For Ben & Courtney’s wedding day at Pensacola Country Club, there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. The sun was shining beautifully on Pensacola Bay, and the day couldn’t have been more ideal for a big celebration. From start to finish, their wedding was gorgeous and filled with so many personalized details that their guests won’t soon forget.
The morning started with a little pampering – for both the girls and guys! While the girls relaxed at the bride’s home with the talented team from Volume One on hand for hair and makeup, the guys enjoyed shaves and haircuts at Wilfrid’s Barber Shop on Palafox. Afterwards, both groups were transported to the country club via Five Flags Trolley.
Upon their arrival, Ben and Courtney shared a first look which Tiffany and second shooter Mallory of Aislinn Kate Photography beautifully captured. From there, everyone jumped back on board the trolley for additional pictures at the groom’s grandmother’s home. The lighting and scenery were gorgeous, and Tiffany made magic happen (as she always does!).
As ceremony time approached, guests arrived via the Dreamcatcher shuttles and made their way down to the waterfront. The space was set gorgeously with columns and chandeliers from Wedding Walls and florals from Sunshine Designs. Right at 5:30pm, the family and bridal party processed down the aisle to the Talking Heads’ This Must Be the Place. This group of guests will forever be known as the most supportive bunch to attend a wedding as they cheered each bridal party member down the aisle with encouragement and clapping.
Next, the bride and her father walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of Cat Power’s Sea of Love as performed by the guitarist from the wedding band – the NOLA Dukes. The view was breathtaking with a wide expanse of waterfront directly behind Father Michael Hoffman of Christ Church who performed a wonderfully personalized ceremony. After reading letters written by Courtney and Ben to one another and reciting the traditional vows, Father Michael pronounced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Ben Switzer to cheers from their guests.
While the couple and family took photos, the guests headed up to cocktail hour. Guests flowed from indoors to an outdoor tent provided by Gulf Coast Tents & Event Rentals. The tent was decorated with tons of twinkle lights, gorgeous chandeliers, and delicate draping provided again by the great team at Wedding Walls. Guests enjoyed music by the NOLA Dukes and had access to an amazingly decked-out photo booth courtesy of Magic Mirror as well as drinks and appetizers galore. The bride and groom thought of everything as they provided signature “His & His” drinks to honor their fathers. The bar was decorated with fatheads of the dads and featured drink stirrers complete with their dads’ faces on top.
After the couple’s announcement and first dance, a delicious dinner was served by the country club’s staff. The guests also enjoyed an amazing dessert bar featuring cake and cupcakes by the talented Betty Weber, donuts from Krispy Kreme, and tons of classic candies.
Following a fun dance shared by Courtney and her dad, the party officially began. The NOLA Dukes kept the crowd on the black and white checkered dance floor (courtesy of Gulf Coast Tents & Event Rentals) all. night. long. Finally, after a grand exit featuring sparklers and a golf cart getaway, the beautiful evening came to a close.
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We wish Courtney and Ben (and both of their families) the very best as they begin their married life together. We know that they’ll enjoy a very long and happy future together. Thanks to both the Bowens and Switzers for allowing us to assist with such a special occasion.
Special thanks also to Tiffany of Aislinn Kate Photography for the beautiful photos.
