FAQs
Question
Why a Thursday wedding?
Answer
We know a Thursday wedding isn’t the norm, but we chose this date because it worked best with the availability of our dream venue, the Chapel at Seaside. Since most guests are traveling in anyway, we thought, why not turn it into a long weekend getaway for us and our guests?! We completely understand if the weekday timing makes it tricky, but we’re hoping that with plenty of notice, it’ll be easier to make the trip work. We’d love nothing more than to celebrate with you!
Question
When will invitations and RSVPs be due?
Answer
Formal invitations will be mailed at the end of June 2026. Kindly RSVP by August 1, 2026, as the resort requires a final guest count and meal selections well in advance. RSVP instructions will be included with your invitation, and you will be able to respond through our wedding website. This timeline also allows time to make travel arrangements!
Question
When should I arrive?
Answer
Please plan to arrive on or before Wednesday. Since the ceremony starts early Thursday afternoon, arriving the day before helps avoid any travel delays and gives you time to settle in. Plus, we’re on vacation time!
Question
Are we welcome to stay through the weekend?
Answer
Yes, we would love that! With a Thursday wedding, it’s the perfect chance to make it a long weekend getaway. There’s plenty to enjoy in the area, and if you’d like to extend your stay beyond the Wednesday–Friday block, additional nights are available at the wedding rate.
Question
Hotel Block and Booking Information
Answer
We recommend booking as early as possible to secure the discounted rate through our block, as it is only available for a limited time and rooms may sell out quickly. If you’d like to arrive earlier, extend your stay, or choose a different room type, contact the Group Housing Coordinator, Tiffany, at (850) 337-9194 and mention the Riley Harper-Chris Carbone Wedding. She will ensure you are placed inside our block and can answer any questions. At the time of booking, only a one night deposit will be charged to your credit card, with the remainder due at checkout. If you prefer, she can also help you set up a payment schedule.
Question
Is parking available at the resort?
Answer
Yes. If you booked within our room block, parking is discounted to $10 per day, per vehicle. For guests outside of the block, parking is $15 per day, per vehicle. If you are staying in an Airbnb or another hotel, parking at the resort is complimentary on the wedding day only.
Question
Where should we fly into?
Answer
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) About 20 minutes from The Island Resort Pensacola International Airport (PNS) About 1 hour and 15 minutes from The Island Resort Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) About 1 hour and 20 minutes from The Island Resort
Question
How do we get from the airport to the resort?
Answer
Uber/Lyft and taxis are available, and rental cars can also be booked directly at the airport. Choose whatever works best for your travel plans!
Question
Resort Arrival & Check-In
Answer
While we’ve secured a hotel block starting Wednesday, the wedding party and immediate family will be staying near the Seaside area that evening for our rehearsal dinner and final preparations. Guests can check in at their convenience and enjoy all that The Island Resort has to offer! We’ll join everyone at the resort on Thursday (wedding day) to celebrate together. Resort check-in is at 4 PM, but if your room is ready early, they’ll be happy to let you in. If it isn’t, the resort will store your luggage, and you’ll be free to enjoy all the amenities until your room is available. Check out is at 11 AM.
Question
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 PM, slightly earlier than a typical wedding, as we're working around daylight saving time. If you're driving yourself, we recommend arriving 15–20 minutes early to allow time for parking and seating before the ceremony begins. For your convenience, several parking options are available nearby. Smolian Circle offers free parking just two blocks from the Chapel. Additional parking is available along 30A, with a short walk into Seaside. A public parking lot is also located between Seaside and WaterColor, just a short walk from the Chapel.
Question
Where will the ceremony and reception take place?
Answer
Our ceremony will be held at the Chapel at Seaside, with the reception to follow at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach. The two locations are about 50 minutes apart.
Question
Why are there two addresses for The Chapel at Seaside?
