, but I finally have a bit of time to update you with some of our most recent-FABULOUS weddings!!

To kick things off, I want to share this gorgeous brunch wedding with you all. On January 3, 2010, we were blessed with the Porter/Disseler wedding. We had so much fun over the previous year planning with the gorgeous Amanda and her mother Paula. They wanted to keep things light, and fun, but still elegant with touches of the beach. Our brunch wedding packages worked just perfectly for them, and the day was stunning!

Bright sun, light breeze, white sandy beach, and a killer brunch buffet all made for a perfect morning wedding. Floral Artistry provided stunning floral, as usual, and the amazing Clint Wiley http://www.clintwiley.com/ kept the guests entertained all morning with his incredible music!

The fabulous Nick Adams http://www.nickadamsphotography.com/ was the photographer for the day, and was kind enough toshare some of the amazing images he captured for you all to enjoy!!

Our Stunning Bride The Handsome Groom

It was a perfect ceremony

Such a gorgeous bridal party! I love the blue color scheme

The Super cute sweetheart table and Mint Favors

Adorable send off for the bride and groom!

Congratulations again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Disseler from all of us at Casa Ybel Resort!!

Sunday Brunch At Thistle Lodge Beachfront

2010-03-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaraunt is excited to announce it's first ever Sunday Brunch Buffet!

As you know, Thistle Lodge already provides the best Sunday brunch on the island, with live music, great views, and a delictable menu.

Cher Hanna Photography

We've decided to kick it up a notch this week by turning our Brunch into a full buffet so you can get a taste of all of the fabulous Chef creations! Come join us this Sunday, March 21st at Thistle Lodge for live music, sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, and a truly fabulous brunch buffet.

Call us today for your reservation!

239-472-3145

Valentine's Day at Casa Ybel Resort

2010-01-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

I cannot think of a more romantic place than Sanibel Island. The island is unlike any other place in this world, and has a romance about it that is unparalleled. We are very fortunate to work at a resort that captures this romance and natural beauty so flawlessly. Coming to work here, and hosting weddings and events, really shows us the endless beauty this world, and Sanibel in particular, has to offer.

The Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant provides a truly romantic, sumptuous dining experience, with picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico and those famous Sanibel sunsets.

For Valentine's Day, Thistle Lodge is the perfect place to celebrate with your sweetheart. You are guaranteed to have an amazing experience, with superb cuisine, impeccable service, and an ambiance that will leave you both swooning.

Come join us this Valentine's Day, Saturday February 14th for a simply marvelous dining experience.

Valentines Day Menu

Call For Reservations
239-472-9200

Casa Ybel Resort Wedding Haiti Relief Donations

2010-01-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

We have been inspired!

Thanks to the Bridal Bar Atlanta (http://www.bridalbar.com/) , as well as TOAST Signature Celebrations in Atlanta (http://www.toast-events.com/), we have been inspired to make additional donations to those in critical need in Haiti.

As you all know, the devastation in Haiti due to the earthquake is just horrific, and as Americans we need to do all we can to help out!
For any wedding booked between now and February 1st, 2010, Casa Ybel Resort will donate $50.00 to Hope for Haiti (http://www.hopeforhaiti.com/) for the relief efforts. Every bit helps, so why not do a good thing while planning the happiest day of your life?

To clarify: this is NOT about profiting from a tragedy.
This is about donating every extra bit we can. Casa Ybel Resort cares very deeply about this situation, and wants to extend everything we can to help the people of Haiti, as well as give hope to the numerous employees who have been personally affected by this tragedy. We book weddings on a very regular basis, and are simply offering extra donations for the weddings we will book during this time. If you are not looking to host an event, but still want to donate, a full list of donation agencies is listed below.

There are several wedding professionals offering this service as well, all over the country. If you have a promotion you would like us to list, please comment on this post and I will add your link.

Thank you all, and let's see how much we can raise!

Call us today for more information!

866-748-8958

Other Donation Methods

both charity organizations and Wedding Industry:

Red Cross

Hope for Haiti

Wyclef Jon/ Yele Charity

Comprehensive Guide of Travel Industry Response

EllyB Events

Toast Events

Rue La La

Bridal Bar
Melissa Schollaert Photography
Turner Weddings
First Giving

The Grand Wedding Showcase 2010

2009-12-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

We will be there.

