The story of Rocio & James

The love story and how it all started

How did you meet? And tell us about the proposal? Was it surprise?

Oh my gosh… sweet James proposed at our very favorite place in the entire world.. The Sanibel Lighthouse during sunset on December 7, 2021. It was so romantic and sweet. He got his parents to take pictures of us. I think after 6 years we had talked and knew it was happening soon, I hoped it would happen in Sanibel, but it was all so very special.

Tell us the inspiration/story behind your wedding?

We love going camping, hikes, and just being outdoors in general.

Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?

The Island Room in the Sanibel Marriot was the perfect place. I always dreamed on getting married with an ocean view, but noton the beach. Our colors are dusty blue, navy, silver, ivory, and sand. My family is from Argentina so I made sure to do somethings is Spanish. Our theme is formal beach/nautical. I want it to be subtle touches and not cheesy beach wedding.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time as a couple?

A little side note that will be important to know about me and James. We are BIG beach people… I have a successful Instagram and Tik Tok account named Shellebrate Life dedicated to my passion for beachcombing… that’s how much we love the beach.James and I spend hours snorkeling, beachcombing, and loving on marine life. James’s family has been vacationing in Sanibelsince the 1974!! My family has been vacationing in Seaside, FLsince the moment we moved to the US 20 years ago. The beach is a HUGE part of both of our families.

Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?

We wanted the wedding to be a classy and elegant beach-themed wedding without the “cheesy” things you normally think of as a beach wedding. I do not want flashy seashells or bright teal colors, but I want all of that in a very subtle way. Pictures out by the beach, dock, balcony, and palm trees. Pictures with family and friends. I want to capture the beach and nautical theme of our wedding and not forest, deep nature, etc.
I am scared since it is a destination wedding that I will not get to bring or add a lot of personal touches to make the room come alive, but we will see.
The decor is mostly DIY.
The seating arrangement
Oyster shells as plate centerpieces
I made seashell fans for the cocktail hour so people can cool off I made our vow books

What were the florals like in your wedding? Did you use flowers in any of your design elements like the bridal bouquets, centerpieces or ceremony backdrop? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?

wooden Flowers thanks to the great recommendation of my day-of coordinator 🙂
I ordered 7 bridesmaid bouquet, 1 bridal bouquet, 10 boutonnieres, and one set of Arbor flowers. The goal is to re-use the bridal bouquets as centerpieces.
I think this would be really good to lower cost of wedding.

Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?

I made fans for the cocktail hour.
I made oyster shells for the plates.
There’s a few touches here and there.
My mom will be making the grandparent frames so that we can remember them in heaven.

Reasons for choosing your ceremony and reception venue?

The Island Room in the Sanibel Marriot was the perfect place. I always dreamed on getting married with an ocean view, but not on the beach. The Island room offers the beautiful ocean view while also being inside and staying cool. I really want to focus onthe pier, beach, sand, and balcony. The views are what is most important thing to us. I want everyone to feel like we are at the beach. I really wanted a room that was not 4 walls all closed in.

Helpful tip or advice for other engaged couples.

Definitely get a coordinator or someone who can help your vision come true. It is not worth stressing out and there is a lot to do. Everything will work out the way that it should and what matters the most is the love between the two lovers.

The most important lesson you learned from wedding planning.

It is hard and you need help from people. There is so much to do. There is also a lot of expectations or things you dreamed of make sure you speak up for yourself and do not compromise unless absolutely necessary.

What were some of the personal touches you adding that are a great reflection of you as a couple?

I would love for you to see our wedding website.
theknot.com/rocio-james