THE DESTINATION
Watercolor, Florida on the 30A coastal highway provided the beachside backdrop to our bachelorette affair. The area has always been considered a retreat, considering it is driving distance from Memphis with absolutely dreamy architecture and activities. My sister spotted a weekend rental to sleep twelve comfortably; and upon entering, we realized its details were perfectly "Caramelized," from the open kitchen with marble countertops to a white and neutral color palette throughout the rooms and halls. I had to be physically dragged out on Sunday morning...
THE AGENDA
Though my sister Julia and best friends had created the perfect plan from arrival to departure, we ensured enough time to relax on the smooth sand and bright blue waters of Watercolor. Of course, foodie inflatables made an appearance; and it wouldn't have been a proper Watercolor afternoon without the resort's rosemary lemonade cocktails.
Beyond our boozy beach days, here were a few highlights I'm permitted to disclose:
CALIZA AT ALYS -- Our finale dinner in Alys Beach felt like a pure dream; perhaps it was our server's European accent, but we were seriously swept into a Grecian-esque atmosphere. One long, candlelit table was brushed with linen drapes that fluttered in the beachside breeze. The service was excellent, the menu was unmatched, and the dirty martinis were delectable.
LATE-NIGHT BEACH BONFIRE -- Following a seafood soireé at Bud and Alley's on Friday evening, we entered a private beach bonfire with a make-your-own s'mores bar and wine bar! Lindsey, my soon-to-be sister, brought along a miraculous powder that turned the bonfire's flames rainbow...insanely entertaining. We sat in a circle sharing stories, laughing for hours and hours over rich wine and sticky dessert.
SUNSET PHOTO SHOOT -- Shore Shooters met the thirteen of us back on the beach at sunset. Rather than us bothering each other over selfies and requests for photos, our friend Bo arranged a gorgeous set on the water. I am so grateful to have had the trip captured through a professional lens!
THE DETAILS
It's all about the details, right? Well, my ladies truly excelled in that category. My sister Julia gifted each of us a marbled Swell water bottle to ensure we were "hydrating" responsibly; thanks to Joseph for ordering such a large batch for us.
Our kitchen was also conveniently stocked with frosé, plenty of avocado toast for Saturday morning, and a "Caramelized Cocktail" bar with all the fixins', including custom glasses and straws. Adorable "bachelorette survival" bags were prepped with ridiculous hats, chapstick, hair ties and other needs for the beach. The thoughtfulness was truly overflowing, y'all. I'm one lucky bride-to-be.
