Real Brides, Real Weddings
Heier, Bonura Wedding
Sometimes, love plants a seed that slowly grows, and does not reveal its true potential until it has blossomed suddenly into something both beautiful and rare. For Schoen Heier and Ross Bonura, their love was a long time coming, and bloomed when they were united in marriage November 7, 2009 on the breathtaking sands of Pensacola Beach, Florida.
Schoen and Ross’s love story begins in Diamondhead, MS., where the two met at a young age after moving with their families from New Orleans, LA. Though they were childhood buddies and shared several of the same neighborhood friends, Schoen and Ross never attended the same high school or college. It was when they began college, in fact, that their communication dwindled, and the pair slowly lost touch. Schoen attended Loyola University in New Orleans while Ross went to the University of South Alabama.
There was one strong link that brought the two back together, though: the strong friendship between their mothers, JaNet Bonura and Lorraine Schoen Heier. JaNet and Lorraine were members of the same social organizations and often traveled together on trips. On one particular trip to Peurto Vallarta, Mexico in 2007, Schoen and Ross were invited by both of their moms to spend a week-long luxury trip in a beautiful five-bedroom penthouse suite. Also, there were friends Rachel Stokes, Matt Moody and JaNet’s friend, Don Kraemer, to spend the week with. It was here that Schoen and Ross rekindled their childhood friendship, and also sparked a new, bright and burning flame.
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2008, just a little over a year after the vacation that reunited them, Schoen and Ross became engaged. While at the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, MS., Ross got down on one knee in the middle of the casino just at the stroke of midnight, looked up at his love and asked for her hand in marriage. It was the modern-day love story of Cinderella. Schoen was right at home, since she is the Sales and Marketing Manager at the Silver Slipper Casino. With Schoen’s enthusiastic “yes” to the most important question of her life, the pair began their planning and countdown for their dream wedding.
Because Schoen and Ross both enjoy the ambience of the Gulf Coast’s water and beaches, they thought that Pensacola Beach, Florida would be the perfect place for their wedding, and a convenient halfway point between New Orleans and Enterprise, AL., where the bulk of their guests would be driving from. They rented a private beach house for three nights through Joe Billingsly of Paradise Beach Homes, which was complete with an elevator inside. The elevator was an extra touch that the pair loved!
A mutual friend from way back of Schoen and Ross named Tami Hotard Strittmatter, along with Tami’s husband, Justin, provided the beautiful greenery around the beach house for the big day. Tami and Justin arrived early the morning of the wedding with fresh English green ivy, honeysuckle vines and Lover’s vines (which are actually heart-shaped) from their very own garden in Panama City Beach, FL. They intertwined the vines and ivy with white bridal toile, and decorated the outside columns of the beach house. The decorations continued inside, as the three-floor stairwell of the beach house was decorated with greenery from a Floridian Spruce Pine.
Schoen wore an eggshell-colored Grecian-inspired Oleg Cassini wedding gown, made of elegant chiffon that went together perfectly with the gentle breeze coming off the ocean. The bodice of the gown was embellished with silver beading. In her hair, Schoen wore two orchids that were adorned with Swarovski pink and clear crystals. Ross wore a tan suit furnished by Yancey Parker’s of Enterprise, AL., along with a long-sleeved white dress shirt.
Delores Martin from a Beach Wedding For You in Cantonment, FL., acted as both the wedding planner and the amazing photographer. Approximately 100 guests attended the lovely beach wedding, where Keith Holder, a non-denominational minister from a Beach Wedding For You, conducted the ceremony.
At the end of the aisle stood both of Ross’s children who made up the wedding party. Mitchell, ten years old, was Ross’s best man. He wore khaki pants with a long-sleeved button down shirt, complementing his dad. Camille, eight years old, was Schoen’s maid-of-honor. She wore the perfect little taffeta white dress adorned with a large, blooming silk flower. Shoes were not an issue, since all went barefoot in true beach-style fashion.
Both Schoen and Ross wanted to make sure that Mitchell and Camille felt special to the ceremony. After exchanging wedding rings, Schoen and Ross presented both children with a cross necklace to remind them that they were a huge part of the wedding itself. They also held a very special sand unity ceremony, where the minister had Schoen, Ross, Mitchell and Camille select a seashell from his hands and then scoop some sand. Then, each poured their sand into one large conch shell, which then poured all the sand together into a heart-shaped glass bottle. This symbolized the unity of their family, and that just as the sand can never be separated, neither can their family.
