Anna and Ian
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
“I’ll never forget walking into the room with my eyes closed and immediately being overwhelmed—in the best way—by the incredible fragrance of the flowers. Even before I opened my eyes, I knew it was perfect.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Anna and Ian’s lush, garden-inspired Naples wedding was a May celebration of family, faith and Greek heritage. After a ceremony at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, the local bride and groom welcomed their large, close-knit family to a resort ballroom reception, where a last-minute weather pivot brought the planned lawn celebration indoors without losing its garden feel. A traditional money dance, a Greek dessert display at the after-party, and a glow-filled dance floor kept the energy high all night.
“We chose to get married in Florida because it has truly become home for us. After more than a decade of living here, we’ve built both our personal and professional lives in this community. Florida holds so many meaningful memories for us, and it felt only natural to celebrate such an important milestone in a place that has played such a significant role in our journey together,” the bride revealed.
The Proposal
“My proposal felt like something out of a dream. It happened during the week of my birthday, and Ian cleverly disguised the evening as a birthday date night. He encouraged me to get dressed up and took me downtown to Fifth Avenue in Naples. From there, he led me to a charming hidden alleyway filled with flowers, beautiful water features, and, to my surprise, a professional photographer waiting to capture the moment. It was there that he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The evening concluded with photographs, cocktails, and a sunset at the beach—an absolutely perfect ending to an unforgettable night.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“Our maid of honor and best man organized a co-ed bachelor and bachelorette celebration in Las Vegas, and it was an absolute blast. We invited our entire bridal party and chose Las Vegas because it offers something for everyone. From incredible dining experiences and world-class entertainment to exploring the Strip and enjoying the city’s vibrant energy, there was never a dull moment. It was the perfect destination for bringing all of our favorite people together and creating unforgettable memories before the wedding.
We spent three incredible weeks on our honeymoon, dividing our time between Japan and Hawaii. We spent two weeks exploring Japan, traveling through Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Ian and I are passionate about food and love discovering new cities, cultures, and experiences. For food lovers, Japan is truly a dream destination, and we enjoyed every opportunity to immerse ourselves in its world-renowned culinary scene.
To conclude our honeymoon, we spent a week in Maui, Hawaii. After two weeks of sightseeing and adventure, Hawaii provided the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the beach before returning home.”
The Planning
Parties A’ La Carte
“When searching for a wedding planner, I wanted someone who was not only organized, professional, and responsive, but also someone who would genuinely advocate for me throughout the planning process. Having someone on my team who truly listened and cared about my vision was incredibly important. Her team delivered a truly exceptional experience, and their level of service was second to none.
I chose Parties A’ La Carte because of Jessica Ralph, the owner. From our very first meeting, it was clear that event planning is more than just a profession for her—it’s her passion. Her dedication to her clients and commitment to creating extraordinary experiences immediately stood out. If Jessica’s name was attached to our wedding, every detail would be thoughtfully executed and every expectation exceeded.”
From The Planner
“Anna and Ian’s wedding was originally designed as an outdoor celebration on the lawn, centered around a lush, garden-inspired aesthetic. With weather concerns emerging close to the date, the design was thoughtfully reimagined for the ballroom. A draping vendor was secured overnight, allowing the team to seamlessly bring the garden indoors and preserve the original vision in an elegant, immersive way! Ready to transition into a high-energy celebration, Anna emphasized her desire for a lively dance party atmosphere. The dance floor came to life with an assortment of glow accessories—foam sticks, bracelets, headbands, and rings—creating a vibrant and interactive experience for guests!
Guest experience remained a central priority throughout the planning process. With a large and close-knit family, Anna and Ian were intentional about creating a celebration that felt memorable and distinctive. Every detail was curated to leave a lasting impression, ensuring guests would continue talking about the evening long after it ended! Honoring their Greek heritage, the couple incorporated meaningful cultural traditions, including a money dance and an impressive Greek dessert display during the after-party. These elements added both authenticity and a celebratory spirit that resonated with their guests.”
—Jessica Ralph, Parties A’ La Carte
The Most Memorable Moments
“There were countless memorable moments throughout our wedding day, but one that stands out was my private reveal of the reception space. Jessica Ralph and the Parties A’ La Carte team paid extraordinary attention to every detail, and as I stood there taking it all in, I could see the care and effort that had gone into creating something so beautiful. I’ll never forget walking into the room with my eyes closed and immediately being overwhelmed—in the best way—by the incredible fragrance of the flowers. Even before I opened my eyes, I knew it was perfect.
Another unforgettable moment was my outfit change during the reception. Jessica and Cara Anderson coordinated everything so flawlessly that I was able to change gowns and return to the celebration before anyone even realized I had stepped away. The only clue was my transition from one beautiful dress to another. Their efficiency and attention to detail allowed me to enjoy every moment of the evening without missing a beat.”
