Matt and I met at Sanibel Steakhouse, during a networking event in March 2006. We were introduced by a mutual friend (thanks Blake!!!). We exchanged pleasantries, talked “business” and went our own ways, leaving each other with cautious curiosity. A couple dates followed and soon our love story began.
Since our courtship began, one of our favorite things to do is watch the sunset on Vanderbilt Beach with a blanket, cheese & crackers and a bottle of wine. It has become “our thing”. That’s where Matt told me he wanted sweep me off my feet when we first started dating, and where he ultimately proposed to me.
Ahhhh, the proposal! We had just finished working out at the gym and he suggested we go watch the sunset. Sure! I hop in the shower, throw the most casual of outfits on and throw my hair in a ponytail while it was still wet. Now everyone who knows me knows that I NEVER go out of the house with my hair “curly”!! But we were only going to the beach to watch the sunset, so who cares, right? Did I mention I had no make-up on either? So here we are on the blanket chit chatting about life when Matt decides it’s time to dig in to the food. He unpacks the bag we brought and hands me the box of crackers to open. In the box of crackers sat a little black box! And that’s where he asked me to be his wife—curly hair and all.
LaPlaya Beach Resort is the ideal backdrop for our dream Naples wedding. Resting between the Gulf of Mexico and picturesque Vanderbilt Bay, the setting is cloudless skies, sparkling turquoise waters and white sandy beaches stretching to infinity. The attire is “sophisticated tropical” and you may be asking yourself what that is. Well it’s a term we made up but it means no suits or formal cocktail dresses – you’ll be at the beach! However, LaPlaya is a luxury beach resort so no shorts or flip flops either – think Tommy Bahama. We hope this helps but if you’re still unsure, call us. Our ceremony will take place on the Gulf Lawn at LaPlaya, which is just off the sand, and will begin at 6:30pm. Please feel free to come a little early and enjoy the steel drum sounds of Mason Lane and take in the beautiful tropical scenery. We are fortunate to have Pastor Forrest Head officiate our ceremony and blessed to have our closest friends and family in our wedding party. Our Bridesmaids are Andrea DeBenedictis – Maid of Honor & Michelle’s twin sister, Helen Bucci – Michelle’s best friend from childhood and her “triplet”, Michelle Hancock – one of her Naples girls & best friend, Teala Comer – another one of her Naples girls & best friend, and Nichole Cahill – Michelle’s new sister-in-law. Our Groomsmen are Shawn Edwards – Best Man & Matt’s oldest friend, Steve Stilo – one of Matt’s older brothers, Greg Ochs- Matt’s best college buddy, Jeff Leach – one of the Naples boyz, and Tom Trongone – another one of the Naples boyz. At the conclusion of our ceremony, enjoy cocktails and more tropical steel drum sounds as the luminous Florida sun slowly sets over the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t forget your cameras…Naples sunsets are a Kodak moment if there ever was one!!
The sun may have set but the party is just starting. Prepare to dance the night away on the LaPlaya Bay Terrace, overlooking the scenic Vanderbilt Bay. Scott and Tina Dean will be spinnin’ the tunes until midnight. They play anything and everything so wear your dancing shoes because sitting is not permitted!
If possible, please book your flights on our travel booking website at www.ForTheLoveOfTravel.net - a Travelocity-powered booking engine. Rooms have been held until March 10th under “DeBenedictis/Vacondios” with special rates at the following hotels: LaPlaya Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108 - 800.237.6883 - $319/Night - www.laplayaresort.com. Inn at Pelican Bay, 800 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34108 - 800.597.8770 - $124/Night - www.innatpelicanbay.com. Doubletree Guest Suites, 12200 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34110 - 800.222.8733 - $114/Night- 2 Room Suite with 2 Double Beds - $104/Night- 2- Room Suite with 1 King Bed - www.doubletree.com
We are so thankful for all the love and support we’ve received from our family and friends. Each of you is a blessing in our life and we are so excited for you to share in our special day. A special thanks to our loving parents, Frank & Monika, Charlotte and Richard & Sharon. We love you!