Will you?

Tickets now available!
http://engagementparty.eventbrite.com/

Happy Holiday Season!!

2009-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

A Sanibel-Style Christmas

With all of the hustle and bustle around the holidays, it is easy to lose track of what this time of year is all about. The Holidays are a time for truly enjoying your family and friends, and remembering those little things in your life that you love and appreciate. If no other time, now is when I look around and remember just how lucky I really am, and hope that you all do the same.

Enjoy your time, enjoy your loved ones, and count your blessings. This is even more crucial during this rough time in our Country. We all need to get back to basics, and celebrate the little things. Whether you are on vacation with your family, or home for the Holidays, do yourselves a favor and squeeze your family a little tighter this week.

If you are lucky enough to be on Sanibel for the Holidays, come visit Casa Ybel and Thistle Lodge; enjoy a wonderful meal and an unbelieveable sunset...our employees are all ready to spread a bit of our Holiday cheer along to you.

From all of us at Casa Ybel Resort:

Have a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Year

The Grand Wedding

2009-12-17T08:12:00.001-08:00

Southwest Florida is about to be rocked!!

Our area's very own Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites(http://www.destinationnapleswedding.com/) has teamed up with the Sidney and Berne Davis Arts Center (http://www.fl-arts.org/) to host The Grand Wedding, the likes of which our area has never seen!

The Grand Wedding is a luxury wedding giveaway, valued at over $100,000.00, that one terrifically lucky couple is going to win! Kelly has reached out to the best of the best in our area, and a great deal of vendors have applied to be a part of this amazing wedding extravaganza! The couple who wins this event will truly have the best experience that we can offer down here, with the most amazing vendors in the area all donating their services to make this wedding a dream come true. TO read all about this wedding, what exactly is entailed, and how to apply to be the lucky couple, visit the blog:

http://www.thegrandwedding2010.com/.

Casa Ybel is honored beyond belief to have been accepted by the Grand Wedding panel, to host the Mother's Tea at our property a few days before the wedding itself. Thank you so much to Kelly and the members of the panel for giving us the opportunity to be involved in such an amazing event! I know that all of the vendors who have also been accepted for this event are just incredible, and will do our area, and the couple who wins, proud!

All brides should come join us at the next event on January 10th from 10:00-1:00 at the SBDAC in downtown Fort Myers. , where the best vendors in our area will display our best work for all to see. This event is open to all brides, not just those applying for the wedding, and is sure to be most valuable in planning for your special day, so come on down! (All information on this event can also be found on The Grand Wedding blog).

The Grand Wedding was kicked off with the Proposal Party on November 30th at the Arts Center, and was an absolute blast! Our Chef's at Casa Ybel Resort, along with H2 and Hotel Indigo provided the catering, and Kelly planned the event, which was nothing short of amazing. Lauren Wiley(http://www.laurenewiley.com/) provided the most stunning music to begin the evening, then Clint Wiley's None Other band (http://www.clintwiley.com/) brought down the house, and had us all dancing the night away!!

The decor was stunning, thanks to Eventz, Inc.( http://www.eventzinc.com/),

Signature Floral (http://www.signature-florals.com/),

and Connie Duglin Linen (http://www.connieduglinlinen.com/).

Below are some of the pictures from the Proposal Party, shot by the amazing Ashley Brockington Photography (http://www.ashleybrockinton.com/). Enjoy!

Gorgeous Lounge Area

Lauren Wiley Wowing the Crowd with her incredible vocals

Beautiful Gals enjoying the party (that's me rocking the knee brace)

Clint Wiley's None Other

Delicious Appetizers

The Weddings by Socialites Crew Being Silly

The Photo Booth was so much fun!

We all had a wonderful time at the event, and are greatly looking forward to the Engagement Party, and hosting the Mother's Tea. We truly hope to see you all at the Engagement Party! The wedding itself is going to be off the charts, and the final result has us all waiting with bated breath!! Thanks again to Kelly McWilliams for bringing such a great concept to life in SWFL!

