
[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]
A romantic mix of pinks – from blush to vibrant fuchsia – paired with fresh greens, creamy whites, and soft touches of gold. The palette felt bright and joyful while still timeless.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
The design vision was to create a celebration that felt elegant and timeless, yet playful and full of life. Inspired by the Ringling’s history and architecture, subtle references to its museum and circus heritage were woven through statues, textures, and entertainment. Long feasting tables, abundant florals, custom details, and layered décor created an immersive setting that felt romantic, energetic, and deeply rooted in the place.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]
Although Tori is a Chicago native, the architecture tour had always been on her bucket list. Her parents scheduled a tour, but the plans took an unexpected turn. When she arrived and noticed her parents were nowhere to be found, she saw Dan—who she thought was out golfing—waiting near the Wrigley Building, ready to ask her to marry him.
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]


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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]








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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]


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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore the Monique Lhuillier Divina gown, a romantic silhouette that felt both ethereal and refined from the moment she put it on.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]
The bridesmaids selected their own dress in different textures and designs of light pink, including dresses from AJE, Costarellos, The Bar, Ronny Kobo, Anthropologie, Rotate, Runaway the Label, and Meshki.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom wore a classic tuxedo from State & Liberty, offering a sharp, tailored look that felt both timeless and modern.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]










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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]











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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]








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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]
Guests were treated to an exceptional culinary experience by Michael’s On East, beginning with an abundant cocktail hour featuring seared Maryland-style crab cakes, crispy coconut shrimp, lemongrass chicken skewers, spicy tuna wonton cannoli, and tomato–mozzarella crostini. Dinner followed with Michael’s signature chopped salad and a choice of entrée: filet mignon, pan-seared mahi mahi with capers and sun-dried tomatoes, or quinoa-stuffed roasted peppers with feta. Family-style seasonal vegetables and rosemary potatoes accompanied the meal, and the couple’s wedding cake was sliced and served by the catering team.
[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The Ringling Courtyard was transformed through layered design moments across three levels. Feasting tables and rounds were dressed in BBJ Essex Sagegrass and Sonoma Kiwi linens, paired with gold Eloise chairs in white velvet and etched glassware. Hot pink patterned chargers added a playful pop against the fresh green palette, while warm globe lighting and amber uplights in the trees created a glowing garden atmosphere. Custom bars, champagne aerialists, and curated lounge groupings completed the immersive environment. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]
The wedding cake was created by Julie Deffense and featured a bright, refreshing lemon cake that guests absolutely loved. Designed to complement the wedding’s aesthetic, the cake was both a beautiful focal point and a deliciously light finish to the meal, later sliced and served by the catering team.
[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony took place at the Ca’ d’Zan, where guests were welcomed to an unplugged ceremony overlooking the water. Pastor Chris officiated as the wedding party stood for the duration of the service, creating a beautifully intimate, modern-formal feel. The processional began with “Dreams” by The Cranberries, as family and the wedding party made their entrance, setting an emotional, nostalgic tone. The bride then walked with her father to “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, a song choice that felt deeply personal and full of anticipation. After vows beneath the historic terrace, the couple recessed joyfully to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys, an upbeat, classic finish that perfectly captured the celebratory energy of the moment. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]
Longboat Key has been woven into Tori’s life since childhood, becoming the backdrop to her happiest memories. Every year her extended family gathered there for Easter – the one big trip they all looked forward to – and it became a place filled with nostalgia, laughter, and tradition. In his speech, her father shared that whenever he asked young Tori where in the world she wanted to go, the answer was always Longboat Key – never Disney, always here. As she grew older, she brought Dan to Longboat Key as well, a quiet sign of how special he was to her and how much this place meant. Choosing to be married nearby was not a coincidence; it was a full-circle moment, honoring the place that had always felt like home.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The champagne aerialists were more than just entertainment – they were a nod to the Ringling’s iconic circus history. Suspended above guests as they poured champagne, they created a sense of whimsy and wonder that felt perfectly at home on the historic grounds. The performance echoed the artistry and spirit of the Ringling Brothers era, blending elegance with a touch of spectacle. It was a modern, elevated interpretation of the circus legacy the property is known for, making the moment feel both meaningful and unforgettable.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]
The celebration unfolded like chapters of a story. Each space at the Ringling opened into the next – a ceremony by the water, cocktail hour in the courtyard, and dancing above the twinkling lights below. With every transition, guests discovered something new, making the evening feel full of surprise and beauty from beginning to end.
[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]









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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]


















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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

























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Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo | Cinematography: Olson Film | Event Planning: NK Productions Wedding Planning | Floral Design: Botanica Design Studio | Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Julie Deffense Artistry | Stationery: Andi Mejia | Reception Venue: The Ringling Museum | Catering: Michael's On East | Hair & Makeup: Samantha Landis | Lighting: Palacios Events | Groom's Attire: Nicholas Joseph | Accomodations: Ritz Carlton New Orleans | Accomodations: Westin Sarasota | Aerialists: Cirque Vertigo | Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Jade Strings | Chairs: Nuage Designs | Chargers: Lola Valentina Design | Furniture Rentals: Event Effects | Get Away Car: Classic Cars of Sarasota | Glassware: Treasury Rentals | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Reception Band: jordan kahn orchestra | Rentals: Dolphin Transportation | Seating Chart: Laconic Events | Trolley: SRQ Trolley | Welcome Party Florist: Lily Bella Floral Design | Welcome Party Furniture: Stella Rose Events | Welcome Party Linens: Nuage Designs | Welcome Party Music: Goodley Entertainement | Welcome Party Plants: Tropex | Welcome Party Tent: US Tent Rental | Welcome Party Venue: ST. REGIS LONGBOAT KEY































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































