{SBB Bride of the Week} Stephani
S T E P H A N I
+
J A K E
{February 2025}
{Photos by: Sixteen Roses Photo}
How gorgeous is our bride, Stephani??
She looked especially beautiful in this fitted, lace gown from Allure Bridal’s Wilderly collection!
Can you EVEN with that open back??
{Photos by: Sixteen Roses Photo}
We’re loving Stephani’s bouquets, especially with pampas grass giving a little hint of boho-chic!
{Photos by: Sixteen Roses Photo}
Stephani married her hubby, Jake, on the beach in Ft. Myers, Florida!
She worked with Susan with Platinum Florida Weddings to create her dream wedding!
Can we take a second to appreciate that arch?!
{Photos by: Sixteen Roses Photo}
The reception was equally as cute, with the prettiest decor right on the beach!
Also super cute? The bride & groom’s son, who showed off his killer dance moves on the sand!
{Photos by: Sixteen Roses Photo}
How did Stephani and Jake first meet?
“We met in 2016 when we were picking a friend up from the airport. Jake came to my defense when our friends were picking on me and we were friends since that night.”
How did Jake pop the question?
“I was actually sick. Jake planned to take me to my favorite place on earth (The Ringling Museum) to propose but instead, because I didn't feel good enough to walk that far, we decided to drive down to Fort Myers and have dinner. Our son and my parents were with us, and he was able to plan the proposal last minute. He found that the band Chasing Denver was playing at Coste at the Diamondhead and messaged them with our story. They immediately agreed to help him with the proposal and at dinner they called us up to the bar to congratulate us on the anniversary of the day we met. Little did I know, Jake was going to make a speech and propose to me right there!”
So its safe to say she had NO idea it was coming?
“It was absolutely a surprise.”
After that, it was time to start planning!
How was Stephani’s dress shopping experience?
“After we got engaged in 2023 I found my FIRST dress with Shannon at Something Blue. I had a VERY specific list of things I wanted which should have made her hate me, but instead she was patient and out of nowhere Sandy came in with a dress that was almost exactly what I had been asking for- she went and got it from one of their other stores. I was able to custom order this dress with alterations I would have never thought possible. Fast forward- Jake and I decided not to get married right away and when it came time to get my dress altered, it was about 4 sizes too big. The seamstress tried, but the dress was a goner. Shannon and Sandy not only got me in immediately but got the perfect dress (even better than my first) ordered and delivered with plenty of time to spare before the wedding, which was 5 weeks away, mind you. I could not say more good things about these two - they were absolute gems and went above and beyond any of my wildest expectations.”
How did she know her dress was "the one"?
“In 2023 when I picked the first dress, this was the other dress I was between. This was also the only other dress I had thought about since picking my first dress.”
What was Stephani’s favorite {& least favorite} part of the planning process?
“My favorite part was planning such a small intimate wedding and being able to work with Susan, our wedding planner, from across the country to make the perfect, small wedding in exactly the style we wanted without having to worry about anything- we knew she was going to make it happen.
My least favorite part was having to figure out the cake. Neither of us are big cake people. We ended up just having a Nothing Bundt Cake because of this.”
What is her favorite wedding day memory?
“My favorite moment from our wedding was when Jake, Jameson (our son), and I all go to share a moment together at the alter. We made sure we included him and got him his own ring because he's a part of this marriage too!”
What is the best piece of advice Stephani can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?
“Don't stress so much- at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is who you're marrying and that the people you know will be there in 10, 20, 30, 40 years from now are with you on your special day. Also- focus on the honeymoon planning, that's way more fun!”
Congratulations, Stephani and Jake {& Jameson}!!
Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Sixteen Roses Photo in the gallery below!
