How our Emerald Coast Wedding Became a Celebration of Family, Friendship, Faith and Community
By Lori Leath Miller
Upstairs in the bridal suite at The Alice in Destin, I stood at a large square window watching what looked like my wedding plans being carried away. Massive floral arrangements were being moved from the cross to beneath a tent we had rented that very morning. A last-minute decision. A rain decision.
For a year, I had envisioned walking down the aisle toward a large wooden cross overlooking the water. The spot was perfect. The view was perfect. Everything had been planned around that moment. But on May 1, 2026, the rain was relentless.
However, a few minutes before the ceremony, as I watched from above, the florals were being moved again—this time back toward the cross. I remember standing there in complete bewilderment. What was happening? Hadn’t we already decided the ceremony would have to take place under the tent?
Somebody—I honestly can’t remember who because I was so nervous—came running upstairs and exclaimed, “Lori! You’re getting married at the cross!” I stared at them. “What?” They explained there appeared to be a brief break in the weather. Fifteen or twenty minutes. Maybe. And according to the radar, it would happen right at 5 p.m.—our ceremony time.
I couldn’t believe it. For days, I had been praying for one thing: that somehow we could be married at the cross. And suddenly, there it was. The answer.
The sun never came out. But the rain stopped. For those precious moments, the skies opened just enough.
Our guests stood instead of sitting, because the ceremony chairs had already been moved beneath the reception tent. Yet, somehow that made the ceremony even more intimate.
Afterward, our officiating pastor, Dr. Doug Stauffer, smiled and said, “I think everyone should have a wedding ceremony standing.”
Maybe he was right. There was something beautiful about everyone gathering close, fully present, completely engaged in the moment. And, we were married exactly where we had hoped to be married.
The rain returned later. But by then, everyone was safely beneath the tent, laughing, celebrating and sharing a night we’ll never forget.
Looking back, I realize something important. The rain was never the story. The people were. And what follows is my attempt to thank many of them.
When the Weather Has Other Plans
As a publisher, I write about weddings, businesses, events and celebrations all the time. But, when it’s your own wedding, everything changes. You suddenly discover there are a thousand decisions you never knew existed.
My first wedding happened when I was 23. Back then, weddings were simpler. You booked a church. You had a reception in the fellowship hall. Your friends decorated your car with shaving cream and “Just Married” painted on the windows. And off you went.
Fast forward nearly four decades and wedding planning feels like coordinating a small city. Thank goodness I had Robin Wright, owner of Serenade Weddings & Events, holding my hand through it all. Her creativity, vision and ability to keep everything on track were invaluable.
If there’s one piece of advice I would give any bride, regardless of age, budget or venue, it’s this: Hire a wedding planner. Immediately. Trust me, there are details you don’t know exist until they go wrong.
Robin became guide, counselor, creative director, logistics manager and sometimes therapist. After our first meeting, she created an entire presentation based on the vision I had shared. Sea glass blue. Butter yellow. Sage green. White. Pearls. Organic textures. Coastal elegance.
A little refined. A little whimsical. A little “under the sea.” It became the roadmap for everything that followed.
And when the rain came? Robin pivoted flawlessly. What could have been chaos became calm. What could have been disappointment became beauty.
The Venue That Made It All Possible
Long before The Alice officially opened, Scott and I toured the property with Kristin Sullivan.
Construction was still underway. Landscaping was still being installed. But even then, we could see what it would become.
Nestled along the water in Destin with views toward Crab Island, The Alice felt unlike anything else on the Emerald Coast. The grounds are stunning. Palm trees. Walking paths. Beautiful cottages. Water views. Sunsets that seem almost unreal.
And now, after experiencing it firsthand, I can tell you the team—Kristin, Kelly and Diane—is every bit as impressive as the venue itself.
When the weather threatened everything we’d planned, they never panicked. They simply moved to Plan B. Then Plan C. Then back to Plan A. They handled every challenge with professionalism, grace and genuine care. Our friend Will Estell perhaps said it best:
“That was an absolutely beautiful ceremony and reception in celebration of Lori and Scott Miller. Even despite the weather, Kristin and her staff made it spectacular.
