Wyndham Gardens on Clearwater Beach Wedding

Wyndham Gardens on Clearwater Beach Wedding

by Charmaine Doumanian News

Julia & Gary traveled from Indiana to Florida where they had their destination Wyndham Gardens on Clearwater Beach wedding last Saturday night. To get down to Florida it was the first time that Gary had ever flown. They wanted a small simple wedding on the beach. A few family members and friends had traveled with them to Florida for vacation and to attended the wedding. On the day of their wedding, it was a beautiful evening just before sunset on Clearwater Beach. One side of the beach overlooked the bridge going to Sand Key and the other side was Clearwater Beach. The air was soft and humidity had gone down.

Bridge to Sand Key

Bridge to Sand Key. Perfect night for a Wyndham Gardens on Clearwater Beach Wedding

Julia had a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers. They looked so real that I asked her if she got them from a local florist. She said no that she just stuffed them in her suitcase and took them with her from Indiana. Hah!

Julia's colorful flower bouquet that she brought down from Indiana

Julia’s colorful flower bouquet that she brought down from Indiana

Like all beach weddings the beach goers and hotel guest always watch when a wedding is going on and add to the applause at the end of the ceremony. When I pronounced Julia & Gary husband & wife everyone on the beach applauded. A few boats were tied up along shore with people on board and they all participated in cheering, and even, added music to the closing ceremony. One of them started to loudly play “Marry Me” by Bruno Mars so we could all hear it. It was a simple fun wedding just like Julia & Gary wanted. They were staying in Florida a few more days of vacation before heading back to Indiana.

Sand Key Clearwater Wedding Ceremony

Sand Key Clearwater Wedding Ceremony

by Charmaine Doumanian News

After being together for eleven years Celina & Antwan were married on Saturday , July 19 at Sand Key Park in Clearwater. They have two beautiful children a 6 year old girl and a one year old boy with another boy due in November. They decided it was time to be married!! Celina & Antwan drove to Florida from Georgia. A few family members were able to be drive to Florida and join them at the ceremony and they had some other relatives in the area who were able to come to the ceremony. Celina contacted Charmaine two weeks ago to see if she was available to perform their Sand Key Clearwater wedding ceremony and if could George Sr.  was available to do photos. We were available and delighted to be a part of their Sand Key Clearwater wedding ceremony.

The wedding was an hour before sunset. On the day of the wedding the forecast was for thunderstorms. But, fortunately, we had some clouds which was just enough cloud coverage for it not to be uncomfortably hot but nice for photographs.

Happily married Photos by George Sr.

Just married! Photos by George Sr.

Celina & Antwan faced each other with love in their hearts throughout the ceremony.

Beautiful evening for a sunset Sand Key Clearwater wedding ceremony

Beautiful evening for a sunset Sand Key Clearwater wedding ceremony. Photos by George Sr.

Before the ceremony, Celina asked if I could have her sister sing a song at someplace in the ceremony. After the ring exchange I asked her sister, Helena, to come forward. She beautifully sang, “All of Me” by John Legend. I could see tears in the eyes of many guest, as well as, Celina. It was beautifully done.

Sings during ceremony. Photos by George Sr.

Helena singing during ceremony. Photos by George Sr.

After the ceremony and pictures, Celina & Antwan had a reception dinner at Rumba’s Island Grill in Clearwater. They were spending the rest of the week in St Petersburg before driving back to Georgia. Congratulations, Celina & Antwan!

Surprise Treasure Island Beach Vow Renewal Ceremony

Surprise Treasure Island Beach Vow Renewal Ceremony

by Charmaine Doumanian News

Jeff & Gwen will be celebrating their 20th year wedding anniversary on July 9th. Jeff contacted me wanting to plan a surprise Treasure Island Beach Vow Renewal Ceremony while him and his family were on their vacation in Florida. Jeff, Gwen, & their three sons would be coming to Florida from Seattle and staying at Sunset Vista Resorts in Treasure Island. He was looking at our elopement packages and wanted to do package 3 for his surprise Treasure Island Beach vow renewal ceremony. Package 3, includes: ceremony officiant, photographer, & heart made with rose petals in the sand. In lieu notarizing and return of license, I offered a few roses as a bouquet for Gwen.

The surprise ceremony date was set for July 2 at sunset. Jeff corresponded with me on how they would pull off the surprise. On the day of the ceremony, I sent Jeff a text when George Sr. (photographer) and I arrived at the Treasure Island beach. Jeff was out with his wife, Gwen, & kids taking a walk on the beach. Jeff was awaiting my text. George Sr. and I were making the heart in the sand with the rose petals and preparing the final touches on it.

Awaiting the couple

Heart in the sand ready and awaiting the couple. Photos by George Sr.

Jeff told me what he was wearing and said he would text as they got nearby the location for the ceremony. George Sr. and I, kept a watch for them and when we saw them, George went up to Jeff and asked him if he would take a photo of him & me. Jeff was glad to 😉 George asked if Jeff and Gwen would just stand in the rose heart for a moment so he could see just where he wanted us to stand for the photo. So we had Jeff & Gwen centered in the rose petal heart. Once they were in the heart I went up to Gwen and asked if she was Gwen Loosemore.When she said ‘yes’ I said, “A secret admirer shared with me a special occasion that you are going to be celebrating. That admirer asked me to celebrate your 20th year wedding anniversary and perform a vow renewal ceremony.” She turned around and Jeff was on one knee kissing her hand.

down on 1 knee

We sure did surprise her! Photos by George Sr.

She was stunned!!! She had a handful of shells that she had been collecting on the beach and was totally lost for words. Her first reaction was, “Who are you guys??” We had a few chuckles then proceeded with a beautiful vow renewal ceremony. She wanted her three boys together with them during the ceremony. Her oldest son held a gift that Jeff had for her. It was a beautiful pearl necklace that Jeff presented to her during the ceremony.

Beautiful vow renewal ceremony while the sun set on Treasure Island Beach

Beautiful vow renewal ceremony while the sun set on Treasure Island Beach. Photos by George Sr.

Vow renewal ceremony

Vow renewal ceremony. Photos by George Sr.

At the end of their ceremony we were able to just catch the sunset. A beautiful ceremony, a beautiful couple, and a beautiful family just as happy and in love today as they were 20 years ago.

Cheers to another 20 years of happy marriage!

Cheers to another 20 years of happy marriage!