Mary Margaret Skudder & Michael Davis Horton
Romantic Beach Wedding
Married
Apr 2, 2022
Rosemary Beach ,
Florida
Photo Credit
Dear Wesleyann Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Beach
Season
Spring

The Proposal
Following a few busy weeks of attending weddings, Davis asked Mary Margaret if she’d be willing to go to Kohler, Wisconsin, with him on a business trip. He promised she could pamper herself at the spa and relax. Although she was a bit tired after being out of town so often, she agreed to go. When they arrived at Riverbend, a luxury estate, Mary Margaret immediately felt it was a special place. One late afternoon, Davis dropped to his knee during a private croquet lesson and proposed. Mary Margaret excitedly said, ‘yes!’ while two photographers hid behind the bushes capturing the moment. Following the proposal, the couple took more photos throughout the resort, eventually leading them to the onsite greenhouse, where a beautiful private dinner awaited them. Following their romantic dinner, Mary Margaret and Davis called their family and friends to share the exciting news. The celebration continued with a horse-drawn carriage tour, a private bonfire, and espresso martinis.




In Preparation
Approximately 20 years ago, Mary Margaret’s parents bought a home in Rosemary Beach, Florida, where the family spent innumerable vacations and holidays together. The Rosemary Beach community became their home away from home, and when Mary Margaret and Davis began planning their wedding, she knew it was the perfect place to say ‘I do.’ They decided to exchange vows at the Town Hall and have the reception on the Western Green. After selecting a venue, the bride-to-be visited Maggie Lousie Bridal in Memphis, Tennessee, her hometown, to find a dress. She chose a beautiful Anne Barge gown that she had customized to fit her style. The pair made many trips to Rosemary Beach to meet with local vendors about decor, food and beverage, and more. Mary Margaret’s vision for the day was elegant and classic, with over-the-top flowers, a color palette featuring white, black, and natural greenery, and a formal, seated dinner to match the black-tie affair. When a forecast of thunderstorms threatened the wedding plans, Arden Sanders Events decided, along with the bride and her family, to tent the entirety of the Western Green lawn. But as fate would have it, the rain ended early afternoon, the skies cleared, and the sun shined brilliantly.




The Big Day
Mary Margaret met her bridesmaids at 9 am on the morning of the wedding to have their hair and makeup done. A festive mimosa bar, brunch spread, and specialty coffee drinks from Coastal Coffee Bar were prepared for all the girls and any close family members who wanted to drop by. Meanwhile, Davis and the groomsmen enjoyed lunch at the Homeowner’s pavilion before meeting the wedding party for pictures at The Pearl Hotel. Following a fun photo session, it was time for the ceremony at the Town Hall. Mary Margaret walked in on her father’s arm and was overwhelmed by the setting, the brilliant florals, and the specialty lighting. Following the nuptials, a bagpiper led guests from the Veuve Clicquot champagne bar in the courtyard of the Town Hall to cocktail hour on the Western Green lawn, where they took more photos, and the newlyweds shared their first dance to “Shining Star” by the Manhattans. The reception included an elaborate seated dinner, heartfelt toasts, cake, and dancing to Rhythm Nation. The festivities continued with an after-party featuring a cigar bar, slider and french fry bar, and Hero’s donuts.




The Retreat
The newlyweds flew to Mexico for a tropical honeymoon at the luxury, 5-star Nobu Hotel Los Cabos. Mary Margaret and Davis spent the week relaxing beneath the sun and reminiscing about their dream wedding. They enjoyed time at the pool, massages at the spa, and dirty martinis at the bar every evening, which they deemed their special ‘tini time. On the evening of their departure, Davis surprised Mary Margaret with a magical private six-course dinner on the beach. The staff also built a bonfire near their table to cap off the memorable event, where they cozied up for the rest of the night.





