This black tie Isleworth wedding was tropical meets classic, and I loved every minute of it. Marie and Chester planned a lakeside ceremony, an oyster shell escort display and a dance floor that felt like “college circa 2009.” Their words, not mine!
How I ended up behind the camera
This was supposed to be Gabby’s wedding. Then her baby’s due date landed three days before, so I happily took it over. (Congrats again, Gabby!) Marie found us on the Isleworth preferred vendor list, and I’m so glad she did.
It also meant another day with Michele Butler Events. We love working with Michele on her weddings. Her timelines are thoughtful, her team is calm, and every detail lands exactly where it should. Days like this feel easy because of her.
A lakeside black tie Isleworth wedding ceremony
Marie got ready on property in her Hayley Paige gown. My favorite detail? She made her bridal clutch from her mom’s wedding dress. Chester looked so sharp in his white dinner jacket for their first look under the magnolia trees.
They said their vows facing the lake, framed by blush and white florals from Fairbanks Florist on tall white pedestals. Marie’s brother did a reading, and their officiant had everyone laughing. An exit kiss in the aisle was on Marie’s must-have list, and Chester delivered with a dip.
The Oyster Bed and a tropical cocktail hour
Cocktail hour on the terrace set the tone for this black tie Isleworth wedding. Palm fronds, banana leaf linens and gold accents filled the space. The escort display was my favorite part. Each guest’s name sat on an oyster shell in the sand, pinned with a pearl. The sign from Lettering by Lee Ann read, “Chester found his Pearl… Please find yours & find your seat!”
Guests snapped Instax photos for the guest book, and the ring bearer joined right in.
One dress, four looks
Marie’s dress kept changing all night long. She started with a full tulle overskirt and a cathedral veil. For sunset on the dock, she added sheer lace sleeves. Then the overskirt came off, and off-the-shoulder lace sleeves took over. By the exit, she wore a fitted strapless lace gown. The IG for @hayleypaigebride shared a feature on Marie and we loved to see it!
Sunset on the dock is one of my favorite things about this venue. If you love tropical touches here too, take a peek at this Tropical Isleworth Country Club Wedding.
Dancing at Isleworth until the bubble exit
Inside, the ballroom glowed with black linens, gold chiavari chairs and tall tropical centerpieces. Couture Cakes made a four-tier white cake with a gold monogram. Their first dance to Kenny Chesney’s “Me and You” ended in cold sparks.
Then the party started. A CO2 gun, glow sticks and groomsmen belting every word made it a true party. After a bubble send-off, they slipped back inside for a private last dance in the empty ballroom.
Marie and Chester, thank you for letting me step in for your black tie Isleworth wedding. It was a joy from start to finish!