Fall Wedding #4

2009-12-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett

October 31, 2009

Sara and Jason Bennett were married at Casa Ybel Resort on October 31, 2009. This was a couple after my own heart, getting married on Halloween, my favorite holiday! Jason and Sara and were fun loving, adorable, and quirky, which is just perfect for that date!

With such a fun loving, quirky couple, it only made sense that they chose the fabulous Tonya Malay to capture their day!

(http://www.tonyamalay.com/)

Tonya has a great eye, an abundance of talent, and the best sense of humor that I have come in contact with in this business! She keeps us cracking up all the time, and has the amazing skill to keep her at the forefront of wedding photographers in Florida. Don't get me wrong though: she is every bit as serious about having fun as she is about shooting a great wedding and running a great business. We love every opportunity we get to work with Tonya and her crew, and are very grateful for these wonderful images, which she was kind enough to share with us!

Sara receiving Jason's gift before the ceremony

The beautiful bride. Her amazing bouquet was done by Lisa at Ballantine Floral.

The dashing groom

Little flower girls all had angel wings. Cute!

The were just so adorable

Doesn't she look like a real angel?

The bride walking down the sandy aisle

Jason's first time seeing Sara that day. His smile says it all.

Stunning ceremony

First kiss

First steps as husband and wife

Beautiful day on the beach

They just radiate happiness

Great shot behind the Thistle Lodge

Another beautiful sunset

The reception room with pops of lime green and black

What would a Halloween wedding be without table by table trick-or-treating?! How cute is she?!

Even the grown ups had angel wings. Such beautiful ladies

Another wonderful Masons Bakery creation

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bennett!!

Fall Wedding #3

2009-12-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Ullrich
Our final tented wedding of the year was one to remember! The Sutter/Ullrich wedding, on November 21, 2009, was gorgeous from beginning to end.

This wonderful couple utilized the planning service of Patricia Slater (Weddings by the Sea, http://www.sanibelcaptivaweddings.com/) to help them achieve their wedding day success. The event was just perfect, as was the weather!

Sanibel's own fantastic photographer, Frank Simonetti (http://www.franksimonetti.com/) captured this day beautifully, and was kind enough to share some of the fantastic photos with us!! Enjoy this glimpse into this couple's amazing day!!

Trying to keep the bride from seeing her groom before the first look

The groomsmen got really creative with it

First look-her face says it all

I think he approves!!

Gorgeous ladies! How great are these bridesmaids dresses?

Beautiful Couple

Let's go get married!!

He is serious about this marriage!

Look at those arch pieces...super gorgeous!

I just love her facial expressions

I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife

True love

Great shot, and daring!

How gorgeous are they?! I love her big doe eyes

Pretty escort card table

The sweetheart table, all florals by Floral Artistry

Beautiful centerpieces and table numbers

Candlelit and romantic

View of the sweetheart table with the pretty white tent lights

Another great shot of the centerpieces

The most beautiful sunset, with the perfect couple!!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Ullrich!! Be sure to come see us again!! We will keep your memories of Casa Ybel safe and sound.

Fall Wedding #2

2009-12-06T08:59:00.001-08:00

Theresa Campbell and Don Espey were married at Casa Ybel on November 7, 2009. I can honestly say, Theresa was one of the most stunning brides I have ever seen. Not only was she an absolute breeze to plan with, but she is one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Theresa is also just as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside, as you will see in the pictures. To top things off, her fiancee was JUST as nice and handsome...come to think of it, the whole family was awesome. It is so nice to work with a group that just makes you smile. The wedding day went off without a hitch, and we were so lucky to have hosted it.

A big thanks to Julie Goodacre for capturing the images below, and sharing them with us.

(http://www.juliegoodacrephoto.com/)

The ceremony site

Arch, adorned with green spider mums, white roses, white stargazer lilies, blue hyacinth, and lavender

All flowers done by the amazing Sue Bain at Signature Floral

(http://www.signature-florals.com/)

Beautiful chair clusters

Didn't I tell you she is STUNNING?!

Don isn't too shabby himself

Mr. and Mrs. Espey!

The bride and her beloved pooch

Surrounded by nature

LOVED this cake

The Adirondack chairs were the perfect topper for this beach themed cake-BEFORE...

....aaaand after. Just as beautiful on the inside!