Schoen and Ross’s wedding song was especially meaningful and unique. In 2007, Ross established a scholarship in honor of Schoen, at her old high school, Our Lady Academy. The scholarship is presented to a student who volunteers in the community and is driven in making their community a better place. They describe this act as “paying it forward.” Schoen and Ross are both so passionate about the scholarship, that they even requested donations to the scholarship fund in lieu of wedding gifts. Their wedding song, “If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback, reflected their belief of “paying it forward” and also reminded them of their time in Puerto Vallarta where they reunited.
The reception was held just steps from the beach at the private beach house, as well as under a tent outside of the house. Inside, delicious catering by Chef Erika Thomas of A Gourmet Occasion Catering in Pensacola, FL., was waiting. Some of the tantalizing food that was served buffet-styled included sliced roast beef served with rolls, honey-garlic chicken skewers, hot parmesan crab dip, apple brie and almond chocolate toffee fondue with fresh fruit and pound cake for dipping.
Under the tent, the lively sounds of Chuck Lawson of Destin, FL., helped get the feet of many guests moving. The music had a nice island touch to it, and added to an already magical night.
The tent’s ceiling had a wrought-iron chandelier hanging from its center, while the tent’s poles were wrapped in greenery and white fabric. Suzi from Kent’s Special Events of Gulf Breeze, FL., made the tents and lighting fixtures possible, as well as providing the round tables and white wooden beach chairs for guests.
While many couples make their grand exit from the reception in a limo or boat, Schoen and Ross didn’t have to. They stayed in the beach house that night with close family and friends, enjoying the company and magic associated with the once-in-a-lifetime evening.
After honeymooning at the beautiful Emerald Grande in Destin, FL., in a luxurious 4-bedroom suite adorned with kissing towel animals, rose petals and chocolates on each bed, the couple now reside in Enterprise, AL., with the two components that make their family complete: Mitchell and Camille.
Vendors:
Wedding Planner, Photographer & Florist –
Delores Martin
A Beach Wedding For You
850-512-7115
www.abeachweddingforyou.com
Accommodations –
Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Gulf Front
Pensacola Beach, FL
(850) 932-6800
www.hamptoninn.com
Honeymoon Accommodations –
Emerald Grande
Destin, FL
www.emeraldgrande.com
Beach House –
Paradise Beach Homes
Pensacola Beach, FL
www.paradisebeachhomes.com
Tent & Equipment Rental –
Kent’s Special Events
850-932-3505
www.kentsspecialevents.com
Caterer -
A Gourmet Occasion Catering/The Portabello Market
Pensacola, FL
850-439-6545
www.agourmetoccasion.com
Ceremony Music –
A Wedding Violinist
850-230-1991
www.aweddingviolinist.com
Reception Entertainment –
Chuck Lawson Tropical Island Music
Destin, FL
850.496.7230
www.chucklawson.com
Schoen and Ross’s love story begins in Diamondhead, MS., where the two met at a young age after moving with their families from New Orleans, LA. Though they were childhood buddies and shared several of the same neighborhood friends, Schoen and Ross never attended the same high school or college. It was when they began college, in fact, that their communication dwindled, and the pair slowly lost touch. Schoen attended Loyola University in New Orleans while Ross went to the University of South Alabama.
There was one strong link that brought the two back together, though: the strong friendship between their mothers, JaNet Bonura and Lorraine Schoen Heier. JaNet and Lorraine were members of the same social organizations and often traveled together on trips. On one particular trip to Peurto Vallarta, Mexico in 2007, Schoen and Ross were invited by both of their moms to spend a week-long luxury trip in a beautiful five-bedroom penthouse suite. Also, there were friends Rachel Stokes, Matt Moody and JaNet’s friend, Don Kraemer, to spend the week with. It was here that Schoen and Ross rekindled their childhood friendship, and also sparked a new, bright and burning flame.
