In 2010, the BP oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico had a big impact on the tourism industry in Florida as oil was washed up on many of the region's beautiful beaches.
The Emerald Coast is a popular destination for beach weddings and the oil spill severely affected the wedding industry with bookings either slowing down or stopping completely.
However, it seems that oil is now the last thing on couples' minds as the region sees a huge increase in the number of bookings for .
Image thanks to wactravel, on Flickr.
As the warmer weather arrives, local businesses and wedding planners are welcoming the arrival of couples and the increase in new bookings.
"I'm extremely optimistic," commented Maggie Halsey, the owner of Barefoot Weddings in Fort Walton Beach. "Our phones are ringing. We've been turning people down."
Halsey started the company in 2000 and she explained that her customers have stopped asking about the condition of the beaches. The only difference the wedding planner has noticed is that the wedding guest numbers have decreased slightly.
"The guest list is usually about 30 … opposed to 40 or 50 a couple of years ago," she said. "This year, I think it's attributed to the (rising) gas prices."
The Emerald Coast stretches approximately 100 miles across the North West Florida Gulf Coast through four counties and boasts an array of beautiful white sandy beaches that are perfect for couples getting married abroad.
Mark Bellinger, the executive director of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, said: "Weddings held on the Emerald Coast have a tremendous economic impact for our economy.
Image thanks to Steve Sowden, on Flickr.
"The bride, groom, wedding party and guests either have or will obtain a personal connection with the Emerald Coast. … They will want to return often and call our beautiful destination their second home."
Mike Martin, the owner of Simple Destin Weddings, said that he has seen an increase in couples booking beach weddings from areas all over the United States. The company has approximately 30 per cent more wedding bookings than last year.
The Emerald Coast is home to popular holiday and wedding destinations such as Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, Niceville and Gulf Breeze. The areas have many restaurants, attractions and luxury hotels that offer for brides and grooms planning an idyllic beach wedding.
The Emerald Coast is a popular destination for beach weddings and the oil spill severely affected the wedding industry with bookings either slowing down or stopping completely.
However, it seems that oil is now the last thing on couples' minds as the region sees a huge increase in the number of bookings for .
Image thanks to wactravel, on Flickr.
As the warmer weather arrives, local businesses and wedding planners are welcoming the arrival of couples and the increase in new bookings.
"I'm extremely optimistic," commented Maggie Halsey, the owner of Barefoot Weddings in Fort Walton Beach. "Our phones are ringing. We've been turning people down."
Halsey started the company in 2000 and she explained that her customers have stopped asking about the condition of the beaches. The only difference the wedding planner has noticed is that the wedding guest numbers have decreased slightly.
"The guest list is usually about 30 … opposed to 40 or 50 a couple of years ago," she said. "This year, I think it's attributed to the (rising) gas prices."
The Emerald Coast stretches approximately 100 miles across the North West Florida Gulf Coast through four counties and boasts an array of beautiful white sandy beaches that are perfect for couples getting married abroad.
Mark Bellinger, the executive director of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, said: "Weddings held on the Emerald Coast have a tremendous economic impact for our economy.
Image thanks to Steve Sowden, on Flickr.
"The bride, groom, wedding party and guests either have or will obtain a personal connection with the Emerald Coast. … They will want to return often and call our beautiful destination their second home."
Mike Martin, the owner of Simple Destin Weddings, said that he has seen an increase in couples booking beach weddings from areas all over the United States. The company has approximately 30 per cent more wedding bookings than last year.
The Emerald Coast is home to popular holiday and wedding destinations such as Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, Niceville and Gulf Breeze. The areas have many restaurants, attractions and luxury hotels that offer for brides and grooms planning an idyllic beach wedding.
The article Florida's Emerald Coast Sees Increase in Destination Weddings by the Beach then gives only a tips and ideas about the wedding. If you do not consider them quite helpful, try to look like news on the Florida's Emerald Coast Sees Increase in Destination Weddings by the Beach, or go to search on the site.