As a luxury wedding planner, I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful celebrations, but Katrina and Zach’s beach club-inspired welcome party at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara truly stands out. We transformed the resort’s stunning ocean lawn into a chic, beach club inspired oasis, setting the tone for an unforgettable wedding weekend. Think relaxed elegance with a touch of tropical flair. The design centered around a neutral palette punctuated by vibrant pops of green, creating a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere.

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Setting the Scene: Tropical Elegance

Guests were greeted by plush cabanas featuring fun lounge seating, all framed by swaying palm trees. A round, statement bar took center stage on the lawn, promising refreshing cocktails and good times. Every detail was carefully curated, from the tropical floral arrangements and tropical fruit decor accents to the modern, textured linens. It was the perfect blend of laid-back luxury and celebratory vibes.

A Personalized “Shopping Experience”

One of my favorite elements of the welcome party was the personalized “shopping experience” we created as wedding favors. Imagine rattan shelves styled with surf boards on the sides, creating a mini boutique filled with local and customized goodies. Guests were invited to fill their tote bags with a curated selection of items. We sourced everything from surf board wax featuring the groom’s face illustrated on the packaging and various fun drinks, to trendy pukka shell necklaces. It was a unique and memorable way for Katrina and Zach to share their personalities and the local spirit with their guests. This interactive element added a layer of fun and personalization that everyone loved.

Capturing the Memories: Dear Vincent Photography

Capturing all the magic of the weekend was the incredibly talented wedding photographer, Dear Vincent. They perfectly documented the stylish details and the joyous moments, even managing to snag some fun shots on film that truly captured the essence of the celebration. The photos from the welcome party are a testament to Dear Vincent’s artistry and will undoubtedly be cherished memories for Katrina and Zach. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post, where I’ll share more about the wedding day itself!

 

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Shop the decor and similar products on my Amazon page: Tyler Speier’s Amazon Storefront, or Luau Decor.

 

Planning, Florals, & Design: Tyler Speier

Venue, Catering, Dessert: The Ritz Carlton Bacara

DJ: Party Proper Productions

Lighting: Bella Vista

Linens: BBJ La Tavola

Rentals: Elan Event Rentals

Hair & Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup

Photographer & Videographer: Dear Vincent

Photo booth: Open Air Photobooth