While thumbing through the May issue of Coastal Living I ran across an article about a quaint little B&B in Key West, The Mermaid and The Alligator.

Hubby and I just happened to have had a lovely little stay there over the Christmas holidays.

The inn is a beautiful old victorian home, circa 1904, in the heart of the Historical District.

photo via The Mermaid and The Alligator

Upon arrival we were greeted by the official welcoming party Havana and Caya, two beautiful and very friendly flat-coated retrievers.

Innkeepers Dean and Paul had the house decorated in it’s holiday finery!

Our room, the Sunroom, bright and cheery with a balcony overlooking a tropical garden.

photo via The Mermaid and The Alligator

We enjoyed a yummy breakfast each morning on the patio.

After a fun filled day of biking, boating, beaching, shopping or whatever else strikes your fancy unwind with a relaxing massage under the garden canopy.

And when evening rolls around enjoy a glass of wine on the patio before heading out to dinner or night life on the famous Duval Street.

photo via The Mermaid and The Alligator

So whether you’re planning an intimate destination wedding or just a little getaway The Mermaid and The Alligator is definitely the place to “chill” while in Key West!

HAPPY TRAVELING!

Dolores

Christen’s very first question for me was, “Have you ever coordinated a wedding at the Greek church?” The answer was no.  She then asked, “Well, did you see the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding? My wedding will be just like that.” Instant connection! I loved that movie and have seen it at least four or five times! I replied, “Should I pack Windex in the bridal emergency kit?”. We all had a big laugh! As it turned out, Christen had so much better taste than Nikki, the overbearing cousin in the movie who stepped in and took over. Thank goodness! Every detail was just beautiful! The ceremony was lovely with all the traditional Greek customs and the reception was big, loud and soooooo fun! The crowd danced the night away to the sounds of Nashvegas with Greek dancing between sets. Congratulations Christen and Colby! Thank you for sharing your special day with us and thanks to Ashley Hoskins for sharing photos. Oh, by the way, can you tell what big UT fans Christen and Colby are?

A great big thanks to the following vendors!

Ceremony Location: St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church

Reception Venue: Hunter Valley Farm

Photographer: Ashley Hoskins

Floral Design: Always In Bloom

Ceremony Music: Dogwood Trio

Band: Nashvegas

Caterer: All Occasions

Transportation: Knoxville Trolley and

Coordination: Soirée Events

Marenah’s and Jesse’s wedding day was very special. Not only were they celebrating their marriage but also Jesse’s homecoming, just having returned from being deployed in Iraq. It couldn’t have been a more perfect fall day and the gardens never looked lovelier! Thank you Marenah and Jesse for sharing your very special day with us. And thanks to Kat Fanari for sharing photos.

Congratulations Marenah and Jesse!

Knoxville Botanical Gardens

All Occasions Party Rental

Abner’s Attic Catering

Bar Bop

Kat Furnari Photographer

Echelon Floral

Soirée Events

Just like your save the date, your invitation gives your guests a preview of what’s to come. Are you a traditional couple? Is your style artsy, modern or something completely new and unique? Look at this collection of 50 great invitations from Martha Stewart Weddings. There is something for everyone, and it is also a great starting point to figure out what you and your partner like and don’t like. This is always helpful before you schedule a consultation. Good luck, and happy planning!

While visiting our friends Larry and Linda at Hilton Head, we took a day trip to the beautiful Palmetto Bluff just 25 minutes away. This is a perfect destination venue for your wedding set against the backdrop of the magnificent South Carolina Low Country. Tranquil scenic waterways wind through moss laden oak trees as you arrive at this special resort.

You could not wish for a more romantic setting for your weding day than the Waterside Chapel on the banks of the May River. A stately arched window at the front of the chapel, with an expansive view of the May River sets the stage for a breath taking ceremony.

Just steps away from the chapel is the May River Lawn, where you can receive your guests in a beautiful outdoor setting under the immense branches of ancient oak trees. Your guests may sip a glass of champagne and watch the tides of the river at sunset while the wedding party finishes their pictures across the way at the site of the Palmetto Bluff’s historic ruins.

On to the celebration at the River House ballroom which can accomodate up to 120 guests. The large veranda that srrounds the ballroom on three sides can accomodate an additional 50 guests.

At the end of the festvities, your guests are within walking distances to their cottages at the Inn. Amenities include full service spa, beauty and salon services, a signature golf course, fitness center and boating and water activities.

Let Soirée Events plan your destination wedding at this unique and very private venue! palmetto-bluff.com