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2008, just a little over a year after the vacation that reunited them, Schoen and Ross became engaged. While at the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, MS., Ross got down on one knee in the middle of the casino just at the stroke of midnight, looked up at his love and asked for her hand in marriage. It was the modern-day love story of Cinderella. Schoen was right at home, since she is the Sales and Marketing Manager at the Silver Slipper Casino. With Schoen’s enthusiastic “yes” to the most important question of her life, the pair began their planning and countdown for their dream wedding.
Because Schoen and Ross both enjoy the ambience of the Gulf Coast’s water and beaches, they thought that Pensacola Beach, Florida would be the perfect place for their wedding, and a convenient halfway point between New Orleans and Enterprise, AL., where the bulk of their guests would be driving from. They rented a private beach house for three nights through Joe Billingsly of Paradise Beach Homes, which was complete with an elevator inside. The elevator was an extra touch that the pair loved!
A mutual friend from way back of Schoen and Ross named Tami Hotard Strittmatter, along with Tami’s husband, Justin, provided the beautiful greenery around the beach house for the big day. Tami and Justin arrived early the morning of the wedding with fresh English green ivy, honeysuckle vines and Lover’s vines (which are actually heart-shaped) from their very own garden in Panama City Beach, FL. They intertwined the vines and ivy with white bridal toile, and decorated the outside columns of the beach house. The decorations continued inside, as the three-floor stairwell of the beach house was decorated with greenery from a Floridian Spruce Pine.
Schoen wore an eggshell-colored Grecian-inspired Oleg Cassini wedding gown, made of elegant chiffon that went together perfectly with the gentle breeze coming off the ocean. The bodice of the gown was embellished with silver beading. In her hair, Schoen wore two orchids that were adorned with Swarovski pink and clear crystals. Ross wore a tan suit furnished by Yancey Parker’s of Enterprise, AL., along with a long-sleeved white dress shirt.
Delores Martin from a Beach Wedding For You in Cantonment, FL., acted as both the wedding planner and the amazing photographer. Approximately 100 guests attended the lovely beach wedding, where Keith Holder, a non-denominational minister from a Beach Wedding For You, conducted the ceremony.
At the end of the aisle stood both of Ross’s children who made up the wedding party. Mitchell, ten years old, was Ross’s best man. He wore khaki pants with a long-sleeved button down shirt, complementing his dad. Camille, eight years old, was Schoen’s maid-of-honor. She wore the perfect little taffeta white dress adorned with a large, blooming silk flower. Shoes were not an issue, since all went barefoot in true beach-style fashion.
Both Schoen and Ross wanted to make sure that Mitchell and Camille felt special to the ceremony. After exchanging wedding rings, Schoen and Ross presented both children with a cross necklace to remind them that they were a huge part of the wedding itself. They also held a very special sand unity ceremony, where the minister had Schoen, Ross, Mitchell and Camille select a seashell from his hands and then scoop some sand. Then, each poured their sand into one large conch shell, which then poured all the sand together into a heart-shaped glass bottle. This symbolized the unity of their family, and that just as the sand can never be separated, neither can their family.
Schoen and Ross’s wedding song was especially meaningful and unique. In 2007, Ross established a scholarship in honor of Schoen, at her old high school, Our Lady Academy. The scholarship is presented to a student who volunteers in the community and is driven in making their community a better place. They describe this act as “paying it forward.” Schoen and Ross are both so passionate about the scholarship, that they even requested donations to the scholarship fund in lieu of wedding gifts. Their wedding song, “If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback, reflected their belief of “paying it forward” and also reminded them of their time in Puerto Vallarta where they reunited.
The reception was held just steps from the beach at the private beach house, as well as under a tent outside of the house. Inside, delicious catering by Chef Erika Thomas of A Gourmet Occasion Catering in Pensacola, FL., was waiting. Some of the tantalizing food that was served buffet-styled included sliced roast beef served with rolls, honey-garlic chicken skewers, hot parmesan crab dip, apple brie and almond chocolate toffee fondue with fresh fruit and pound cake for dipping.
Under the tent, the lively sounds of Chuck Lawson of Destin, FL., helped get the feet of many guests moving. The music had a nice island touch to it, and added to an already magical night.
