This dreamy Gulf of Mexico Wedding was filled with coral dahlia, peachy tones and touches of cool mint to top off the perfect little color palette.  Ashley and Rob wanted a destination wedding, and traveled from Ohio to say "I DO" on the sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island, Florida.  

They brought with them not only their love, but an adorable light up LOVE sign that topped off their sweets table and complimented the floral centerpieces perfectly.  

She allowed her bridesmaids to choose their style of gown, which gave her bridal party an easy, breezy look but still pulled together her elegant beach wedding.  The groomsmen were in khaki pants with a touch of coral in their tie - a perfect combination!  

The guests dipped their toes in the sand for the reception at The Sand Bar restaurant, right on the beach.  I styled her wedding to include a fully draped open air pavilion with crystal chandeliers and neutral toned linens. This allowed the pops of coral and mint to really shine through and give her wedding a complete look from beginning to end!

Thank you to these amazing vendors!
Day of Coordination: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Photography: Lauryn Byrdy Photography
DJ: Jam All Day Entertainment
Beauty:  Krista Worth
Bakery: The Short Giraffe
Transportation: Siesta Trolley
Officiant: "I Do" Ceremonies

When you meet a new bride and groom and she says "I am not walking down the aisle" - you know that a unique wedding ceremony is in the future!  

Rob and Ashley wanted a simple yet sweet ceremony on Siesta Key Beach that reflected their whimsical personality and love for travel.  A Wedding with Grace did a lovely job incorporating their personalities when she read excerpts from Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" and spoke about how they have traveled the world and wish to grow together in their marriage while also growing as individuals.  

After the ceremony, their closest family and friends dined at Cafe Gabbiano on Siesta Key, enjoyed top notch wine and superior service.  
I am happy to say that despite the miles (they now live in DC) I still speak with and see the pair anytime they visit Sarasota.

Although they had a simply lovely wedding, their love for one another and amazing love of life are the things I remember about the day.  It was a perfect celebration with friends and family - and they never forgot what a wedding is really about!

Photo Cred:
Heather Lauren Photography

Everyone always says - "oh, you're gonna love the bridesmaid's dresses, and you can TOTALLY wear it again!" But really, how many times is that actually TRUE?  (pretty much...well...never)

That is not the case with the Camilyn Beth "Bridesmaid" collection.  It is designed with the concept of being classic and comfortable while having a unique detail that will make you look and feel beautiful!  Honestly, they are truly one of the only collections I have come across that you would wear for a party, meeting or lunch with friends!
​ 
I spoke with the designer about her thoughts on the trends that will be BIG for 2017 and here is what she had to say:

Q: What colors are you seeing for 2017?
A: For 2017 we are seeing bright and bold colors, Sapphire, Royal Blue, and Fuchsia are a few of the top bridesmaid dress colors. We are also seeing another trend that we are loving of Ivory bridesmaid dresses! This all white look is so beautiful and is perfect for any season wedding! 

Q:What designers, styles, etc are big for 2017?
A: For Camilyn Beth we are seeing brides wanting shorter options rather than the long gowns. Brides are wanting their bridesmaids to get dresses that they will be able to wear again and cocktail dresses are perfect for this! 

Q: Fresh ideas?
A:Brides are becoming more and more aware of their bridesmaids opinions when selecting bridesmaid dresses. This has lead to a lot more creativity for bridesmaid dresses.  An example of this is multiple bridesmaid dresses in the same shade/color, this gives the bridesmaid the opportunity to select a dress that will work best with their body and tastes. 

To Shop Camilyn Beth visit her website!

Just by looking at these FUN photos you really get a feel for Chris and Christie Ricci.  The vibrant tones, adorable flower dog (Chloe) and unique accent signs were the icing on the cake for this Sarasota, Florida wedding! We were going for a modern geometric feel with big pops of color to match the bride and groom's BIG personalities.  They are lovers of life and of each other of course, and that was certainly reflected in their big day. Christie had some adorable DIY items that she brought in from out of town to give the personal feel that she was looking for.  From the modern gold diamonds that hung above their sweetheart table to the clear acrylic arch that "floated" her gorgeous floral garland - she really did think of every last detail, and I was so thrilled to have been chosen as her planner to put it all together for her on her wedding day!

