Sandestin Hosts Happily-Ever-After Event

A weddings tour of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort ends on a high with a special surprise

Over the years, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has created an Emerald Coast oasis ideal for vacations and destination weddings, with an expansive 2,400 acres of greenspace, lodging, event venues, beaches, and so much more.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Sandestin hosted an exclusive weddings tour of the resort’s many venues and accommodations. Originally designed with an emphasis on Northwest Florida’s natural beauty, Sandestin properties have since been maintained with the surrounding flora and fauna in mind.

Hotel Effie

Setting high standards from the beginning, the day started at Hotel Effie’s Ara Rooftop Pool + Lounge. The 10th-floor pool deck offers impressive sweeping views of the resort, bay, and even across to the Gulf. The space is equipped to host up to a 200-person reception. For our viewing pleasure, the scene was set for a picturesque would-be wedding. Bella Flora 30A provided colorful floral displays and curated cocktails and hors d’oeuvres offered a taste of the real thing.

Local artist Maxine Orange came to take attendees’ photos to create a unique surprise she shared with us at the end of the tour. After some mingling and photo ops, tour guides allowed us an exclusive look at the hotel’s luxurious accommodations. The rooms, I learned, were designed by a woman and with women in mind. The bathrooms boast features like lighted mirrors, makeup towels, and a shower footrest.

Next, we stopped by Spa Lilliana where a zen room welcomes clients to rest and restore before and after services. The full-service spa offers signature wellness treatments. Skincare, body treatments, massage, enhancements, nail care, hair, make up, and bridal services. The spa shop offers top skin care brands including Osea, Miriam Quevedo,

and Biologique Recherche.

Retreating to ground level, we stopped at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Ovide, where the patio can host up to 50 people. Then, we explored the 13,000 square feet of 10 spacious ballrooms designed to accommodate large parties or small gatherings.

Baytowne Conference Center

Passing through the Breezeway that connects Hotel Effie to the Baytowne Conference Center and Grand Complex, first impressions were on point. The open-air, covered path features towering columns surrounded by lush greenery. The Breezeway is a popular photo-op spot for receptions at both Hotel Effie and the Baytowne Conference Center. The conference center is a spacious venue of 14 event spaces across 30,000 square feet. The largest room opens to as much as 13,500 square feet.

The Grand Complex

Exiting the Baytowne Conference Center, we entered the Grand Complex, where shaded brick pathways wind around lush green spaces that offer three outdoor venues for ceremonies and receptions. Landscaping, old-growth trees, and surrounding village-style lodging give this area an Old Florida feel. Nearby condominiums at The Village and Grand Complex offer spacious, multi-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens, bathrooms, and bay views.

Burnt Pine Golf Club

Approaching the Burnt Pine Golf Club felt like a breath of fresh Florida air. Pathways surrounded by native landscaping led to the patio, which opens to panoramic views of Burnt Pine Golf Course. Following the path around led to a private garden oasis greenspace perfect for ceremonies and photo sessions. Inside, the club’s restaurant space was staged for an intimate and elegant reception. Dark linens, gold accents, and deep red florals complemented the classic furniture and open ceilings featuring wood beams, natural lighting, and drop chandeliers. The space exceeded elegance and proved to be my favorite venue of the day.

There, we enjoyed a luncheon where the catering team prepared a three-course meal as they would for a true reception. Service attendants poured wine, food was delivered without a hitch, and the chef personally stopped at every table to ensure quality. There wasn’t a complaint to be made. Everything was delicious — from the lobster medallion starter and the oh-so-creamy burrata salad to the entree options of cooked-to-order filet mignon or salmon with vegetables.

Osprey Pointe

Nearby at Osprey Pointe, we viewed the bayside accommodations that offer full kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. The condominium is set apart from the resort’s hustle and bustle where guests can immerse themselves in the surrounding nature and enjoy views of the bay and regular visits from neighborhood osprey.

A Beach Club Surprise

By the end of the tour, some of us were losing steam from the full day of good food, great company, and immersive exploration. But it wasn’t long before we all found a second wind on the heels of an exciting announcement.

We learned we weren’t just touring the Beach Club venue. Rylie Thomas and Dalton Sarver were to wed on the beach within the hour, and we were invited!

Mingling in the Beach Club venue ahead of the ceremony, we took in the soft elegance of the bride’s beachy-boho decor style amid the spacious and comfortable setting. SunQuest Florals provided bouquets of pale pink, yellow, and blue flowers to match the style. A full bar provided themed cocktails. Just Think Cake was on-site hosting their signature DIY cupcake station, a unique and interactive sweet-treat experience.

The catering team had hustled over from the lunch at Burn Pine to prepare hors d’oeuvres and desserts during cocktail hour. Too, artist Orange returned to the scene, setting up her workstation for a live portrait painting of the reception to come.

The tour guide team directed us down to the white-sand beaches for the grand finale ceremony event. There, the beachy-boho theme translated flawlessly set to the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. As we sat awaiting the bride, a light drizzle dared to impede the procession. But the powers that be ensured a picturesque, storm-free ceremony. The Sandestin team members stood guard out of frame to ensure no passersby.

The vows were short and sweet but full of emotion. A quick kiss, and the newlyweds were off to retreat to the Beach Club. But as they exited the aisle, the excitement and emotion took hold once more and they paused to share a second kiss through smiles and tears.

Before leaving the venue, Sandestin had prepared gift bags for the tour attendees filled with goodies commemorating our day. Pinned to the gift bag was an Orange original sketch of each of us printed on photo paper as a keepsake. We spent our day touring while she’d spent it sketching to create one-of-a-kind gifts for us.

Needless to say, the day ended happily ever after for all.

Images courtesy of Paige Aigret