The tent’s ceiling had a wrought-iron chandelier hanging from its center, while the tent’s poles were wrapped in greenery and white fabric. Suzi from Kent’s Special Events of Gulf Breeze, FL., made the tents and lighting fixtures possible, as well as providing the round tables and white wooden beach chairs for guests.
While many couples make their grand exit from the reception in a limo or boat, Schoen and Ross didn’t have to. They stayed in the beach house that night with close family and friends, enjoying the company and magic associated with the once-in-a-lifetime evening.
After honeymooning at the beautiful Emerald Grande in Destin, FL., in a luxurious 4-bedroom suite adorned with kissing towel animals, rose petals and chocolates on each bed, the couple now reside in Enterprise, AL., with the two components that make their family complete: Mitchell and Camille.
Vendors:
Wedding Planner, Photographer & Florist –
Delores Martin
A Beach Wedding For You
850-512-7115
www.abeachweddingforyou.com
Accommodations –
Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Gulf Front
Pensacola Beach, FL
(850) 932-6800
www.hamptoninn.com
Honeymoon Accommodations –
Emerald Grande
Destin, FL
www.emeraldgrande.com
Beach House –
Paradise Beach Homes
Pensacola Beach, FL
www.paradisebeachhomes.com
Tent & Equipment Rental –
Kent’s Special Events
850-932-3505
www.kentsspecialevents.com
Caterer -
A Gourmet Occasion Catering/The Portabello Market
Pensacola, FL
850-439-6545
www.agourmetoccasion.com
Ceremony Music –
A Wedding Violinist
850-230-1991
www.aweddingviolinist.com
Reception Entertainment –
Chuck Lawson Tropical Island Music
Destin, FL
850.496.7230
www.chucklawson.com
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| A Word from our Publisher | ||
Destination Beach Weddings in Destin, Panama City Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, 30A, Orange Beach. Gulf Coast Bride is Your Source for Planning Your Wedding on the Gulf Coast.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Perfect Destination Beach Wedding.
From Destin; Panama City Beach; Seaside; WaterColor; 30A.com to Fort Walton; Pensacola, and Orange Beach...You will find it all in the pages of
Gulf Coast Bride magazine each and every issue.
From Destin; Panama City Beach; Seaside; WaterColor; 30A.com to Fort Walton; Pensacola, and Orange Beach...You will find it all in the pages of
Gulf Coast Bride magazine each and every issue.
From Destin, Florida to Seaside, Florida -all along Northwest Florida's infamous 30a- from Panama City Beach, Florida, Pensacola, Florida, or over to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, Gulf Coast Bride magazine and gcbride.com serve as a bride's single best method of learning about and planning her upcoming Florida or Alabama gulf coast wedding.
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Gulf Coast Bride magazine is your "one Stop Shop" for accessing the best of the best in beach accommodations, venues, beach wedding photographers, catering companies, florists, beach wedding planners, cake designers, resorts, restaurants, entertainment companies, tent rentals, even limo's and transportation to and from the wedding and associated events. Anything and everything you will need for your upcoming Gulf Coast or Emerald Coast beach wedding you can find in the pages of Gulf Coast Bride magazine. Best of all, brides coming to Destin, Seaside, The Beaches of South Walton, 30A, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, Alabama can find Gulf Coast Bride magazine on major newsstands in over 30 states across the USA.
So whether you live in Dallas, TX or Atlanta, GA, Booneville, MS or Madison, WI you -the bride- can pick up your copy of Gulf Coast Bride magazine and begin planning your perfect gulf coast or emerald coast wedding right from the comfort of your home. Best of all, be assured that the advertisers who make up Gulf Coast Bride are some of the very best known and well respected resorts, wedding planners, caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, and entertainers on the entire gulf and emerald coast. In addition you will find the editorial content, photos, real brides, real weddings, and feature resort and venue articles to be very helpful in planning your upcoming gulf coast wedding...just as the thousands of brides to be who purchase and use Gulf Coast Bride magazine, each and every quarterly issue, have discovered.
Who knows we may just show up to cover your upcoming Gulf Coast destination wedding.
Julie Skinner, Editor-in-Chief
Gulf Coast Bride magazine
Will Estell, VP. Publisher Jeff Borrelli, Pres. CEO
3G Media, LLC. 3G Media, LLC.