Florida By City & Sea

Inland "I do's" in Florida

By Courtney Kellar

Reunion Resort is a unique combination of rolling vistas near a city scene. While only 25 minutes outside of Orlando, the resort’s 2,200 acres make it feel like it’s in a world of its own. If a beach isn’t essential to your Florida destination wedding vision, but you still want lots of activities for you and your guests, Reunion could be the perfect solution. It’s convenient to Orlando’s main attractions, but there’s plenty to keep you and your guests busy on-site.

This AAA Four-Diamond Salamander Resort especially caters to multigenerational families. There’s a five-acre water park for the kiddos, three world-class golf courses for the sport enthusiasts and a quaint, but comfortable, spa for those looking to truly kick back and relax. Whatever your taste or budget, there’s a level of accommodation to fit your needs. Reunion Resort is made up of seven different communities, ranging from Reunion Grande™ villas to vacation rental homes with up to 12 bedrooms – either way there’s more than enough space to go around.

The sprawling resort does come with a slight drawback…don’t be surprised if you get turned around! If you have an iPhone, I recommend “dropping a pin” outside your front door, so there’s no room for error. Your Lyft driver will thank you! With so much land to cover and activities to choose from, you can see your guests as much – or as little – as you like. During your stay, be sure to head up to Eleven restaurant’s rooftop to view the nightly Disney World fireworks.

Once the wedding weekend is at-hand, you can certainly find a unique combination of settings and venues to suit several events. Consider Linear Park as your ceremony site and dance the night away with a reception in the Grande Falls Pavillion. Your wedding plans are in good hands with Senior Catering & Wedding Sales Manager Lisa New, who planned over-the-top events at nearby Disney World for several years. Also, spring and fall are ideal seasons, both in terms of weather and crowds at the nearby Orlando attractions. 

Some of your destination wedding guests may be surprised to learn you’re saying “I do” inland, but we can assure you they won’t miss the sand with the endless options at Reunion Resort.

An Emerald Coast Wedding Venue

By Carolyn Steere

The coastal resort destination of Destin with emerald green water and sugar white sand is truly special. The Henderson Beach Resort and Spa is the new kid on the block. Destin, Florida, has long been known as a great vacation spot for families and spring breakers, but now, with the addition of The Henderson, Destin can add luxury to its calling card.

There are a number of reasons for Destin’s appeal, including easy access through four area airports, sumptuous seafood, championship golf courses, world-class fishing and every type of water sport you can think of.  

From the moment you enter the grand “living room” of The Henderson, you feel at home and have a sense of nostalgia. Great care has been taken to welcome you with the feeling of the sea, with soft teal hues blended with the gold tones of the sand throughout this calming resort. As you meander the hallways your eyes are drawn to the work of local artists and photographs of the area’s rich history. The Salamander Spa is one of the most serene and beautiful spas I have ever experienced. 

The Henderson is already the choice for many couples planning a destination wedding and we predict their dance card will be full very shortly as word gets out about the variety of venues for ceremonies, receptions and all the other events that are part of a destination wedding. Outdoor settings include beachfront to rooftop and garden to courtyard. When it is time to move inside, The Henderson features 10,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate up to 250 guests.  

The 170 spacious guest rooms and eight suites have every amenity you would expect in a luxury property, including comfy beds with soft-as-silk bedding, well appointed bathrooms and many rooms have balconies overlooking the sea. The loft-style guest suites with kitchen and dining areas are perfect for entertaining in a home-like setting.

This seaside manor just steps from the powdery sands of the Emerald Coast has it all for the couple contemplating a family friendly, but elegant destination wedding.

These articles can be found on pages 24 & 25 of the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Destination I Do magazine.

Photos courtesey of (in order of appearance): The Henderson (1st, 5th-7th) & Reunion Resort (2nd-4th, 8th).