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.

Happy Holiday Season!!

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

Fall Wedding #3

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

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!!