Wedding Day
Juan & Erika Pepper
HOW THEY MET: These lovebirds met as so many do today, through a dating app, Bumble. Juan was living in his hometown of West Palm Beach and had just deleted the app, but was for some reason compelled to reload it while Erika simultaneously extended her radius to the West Palm Beach area. When their dogs popped up on their profiles, it was pure puppy love, said Erika, a native of Port St. Lucie. “Both of us have two dogs — they’re a big part of how we met,” she said, adding their pups are “built-in best friends. It was basically love at first sight of Jax,” Juan’s boxer. “That’s what drew me in, I’m a major, major animal person.” Their first date was miniature golf; their second date had their dogs meeting at the beach — a total success. Erika said the dogs were “immediately besties,” which sealed the deal. Nearly five years later, the couple made it official.
WHAT THEY DO: Erika Pepper, 25, owns Coastal Hair Co. on U.S. 1 in Stuart, where she specializes in hair extensions and color. Her husband, Juan Pepper, 29, works in local law enforcement and is in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
THE PROPOSAL: After Juan graduated from the police academy, Erika said there were many unknowns with his schedule and getting time off. All they knew is that they wanted to wed. The proposal, she said, “wasn’t shocking,” but it was sweet, and took place “in the comfort of our home.” She described it as small and intimate.
WHY THEY PICKED THIS VENUE AND THEME CONCEPT: They opted for a more traditional wedding to celebrate her grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary, which coincided with the couple’s nuptials. They selected The Manor on St. Lucie Crescent in Stuart, Erika said, because she’s always loved the Spanish style, with the crisp white walls and red Spanish tiles. The colors were navy and light peach, as Juan wore a navy suit that was a gift from his stepfather. Erika said it was challenging to work with those colors and not have the wedding look like a scene from Beauty and the Beast. Mission accomplished, as she achieved a sophisticated, sultry Southern theme that invited guests to relax along with the bride and groom — and not a note of Be Our Guest was heard all night.
SPECIAL MOMENTS: With Erika’s grandparents coming from Michigan to celebrate their 60th anniversary a few days earlier, she surprised them with their own personal red rose cupcakes and dedicated a dance to them. “It was a really sweet moment to watch them dance,” she said. Erika also did a “first look” with her father and a “first touch” with Juan — describing both as great moments. Lastly, she said, while initially embarrassed, she appreciates that her sister, Amanda, contacted this magazine to share her wedding experience as now she’ll have a keepsake she had never expected, but will treasure forever.
WEDDING DATE — Sept. 23, 2023 | RECEPTION LOCATION — The Manor on St. Lucie Crescent in Stuart
EVENT COORDINATOR — Nora Burrough, owner of The Manor on St. Lucie Crescent in Stuart
PHOTOGRAPHER — Scribbles Moments Photography, Port St. Lucie
CATERING — The groom’s family prepared a Spanish meal for the guests | CAKE BAKER — Jennifer Bakes
DRESS — Calla Blanche gown | FLORALS & DÉCOR — Sarandipity Floral, Port St. Lucie
HAIR & MAKEUP — Salt Beauty Bar, Fort Pierce
See the original article in print publication
Feb. 21, 2024
