Triple White Floral Arch Wedding Ceremony Altar Overlooking the Gulf with Blue Hydrangea Urn Arrangements Ideas | Rooftop Lawn Wedding Ceremony at Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort

Elegant Blue Modern Coastal Wedding | Opal Sands Clearwater Beach

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Wedding Reception Tables with Clear Chiavari Chairs and Light Blue Centerpieces by Gulf-View Windows with Palm Trees | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Gabro Event Rentals
White Floral Arch Sweetheart Table Backdrop with LED Infinity Dance Floor and Blue Hydrangea Arrangement Wedding Reception Decor Ideas | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Gabro Event Rentals

Brittany and Robert

“Our wedding theme and design inspiration were elegant modern coastal. We wanted our wedding to feel elevated and timeless while still embracing the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. We loved the idea of having a clean, sophisticated design that still felt romantic and relaxed.” -The Bride

Rooftop Wedding Ceremony Overlooking the Gulf Viewed Through Palm Fronds with White Floral Arch | Rooftop Lawn Wedding Ceremony at Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

FEATURING

Brittany and Robert’s elegant modern coastal Clearwater Beach wedding was a sophisticated May celebration in soft light blue, white, and green, set against sweeping waterfront views. The Nashville bride and groom gathered 80 guests at a modern Florida resort for a destination wedding weekend, exchanging vows on the very beach where the bride spent her childhood visiting her grandparents.

“We currently live in Nashville, TN, but we chose Clearwater, FL, because it has always held such a special place in my heart. I grew up going to Clearwater to visit my Omi and Opa, and so many of my favorite childhood memories are tied to the area. It was always one of the most special places to me, and I wanted to get married somewhere that had that kind of meaning,” the bride shared. “Getting married on the same beach where I used to run around as a little girl made the day feel incredibly full-circle. It was so special to be able to start this new chapter of my life in a place that had already been such a big part of my childhood and held so many memories for me and my family.”


Behind the Vows Wedding Day Content Creation Banner

Light Blue and White Wedding Invitation Suite Flat Lay with Monogram Crest, Blue Velvet Ring Boxes and White Roses Ideas
Bride and Bridesmaids Wedding Party Portrait in Mismatched Light Blue Satin Bridesmaid Dresses with Blue Hydrangea Bouquets Overlooking the Gulf | Tampa Bay Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

The Bach Party & Honeymoon

“We hosted my bachelorette party in Rosemary Beach. I wanted a beautiful, relaxing beach weekend where I could spend quality time with my closest friends while celebrating before the wedding. Rosemary Beach was the perfect choice because it gave us the beach getaway I was looking for while also having great restaurants, shopping, and a fun atmosphere.

We spent our honeymoon at Secrets Playa Mujeres. We wanted a beautiful, relaxing beach destination where we could unwind after the wedding and enjoy some uninterrupted time together as newlyweds. After such a busy and exciting wedding weekend, an all-inclusive beach resort felt like the perfect way to relax, celebrate our marriage, and start this next chapter together.”

Aerial Drone View of Rooftop Lawn Beach Wedding Ceremony Setup with White Folding Chairs, Floral Arch and Resort Pool | Rooftop Lawn Wedding Ceremony at Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

The Venue

Opal Sands Clearwater Beach

“We were looking for a venue that felt beautiful and elevated but still had a relaxed coastal atmosphere. We wanted somewhere that could accommodate both the ceremony and reception while giving our guests the experience of a destination wedding. The views, location, food, accommodations, and overall aesthetic were all very important to us.

We chose Opal Sands Clearwater Beach because it checked every box for what we wanted in a wedding venue. The modern architecture, waterfront location, beach access, and incredible Gulf views perfectly matched our elegant modern coastal vision. We also loved that our guests could stay on-site and experience everything together, which made the wedding feel like a full weekend celebration.

The service at Opal Sands was wonderful. The staff was attentive, professional, and made us feel taken care of throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day itself. Having a team that we could trust to handle the details allowed us to relax and actually enjoy our wedding day.”

