Sara and Frank’s destination wedding has it all: a picture-perfect couple, beautiful weather, and tropical vibes inside and out!

Meet-Cute

Back in 2018 is when Sara and Frank initially met. Frank was visiting Chicago, where Sara was residing at the time.

“One of the friends he was traveling with was my roommate’s ex-boyfriend. Her ex texted her to meet up, and I decided to be a good wing-woman (I was a little annoyed – I am not going to lie because who wants to hang out with her friend and her ex?!).

We walked in and I was instantly hooked. He (Frank) was so handsome and made me laugh the entire night. When the weekend was over, we exchanged numbers and said we’d keep in touch. But, within two weeks, we were flying back and forth visiting each other.”

Rooftop, Snow Globes, and a “Yes!”

“Frank told me we needed to dress up for his work’s end-of-the-year rewards dinner. We headed to a hotel in downtown Kansas City. Once there, we went to their rooftop bar. Because it was January, the bar had giant snow globes that were heated and we were able to sit inside them.

As we walked into one of the snow globes, I saw pictures of us hanging everywhere and a bouquet of flowers. I was extremely confused. As I turned around, Frank asked me to marry him. To say I was surprised is an understatement. It happened to be snowing that night and we were able to spend the rest of the evening in the globe, just the two of us.”

Destination Wedding? Yes, Please!

With their families from all over, the happy couple decided to do a destination wedding. They were also inspired by Sara’s sister, Kacy, who had recently gotten married in Florida. For a couple who likes to travel, and loves warm weather and beaches … it’s the perfect fit!

February 3rd, 2023

The day Sara and Frank get to say, “I do!”

A piece of Sara’s grandmother’s wedding dress was wrapped around her bouquet:

Heading down to do a first look with her father:

Meanwhile, the boys are getting ready …

And it’s time for Sara and Frank to see each other for the first time on their wedding day!

First looks are always a good idea. Why? Well:

1. To calm each other’s nerves before walking down the aisle in front of all your guests.
2. Have more time for photos, without feeling rushed! And without chancing the sun setting prior to getting most of your photos out of the way!
3. To help wrangle all your family for formal photos without all the wedding day chaos (i.e. family disappearing to the bar, going off to say “hi” to all your aunts and uncles, or to take photos of their own).

The groom and his groomsmen had some photobombers 👆🐝🦁

Both Sara and her sister/matron of honor had their bouquets wrapped in a piece of their grandmother’s wedding dress:

Okay, but seriously. Have you seen a more beautiful wedding party?! #models

Let the Ceremony Begin

One of the ringbearers didn’t quite make it down the aisle awake 🤣💤

To incorporate their family into their ceremony, Sara and Frank had his sister and her mother read passages:

A candle ceremony unites the bride and groom with their covenant marriage. Three candles are displayed at the beginning of the ceremony. The first candle represents one partner, the second represents the other partner, and the last one (in the middle) represents their marriage. Including a candle lighting adds a wonderful layer of meaning to a wedding ceremony.

And, because I love doing couples’ photos throughout the day/night to give them different looks, we took a few moments after their ceremony for 10-minutes worth of intimate photos. #worthit

Off to Party

And to celebrate their destination wedding reception!

Unfortunately, their dog, Reggie, wasn’t able to make the party. So the two honored him by naming their signature drink after him. And the Reginator was a huge hit!

Embracing Florida’s tropical paradise, Sara and Frank brought all the tropical vibes inside to their destination wedding reception:

🥂to the new Mr. and Mrs. Zitnik!

Followed by a special dance with her father:

And Frank with his mother:

“Thank you,” blessings, and toasts:

Followed by a private cake-cutting ceremony …

And ending with a massive dance party!!!!

Sara and Frank’s Destination Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bahia Mar ♥ Officiant: Rich Bartlett ♥ Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup: Faces by April ♥ Bride’s Hair and Makeup: Bride’s Aunt ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: Ivory Bridal Co. ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Florals: Balsam Lake Pro Lawn‘s Amanda Hol ♥ Cake: Edible Creation Cakes ♥ DJ: Good Musicians