“In all my days in the wedding magazine business, I never attended a wedding that was handled that well despite the weather obstacle that was thrown into the mix. The Alice knocked it out of the park.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Website: thealicedestin.com
Sea Glass, Pearls and Oyster Shells
Once the colors were chosen, the fun began.
Robin introduced me to one of the most unique ideas from the entire wedding—decorated oyster shells. They became part décor, part keepsake and part labor of love.
Robin connected us with local artist Debbie DePew, who graciously taught us the process. Soon my daughters, sister and I were gathered around tables creating shells adorned with pearls and coastal touches. Every one was unique. Every one was handmade. Every one carried a little piece of our story.
Robin also came up with another creative twist that guests absolutely loved: bridesmaids carrying elegant clutch purses adorned with calla lilies instead of traditional bouquets. Not only were they beautiful, but afterward the bridesmaids had a keepsake they could continue to use for special occasions. It was thoughtful, practical and perfectly reflected the personality of our wedding.
The details reflected everything we loved about the coast without feeling themed or overdone. Soft sea glass tones, pearls, oyster shells and lush florals created a look that felt elegant, organic and deeply personal. Every element seemed to tell part of our story.
Adding another meaningful touch, my niece Lauren Turpin, also our flower girl, shared her artistic talents throughout the celebration. She hand-painted champagne glasses adorned with florals in our wedding colors for the bridesmaids and family to enjoy during our day at Beverly Hills Day Spa. She also transformed a simple mirror into a beautiful work of art, painting it with calla lilies and coordinating blooms that welcomed guests as they arrived at The Alice.
The oyster shells, pearls, sea glass colors and organic coastal details tied everything together, creating what many guests later jokingly called our “Under the Sea” wedding.
The Song That Told Our Story
Most couples choose a song. We had one written.
Our dear friend Bekah Wagner sat down with Scott and me and spent hours learning about our relationship. How we met. What we loved about one another. What made us laugh. What made us strong.
Weeks later, she delivered something neither of us expected: a song called Southern Gentlemen Have Nothing on You, now available on Spotify under Bekah Lauren Music. The title makes me laugh because Scott is a Philly boy and I’m originally an Alabama girl (War Eagle!), but somehow Bekah perfectly captured our relationship and love story in a song we’ll treasure forever.
She also wrote a custom song for my daughter Savannah and her husband, Brandon, Fireman and a Southern Girl, also available on Spotify. Apparently, writing songs for the women in our family has become one of Bekah’s hidden talents!
It became our first dance. Our final private dance. And perhaps one of the most meaningful gifts we have ever received. To this day, when life gets hectic, we’ll play it in the car and instantly remember what matters most.
The Dress I Never Would Have Chosen
Like many brides, I spent months looking online. And like many brides, I found absolutely nothing.
Eventually, I visited Simply Elegant Bridal in Fort Walton Beach. Amber greeted us and began pulling dresses. I tried on several. One seemed to be winning.
Then Amber held up another dress. Honestly? I wasn’t impressed. Not on the hanger. Not even a little. But she insisted. I tried it on. And immediately everyone in the room started smiling.
That was the dress. The one I never would have chosen. The one that somehow felt like it had been waiting for me all along. And on my wedding day, I felt like royalty in it! It was ME!
Amber, Bob and the entire Simply Elegant team were incredible. Scott’s suit came from them as well.
Website: sebridals.com
Flowers That Brought the Vision to Life
If you’ve ever seen Kristin Lockhart’s work at Couture Florals & Events, you already know she is an artist. From our first conversations, Kristin understood exactly what I was hoping to create. Working within my budget, she designed a floral plan that felt elegant, organic and uniquely us.
White calla lilies. White and green hydrangeas. Lush moss. Flowing amaranthus. Pearls woven throughout. Every floral element felt intentional, sophisticated and perfectly suited to our sea glass-inspired theme.
One of my favorite details was that no two tables were exactly alike. Robin and Kristin worked together to bring our design boards to life, creating stunning tablescapes featuring driftwood, pearls, florals and cascading amaranthus. Each table had its own unique look while still tying beautifully into the overall sea glass-inspired theme.
