Vows in the Sand: Real Wedding in Palm Beach, Florida

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When Florida couple Rylie and Dalton Sarver say they love the beach, they mean the sea is inextricably linked to their souls and relationship. She's a fish biologist and he's a first mate on a charter boat and, according to them, "one of the most important things in our relationship is our love for the water, especially our beautiful emerald green water." Together they "spent and still spend a majority of our free time on our iconic beaches, fishing, shelling and snorkeling." And when it came to swapping vows they wanted to share that love of the shore with their friends and family in a destination that was local but still felt like a vacation. "The Beach Club at Sandestin gave us the perfect paradise while staying close to home."

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Beach Party

A sparkling pool, pretty cabanas, swaying palms, a private strand of sand and awesome service are all hallmarks of The Beach Club at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which is where Rylie and Dalton realized their day-dream wedding setting. "We wanted something casual, but elegant and the Beach Club was just that. And we wanted everything in one place to make it simpler for guests," they say. After swapping vows in the powdered sands, they moved to the reception area, which "felt completely unique." In-house planners helped the couple organize and execute all the Big Day details, including the legal paperwork.

A local artist named Maxine Orange crafted a bespoke portrait of the couple. "She painted live and in-person during the reception. Everyone was drawn to her artistry. It was so entertaining, and we have a beautiful memory of our perfect day."

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Ready for a Close-Up

The beauty of the destination and its events is one that the couple treasures. “The most Instagrammable spot at Sandestin is Ara, the rooftop bar at Hotel Effie.” It also happens to be Rylie and Dalton’s top pick for spying the sunrise. “The pool at Osprey Pointe is quaint, quiet, and extremely relaxing, with mesmerizing views of the nature preserve and Bay.” Plus there’s an osprey nest that’s in sight of the pool. Another epic opportunity is during the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic: “Seeing a giant blue marlin is just something out of this world and for some people a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Right after the couple swapped vows, it started to rain. “As we ran up to cover, we heard people clapping from the condos next door. Turns out, everyone was watching above from their balconies and were cheering for us. It was like a movie!”

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High Seas

When it comes to local adventures, the fi sh biologist (Rylie) and the fi rst mate on a fi shing boat (Dalton) may be a little biased but they agree that “the most underrated experience is a fi shing charter, specifi cally an offshore fi shing charter,” which comes equipped with a knowledgeable captain and crew. Some of the couple’s other favorite attractions include the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a collection of candy-colored buildings housing shops, eateries and more, located a trolley ride away from the resort.

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Legally Wed

The state of Florida requires marriage licenses. They are issued at the county clerk’s offi ce and cost $93.50. There is a waiting period of three days. The price may be reduced by a third, and the waiting period waived if the couple completes a premarital course. In addition to the fee, the couple must present photo IDs and Social Security numbers. Licenses are valid for 60 days.

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Travel Notes

Florida is famous for many things, but what is treasured for is right there in its nickname—the Sunshine State, and the Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort is an enclave of rest, relaxation and repose that truly embodies that moniker. The sprawling property fronts Florida’s pristine Emerald Coast beaches and encompasses all the sun-kissed highlights—golf courses à go-go and a bunch of pools, tennis courts and a fi tness club, a beach club, a main commercial area and a bevy of accommodation options. Large groups like those visiting for Rylie and Dalton’s celebration can book into condos with kitchens, balconies and individually appointed design. Their favorite perch for taking in the view, the Ara Pool and Lounge, is set atop the boutique—and chic—Hotel Effi e. It also houses the Spa Lilliana, which specializes in facial treatments and invites groups to indulge. Perhaps the biggest allure of experiencing this idyllic beach town is the fact that free trolleys link many of the offerings (room rates at Hotel Effi e start at $339 a night; www.sandestin.com).

palm beach florida wedding