Thank you to these amazing vendors!
Day of Coordination: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Makeup - Krista Worth Makeup​
Hair – Brides By Kelly Anne DJ/Music  - Jay Goodley Entertainment Inc.
Officiant – Sensational Ceremonies, Pastor Brian Jones 
Photographer – Trew Media
Caterer – Sarasota Catering Company
Bakery - Cakes by Ron

Q: What styles will be taking over the trends next year?
A: 5 years ago everyone wanted tight, symmetrical arrangements. Now, not so much. Cascading, off-kilter Garden Bouquets are all the rage right now. I would entitle the most popular floral styles as Botanical Opulence and Boho Glam. 

Q: What fresh ideas are you dying to incorporate into your designs?
A: I love it when brides are willing to try new ideas for florals that have a double purpose like Magnolia leaf place cards or cactus favors. The options are endless.
​

 Q: Do you have any unique materials that you like to use?
A: I am always experimenting with new textures, shapes and colors with my designs. My most recent designs included blackberries, fennel, clementines, peaches, and rosemary. My bucket list for future arrangements includes the (separate) use of acorns, pineapples, gold spray paint and kumquats!

Photo Cred: Jessica Overholt Photography
                      MagnoliaRouge.com
                      Katelyn Prisco Photograhy

Engagement Photos - Beer Can Island, Florida

Wedding Photos - The Devyn, Sarasota  - April 3, 2016

When your engagement photos are this OH-LA-LA, how do you top it with the wedding images?  Hannah & Beau's Engagement and wedding photos are so dreamy that I HAD to share both with you.  In working with this couple I learned how beautiful they are (inside and out of course) in a very short time and had so much fun bringing their white wedding to life!  

Hannah asked for soft white draping, a beautiful arbor for her and Beau to be married under and lot's of candles!  We draped the room from top to bottom to give her the romance she was looking for.  The white and gold details were accented by a pop of red in her lips and in the single red rose in her bouquet - in memory of her father.  

I LOVE a first look, it allows the couple to have that moment just to themselves and it always delivers the most amazing raw emotion in the photos.  Theirs was no exception.  As he not so patiently awaited her, Beau was calm as a cucumber.  Hannah is one of those girls who looks amazing in gym clothes, but in a wedding gown - WOW!  She and Beau couldn't get into each other's arms fast enough and the love that was felt between them was obvious to everyone lucky enough to have been a witness to their special moment together before they walked down the aisle.  

Guests dined, danced and celebrated the night away with amazing service and cuisine that was top notch!  They ended the night with a sparkler send off that was the perfect "Spark" to start off their honeymoon!  

Thank you to the lovely Vendors:
Planning: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Photography: Savannah Kate Photography
DJ: Party Starters
Florals: Bee Ridge Florist
Bakery: Cakes by Ron
Catering: Morton's Gourmet Market
Venue: The Devyn
Engagement Photo Location: Beer Can Island
Jewelry: Duke Courtney

Imagine celebrating a milestone birthday under the stars with your closest family and friends - complete with a South African inspired menu by the renowned Michaels on East Catering.  That is exactly how Beth celebrated her 50th birthday a few years back.

​This is still one of my favorite events, with the subtle touches of white Calla Lilies, candlelight and golden accents throughout.  The evening on the shores of Sarasota Bay was filled with lighting and laughter and was a night everyone will remember for quite some time!

Thank you to the team of vendors:

Catering: Michael's on East
Lighting: All Event Rental & Design
Florals: Bee Ridge Florist

I met Lacey and her Mom about a year before they hired me and I am so thankful that they hung onto my card!  In getting to know both she and Mike (now husband) I quickly realized that they were hands down the most genuine and caring people I have pretty much ever met.  We worked closely together to plan their beachy yet elegant wedding on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and grew to be great friends!  Their wedding details including finger coral touches on her invitations, cake, and centerpiece details were a lovely accent to the view - which could not be beat!  
They dreamed of a casual dining experience that reflected the food that they loved, but in a fun and entertaining way.  Morton's Gourmet Market did a wonderful job making everyday beef sliders, fish tacos and pasta nothing short of extraordinary with lavish stations and delicious tastes that kept the guests eating all night!  

The bride and groom had nautical touches throughout the wedding to reflect their love of the ocean and sailing.  During the ceremony, in place of a sand ceremony or candle lighting they tied the fisherman’s knot.  Known as a “true lovers knot” is the strongest there is; it will not break, and will only become stronger when under pressure. The two cords represent your past, your own individual and separate lives before being united.  Lacey explained: "As you intertwine your pieces, you are joining your two lives into one, representing the present. The finished knot symbolizes your future, and how your love and marriage will continue to be strong despite any trials life may throw your way. Although the fisherman's knot is one of the simplest knots to tie, it is also one of the strongest. The rope itself will break before the knot will."  I loved the meaning behind it and that it was so different!
​
It has been a few months since the wedding and I am delighted to report that I stay in close contact with Lacey and look forward to growing our friendship in years to come!  I wish them a lifetime of happiness sailing the globe together as husband and wife.  It was a true pleasure to work with them on their lovely day!

