The month of June has long been associated with weddings. It is thought that this tradition may date back to the auspicious influence of the Roman goddess Juno, after whom the month is named, as she was linked with all things related to women and marriage. June is also a month that brings longer days and, in much of the world, mild weather and vacation time. Whatever the reasons, June turns our minds to marriage, and so we introduce you to three couples who have said “I do” in Vero Beach over the past year or so.
High School Sweethearts
Our first couple, Connell Paddison Osteen and Hanson Hardee Peirce, met during their senior year at Vero Beach High School. Not only is Connell a seventh-generation Floridian, Hanson’s family has been in Vero Beach more than a century! In fact, both sets of parents live here: Terry and Allen Osteen and Robbi and Mark Peirce.
These two diehard Floridians were both destined to be Gators, so they headed up to Gainesville together for college. Connell obtained a B.S. degree in sociology, while Hanson took one in business administration. Their relationship flourished during their college years.
Connell and Hanson’s big day took place at John’s Island Golf Club on May 18, 2024. Their wedding weekend was full of fun events, including a pickleball welcome party, a cruise down the Indian River Lagoon, a putt-putt tournament, and a whiskey tasting.
At the reception, ballerinas escorted the 200 guests to seats and then gave a short performance as dinner was served. A 13-piece band provided entertainment, and a watercolorist was on hand to paint guests for keepsake artworks.
Because Hanson had just started his new job at the time of the wedding and also has state exams to study for, honeymoon plans are on hold until later in the year. However, the newlyweds were able to slip away to The Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia for a minimoon.
The Peirces have settled in their hometown and recently purchased their first home, in the Vero Beach Country Club area. Connell is employed as an events coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties, and Hanson is a client service associate and analyst with Morgan Stanley.
Building on Love
ur next wedding saw a fourth-generation Vero Beach resident marry a young man from across the state. Chloe Faye Schlitt, daughter of Karen and Frank Schlitt of Vero Beach, wed Christopher Scott Douglas, son of Alison and Scott Douglas of Naples, at Sea Oaks Beach & Tennis Club on July 13, 2024.
As a little girl, Chloe fell in love with the beautiful pink Sea Oaks clubhouse on the beach and dreamed of having her wedding there…