Triple White Floral Arch Wedding Ceremony Altar Overlooking the Gulf with Blue Hydrangea Urn Arrangements Ideas | Rooftop Lawn Wedding Ceremony at Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort

The Proposal

“Robert proposed at the restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, where we had our first date the second time around, which made the location especially meaningful to us. He told me that he was taking me flying, so I had no idea what he actually had planned. Instead, he had secretly arranged for the restaurant to be the setting for the proposal and had the entire space decorated so beautifully for us.

When we got there, I still had no idea what was coming. He said we were just grabbing a snack and a Diet Coke before going flying. He then surprised me by taking me into a private room that was decorated so beautifully and proposing. Immediately afterward, our families and my best friends came out to surprise me. He had planned a brunch for everyone so that the people we love most could be there to celebrate with us right after we got engaged.

After the proposal, we spent the rest of the weekend together at a cabin, celebrating and soaking in the excitement of being engaged. Because he had originally told me we were going flying, he actually took me flying the next day! It made the whole weekend feel like such a thoughtful and personal surprise.”

Rooftop Wedding Ceremony Overlooking the Gulf Viewed Through Palm Fronds with White Floral Arch | Rooftop Lawn Wedding Ceremony at Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

The Most Memorable Moments

“The first was our ceremony. Getting to marry the man of my dreams outside while overlooking the Gulf was incredibly special. It was everything I had imagined our wedding day would be, and being surrounded by our closest family and friends made that moment even more meaningful.

The second was the morning of our wedding, when my mom and I sat together on the balcony of our room and just talked. We talked about the future, reminisced about all of our memories in Clearwater, and took in the fact that this was the morning of my wedding day. In the middle of such a busy and exciting weekend, having that slow, peaceful morning together was something I will always treasure.

The third was my father-daughter dance. Getting to have that moment with my dad, still feeling like his little girl on the biggest day of my life, was incredibly precious. It brought back so many memories of growing up and reminded me that no matter how much life changes, I will always be his little girl. It was such a simple moment, but one that I know I will never forget.”

Bride and Groom Kissing Under Triple White Floral Arch Overlooking the Gulf Wedding Portrait | Rooftop Lawn Wedding Ceremony at Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

The Photography

Lifelong Photography Studio

“We wanted a photographer whose work felt bright, natural, timeless, and romantic. It was important to us that our photos captured genuine moments and emotions rather than feeling overly posed. We also wanted someone who understood the lighting and layout of Opal Sands and could take advantage of the beach, waterfront views, and sunset.

We chose Lifelong Photography Studio because we loved the style of their work and the way they captured weddings in a natural but elevated way. Their photos felt timeless and emotional while still being bright and beautiful. We also loved that they were familiar with Opal Sands, which gave us confidence that they knew how to make the most of the venue.

Their service was incredible. Lifelong Photography Studio made us feel comfortable throughout the day, helped keep everything moving, and captured so many moments that we might not have even noticed happening. Looking back at our photos, we feel like they truly captured the feeling of the day and not just what it looked like.”

Wedding Party Portrait Under White Resort Pergola with Light Blue Bridesmaid Dresses and Tan Suits | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Photography Lifelong Photography Studio
Motion Blur Wedding Party Walking Portrait with Bride in Ivory Satin Ballgown and Blue Hydrangea Bouquet | Tampa Bay Photography Lifelong Photography Studio
Bride and Groom Sunset Wedding Portrait on Rock Jetty with Cathedral Veil Blowing in the Wind and Clearwater Beach Skyline | Tampa Bay Photography Lifelong Photography Studio | Venue Opal Sands Resort

From The Photographer

“Brittany and Robert’s wedding was such a beautiful reflection of who they are as a couple—romantic, joyful, and completely genuine. Opal Sands gave us the most incredible backdrop, from the soft waterfront light to the sunset over the beach, and our goal was to preserve not only how beautiful the day looked, but how it truly felt. Those real, in-between moments are always the ones that make a wedding gallery feel timeless.”