Special "Thank you" to these amazing professionals:

Catering: Morton’s Gourmet Market
Entertainment:  Tasa + Rob
Intivations: Write on Sarasota
Hair and Make-up: Styles by Kelly Anne
Photographer: Jason Mize Photography
Transportation: SRQ Services
Florals: Bee Ridge Florist
Rentals: All Event Rental 

When you meet the bride and groom on the day of their wedding - it's a LITTLE stressful!  
Thoughts kept running through my head..."will they like it?", "will they like me?", "how will it all go?"

But as soon as I saw them smiling from ear to ear and met with them the first time, I felt at ease. I planned the wedding via phone, email and text with the bride's mother as Ana & Eze spend most of their time in Argentina. The entire family (though 50% didn't speak english) smiled, laughed and did I mention PARTIED until 2am.
 
The ceremony was soft and romantic with blush and white blooms.  The bride carried a white bouquet that accented her stunning gown with perfection.  The couple said "I DO" under billowing white draping and lovely florals to coordinate with the soft ceremony details.  The backdrop was the seas of the Gulf of Mexico, which as you can see are pretty spectacular!
From the moment they arrived at the reception, it was a PARTY!  Drinks were flowing and the band was ready to go!  Guests dined on delicious cuisine and were treated to exemplary service, then opened up the dance floor to really start the celebration!

Through out the whole night, the feeling of family was overwhelming.  People traveled from all  over the world to come together to celebrate the love of Anna & Eze, and of their son who was of course by their side.  It was a true reminder that weddings are about family, and that is exactly what a marriage should be based on. 

Thank you to the Amazing Vendors:
Planning: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Photography: Rachabella Photography
Catering: Morton’s Gourmet Market, Esther Williams
Gown: Jenny Packham, L'atelier Couture Bridal
DJ: Jam All Day Entertainment
Band: Bay Kings Band
Transportation: Lux Carts, Prime Time Limousines 
Bakery: Hometown Desserts
Florals: Lynne Diley Designs
Bar: Bartender on Call
Venue: Palma Sola Botanical Gardens, Holmes Beach
Rentals: All Event Rental & Design

I get it - the thought of planning a summer wedding when it is a balmy 97 degrees outside is enough to send you into your first bridal meltdown.  Don't panic - there are a TON of ways to keep your guests comfortable and keep the celebration going even during the hot Florida summer months.  Not only do you have a better chance of booking the venue of your dreams, most places will offer STEEP discounts as this is slow season in the south.  So read on, and keep the summer in mind for your wedding date!
​
Just a few tips, tricks and things to keep in mind....

1. Plan ahead - seriously, plan for EVERYTHING.  A plan B is your friend.  Just because I have a back up plan for in-climate weather for my brides (rain, wind, etc.) doesn't mean it will happen, it just means we are prepared if it does.  Think about what could happen and fix it before it becomes a problem.
 
2. Think outside of the box - be different, do something new!  It's Florida, it rains pretty much every afternoon.  Why not host your wedding earlier in the day?  It's cooler, won't rain and is a different twist on the typical wedding reception!  Host a brunch complete with a bloody mary and mimosa bar, have an omelet station or treat your guests to a crepe station where they can create their own recipe.  Not only will this help you keep your guests comfortable, it will save you $$ at the same time - it's a win, win!
​
3. Be realistic - I know it's your wedding day, but you really don't want to take photos for 2 hours, I promise.  Natural light is a photographers best friend, but sweating is not yours!  Take my advise, plan for outdoor photos but make it quick.  Trust your planner (hopefully me!) and photographer and let them guide you to the best use of the time that you have so your hair, make up and gown don't melt off of you.  The last thing you want is to get back your wedding photos and hate them all because your hair and make up didn't stand up to the elements.

4. Finally, supply refreshments!  You can do so many fun things from a snow cone bar to boozey pops to treat your guests after the ceremony.  This is unexpected and a nice addition to their experience!  

If you have additional questions, or want to talk about more ideas, decor or ways to "summer-proof" your wedding let me know!  I am always happy to help!

-Jennifer Matteo

Thank you to Katelyn Prisco Photography & Rachabella Photography for the lovely images!