Things just work out for a reason - as hard as that is to sometimes believe, it is completely true.  About a year ago, I had an idea to donate an entire wedding with the help of the amazing wedding professionals I am fortunate enough to work with here in Sarasota.  It didn't pan out due to timing and a few other road blocks - but now I see why.  

I got a call one day, asking if I wanted to bring this idea back to life - of course I did and I learned it would be kicked off with an on stage proposal at a The Young Guns of Country Concert in just a few short days!  I got to work - started making calls and as I suspected everyone was on board to donate their time and talents to make not only the proposal, but the couple's dream wedding come to life!  Take a look below to get some details from "Tell Me Something Good" on SNN6!

The proposal was a COMPLETE surprise to the bride, when her groom got down on one knee - she was shaking with excitement and disbelief.  She of course, said "YES!" 

The ring is a unique reflection of the bride - a Princess Cut Rose Gold solitaire courtesy of Diamond Vault.  It was the perfect choice, as Karrie takes every chance she get's to show it off!

So who are the lucky bride and groom you ask?  Karrie is a Navy Veteran who now works for Goodwill Manasota as their Veteran Ambassador.  She spends her days working with homeless veterans in our community, trying to get them back on their feet.  Karrie and Nathan have been together for quite some time, but with Karrie in school full time and having a hard time making ends meet - they just couldn't afford a wedding.  

Thanks to the generosity of the wedding professionals involved - the wedding date is set for March 19, 2017 at the Rafter J Ranch Barn in Parrish, FL - a new custom built barn that is just the perfect fit for their shabby chic country vision.  All the vendors are in place and their intimate country wedding is on it's way to being a reality!  

I am truly blessed to love what I do, and do what I love with an extremely talented and giving community of wedding professionals - without their kindness and generosity this spectacular wedding would still just be a dream!

For the full story, and to hear what Katelyn Prisco (Katelyn Prisco Photography) and Amir Chokr (Diamond Vault) have to say about their experience so far - check out the pod cast from "Tell Me Something Good Radio", WSRQ.

Special Thank you to Goodwill Manasota and Veronica Brandon-Miller for helping to put this all together - and introducing me to Karrie and Nathan!

Wedding donations courtesy of:
Planning & Styling: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Catering: Morton's Gourmet Market & Catering
Bakery: Wonder Cake Creations, Cakes by Ron
Beauty Services: Paint Nail Bar, Brides By Kelly Anne
Rentals & Linens: US Tent, Linens by the Sea 
Draping & Lighting: Palacios Events
Furniture & Decor: So Staged Events
Florals: Oh Darling Events
Wedding Favors: Just a Basket Case
Photography: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Photo Booth: Be Glam Photo Booth 
Invitations: Write on Sarasota
Venue: Rafter J Ranch Barn


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I couldn't think of a better client to blog about today - it's Shawn and Christine's 2 year wedding anniversary!  I loved every bit of their black tie wedding at Bird Key Yacht Club.  
With a later start to the dinner they wanted a very black tie feel which was achieved with ivory and champagne flowers and black and white linens.  Touches of gold complimented the blooms and gave the new couple the look of elegance that they were going for!

Planning & Design: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Venue: Bird Key Yacht Club

Hannah's dream wedding was something very romantic - LOADS of soft white draping, candlelight, white florals and beautiful uplighting.  We worked together to give her the wedding of her dreams!  

Hannah and Beau were so much fun to work with, they really let me provide input into her decor and styling and I had so much fun!  We dressed the ceremony location in a soft white draped wedding arbor surrounded by candles.  After the ceremony concluded, we transported the arbor to the area around their sweetheart table for an extra special touch for their photos.  

In order for the draping to be done as we had discussed, I actually hung it all myself, with the help of my team - just to make sure all was 100% on point.  

After dinner, all the guests danced the night away and wished the newlyweds well with a sparkler send off!  

Thank you to the team of wedding professionals:

Event Styling & Planning:  Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Venue: The Devyn
Photography: Savannah Kate Photography
Florals: Bee Ridge Florist
Rentals: All Event Rental
DJ: Party Starters
Catering: Morton's Gourmet
Hair & Make up - Revita Salon

If an elegant beach wedding is what you're dreaming of - you've found it! Ashely and Rob wanted their destination wedding to reflect the feel of the gulf without over doing it.  No seashells, no starfish - just the use of the natural tones of the sands of Anna Maria Island to give this amazingly sophisticated beach vibe.  

They traveled with their closest family and friends and had perfect weather to celebrate their new life together.  The coral dahlia's and natural mint tones were the perfect compliment to the tranquil waters washing up on the sand and the unforgettable sunset that everyone stopped to enjoy together!

​Thank you to these amazing vendors!

Planning & Styling:  Jennifer Matteo
Photography: Lauryn Byrdy Photography
Entertainment: Jam All Day Entertainment
Beauty: Krista Worth Make up
Officiant: "I DO" Ceremonies, Lauren Crowley
Transportation: Siesta Trolley
Bakery: Short Giraffe 

Mark and Michelle are the real deal.  Both so in love with each other and the life that they are building together - and it shows from the moment you meet them!  

I had the pleasure of planning their wedding with them and giving them their rustic beach side wedding that had both coastal touches but also rustic charm that they swooned over!  I used the simplicity of natural starfish combined with the rough, down home look of pallets to balance one another and achieve their look.  

Michelle comes from a BIG traditional Italian family (with personality to spare) and wanted to make sure that there was a nod to her culture in what else - the food!  

The family style service was perfect, and gave everyone the choice of both a more tropical menu as well as the traditional items such as tomato mozzarella that her family expected.

They ate, laughed, danced and celebrated the night away on the dance floor.  Both families joined together beautifully and enjoyed every minute of the party!

Michaela's dreamy gown set the stage for this intimate wedding on the white sandy beaches of Siesta Key. They were joined with their closest family and friends to celebrate the two families becoming one. Their daughter added a certain sweetness to the ceremony and the love between this family was undeniable!

After the ceremony they dined at Cafe Gabbiano and enjoyed their amazing wine selection.
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I love each wedding I have the privilege to be a part of - but the fact that this ceremony was centered around the love of a family made it extra special!  

Thank you to the amazing team of vendors:

Photography: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Venue: Sunset Beach Resort, Cafe Gabbiano
Event Planning: Jennifer Matteo
Officiant - Lauren Miller, "I DO" Ceremonies
Ceremony Music – Marc Mannino