My bouquet was one of my favorite details of the entire wedding. Kristin created a stunning arrangement of white calla lilies wrapped in strands of pearls that felt both timeless and distinctive. It was elegant, coastal and unlike anything I had seen before.
When the rain forced everyone to pivot throughout the day, Kristin and her team adjusted seamlessly, ensuring every floral element remained beautiful no matter where it needed to be moved.
Website: couturefloralsdesign.com
A Feast Worth Celebrating
When it came to food, Chef Ernie from Café Nola delivered exactly what we hoped for. Guests enjoyed mini muffulettas, mini NOLA po-boys, seafood gumbo shooters and Cajun chicken shooters before moving into a buffet featuring grilled chicken, prime rib, penne Alfredo, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables and fresh bread.
Throughout the evening, guests repeatedly told us how much they loved the food. Chef Ernie brought a little New Orleans flair to Destin and created a menu that appealed to everyone. His staff was professional, attentive and helped make the reception flow seamlessly.
Website: cafenola.net
Sweet Details
Rachel Vondell of Lady Ray’s transformed an idea floating around in my head into reality. Our cake featured oyster shell inspiration, pearls and approximately 1,400 pieces of delicate rice paper that gave it texture and movement. Stunning! It looked like it belonged beneath the sea.
Adding to its uniqueness, Rachel designed the cake in one of 2026’s emerging wedding trends—a sophisticated rectangular cake rather than the traditional stacked design. It perfectly complemented our elegant, organic coastal theme.
Even better, it tasted incredible. Half chocolate. Half vanilla. A perfect compromise between bride and groom.
Lady Ray’s also created beautiful coordinating cupcakes, as well as sea glass blue and ivory French macarons that echoed our wedding colors and added another elegant touch to the dessert display.
Website: ladyrays.com
Meanwhile, Cindy Smith-Wojdac of CiCi’s Cookies & Treats welcomed our guests with beautifully curated gift boxes waiting in their cottages, making them feel welcomed and appreciated.
Later, Cindy created a dessert display that quickly became a guest favorite. One of the most memorable touches was her sea glass and butter candies, each uniquely designed as though they had washed ashore from the Gulf itself. Guests were invited to take home small mesh bags filled with the candies as a sweet reminder of the evening.
The display also featured an assortment of beautifully decorated treats, including chocolate-covered goodies, cookies and other handcrafted sweets that perfectly complemented our wedding colors and coastal theme. Guests returned to that table throughout the evening.
Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/cicis-cookies-and-treats
Facebook: CiCi’s Cookies & Treats
Capturing the Memories
One of the greatest gifts of the day was having my daughter, Savannah VonLanken, a professional wedding photographer, photograph her mother’s wedding. Yet, I also wanted her to enjoy it. To be present. To celebrate. To dance. To laugh. To be my daughter that day.
That’s where Hayleigh stepped in. Together, Savannah and Hayleigh beautifully documented every moment. Rainy skies. Happy tears. Unexpected laughter. Family. Friends. Love.
The photographs throughout these pages tell the story far better than I ever could.
Savvy Leigh Photography: savvyleighphoto.com
Hayleigh Photography: hayleightphoto.com
A Little Pampering; a Lot of Laughter
A few weeks before the wedding, Krisy Whitely Anderson at Beverly Hills Day Spa convinced me to try a facial and chemical peel. I wish I had done it years ago. My skin looked amazing. In fact, now that I’ve experienced it, I’m hooked.
The day before the wedding, my daughter, Shaye, hosted a spa gathering with Krisy for bridesmaids and family that became our version of a bachelorette celebration. We enjoyed facials, massages, laughter, champagne and precious time together.
Website: beverlyhillsdayspa.com
Adrianne Brackett of Pure & Couture and Pure Collective salons helped restore fullness and length to my hair with hand-tied extensions that I absolutely love. Let’s just say hair in your 60s isn’t quite the same as it was in your 20s. Adrianne worked her magic and now I’m hooked! My hair hasn’t looked this great in years!