Pretty floral centerpieces by Sue

The buffet...we start with an assorted vegetable medley and roasted red potatoes...

Move on to Veal Oscar with a Rich Hollandaise Sauce, and Mahi Mahi with a Mango Salsa...

Finish off with Roasted Tenderloin of Beef Carved by a Chef...delicious

This day was just perfect for our lovely bride and groom, and we were so fortunate to have hosted it. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Espey and best of luck in your future!!

Fall Weddings

2009-12-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, the Fall Season in SWFL. Sunny, breezy, warm, and amazing. It is no wonder that we are so super busy during the months of October and November.

This is why, my wonderful followers, I have been such a bad little blogger. I know you want to see more amazing weddings from us, and I promise, I will deliver!! I have my generous and talented photographers sending me weddings every day, and I will spend the next couple of weeks getting them all posted. I only wish I had pictures from every single wedding we have done in these two months!!

Over the coming weeks, I will be posting every wedding I have pictures from, and we have some GREAT ONES!!

Lets start with the Pilat/Mirabella Wedding...

Date: October 18, 2009

Couple: Megan Pilat and Paul Mirabella

Setting: Perfect Day on Sanibel Island

I just adored working with Megan and Paul to plan their special day. Megan was very particular, organized, and knew what she want to a T!!! She poured so much time and attention to detail into every element of her wedding day, and it paid off. From the beautiful branch wishing tree, to the meticulously hand made sand dollar escort cards, this wedding was perfect beach chic.

Here are some of my favorite images from the day, shot by the always fabulous Jesse Netsch!

(http://www.jessenetschphotography.com/)

LOVED these signs

Her Bridesmaids were stunning in multi-colored dresses from J.Crew

Adorable Signs for Shoe Station

Even a sweet one for the bridal party only!

The beach was so pretty that day

The bride made these starfish and pearl aisle markers

The bride also hand made her programs. They were topped with Seashells with the bride and grooms name and date on them, to be used during the service for the shell ceremony

Beautiful Sand Ceremony Vase

The BEST ring holder I have seen

First kiss as husband and wife!! He dipped her! So romantic!

A stolen moment through the Sea Oats

Hand made escort cards

Cluster of ivory pillar candles with a starfish

Picture of the happy couple for the sign in table. I just love the white washed beach wood frame

Personalized matches and sparklers for the send off

The gift card holder

Her beautiful champagne flutes from Waterford Crystal

The reception room with champagne linen, and ivory with sage green floral centerpieces

Large vases with green candles and sand lined the aisle, then the dance floor

Perfect Seashell Cake from Masons Bakery

Wishing Tree

Sweet wish from the bride's sister

Wish from her father...just melts your heart

The centerpieces

I love the emotion in Megan's face during her father/daughter dance, and her first dance with her new husband.

Sparkling send-off!!

Hope you enjoyed with first of many weddings to come from our Fall Season! Congrats again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Mirabella!!

Brides, FL Networking Event

2009-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

As promised, I wanted to share some of the fabulous pictures from the Brides, FL. Networking Event with you all! We at Casa Ybel were fortunate enough to be included in this event, and we had a simply marvelous time!

I had almost forgotten just how beautiful and well done this whole event was until I received the pictures! The people from Brides, FL., and the T Pepin Hospitality Centre put on the most gorgeous event for SWFL wedding professionals. The whole event was wonderfully catered, decorated, and executed. Here are some of the phenomenal photos to showcase the event from the wonderfully talented :

K&K Photography, LLC
http://www.kandkphotography.com/

The Entrance to T Pepin

The Sign in Section

Adorable Name Badges

Check in Table with Yummy Champagne

Beautiful Lounge Area

Stunning fabric draped and crystal embellished chandelier

Coolest Feature! Live text screen!!

Simple and lovely

The food was out of this world! Thanks to Puff N Stuff for the Catering!

(http://www.puffnstuff.com/)

Won ton Soup

Amazing Braised Short Rib

Crispy Flat breads, made fresh in the brick oven

Decadent lobster mac n' cheese

Talk about dessert! Super incredible Nitrogen Iced Cream Station!

