I was so struck by the beauty of this bride that I had a difficult time focusing on all the details. When I finally came to my senses I realized the stunning sensation that is this Florida destination wedding by Binaryflips Photography. I am in love with the little lanterns that the bridesmaids are holding in lieu of bouquets. Can we please see this more often? They are like pretty fairies lighting the way for the sweet couple. Then there is the rest of the decor all created by the bride and her mother. Eighty hand-crafted lanterns, and a slew of other little details, later a wildly elegant, classic, Moroccan-inspired, vintage masterpiece was born. Everything is just divine and you can see it all right here!
Click here to see the entire image gallery!
From the Bride… I come from a wedding planning background. I was the social event and wedding coordinator at the Hilton and Westin- I know weddings, and this one was finally about me, so it had to be perfect. I was determined to have my twist on all the wedding details. Of course, the venue was first and foremost. My parents gave me the cash and I immediately composed an excel budget spreadsheet- a girls gotta know her limits! Since I was little, I have always been a budgeter. Now, I had a decent budget, but I still had a hard time putting thousands and thousands of dollars into one night. My solution was to buy pieces that we now use in our new house! Reduce, reuse, recycle, right??
First and foremost, we (I) had to find an amazing venue. Since I grew up in Massachusetts and David in West Virginia; it was easy to decide on a destination wedding. My parents have had a house in Sarasota for about 5 years. My wedding assistant and I had been drooling over this amazing location for months. I got engaged on Friday, and I had an appointment to see the infamous Ringling Museum on Sunday. We toured the grounds and I was instantly in love. The manager brought us into the Ca’ d’Zan (House of John – the Ringling Family Mansion). I instantly knew that the vintage, Moroccan architect would influence my decor, but when we saw the “priceless” chandelier inside the Mansion – my mom started to cry! That sealed the deal.
The chandelier became the inspiration of the reception. I am happy to say, my mom and I are responsible for all the decor for the reception. We hand painted and “bejeweled” Moroccan lantern centerpieces with Swavorski crystals to bind our inspirations. We made all 80 lanterns- it was a 5 step process and took 6 months! I love the classic look of champagne and ivory, and I thought this was a perfect color scheme to “class up” the funky twist. I didn’t want flowers at all, I feel like they are a waste of money because they die 6 hours later! I wanted my bridesmaids to be able to take a piece of the wedding home with them! To me, flowers are the expected centerpiece, and I wanted something fresh- enter lanterns for centerpieces and bridesmaids. I compromised with my mom and carried a small bouquet and our florist created fabulous altar pieces that were so me!
We decided on a progressive buffet instead of the traditional sit down. My family always entertained and we never served a full meal, we would just have loads of appetizers and we would snack all day and all night! It only seemed right to have a similar flow on our wedding night. This allowed for all of our guests to socialize and mingle, and eat whenever they wanted to!
In memory of David’s late father, we tried to add an antique vibe to the entire weekend. David’s father recently passed away, and he was the biggest antiquer and historian I had ever met. Since our favorite place in Sarasota is Sarasota Architectural Salvage, and every weekend we when visited, we would stop by to check out the store, and say hi to all the employees (yes, we befriended them). Most of the decor we bought came from this shop! We mentioned the idea in passing about having the rehearsal there, and Jesse (the owner) was willing to give it a try! We felt like this was such an amazing tribute to David’s father, the perfect way to include him in our weekend.
Every detail had so much meaning to us in some way or another. From the vintage glove I wore at the ceremony (that was my great great grandmothers) to the perfect cupcakes, late night sliders and gelato, this wedding screamed “David and Kendra.” I was so thankful our family and friends really captured the significance of it all. It would not have been possible without my mother, she is equally responsible for this greatness.
To date, this is the best experience I have ever been a part of. I am sad I don’t do wedding planning any longer, but I do love my free weekends!
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Ringling Museum of Art / Wedding Photography: Binaryflips Photography / Table Decor: Sarasota Architectural Salvage / Florist: Garden of Eden / Wedding Cake: Wonder Cake Creations / Hair & Makeup: Ana Molinari Salon / Wedding Dress: Oleg Cassini via Lord & Taylor / Bridesmaid Dresses: B2 Jasmine / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Calvin Klein / Bride’s Ceremony Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Reception Shoes: Pour la Victoire / Bridesmaid Necklaces: The Bride + Mother of the Bride + All Things Tinsel / Bride’s Shoe Clips & Bridesmaid Hair Facinators: Friend of the Bride / Bride’s Jewelry: Reflections in Gold / Wedding Invitations: By Invitation Only / DJ: Good Times Entertainment / Transportation: Sarasota Trolley / Catering: Treviso / Rentals: Linens by the Sea / Day of Coordination: Melissa Fallis
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OMG, you guys rock!!!
I cannot put into words the feeling that these pictures create. I was there at this event, it was majestic - so elegant and perfect. It trueIy was a special day - not only for the bride but for all who attended because of the extra care Kendra took in making it so for everyone. I am sooooooooo greatfull to have these beautiful photos so I can take my time and search through each one and soak it all up...I'll have to get more tissues!!!!!
Thank you so much. Your articles truly inspire everyone.
Wow stunning, I love how the bridesmaids carried lanterns!
This is absolutely stunning! The details, the couple, the place.. Breathtaking!
This is amazing..
Ohhh sooo pretty!!
Beautiful photos! I went through the entire gallery :) These are so lovely
It was a pleasure to provide Kendra and her bridesmaids with makeup for her wedding, The pictures are breathtaking, great article!
This is stunning. I love the lanterns that the girls carried.
Love, LOVE the lanterns the bridesmaids are holding!
Instant fav! I am in love with this set.. just so beautiful photos
The lanterns and tea lights are amazing. It is so touching that David's father was included in the wedding like that. I recently held a banquet for my great grandmother. She lived through the great depression and worked for herself all her life. She died recently and I wanted to bring the family together but I wanted to sort of make it like a presentation...to use decorations that symbolized her life. We bought depression pink glass tea light holders from lookintheattic and hunted down depression figurines from local antique shops, and scattered them across the hall and the tables. I think celebrating someone's life is an important thing to do and it is so touching that you celebrated his life within the wedding.
- Mia
awwwwww woooow..... love ... everything! and photographs... I am biting my lips! aaamazing!
... biteing ;~D
This is a BEAUTIFUL set. I love all the photos and lanterns. The bride is so styled 'pretty' ;)
absolutely stunning!!! I love these images. The venue is amazing and the photography out of this world!!!
This is such a beautiful wedding! I'd like more details about the hand-crafted lanterns. I love the ones the bridesmaids are carrying, in particular. I am currently planning a wedding for a client who wants a moroccan theme and this would be a fun & beautiful option!
consultant at altaregoweddings dot com
This wedding must have been stunning!! The photographs are so beautiful and classy. Could you give your "recipe" for making those wonderful lanterns? What an amazing idea and I bet your brides maids will enjoy their lanterns for years to come.
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Where did you get those beautiful latterns the bridesmaids were holding. I love the idea!!