Katherine and Carl's Destination Wedding at Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island

By Frank Simonetti

Katherine and Carl had their destination wedding at the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island. The weather was great with a strong breeze to cool the warm June sun. Family and friends gathered for the late afternoon wedding performed by Dr. Dan Lamey. The ceremony was on the lawn directly behind the Thistle Lodge Restaurant. The children had a great time and it was a photographers’ delight to capture them ‘on film’ . Will is the brides’ son and Sarah and Lauren are her nieces. Of course, the girls were very photogenic and with their wedding bouquets. So, Will had a fall while we were taking photos before the ceremony, someone had a colorful children’s band-aid for the invisible cut….oh another photo op as the bride kisses to make it better!. Meanwhile, the groom and guests were arriving to the ceremony site on the lawn directly behind the Thistle Lodge. The staff at Thistle Lodge had cold Lemonade and Tea for the guests as they gathered and waited for the bridal procession to begin. Then Nicholas the ring bearer strutted down to the ceremony with absolute confidence, another photo op! After the ceremony, the Lieutenant Commander quickly picked up his bride as they walked down the aisle. We then made a group photograph of everyone. The guests walked to the Thistle Lodge Patio for cocktails while we photographed the two families on a beautifully landscaped area at the Casa Ybel Resort. The wedding reception was upstairs in the Waterfront Dining room of the Thistle Lodge. After the dinner, we went for beach photos at sunset and tried to release some lanterns into the Gulf of Mexico….the wind did not cooperate but again….it was a great photo opportunity! Thistle Lodge is the restaurant located in the Casa Ybel Resort. Wedding music and dancing was provided by Steve Farst. Shown here are some of my favorite photographs we created.

Casa Ybel Resort Beachfront Wedding

Casa Ybel Resort would like to congratulate it's newest happily married couple,

Mr. and Mrs. Herdrich!

Meagan and Jamison were married on Saturday, March 7th on the lawn overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, here at our beautiful resort. We were blessed with another amazing day, with temperatures in the high 70's, a light breeze, and an amazing sunset!

After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed cocktails on the outdoor terrace of our Thistle Lodge Beachfront Restaurant. They watched the sunset while being entertained by a fantastic steel drum player, and munching our famous Coconut Shrimp, along with Beef Satay, and Bacon Wrapped Scallops.

The guests then made their way up our grand staircase, to the Waterfront Room on the second floor of the Thistle Lodge for dinner and dancing!

This room is an intimate space, adorned with Victorian and old world Florida style decor, and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water. The room was decorated beautifully, with white linen and chair covers.

The centerpieces were tall cylinders, filled with cymbidum orchids and floating candles. The cylinders were surrounded by votive candles, and natural seashells, all placed atop a lovely sea foam green chiffon, which was made to match the bridesmaids dresses. The amazing centerpieces, and bouquets were done by the talented Sue Bain of Signature Floral and Gifts! (http://www.signature-florals.com/index.html).

The bride and groom entered and danced a heartwarming first dance to a lovley acoustic version of "At Last", sung by the very talented Maid of Honor, who accompanied herself on the guitar.

Everyone then enjoyed an amazing plated meal, prepared by our fantastic Executive Chef John Wolff, and Executive Banquet Chef Jamie Crisp. The guests had their choice of a New York Strip with frizzled onions and a red wine demi glace, or Seared Snapper with Leeks and a Lump Crab Ragout.

The Chef's even prepared a wonderful vegetarian pasta dish as a special request for one of the bridesmaids!

The cake, prepared by Masons Bakery, our exclusive baker, was a three tiered delight, with design meant to look like the wedding invitations.

After dinner, the guests danced the night away with the help of a wonderful DJ, and a bongo player to accompany the dance music.

It was a magical evening, full of great moments, wonderful food and views, and a party this family will not forget anytime soon!

Congratulations again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Herdrich!