—Buffy Feldman, Lifelong Photography Studio

Bride and Groom Golden Hour Beach Wedding Portrait with Sailboat on the Gulf Behind Them | Tampa Bay Photography Lifelong Photography Studio | Venue Opal Sands Resort

The Rentals

Gabro Event Services

“We rented umbrellas, blue water glasses, square tables, and draping for the inside of the reception space from Gabro Event Services. We specifically chose the square tables because Opal Sands already provided round tables, and we loved the idea of mixing the square and round tables throughout the reception to break up the room and create more visual interest. It gave the space a more unique and intentional layout while still feeling cohesive.

The blue water glasses were another subtle way to incorporate our light blue color palette into the tablescape. The draping inside the reception space helped make the room feel more intimate and elegant while still allowing the beautiful coastal setting and Gulf views to remain the focus. The umbrellas also added to the overall coastal atmosphere and created a beautiful element for our guests to enjoy throughout the celebration.”

Light Blue and White Wedding Reception Tablescape with Navy Blue Goblets, Clear Chiavari Chairs and Hydrangea Centerpieces Overlooking Palm Trees Ideas | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Gabro Event Rentals
Elegant Light Blue and White Wedding Reception with White Draping, Crystal Candelabras, Clear Chiavari Chairs and Navy Goblets Overlooking the Gulf Decor Ideas | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Gabro Event Rentals

The Inspiration

“Our wedding theme and design inspiration were elegant modern coastal. We wanted our wedding to feel elevated and timeless while still embracing the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. We chose this style because it felt like the perfect reflection of us. We loved the idea of having a clean, sophisticated design that still felt romantic and relaxed and allowed the beautiful coastal setting at Opal Sands to be part of the overall aesthetic.

Our wedding colors were light blue with hints of white and green. We wanted a soft, timeless color palette that complemented the natural beauty of the Gulf and fit perfectly with our elegant modern coastal vision. The light blue brought in the coastal feel, while the white and green added a fresh, natural element without taking away from the clean and elegant design of the space.

What made our wedding unique was the combination of an elegant, modern design with the relaxed beauty of Clearwater Beach. We wanted it to feel like a sophisticated coastal wedding without going too heavily into a traditional beach theme.”

From The Venue

“Brittany and Rob were so kind and truly amazing to work with! They put so much thought and intention into every detail of their wedding, creating a celebration that felt incredibly personal and beautifully curated.

Every element was thoughtfully chosen, from the mix-and-match BBJ Linens, custom signage, and beautiful floral arrangements and decor pieces from Posy Exchange. The full draping throughout the space completely transformed the room, creating a beautiful and elevated atmosphere. The overall design was the perfect blend of Southern charm and coastal chic. And, of course, the LED dance floor was a standout! It wowed both guests and the team.

Throughout the day, there were so many thoughtful touches that reflected Brittany and Rob as a couple, starting with the custom-printed fans for the ceremony all the way to tambourines for their grand exit. Their menu selections were equally intentional, thoughtfully incorporating their interests while still offering something for every guest to enjoy. The tableside wine service was such an elegant addition and was a favorite among many of the guests.

Every detail came together so beautifully to create a celebration that felt uniquely theirs. It was such a joy to be a part of their day!”

—Sophia Dunklin, Event Manager, Opal Sands Clearwater Beach

White Floral Arch Sweetheart Table Backdrop with LED Infinity Dance Floor and Blue Hydrangea Arrangement Wedding Reception Decor Ideas | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Gabro Event Rentals
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait on LED Infinity Dance Floor in Front of White Floral Arch | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | DJ Grant Hemond & Associates

The DJ

Grant Hemond & Associates

“We wanted a DJ who could read the room, keep the energy going, and make sure our guests were dancing and having fun. We also wanted someone who would listen to our preferences and understand the overall vibe we wanted rather than simply playing a standard wedding playlist. Having someone who could also keep the reception flowing and make announcements professionally was very important to us.

We chose Grant Hemond & Associates because of their reputation and recommendations from our wedding planning team. We wanted a DJ who was experienced, professional, and capable of keeping a wide range of guests entertained throughout the night.

Grant Hemond & Associates did an amazing job. Our DJ, James King, understood the type of music and atmosphere we wanted and kept the dance floor full throughout the reception. He also helped keep the evening flowing smoothly, which allowed us to focus on enjoying ourselves and celebrating with our guests.”

