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From Stephanie A Smith Photography… I’m sure Kyle and Justin have also thought this, but I have literally been waiting all year for their wedding day. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is such a gorgeous venue. Acres of lush trees, and flowers that surround the Sarasota Bay. You couldn’t ask for a better location to get married. Coming down from D.C. for their big day all Kyle wanted was a sun shining day. And even though it rained a little the morning of, the skies cleared for a PERFECT afternoon wedding. Kyle and Justin chose to say their “I do’s” under the big Banyan tree. Besides the gorgeous setting and perfect weather,  I think one of the key things I remember about this wedding was how in love these two were with one another. Justin couldn’t stop staring at his beautiful bride, and he got teary eyed when she walked down the aisle. The little looks they gave each other were so endearing and natural. All these elements combined created for a magical day.

Wedding Photography: Stephanie A Smith Photography / Photography Assistant: Blue Lane Studios / Flowers: Beneva Flowers / Catering: Sarasota Catering Company / Event Planning: Cari McDowell of Sarasota Catering Company / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens / Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca / Men’s Attire: JoS A. Bank / Hair + Makeup: The Michelle Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group / DJ: Jay Goodley Entertainment

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Post tags: Beneva Flowers, Blue Lane Studios, Cari McDowell, Florida, Jay Goodley Entertainment, Jos A Bank, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Paloma Blanca, Sarasota, Sarasota Catering Company, Stephanie A Smith Photography, The Michelle Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings

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And just when you thought you couldn’t adore this wedding any more than you already do, we have one very fabulous film from Tampa Wonderworks Films to make you fall even more in love.  Enjoy!

From Pezz Photo… Paige and Matt were all about the details with a touch of whimsy. Their French Countryside wedding took place in June at the historic, waterfront Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota, Florida.  As guests arrived, they were greeted with the Old Ball and Chain Gazette whose headline read, “You Made It!”.  This newspaper was created by the bride and groom outlining the day’s events along with hilarious bios of the wedding party.

For the ceremony a variety of vintage mix-matched chairs and church pews were incorporated into the estates natural beauty. Above the bride and groom hung a simple yet lovely garland of ivy and tree fern.  The ceremony furniture was then transitioned around the property for a non-traditional reception.

Adding on the uniqueness of this event, guests who grew moustaches for the wedding were treated as VIPs all night.  Dark mahogany bars with bakers racks and artisan breads added to the French countryside feel. In lieu of a traditional photo booth the bride and groom opted for a vintage set-up of a small dresser which held an instant camera, a scrap book, and a chalkboard as a back drop for personalized messages.  As the sun set a pre-arranged fireworks display kicked off the party as a surprise to the bride and groom.

Wedding Photography: Amy Pezzicara of Pezz Photo / Second Shooters: Stephanie Smith + Michelle Fader / Wedding Venue: Powel Crosley Estate / Event Coordination: Elan Event Studio / Floral Design + Décor: MMD Events / Vintage Furniture Rentals + Specialty Bars: I Heart Vintage via MMD Events / Chiavari Chair + Table Rentals: Signature Event Rentals / Wedding Cinematography: Tampa Wonderworks Films / Paper Products: Seaside Invitations / Catering: Good Food Catering / Linens: Connie Duglin + Cloth Connection + BBJ Linens / Wedding Invitations: Oblation Papers & Press / Fireworks: Creative Pyrotechnics / Croquembouche: Small Batch Bakery / Favors: Blue Bottle Coffee / Music: Breezin’ Entertainment

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BBJ Linens, Blue Bottle Coffee, Breezin' Entertainment, Cloth Connection, Connie Duglin, Creative Pyrotechnics, Elan Event Studio, Florida Wedding, Good Food Catering, Michelle Fader, MMD Events, Oblation Paper & Press, Pezz Photo, Powel Crosley Estate, Sarasota, Seaside Invitations, Signature Event Rentals, Small Batch Bakery, Stephanie Smith, Tampa Wonderworks Films
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings

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From the bride…Paul and I met five years ago through a mutual friend at a work happy hour. We instantly hit it off and exchanged numbers at the end of the night. A few days later Paul called me and asked if I wanted to go to dinner at a local sushi place (my favorite!) I accepted, not yet realizing I had met the love of my life. In the past five years  we’ve been each other’s best friends and partners in crime. We are always by each other’s side, especially because Paul is always working on a project, and I am usually right there handing him his tools. Paul proposed on February 13, 2010 in the middle of a 7-mile run.  We had been training together for our first half-marathon and Paul proposed on the last training run before the big race. It was all caught on camera!

