Real Weddings | Sydney & Whit’s Magical Flora Farms Wedding

Sydney & Whit’s Flora Farms wedding was magical. Love and togetherness were in the air that night. I’m thrilled to showcase it here on our Real Weddings feature.

The Couple

Bride: Sydney Morgan Solarek
Instagram: @syd_inthewindycity

Groom: Louis White Thornton IV (Whit Thornton)
Instagram: @whitthornton

The Proposal

Whit completely surprised Sydney with a sweet and intimate breakfast-in-bed proposal in their brand-new home in Chicago. Just when she thought she was getting a quiet morning together before a beach weekend, Whit had other plans. He slipped a ring under the napkin on her breakfast tray! The surprises didn’t stop there—later that day, they hopped on a flight to Nashville to celebrate with family and friends. It was the perfect blend of private and personal, followed by an unforgettable celebration!

Sydney & Whit's Flora Farms wedding

The Flora Farms Wedding Details

Wedding Date:

January 3, 2025

Guest Count:

81

Why Flora Farms?

Sydney knew she wanted a Flora Farms wedding before she even got engaged. There’s something about this place that feels magical—warm, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful. From the twinkling lights to the farm-fresh cuisine, it was exactly the intimate, charming setting they envisioned for their wedding day.

Hosting both the ceremony and reception at Flora Farms allowed for a seamless, relaxed flow for their guests, keeping everyone in one gorgeous space the entire evening.

Their welcome party at the JW Marriott’s Keppe Terrace was the perfect way to kick off the wedding weekend, allowing guests to settle in, enjoy Cabo, and start the celebration in style.

The Luxe Bride Experience Moment

“The pure elegance of walking down the aisle arm in arm with my father, taking in the breathtaking ceremony setup, and seeing all of my family and friends waiting—it was a moment I’ll never forget. It was like stepping into a dream, surrounded by love, beauty, and the incredible energy of the people who mean the most to us.”

bride and three bridesmaids at a Flora Farms wedding

The Ceremony

Set amidst lush greenery and natural beauty, the couple kept the ceremony décor simple and elegant, allowing the setting to speak for itself. A gorgeous floral ground arrangement framed the altar, while each guest’s seat included custom programs and fans, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience.

The ceremony flowers were a perfect mix of vibrant, citrus-inspired tones and soft neutrals, blending effortlessly with the surroundings. Lush arrangements of bougainvillea, ranunculus, garden roses, and anthuriums created a romantic yet modern aesthetic.

Bridesmaid Bouquets: Instead of traditional bouquets, the bridesmaids carried a single pink anthurium tied with green velvet ribbon—a modern, chic detail that perfectly complemented their colorful dresses.

Live Music: Sydney walked down the aisle to “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine, performed live by Caly y Juan, who also played throughout cocktail hour. The energy in the air was electric yet intimate, with music that felt personal and meaningful.

Flora Farms wedding tablescape with multi-colored flowers and candles

The Reception

The reception at this Flora Farms wedding was an outdoor dinner party under the stars, with three long farm tables set beneath glowing string lights.

  • Tablescapes: Organic bud vases with colorful flowers, vibrant candles, and fruit accents created a fresh, modern aesthetic.
  • Custom Neon Sign: Their “Casa Thornton” neon sign, which now hangs in their home, added a personal touch to the décor.
  • Custom Artwork: Their dog, Pippa, was sketched onto their save-the-dates, invitations, and bar signage, and even brought to life as a piñata!
  • The Late-Night Disco Club: After dinner, the space transformed into a full-on dance party, complete with disco balls and an epic lighting package by DJ Alex.

The Menu

Flora Farms is known for its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, and Sydney & Whit’s menu was nothing short of incredible.

Passed Appetizers:

  • Whipped Ricotta & Spicy Farm Honey – Served on baguette toast with fresh basil
  • Flora’s Bacon – Corn griddle cake with rosemary honey
  • Marinated Local Jurel (Yellowtail) – Avocado, jalapeño, sesame cracker
  • Yellowfin Tuna Tartare – Tamari, lime, preserved turmeric, toasted quinoa

Dinner:

  • Handmade Burrata – Roasted farm pumpkin, sage pesto, toasted pumpkin seeds, arugula
  • Seasonal Salad – Farm lettuces, shaved radish, cucumber, cherry tomato, apple, lemon vinaigrette
  • Pan-Seared Catch of the Day – Zucchini, pea & herb salad, tomato conserve
  • Herb-Roasted Chicken – Lemon parsley potatoes & herb butter

Desserts:

  • Churros
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Cheesecake with Jam

Signature Cocktails: Spicy Margaritas & Vodka Sodas

The Music

Sydney and Whit crafted a perfect playlist that matched the energy of the night, blending live performances and a high-energy DJ set.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour: Caly y Juan

  • Bridal Processional: “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine
  • Recessional: “You Got the Love” by Florence and the Machine
  • Cocktail Hour Vibe: Upbeat oldies with special requests like “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

Reception & Dance Party: DJ Alex

  • Grand Entrance: “Murder on the Dance Floor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
  • First Dance: “The Bones” by Maren Morris ft. Hozier
  • Father-Daughter Dance: “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
  • Mother-Son Dance: “Days Like This” by Van Morrison

The dance floor was off the hook! After an intimate dinner, the energy completely shifted as DJ Alex brought the heat, and guests danced non-stop until the early hours. From early 2000s throwbacks to EDM beats, the party was pure fun and had everyone on their feet all night.

The Wedding Team

Planning: Pamela Franssen & Jimena Osuna of Amy Abbott Events
Venue: Flora Farms, San Jose del Cabo
Welcome Party Venue: JW Marriott, Keppe Terrace
Photographer & Videographer: Taryn Baxter
Florist: Martha Lomeli
Catering: Flora Farms
Music & DJ: Cabo Strings, Caly y Juan & DJ Alex
Rentals: Bazaar Cabo
Stationery & Custom Details: The Dotted Line, Nashville

A Flora Farms wedding is the perfect mix of love, laughter, and pure magic—a celebration that brings together family, friends, and incredible memories in the most beautiful setting. And Sydney & Whit’s wedding? It was off the hook!

Salud to Sydney & Whit! 🥂