San Marco Church Wedding | Gina + Palmer | Marco Marriott Reception

The best relationships are rooted in friendship, and *sometimes* they are rooted in your sibling’s friendship. Palmer and Gina met in 2005 when they were both in high school, where Palmer played football with Gina’s brother in their hometown of Staten Island, New York.

Gina and Palmer always had a lot in common, and for a long time were part of each other’s lives as friends… until Palmer asked Gina to a wedding in 2011. She assumed he was asking her to go “as friends” since they were both single, and declined because she knew her brother wouldn’t be too thrilled. Palmer told Gina he was asking her as a date, and things definitely changed between them over the next few months. They never did go to that wedding together, but the day before the wedding, December 1st 2011, Gina and Palmer went on their first date. He surprised her with movie tickets in the city, and dinner reservations afterward. This was the first of many surprises and adventures that would lead up to their engagement on September 20th 2014 at Palmer ‘s surprise birthday party that Gina planned for him… He turned the surprise around when he dropped to one knee after everyone sang Happy Birthday, and proposed with a beautiful ring that he designed in front of their family and friends.

Both Gina and Palmer love to travel, but are also somewhat traditional so they opted for a tropical destination wedding laced in tradition and elegance. After searching all over South Florida for a venue, the decision to get married at San Marco Catholic Church, and hold the reception at the beautiful Marco Island Marriott was easy. It was the picture perfect location where all their loved ones could spend a few days getting to know one another, relaxing, and being in the moment. Just as they hoped, many of their family members and friends traveled from near and far to join the festivities which began with a welcome “white party” by the beach the night before the wedding, and ended with a farewell brunch the morning after. It was an amazing weekend filled with love, laughter, beautiful weather, and unforgettable memories.

P.S. In case you’re wondering – after a short while Gina’s brother / Palmer’s friend approved of their relationship, and was the Best Man in the wedding!