I always knew I wanted to get married in Sarasota, Florida. I fell in love with it years ago at the same time my parents did on a vacation from our home in New England. It’s a beautiful city with lots of art and culture, and it overlooks the Sarasota Bay. It’s also home to some of the best beaches in the world. For my wedding I wanted a romantic garden theme, and the Marie Selby Gardens was the perfect place. We were married under the Schimmel Wedding Pavilion on the lawn, with the beautiful views of the bay behind us. The lawn is flanked by giant banyan trees and an abundance of flowers. Guests arrived through a tunnel of hanging roots and vines with hand painted signs directing the way. The color scheme for our wedding was coral, peach and ivory. The bridesmaids dresses were coral and the florist captured the perfect combination of color for our bouquets. The aisle was lined with rose petals, and globes filled with fresh flowers hung on Sheppard’s hooks at every other row.

We chose the beautiful newly renovated Sarasota Yacht Club for our reception. It was truly breathtaking with its high ceilings, large glass sculptures, and its views of the marina from the floor to ceiling windows in the ballroom. We welcomed guests with a cocktail hour featuring our “Kelley Cocktail” (pink grapefruit juice and vodka with basil) that played along with the color scheme and passed hors d’oeuvres. Each place setting was set with silver chargers and alternating peach and coral napkins folded to include a menu. We chose to alternate high and low flower arrangements and placed votives on each table to fill the ballroom with candle light after the sunset. We provided candy favors for our guests in our color scheme displayed in elegant apothecary jars. We ate, drank, toasted and danced the night away. At one point I made sure to stop and look around. It was hard to believe the day had finally arrived and was going so quickly. As they say, it really does go by so fast!

Photography : Binaryflips Photography / Ceremony: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens / Reception: Sarasota Yacht Club / Planning: Maria Brady of Choreographed Events / Flowers: Bee Ridge Florist / Makeup: Eri Vincent / Hair: Ana Molinari Salon / Limo: Prime Time Limo / Ceremony Music: Palm Strings Quartet / Reception Music: The Ignighters from Jay Goodley Entertainment / Lighting: Affairs in the Air / Cake: Pastries by Design

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Post tags: Affairs in the Air, Ana Molinari Salon, Bee Ridge Florist, Binaryflips Photography, Choreographed Events, Eri Vincent, Florida, Jay Goodley Entertainment, Marie Selby Botannical Gardens, Palm Springs Quartet, Pastries by Design, Prime Time Limo, Sarasota, Sarasota Yacht Club, The Ignighters
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings, Tampa Bay

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From Shannon Wilson of Table 6 Productions: Melissa and Andrew wanted an elegant beachside affair.  We worked together to come up with a modern pallet of cornflower blue, mango, and white.  We wanted the event to boast a Florida flair without appearing beach casual.  So in other terms this wedding was beach-chic!!  With long feasting tables that ran down the Beach club at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, FL, to the amazing ceremony arch – they wanted their guests to feel like they were attending a formal ballroom wedding but on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the west coast of Florida.  We decided on mixing small elements and tall elements of florals that ran down each feasting table with custom menu cards, place cards, and white glove 4 course plated dinner.  The guests danced the night away to the amazing Clint Wiley band while they watched the sunset over the ocean with the gorgeous view of the gulf of Mexico.  The night didn’t end there, they continued the celebration downstairs inside the beach club for a spectacular late night “after glow” party!  Cheers and Kudos to Melissa and Andrew!!

Event Planner:  Shannon Wilson of Table 6 Productions / Photographer: Ryan Joseph Photographs / Videographer: Voila Cinematic / Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota / Cake: Cakes by Ron / Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota / Florist: Redman Steele / Invitations: CECI New York / Rentals: US Tent Rentals / Hair: Salon West / Makeup: Brush Savvy / Music: Clint Wiley Band

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Post tags: Beach, Brush Savvy, Cakes by Ron, Casual Elegance, Ceci New York, Clint Wiley Band, Florida, Redman Steele, Ryan Joseph Photographs, Salon West, Sarasota, Table 6 Productions, The Ritz-Carlton Sarastota, US Tent Rentals, Voila Cinematic
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings

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From Stonehouse Events & More, Inc.… Lorraine Myers and Matt Grisham’s wedding was full of unique details!  They had a fabulous puzzle guest book; which the guests really enjoyed!  The bride loved Hosta leaves and used them in the invitations and the ceremony!   The bride handled all of her day-of stationery items, like her program that she made to work as a fan, the holders for the rose petals that were thrown by the guests as they were pronounced husband and wife, the unique menu cards, and table numbers. She even painted the Mr. and Mrs. on the back of their chairs.

