Parks, Tritt Wedding

Reflections of their first date, and proposal adorned the memories of Erin Parks and Ian Tritt just as the setting Destin sun reflected upon the bay, setting the tone for their beautiful wedding aboard Sunquest Cruise’s Solaris, on June 13, 2009.

Although they both grew up in Katy, Texas and attended rival high schools, Erin Parks and Ian Tritt first met only a few years ago at a Halloween party where Ian was dressed as a French maid and Erin as an 80’s punk rocker. The two began dating a year later when they were reconnected at the wedding of a mutual friend.  “He asked me to dance, and we have been together ever since,” says Erin with a reminiscing smile. Must’ve been  some dance.

During a family trip to Erin’s aunt and uncle’s bay house in Matagorda, Texas, the couple went out to eat, and Ian had a surprise up his sleeve.  He took Erin for an evening stroll on the beach, got down on one knee, and asked Erin to marry him.  Erin replied with a grin, “Of course!”  The proposal took place on June 13th, 2008, and the couple chose the same date for their wedding the following year.  For Erin and Ian, 13 is a lucky number!

The couple’s decision to have a Destin-ation wedding was an easy one.  Ian was born in Panama City, Florida and both families vacationed regularly on the Florida gulf coast.  Erin also grew up visiting Matagorda and Galveston Island in Texas.  So…for Ian and Erin there was a built in love of the sand and surf.  When Erin was 13 (there’s that number again), her aunt told her when she got married, she had to have the wedding in Destin.  Thankfully Erin remembered and heeded the advice of her aunt from years ago.

The Solaris Yacht, operated by Sunquest Cruises in Destin, was the setting of both the wedding and the reception.  Guests were invited to board the gorgeous 150 person yacht around 6:15pm on Saturday, June 13th.  Upon entering the guests were greeted by the welcoming staff of the Solaris and shown to two of three levels where  each table was tastefully decorated with all shades of pink roses in bubble vases with blue marbles by Suzan Lesko at Special Occasions.  Along with a striking bridal portrait, a three tiered exquisite bridal cake by Kim at Southern Style Desserts, and fresh roses from Suzan Lesko served as the center piece décor.
    
After a half hour of mingling by the guests, everyone was escorted to the top level of the yacht.  Here, overlooking the beautiful sunset glistened bay, ninety-five of Ian and Erin’s family and friends were seated for the intimate and beautiful ceremony as the yacht began to sail into the bay.  Captain Steve Isaccs, who officiated the ceremony, was the first to arrive at the alter as soft music flowed like the gentle evening breeze. The groomsmen, who were wearing Cubaver linen white shirts and khaki slacks, seated the grandparents of the couple and the mother of the bride and groom.  Next the bridesmaids, who were wearing cornflower blue strapless bubble dresses from David’s Bridal, glided down the aisle while the sun began to create a picturesque scene.

 Wearing a custom ordered white linen shirt with blue embroidery from Weddingtropics.com, coupled with khaki slacks, Ian proudly stood at the alter awaiting the arrival of his bride.   As Erin approached the walkway, the crowd was in awe by Erin’s beautiful smile that was the perfect accessory to her wedding attire.  She wore a Moncheri strapless dress with a sweetheart cut that was adorned with sparkling crystal detail.  She accessorized with a pink sapphire necklace and matching earrings that Ian had given her for her birthday.  Erin gracefully met Ian’s gaze, as her three tiered veil blew in the breeze. The ceremony was heartfelt with the most amazing pallet of oranges, reds, gold, and pinks from the sunset deck making their exchanging of vows unforgettable and breathtaking.

After the wedding, Scott and Becca Caffrey, of Caffrey’s Photography in Katy, Texas, took additional photos of the couple and wedding party on the top level.  The wedding guests  then made way to the first and second level where a delicious variety of appetizers were served and the bar was open.  The newly weds made a grand entrance as they were introduced for the first time as a married couple and received congratulations from all their friends and family.

Soon after Ian and Erin’s entrance, the guest were served a magnificent sit down dinner with a choice of a fresh catch of the day, chicken picatta, cheese ravioli, beef tenderloin, or shrimp scampi, all prepared fresh by the wonderful on board chef and staff.  The rest of the night was filled with dancing, a champagne toast, and more dancing.  Harmony provided the first level live entertainment, and greatly exceeded the bride and groom’s expectations with lots of great live hits and some DJ’ed tunes as well.

After four hours of fabulous sailing, dining, dancing, drinking, talking…and more dancing, the Solaris docked back at Baytowne Harbor. The lights reflecting on the water made a magical setting for Ian and Erin’s exit as the couple was whisked away down the boardwalk in a sea of bubbles. The bride and groom then met their limo from 654 Limo and returned to their suite at Beacon Resorts Pelican Isle Condos in Fort Walton Beach Florida. While at the same time the wedding guests were chauffeured by two buses back to their accommodations in order to assure everyone’s safety after the grand wedding party. Erin and Ian left the next day for a week long honeymoon in Jamaica at the Jamaica Couples Resort -Swept Away- before returning home to Katy, Texas where they are enjoying life as the Tritts.
   
Jessica Lusher served as the couples’ wedding planner and did a fantastic job in making the entire event not only perfect for Erin and Ian, but for all the lucky guests that attended.

Will Estell, our publisher of this very magazine, was also an essential element in this fabulous celebration.  He was able to help the bride, groom and their families organize this wonderful wedding- long distance from Texas- all based on recommendations he offered Erin after a phone call that not only led to her choosing Solaris as her venue, but also to our publisher and his family personally attending the wedding. •