Scrumptious assorted mini desserts

Molten Lava Chocolate Cake

Incredible bar

The flowers and colors were beautiful

Love these antique silver vases

The entertainment was incredible! Amazing DJ backed by rock violinist!

Ballroom and mingling

The tables were all so pretty

Send off bags

Thank you to all of the contributers, and a deep thank you from Casa Ybel to Brides, FL. for showing us such a great time!! Hope to see you all again soon!!

Networking Extravaganza!!

2009-11-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

The last month has been super busy here at Casa Ybel in our wedding department. Aside from being in our busiest season of the year (Fall is just STUNNING down here), we have been out and about, networking with the industries finest at many events. We are so lucky to have been able to attend some of these great events, made some phenomenal contacts, and even had some fun along the way.

The month started with a fabulous event in downtown Miami, at the amazing Epic Hotel.

http://www.epichotel.com/

This event was hosted by our friends at The Knot, and was certainly worth the trip. The hotel, food, decor, and connections made were wonderful! A sincere thanks to The Knot from our team here at Casa Ybel for hosting such a great night for wedding pros. I have included some pictures for you to enjoy!!

The Knot Floral Logo

Outside shot of the Epic Hotel

The "Sad Bride" I think she just needs a good planner

The Fabulous Manolo Doreste from In Focus Studios in Miami took updated Facebook/Twitter pics for the pros!

(http://www.ifstudios.net/)

Here is my shot! Thanks Manolo!

The Ballroom

Sooo beautiful

Decorated perfectly

Two Different Types of Go go Dancers kept the dance floor alive! They had Ice Goddesses and Jesters.

AMAZING dessert bar. Tasty and a feast for the eyes.

As you can see, this event was wonderful for all involved, and we are greatly looking forward to the next Knot party.

(Photography Credit: UDS Photo, http://www.udsphoto.com/)

The following week, we were in attendance at another fabulous networking event, this time in Tampa. Brides, FL. hosted a gorgeous cocktail party for the Florida pros, and we had a blast. I should be receiving pictures of this event soon, and will share then when I do! It was equally stunning, and enjoyable, so I cannot wait to share it with you all!

Next up: The Grand Proposal Party with Kelly McWilliams of Weddings By Socialites, hosted at the Sidney and Berne Davis Arts Center. This whole production will be just incredible, and we are excited to be attending. I will be posting all about this event as well! Check it out...the wedding could be yours!!

http://www.thegrandwedding2010.com/

Check back soon for more networking event updates!

Stunning Casa Ybel Weddings

2009-10-14T11:45:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful month it has been so far!

Casa Ybel Resort's wedding department kicked off it's Fall Season on October 3rd, with three intimate and breathtaking weddings! A deep, and heartfelt

THANK YOU

goes out to our newest happily married couples:

Mr. and Mrs. Crouch

Mr. and Mrs. Brey

Mr. and Mrs. McCain

I cannot think of a more perfect start to a busy Fall season than getting to work with these couples who are so madly in love and happy, it gives me the greatest joy, and reminds me of just how much I love my job!

We were fortunate enough to have the very talented, and always super fun to work with, Jesse Netsch, share some of his wonderful work with us.

http://www.jessenetschphotography.com/

Jesse shot the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Brey, who held an intimate, and deeply romantic wedding at our resort, with 8 of their closest family and friends.The bride wore the most beautiful gown, which was designed and hand made by her very own mother.

Pastor Patty Miller from Custom Ceremonies for All Occasions officiated the ceremony, which was custom written for the bride and groom. The bride and groom shared the vows they wrote themselves during their custom ceremony, for an even more personal touch. .

They started with an adorable tropically decorated ceremony at our East Beach location, followed by the most PERFECT sunset imaginable!

The perfect beach ceremony

The most beautiful sunset

The group then moved inside, to our Gazebo Room, where they were treated to a wonderful plated dinner consisting of Broiled Lobster Tail and Grilled Filet of Beef with Yucca Potato Puree and Twin Sauces.

The Gazebo Room

(Non-professional shot)

The evening was topped off with an adorable seashell wedding cake from Masons Bakery, and lots of champagne and tropical cocktails!