Because of the gorgeous location, the Powell Crosely Estate was the perfect setting for their wedding, which took place on January 16, 2011.  The bride didn’t want the wedding to feel like winter so we used her wedding colors to create an intimate and romantic setting full of candles!  It was a very warm and inviting space that allowed everyone to enjoy every minute together!

Wedding Planner: Stonehouse Events & More, Inc. / Wedding Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: Powel Crosley Estate / Caterer: Fete Catering / Linens: BBJ Linen / Wedding Cake: Pastries by Design / Floral Design: Redman Steele Florist / DJ: Inspire Entertainment / Make-up Artist: Colours by Linny / Day-of Stationery: The Bride

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: BBJ, Carrie Wildes Photography, Colours by Linny, Fete Catering, Florida Wedding, Inc., Inspire Entertainment, Pastries by Design, Powel Crosley Estate, Redman Steele Florist, Sarasota, Stonehouse Events & More
Post categories: Florida Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From Aaron Bornfleth…Sarah is the type of girl that entrusts red lips to her makeup artist only. And I get it, I do, bold red lips and fair skin is like playing a violin in public, it’s very obvious to everyone if you make a mistake. Everything Sarah planned was just like that, thoughtful, deliberate, and done-the-right-way-or-not-at-all.  That’s who she is. And then I met Chad.

Chad is a irreverent ride of laughs, dancing and drinking with friends, facial hair, and sudden and disarming congeniality. And he really, really loves Sarah. To see the two of them together is like watching a chemical reaction. Sarah lights ups, loosens up, and belly laughs with a raise of Chad’s eyebrow. I’ve never seen chemistry quite like it. It’s like they are each the one and only catalyst for the other, and it’s awesome to watch.

Sarah and Chad held a gorgeous indoor banquet table style feast. We were just smitten with the elegant centerpieces, and the chic loungers scattered near the bar for the guests to chill on. I couldn’t resist borrowing one for some dramatic evening photos.

Wedding Photography: Aaron Bornfleth / Design Concept + Production, Floral Design, Lighting + Lounge Pieces: La Vie en Rose / Wedding Planning + Day-of-Coordination: Jamie Billings of Confetti Events + Weddings / Hair: Holly Nazario of Collective Creations / Make-up: Jess Waldrop / Catering: Good Food Catering / Entertainment: Inspire Entertainment / Venue: Powel Crosley Estate 

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 27 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Aaron Bornfleth, Collective Creations, Confetti Events + Weddings, Florida Wedding, Good Food Catering, Inspire Entertainment, Jess Waldrop, La Vie en Rose, Sarasota, The Powel Crosley Estate
Post categories: Florida Weddings, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

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From mandy & me studio… Based on the continuous communication we had with Lindsay, we knew we were in for a treat on their wedding day. They were married on May 12th, 2011. We loved everything about this amazing wedding, the details that were put together by friends and family, the emotions were high, the Cypress staff was amazing. It was a special day and we are glad that we were part of it. It was a day packed with emotions, energy and love.

Wedding Photography: mandy & me studio / Floral & Event Design: The Bride and Family  / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Cypress Bed and Breakfast / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Casual Elegance, Cypress Bed and Breakfast, David's Bridal, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Florida, mandy & me studio, Sarasota
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings

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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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Post tags: All Things Tinsel, Ana Molinari Salon, B2 Jasmine, Badgley Mischka, Binaryflips Photography, By Invitation Only, Calvin Klein, Champagne, Cream, FL, Florida, Garden of Eden, Gulf Coast, Lanterns, Linens by the Sea, Lord & Taylor, Oleg Cassini, Outdoor Ceremony, Pour La Victoire, Reflections in Gold, Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Sarasota Architectural Salvage, Sarasota Trolley, Treviso, Wonder Cake Creations
Post categories: Florida Weddings, Traditional Elegance