Eden Gardens State Park ceremony

Evoking images of Gone with the wind, Eden Gardens State Park, is another one of Emerald Coast's hidden jewels. Eden State Gardens offer over 10 acres of manicured lawns, moss draped gardens and trails overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay and is an enchanting place to say "I Do".
As you arrive, you are welcomed by immense Spanish moss-draped oak trees, fragrant Camellias and hundreds of colorful butterflies!! In our opinion, it is every photographers dream to shoot a wedding at Eden Gardens. There is no shortage of inspiration: take a stroll by tranquil reflection pool, step into fun butterfly garden, sneak a kiss under the wedding tree and finally watch the sun set over the bayou from the rustic fishing dock.

Of course you can't forget about the turn of the century Wesley mansion! Lovingly restored and furnished with period antiques, this magnificent manor still houses second largest Louis XVI collection of priceless furnishings!

So, as time stands still behind the gates of Eden Gardens, its classic charm makes it an ultimate wedding destination for our Southern Brides.
Bridal Photography is by Tina Smith Photography

Tags: Eden Gardens, Eden Gardens Florida, Eden Gardens State Park, Eden Gardens Weddings, review of Eden Gardens by BLU Event Design

For an affair by the beach, you have got to serve a sultry cocktail to spice up your night! Light and refreshing, Mojito is BLU's all time favorite!

The flavors of a classic Mojito (mint and lime) are blended into a slushy, easy-to-drink cocktail. For a large party, triple the recipe and store the drink in a pitcher in the freezer for up to an hour. Stir to blend before serving.

Ingredients:

1. Sugar (for coating rims of glasses)
2. 1 lime wedge
3. 1 cup gold (not dark) rum (such as Mount Gay)
4. 1/2 cup (generous) fresh lime juice
5. 1/3 cup sugar or light agave nectar
6. 4 to 5 cups ice cubes
7. 12 fresh mint leaves plus 4 mint sprigs for garnish

Preparation:

Place enough sugar on small plate to reach depth of 1/4 inch. Run lime wedge around rim of 4 Martini glasses to moisten. Dip rims into sugar on plate. Blend rum, lime juice, and 1/3 cup sugar in blender until sugar dissolves. Add 4 cups ice; blend until slushy and almost smooth, adding up to 1 cup more ice, if desired. Add 12 mint leaves and blend until small green flecks appear. Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Check out Foodie reviews!

Tags: BLU Event Design, Destin Wedding, destination wedding, green wedding, Mojito, signature reception cocktail, tropical reception cocktail, tropical reception signature drink, white and green wedding

Destin-ation wedding do's

Welcome to the paradise!! Every year hundreds of couples in love flock to Destin, Florida to say "I Do" with family and friends by their side. As families come together, no better time to let the hair down and finally work on that perfect tan...

Speaking of the hair.... if on your special day you choose to wear a flower, consider using an Orchid! Orchids are native to tropics and will stay fresh longer. We, at BLU Event Design, love the bloom!!! If you do too, check out our Pure wedding package for ideas and inspiration!

Tags: beach wedding hairstyles, blu event, BLU Event Design, destin beach wedding, destin beach weddings, destin ceremony, Destin Wedding, destination wedding, orchid, wedding hairstyle

Soft and innocent...

Remember when you used to invite all of your dolls, teddy bears (and younger brothers ...) to a fancy tea party where imaginary cookies came before dinner, cotton candy was always in demand and not a side of veggies in sight???
Well, now you are all grown up and planning a different kind of affair - your wedding day!! If you are a girlie girl like me, you'll share my passion for pink... Soft and sophisticated, simple and refined, like fragrant and delicate pink Peony or yummy and fun homemade cupcake.... however you choose to bring a splash of color in to your life, think outside the "pink" box and make sure your personality shines through!

Tags: pastel pink wedding dress, pastel wedding colors, pink centerpieces, pink wedding cake, pink wedding inspiration, destin wedding, destination wedding colors

To all of our brides: The Gulf of Mexico Transocean Drilling Incident leak has not affected Beaches of South Walton communities and visitors are enjoying and welcome to all of our beach communities. Our beautiful white sand beaches are open and here to be enjoyed. BLU Event Design team will continue to closely monitor clean up progress and will be keeping you up to date.
Here are couple of great links to local publications and announcements:
Beaches of South Walton TDC: http://bswupdate.com/
Walton County Sheriffs Office: http://www.waltonso.org/