A Love Story Shaped by the Sea
Mariel VanderLinden and Cody Fields share a love story with a setting that is anything but ordinary. Both work aboard ships, and their relationship grew especially close during the 2020 pandemic, when they found themselves stuck at sea together. Their shared career and sense of adventure became a meaningful thread throughout their wedding celebration.
On May 8, 2026, the couple welcomed 85 guests to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The day combined a romantic garden aesthetic with subtle personal details, creating a wedding that felt elegant, joyful, and unmistakably theirs.
A Romantic Palette for a Spring Wedding
Pale blue and sage green formed the foundation of the wedding design, with soft pink flowers adding warmth throughout the ceremony and reception. Sea-glass linens, white napkins, acrylic table numbers, floating candles, and a white dance floor gave the Ponte Vedra Ballroom a light, polished look.
Low floral centerpieces allowed guests to converse easily across the tables, while delicate chair markers and two larger arrangements brought the garden-inspired design outdoors for the ceremony.
An Outdoor Ceremony Beneath the Palms
Guests were seated in a gentle curve between the palm trees for the late-afternoon ceremony. Mariel walked down the aisle with her mother and father to a strings version of “Canon in D,” then joined Cody for a heartfelt exchange of vows.
During cocktail hour on the TPC lawn, the First Coast Weddings and Events team moved the two ceremony arrangements into the ballroom. The flowers were placed in front of the sweetheart table, allowing the couple to enjoy them throughout the reception and creating a beautiful focal point for dinner.
Personal Details from Port to Starboard
Mariel and Cody incorporated their life at sea through details that felt clever and personal. Their signature drinks were named Port and Starboard, with guests choosing between a Jungle Bird and a Vodka Maid.
The couple also selected music that reflected their personalities. They made a bold entrance to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” followed by a romantic first dance to Engelbert Humperdinck’s “I’m a Better Man (For Having Loved You).” Later, guests filled the dance floor before joining the couple for a final dance to “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
A Thoughtful Guest Experience
The celebration included many touches designed with guests in mind. Transportation made loops between nearby hotels and the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, dinner dietary needs were carefully organized, and a late-night menu gave everyone a boost before the finale. Beef sliders, herb French fry cups, and mini donuts in flavors including sea salt caramel, Boston cream, blueberry, and maple bacon were a welcome surprise.
After a private last dance, Mariel and Cody stepped outside for a sparkler send-off and made their getaway by golf cart. It was a lively and fitting conclusion to a celebration filled with elegance, personality, and adventure.
Mariel and Cody, thank you for trusting First Coast Weddings and Events with your beautiful day. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and many more adventures together.
Vendor Credits
Planning and coordination: First Coast Weddings and Events, @firstcoastwedd
Venue and catering: TPC Sawgrass, @tpcsawgrassweddings
Photography: Jenn Mosley Photography, @jennmosleyphotography
Floral design: Anything With Plants, @awp_events
Entertainment: McGee Entertainment, @mcgeeentertainmentdjs
Cake: Classic Cakes, @classiccakes100
Hair and makeup: Studio Bride, @studiobride
Transportation: Echo East Coast Transportation, @echoeastcoast
Invitations and stationery: Heather O’Brien Design, @heatherobriendesign
Bridal gown boutique: Love Bridal Boutique, @lovebridalboutique