Groom Lifting Bride on LED Infinity Dance Floor Wedding Reception Portrait | Clearwater Beach DJ Grant Hemond & Associates
Bride's Red Sole Wedding Shoes with Photo Booth Strips and Light Blue Place Card Wedding Reception Details Ideas
Bride and Groom Walking Down Resort Staircase Under Blue Glass Chandelier Wedding Portrait | Clearwater Beach Venue Opal Sands Resort | Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

The Experience

“Our wedding was about creating an experience that felt like us. We wanted an elegant and beautiful wedding, but we never wanted the details to overshadow what the day was about: celebrating our marriage with the people we love most. Having our wedding at Opal Sands allowed us to create a full weekend experience for our guests.

We wanted our wedding to feel like a true reflection of us and, most importantly, to feel fun and comfortable for our family and friends. We incorporated personal touches throughout the day while keeping everything elegant and cohesive. We put a lot of thought into the overall guest experience, the music, the décor, and the little details because we wanted everyone to feel like they were experiencing something personal to us rather than attending a traditional, cookie-cutter wedding.

The most important elements for us were the venue, photography, florals and décor, food, and overall guest experience. We wanted our guests to have an incredible time, while also making sure that we would have beautiful photos and memories to look back on for years to come.”

Bride and Groom Kissing in Elevator Playful Wedding Exit Portrait | Tampa Bay Photography Lifelong Photography Studio

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
“Our entire vendor team exceeded our expectations, and we are especially grateful to our wedding planner, Brooke of RSBP Events+PR, for helping us put together such an amazing group of vendors. She understood our vision from the beginning and recommended vendors who were the perfect fit for us.

The Posy Exchange team, now named NovaChrome, absolutely exceeded our expectations with the florals and overall décor. They transformed the space and made it look even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Every floral arrangement was absolutely stunning, and the florals were truly one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding. The flowers were just to die for.

Lifelong Photography Studio also did an incredible job capturing not only how beautiful the day looked, but also the emotions and little moments that we will be able to relive forever. Grant Hemond & Associates exceeded our expectations by keeping the energy going and making sure our guests had an amazing time. The Opal Sands team was wonderful as well and made us feel so taken care of throughout the entire experience. We still have guests tell us how incredible the food was.”

What advice would you give to other Clearwater Beach couples?
“Focus on what is most important to you as a couple and not get caught up in trying to make your wedding look exactly like someone else’s. There are so many decisions that go into planning a wedding, so choosing vendors you trust is incredibly important. For us, having Brooke as our wedding planner made such a difference because we were able to trust her recommendations and lean on her expertise throughout the process.

Once the wedding day arrives, let your vendors do their jobs and try to be as present as possible. The day goes by much faster than you expect, and being able to actually enjoy it with your spouse, family, and friends is what you will remember most.”


Behind the Vows Wedding Day Content Creation Banner

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.

Feature Credits

Vendors and venues marked with

are Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros and have been personally vetted by our editor.

Ceremony and ReceptionOpal Sands Clearwater Beach
Rehearsal Dinner VenueOpal Sands Clearwater Beach
DJ/Band & Live EntertainmentGrant Hemond & Associates
VideographyVHVIDEO.COM
Florists/DecorPosy Exchange
Cakes & DessertHands on Sweets
Invitations & StationeryCanva
Dress and Bridesmaid AttireAlyssa Kristin
Bridesmaids DressesAzazie
Hair & MakeupElena Joseph

About the Author

Anna Coats

Anna Coats is the editor and founder of Marry Me Tampa Bay, the area’s most trusted wedding planning resource. With over a decade of experience connecting engaged couples with the region’s top wedding pros, Anna created Marry Me Tampa Bay to create a more authentic approach to reseaching local wedding venues and vendors.

Her expertise has been featured on national and local media outlets including Travel & Leisure, The Washington Post, Daytime TV, FOX, ABC, and Bay News 9, making her the go-to voice for wedding planning in the Tampa Bay area.

DM her at: IG: @marrymetampabay/TikTok @lifeofaweddingblogger.

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