Websites: pureandcouture.com; purecollectivesalon.com
On wedding day, family member Linsey Robinson styled mine and the wedding party’s hair beautifully despite the humidity and rain, while Baylee Elliott somehow managed to make us feel beautiful and camera-ready all day long. Find Linsey at Destin Blowout Bar (@hairby_linseyrobinson) and Baylee at bayleeelliott.glossgenius.com.
Lights, Music and Memories
Music has always been important to Scott and me. That’s why I immediately knew Zoran Subotich would be part of our day. A longtime friend and fellow radio veteran, Zoran handled every musical moment perfectly. I created a custom playlist and he brought it to life in a way that felt personal, joyful and uniquely us. He really just let us be us.
Website: zoranentertainment.net; celebrationsbythesea.com
Ryan Alan Linguiti sang and played the guitar live for our ceremony and cocktail hour. Then he surprised me with something unforgettable—a custom audio tribute featuring voices of family members, lifelong friends and loved ones who could not attend. There wasn’t a dry eye around. You can find Ryan around town singing at Tailfins or The Edge, both at the Harbor.
Instagram: @ryanlinguiti; Facebook: @ryanalanmusiq
As evening fell, Destin/30A Lighting transformed the property. Palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights shimmered through the rain. The reflections danced off the wet pathways and puddles, creating a glow that somehow made everything feel even more magical. Website: destinoutdoorlighting.com
And thanks to Matthew Kuka’s photo booth and 360 experience, guests left us with hilarious videos, keepsakes and memories we’ll treasure forever. Before long, guests of all ages were grabbing props, striking poses and laughing their heads off. The fun, interactive atmosphere brought people together and captured some of the most candid moments of the evening.
The Finishing Touches
Frill Seekers helped bring so many of our personal details to life. From embroidered sea glass bridesmaid bags to custom cups, napkins and my favorite koozie that read, “It’s Miller Time,” every detail reflected our personality and wedding theme. They also created a special memorial sign honoring my nephew, whom we lost far too soon. Having his memory represented in such a meaningful way touched our hearts deeply.
Website: frillseekersgifts.com
We also relied on Destin Event Rentals for many of the elements that brought our vision to life—ghost chairs and tables to chandeliers, lighting and the beautiful, transparent reception tent. As evening fell—and the rain—the transparent tent over the reception tables became part of the magic. Reflections from the water shimmered across the clear canopy while the wrapped palm trees glowed outside it, creating a twinkling atmosphere more beautiful than anything we could have planned.
Thanks to the rain, a last-minute tent for the dance floor from Big Day Rentals became one of the most important details. Their quick response gave us one less thing to worry about and helped keep the party going long after the ceremony ended. destineventrentals.com; thebigdayrentals.com
The People Beside Us
Standing with us that day were our children, grandchildren, family and closest friends.
Austin, who walked me down the aisle. Nick, the best man. Michaela. Savannah. Shaye. My sister Lisa. Flower girl Lauren. Josiah. Jax. Cas.
As beautiful as the venue was…as amazing as the flowers were…as wonderful as the food, music, cake and decorations were…they were the real reason the day mattered.
More Than a Wedding Day
Our wedding celebration extended beyond May 1. We gathered with family and friends for a rehearsal dinner at AJ’s on the Harbor the night before and capped off the weekend with a post-wedding cruise aboard Tailfins Tikis around the Destin harbor and Crab Island. Sharing some of our favorite Destin experiences with the people we love, from near and far, made an unforgettable weekend even more special. tailfinstikis.com, ajsdestin.com
Looking back now, I don’t remember the weather. I remember the way Scott adoringly looked at me—the way every woman hopes to be seen at least once in her life. I remember Austin’s arm in mine. I remember hearing our song. I remember our children and grandchildren. I remember family dancing beneath the tent while rain tapped softly overhead. I remember feeling loved. I remember feeling grateful. And I remember standing beneath that cross, exactly where I had hoped to stand, realizing that sometimes God doesn’t remove the storm. He simply creates a break in the rain at exactly the right moment.
The rain was never the story. Love was.