The adorable seashell wedding cake

Champagne for the toast

It was such a magical night for all of our happy couples, and it was a joy to host these amazing events! Please enjoy some more photography below from the Brey wedding, as shot by the amazing Jesse Netsch. There were so many amazing shots to choose from. I narrowed them down the best I could, and made two nice mosaics for easy viewing (and load time).

Florals by: Floral Artistry of Sanibel : (239) 472-3040

Photography by: Jesse Netsch: http://www.jessenetschphotography.com/

Officiate: Custom Ceremonies for All Occasions, Pastor Patty Miller: http://www.pattymiller.com/

Casa Ybel Resort Joins Style Me Pretty's "Little Black Book"

2009-09-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce that we have been officially invited to join Style Me Pretty's "Little Black Book" of wedding vendors. Please, go check out our showcase!!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book/florida/southwest-florida/venues/

For those of you who don't know (which I highly doubt if you are involved in the wedding world at all!), Style Me Pretty is the best on-line wedding blog and resource for brides and wedding professionals alike. (http://www.stylemepretty.com/).

This wedding blog is an endless source of inspiration, and features some of the most spectacular weddings I have ever seen. They have an abundance of useful tools for brides, from blogging real weddings for inspiration, to the new "Style Circle", where one can create a personal style blog, post ideas, tips, and even make your own inspiration boards. It is such a great tool, I even have my own page! I highly suggest you do the same! :-)(http://circle.stylemepretty.com/casajendube/blog/2009/08/22/hello-world/)

Credits: Eclatante-Healey Elfstrum (2), Lisa Lefkowitz (2), Lisa Lefkowitz, Lisa Lefkowitz - Editorial Shoot Backyard Chic, Oh How Charming! (4), Lisa Franchot, Lisa Vorce - Blue and Daisies, Orchard Cove Photography (2), Orchard Cove Photography, Orchard Cove Liz Dan, stella alesi/photography (2), Stella Alesi, Stella Alesi - Lakewood TX, Elizabeth Messina, Oh How Charming & Kiss the Groom, Adeline and Grace Photography (2), Adeline and Grace Photography:Diedre, MK Photo - Wellspun Weddings (2)

The Little Black Book vendor list is a highly edited, exclusive list of the best vendors around the country. The team at Style Me Pretty uses a lengthy and extensive selection process, including speaking with other wedding professionals and Little Black Book members to narrow down the best of the best, and finishing in a personal interview to get a personal connection with each potential vendor. This is an invitation only list, and is truly made up of the best vendors in each area. Needless to say, to receive an invitation to join this exclusive list, is an indescribable honor, and we are so proud and excited to be joining this community of incredible vendors. We strive to provide the best service possible, and truly have a unique and breathtaking venue, that is like nothing else in this area. We are, as of now, the ONLY venue in the entire state of Florida on this list, and only one of ten in the entire country!! We are blown away and humbled by this, to say the least.

Thank you to all of our fellow wedding and Little Black Book vendors for your recommendations, and thank you to all of our brides who give us the opportunity to make your wedding the day you've always dreamt of!! Oh, and of course, a special big thanks to the Style Me Pretty team for your consideration, and invitation to join this incredible team. We are very much looking forward to working with you and living up to, and exceeding, those expectations. :-)

Stay tuned for possible future Real Wedding features on the Style Me Pretty, or Little Black Book blogs!

Happy Planning!!

The Wedding Photos are Here!!

2009-08-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Reed

On June 19, 2008, Casa Ybel Resort hosted the Wedding of Josh Reed of the Buffalo Bills, and his stunning wife, Amanda Mueller. Josh and Amanda were such a delight to work with, and they had the most beautiful intimate beach wedding at our resort.

I have been waiting with baited breath for the photos from the insanely talented, Impressions Photography (http://www.impress-photo.com/) , and Krista was so nice to share them with us this week! They came out to truly reflect the overall beauty of the day, the resort, and most important, this fabulous couple!

I hope you enjoy the photos just as much as I enjoyed working with them!

Enjoy!

Josh and his Groomsmen, so stylish!

Amanda was simply stunning

Waiting for the ceremony

The groom's embroidered Shirt, so sweet

The Amazing Ceremony Site

Danny Morgan Entertained the guests before the ceremony

Praying during the ceremony

It's official!!

