Happily Ever Effie

Cover couple has a practice run for their own Northwest Florida wedding

Ann Delaney and Casey Woods simply couldn’t stop smiling at one another. Set against a rooftop backdrop at Hotel Effie Sandestin, smiling was a given intent for the Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine cover-shoot couple. But their smiles exuded more than a show for the camera, as they saw each other for the first time in wedding attire.

Ann and Casey met on an intramural flag football field while attending the University of South Florida in 2013. As a transfer student, Casey was a free agent looking to join a co-ed team. Begrudgingly, team captain Ann decided to let Casey play one game to assess his skills.

Impressed, she put him on the team. Time on the field led to time spent together daily as college crushes developed into a love story of nine years.

Ann and Casey got engaged on December 26, 2022, on a private beach in Tulum Mexico. Under the shade of palm trees, Casey got down on one knee and asked Ann to marry him, as their families witnessed the scene nearby.

The couple will be married in April of 2024 in Alys Beach — a location special to Ann who has spent the past seven years on the Alys Beach marketing team becoming intimately knowledgeable of the location’s unique architecture and pristine beauty.

“It makes my heart so full knowing Casey and I get to say, ‘I do’ in one of the prettiest places in the world,” Ann said.

Where the couple have many details finalized, their attire is yet to be decided upon. In fact, Ann first tried on a wedding dress at Margaret Ellen Bridal as they selected styles for the cover shoot. Ann credits the Margaret Ellen Bridal team with making her feel comfortable, welcome and confident throughout the try-on process.

“I felt so beautiful in the stunning wedding dresses I got to wear, and I couldn’t stop smiling seeing Casey in a tux,” Ann said.

As the first Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine couple to take part in a styled shoot, both Ann and Casey were treated to pampering and styling.

Casey received a fresh cut and product samplings from JA 30A Salon owner Jennifer Albert. Brittany Sigler, owner of Destin Mobile Makeup Box styled Ann’s long locks in loose curls pulled half up in a fishtail braid. A dewy, sun-kissed glow was achieved with golds and pinks from Sigler’s own line, Consecrated Cosmetics. Amazing Lash Destin ensured Ann’s eyes were radiant and photo-ready with lash extensions.

Further adding to the beauty of the dresses provided by Margaret Ellen Bridal, McCaskill & Company adorned Ann in strands of pearls, diamond statement pieces and gold baubles. She stepped into bow-accented platform heels by designer Loeffler Randall, provided by Narcissus Tallahassee.

The groom looked dashing in a suit supplied by Nic’s Toggery of Tallahassee and a snazzy bowtie by designer brand Any Old Iron.

Ann held a gorgeous bouquet, styled by SunQuest Beach Weddings, of pastel hues including peach, fuchsia, lavender and baby blue, accented by white carnations and greenery.

A special moment passed between the couple during their first look of the day, as they were surely envisioning their April wedding date together.

The talented Jennifer Garcia of Jennifer G Photography was behind the lens, expertly capturing every moment and guiding the couple around Hotel Effie’s scenic property, from the Emerald Coast’s only rooftop pool deck to the grand ballrooms.

“The Northwest Florida Weddings team and every one of the vendors were amazing to work with and are definitely vendors I’m now considering for my own wedding,” said Ann. “Being selected for the cover gave me goosebumps, and we felt pampered the whole day. One day, it will be so special to show this cover to our future children.”

Photographer
Jennifer G Photography

Venue
Hotel Effie Sandestin

Wedding Dresses
Margaret Ellen Bridal

Groom’s Suit
Nic’s Toggery of Tallahassee

Jewelry
McCaskill & Company

Florals
SunQuest Beach Weddings

Bridal Hair and Makeup
Destin Mobile Makeup Box

Bride’s Lashes
Amazing Lash Studio

Groom’s Hair
JA 30A Salon

Bride’s Shoes
Narcissus Tallahassee

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