Answer
The official address for our ceremony venue is 582 Forest Street, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. Some GPS apps, like Google Maps or Safari, may show 658 Forest Street instead, but both lead to the same place. The Chapel is located right in the heart of Seaside near DiBicci Park. For the most accurate directions, use 582 Forest Street when entering it into your maps or rideshare app!
Question
Will transportation be provided?
Answer
We'll be providing shuttle transportation for all guests from The Island Resort to the Chapel at Seaside for the ceremony, and then back to the resort for the reception. Shuttles will depart promptly at 12:45 PM. Guests are welcome to drive themselves; however, parking at the Chapel is limited, and the drive is just under an hour, so we encourage taking advantage of the provided shuttle service.
Question
End of Reception & After-Party
Answer
There will be a cash bar after party in the lobby with late-night food from 10 PM to midnight. All guests are welcome to join!
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
We request semi-formal attire and ask guests to wear all black. Women: Any black semi-formal outfit works great! Black dresses, jumpsuits, or sets are perfect. Your shoes don’t have to be black. Sandals or heels are up to you, and the reception will be on turf, so it’ll be easy to walk in both! Men: Please wear a black jacket and pants. A white undershirt is fine, it doesn’t need to be a full blackout underneath. If you choose not to wear a jacket, please wear a black shirt. A tie is optional, but if you do wear one, please keep it black!
Question
Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony will be indoors at the Chapel, and the reception will be outdoors/beachfront (not toes in the sand). November in Fort Walton Beach is usually mild during the day and cooler in the evenings, so please stick to semi-formal/black attire and maybe bring a light layer for after sunset when the Gulf breeze comes in.
Question
Are kids invited?
Answer
Due to space restrictions, we are unable to accommodate guests under the age of 18. The ceremony and reception will be an adults-only celebration.
Question
Wedding Day Childcare
Answer
Even though our wedding day is kid free, we know some of you may be bringing your whole family along for the weekend. We recommend 30A and Coastal Babysitters, a highly rated local service that regularly provides childcare for destination weddings. Their caregivers are fully vetted and background checked and can provide care at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach, your Airbnb, condo, or vacation rental. We recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates, especially if you'd like the same caregiver for multiple days. Since our wedding is still a few months away, select "Join Waitlist" when booking and note that you are attending the Harper Carbone Wedding. Reservations will be grouped together on their end, and you can update your requested times later as long as changes are made more than 24 hours in advance. They offer both one on one and group care options, making it easy for siblings, cousins, or friends to stay together! Contact Information: Phone: (850) 909-9290 Website: www.30aandcoastalbabysitters.com
Question
Can I bring a plus-one?
Answer
Only those listed on your invitation are invited. Due to the venue’s capacity limits and our contracted guest count with the resort, we are unable to accommodate additional guests.
Question
Am I allowed to take pictures during the wedding?
Answer
Our ceremony is unplugged. Please refrain from taking photos or videos so our photographers can capture the moment without distractions. You’re welcome to take as many pictures as you like during the reception, as we’d love to see your memories!
Question
Is alcohol allowed in the chapel before or during the ceremony?
Answer
The Chapel at Seaside is a place of worship and strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol by anyone at any time. We ask that all celebrations and drinking be saved until after the ceremony has concluded. Don’t worry, there will be a full open bar waiting for you at the reception!
Question
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Answer
If you have any questions at all, feel free to text Riley at 614-395-4487.
Question
Where to Eat & Drink
Answer
Beachfront & Walking Distance (right by the resort): Angler’s, The Gulf, and Crab Island Cantina – fun, beachy spots steps away, plus a few nearby beach shops Dinner Favorites: Boshamps – known for its grouper with a slightly upscale coastal vibe The Edge – great waterfront dining Back Porch (Riley’s favorite) – laid back with lots of gluten free options Coffee & Breakfast: East Pass Coffee Co. – amazing coffee and quick bites Beignets & Brew – perfect for something sweet Coffee Ave – cute local coffee truck Crackings – great sit down breakfast spot