Barefoot in the sand

The entire bridal party-LOVE these bridesmaids dresses

What a stunning couple

Beautiful Centerpieces by Floral Artistry

The bride mingles with the guests between courses

Scrumptious shrimp cocktail, prepared by Thistle Lodge Chefs

Thanks again to Krista from Impressions Photography for sharing these stunning photos, and thank you to Josh and Amanda for trusting us with your perfect day.

Wishing you many years of happiness and love!!

Destination Weddings: Why Sanibel Island?

2009-08-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, there are so many wonderful Destination Wedding Locations! The world is just full of stunning beaches, amazing sunsets, clear water, and fantastic properties to host your wedding at. In all of the places I have traveled, and all of the places I have seen, I genuinely adore Sanibel Island as a destination location, and believe we are just PERFECT for a destination wedding. I may seem a bit biased, considering I work out here, and live in Southwest Florida, but let me tell you why this is such a magical place for me, and everyone who visits!

The natural beauty of Sanibel speaks for itself. With the entire island serving as a nature preserve, Sanibel has unparalleled levels of native wildlife, foliage, water, natural sand beaches, shells, and stunning views and sunsets for all to enjoy. Where else can you see dolphins, a shark, a bobcat, an iguana, baby turtles, and an alligator all in the same day? (Not an exaggeration, I once saw all of these animals in one day from the time I arrived on Sanibel for work, to my drive home!)

The sunsets on the Island are unlike any I have ever seen, and add such an ethereal atmosphere, that Sanibel seems like it's own world.

Can you imagine a more perfect background for a wedding than this? When nature provides this on your special day, what else do you need?!

When it comes to Sanibel Island as a great Destination Wedding location, this is really a no brainer. The majority of your guests for a destination wedding will be out of area or out of state, so most likely, they are also making a vacation out of your wedding weekend. As such, when hosting a destination, there had better be a whole lot for your guests to do while they are there, aside from the one day your wedding will take place.

Sanibel is PERFECT for vacation, whether your guests are older, young couples, singles, or traveling with young children. The island is full of exciting and relaxing things to do with the whole family.

Consider the following; on Sanibel you can:

1) Rent bicycles and ride the island! Take in the nature and sights while spending relaxing time with your family and loved ones.

2) Enjoy the local tastes at a variety of restaurants! The island is FULL of fantastic restaurants that are all so different. Your guests can travel the island sampling everything, or even stay right on property and enjoy a romantic, exquisite dinner at our very own Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant!

3) Visit J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. You can get there by bike or car, and take in the true beauty of the island in it's most natural form. www.fws.gov/dingdarling

4) Rent jet skis, go windsurfing, canoe, kayak, or rent a fishing charter boat for a full day of water fun!

5) Take a sunset cruise off of Captiva. A lot of couples even do this a few days before the wedding to welcome the guests! http://www.captivacruises.com/

6) Visit the Historic Sanibel Lighthouse and have a picnic! There is a great little picnic area right next to the Lighthouse.

7) Go shelling! A visit to Sanibel Island is simply not complete without trolling the beaches for shells! We are one of the best in the country for shelling, and you will find some unique and hard to find shells on our beaches!

8) Golf. For you Golf lovers out there, Sanibel Island has some of the nicest courses around!

9) Shop till you drop! Periwinkle Way, the main road down the Island, is packed full of specialty shops and thrift stores for an amazing shopping adventure!

10) Relax. The beaches are like no other, the water warm, the weather beautiful, the drinks cold and refreshing. At Casa Ybel, your guests never even have to leave the resort to have a great time. They can relax on the beach, or poolside; sipping a cocktail from Coconuts Poolside Grill, and listening to the sounds of Danny Morgan live on the weekends!

Kids can delight in our Casa Kids Club, and give parents a little break to visit Thistle Lodge Restaurant or spend time in their fully appointed condo!

All in all, there is so very much to do on this beautiful island, so there will never be a dull moment during your wedding weekend. We here at Casa Ybel Resort do many, many weddings, and would be delighted to show you just how great we are as a Destination Wedding selection for your special day.

With the natural magic of Sanibel Island, and the pure beauty of our historic resort, we can provide that perfect Destination Wedding you have been dreaming of!