Did the weather cooperate on the wedding day?
It was an absolutely beautiful day with a perfect, robin’s egg blue sky, but was so windy and chilly that it was impossible to be outside! The bride and groom were really hoping to say their vows on the sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, but they wisely pivoted and moved everything under a tent off the pool deck. The Portofino staff even brought sand over from the beach and spread it under the altar – so Rosemarie and Donnie could marry one another with their toes in the sand after all!
Were there any special gifts shared between the bride and groom?
Instead of buying each other traditional wedding gifts, Rosemarie and Donnie decided to purchase one big gift together, for each other. So they bought each other a boat! I love that their first gift to one another as husband and wife was something for BOTH of them to enjoy together. Also, Betty Weber made an incredible replica of their new boat as the groom’s cake, which was a point of conversation throughout the evening.
Were there any children involved in the ceremony or reception that were memorable?
Absolutely! The entire wedding party was made up of family, and it was joyful to see the bride and groom surrounded by their many grandchildren. Their wedding was truly all about their families, and it was clear how important those special relationships are to Rosemarie and Donnie.
