This past July, our JMEP team had the pleasure of working with Karin and Bob on their intimate Smokey Mountain destination wedding.
 
We first worked with this fantastic couple, designing a milestone birthday celebration in the Tampa Bay area.

The couple was initially scheduled for a California wedding in Big Sur when COVID-19 and California regulations put a twist in their wedding plans. 
The wedding was being moved to the Blackberry Mountain resort in Tennessee when Jennifer got the call.

JMEP and Tailored Twig, who also worked on the birthday celebration, packed up and created a luxurious intimate wedding for 27 guests. JMEP and the couple worked diligently with the resort to ensure the wedding guests felt safe and cared for.
 
The weekend was packed with incredible food and wine, internationally acclaimed entertainment, and lush floral and décor unique to each of the three mesmerizing events.
 
The resort and its commitment to sustainability created the perfect backdrop with breathtaking views, and foods based on local ingredients.
 
The weekend began with a welcome reception in the resort's Wine Cave. Guests were greeted with custom-designed welcome bags with the weekend's itinerary, locally produced hot sauce, jam, and moonshine, amongst other items. 
 
Cocktails in the Wine Cave were followed by dinner on the event lawn, From the 'Mountain in the Mist' signature cocktail and passed wines, including the resort's special edition Pinot Noir to the outdoor dinner on the event lawn, no detail was overlooked.
 
The Welcome Dinner included delicious BBQ, traditional Southern sides, and wines specifically paired to go with the bold flavors. The amazing Country music duo Honey Country performed during the reception before the couple, and their guests enjoyed a local Moonshine Tasting and bonfire with S'mores to end the evening.
 
On Friday, free time left plenty of time for guests to enjoy the incredible resort before gathering again for a private cooking demonstration.  The class was followed by a multi-course gourmet dining experience, wine pairing, and a DJ to dance the night away.
 
The wedding day began with Karin and Bob's first look before heading to join family and friends for a pre-ceremony cocktail. The couple exchanged their wedding vows surrounded by family and close friends with the Great Smokey Mountains as their backdrop.
 
Saint Petersburg local, Khalea Lynee from Season 17 of The Voice entertained guests as the ceremony ended and throughout the cocktail hour and reception. Passed wine and Canapes led to a Four Course dinner and wine pairing on the stone patio of the Firetower.

Needless to say, the wedding weekend was an amazing success!
 
Congratulations, Karin and Bob. Our JMEP team knows we will remain lifelong friends!

​This past Fall, our JMEP team when on the road to work with Kelly and Justin for an incredible autumn wedding in Hamilton, Ohio. The couple was actually a referral from a local Sarasota resident who knows our work and reputation.
 
When creating a wedding outside of the Sarasota region, it is always important to connect with reputable caterer first and then discuss their recommendations for other wedding professionals, while our team researchers these companies thoroughly.
 
The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Ancient Sculpture Museum is a spectacular event space, and Fall gave us a breathtaking color story. 
 
The ladies began their day onsite for hair and makeup while the gentlemen got ready at the hotel. After some getting ready photos, everyone met up for Kelly and Justin's first look at the Wisteria Tunnel. The bride and groom took time for photos together before their wedding party joined them, and were determined not to let a little rain spoil their wedding day.
 
The ceremony venue was covered from the elements and facing a beautiful rustic pond and wooded area. This blended well with the wooden arbor, soft two-toned draping and floral swags of ferns and blooms in pink and deep burgundy.
 
Kelly and Justin were married, surrounded by family and friends, ending their ceremony to "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles.
 
The fantastic indoor reception space reflected the tones of the ceremony and personal flowers with vintage lounge furniture accented with lanterns and pink and burgundy florals. Gold-toned accents, charger plates, rustic elements, and textured linens added depth to the design.
 
Kelly is a vegetarian, and the couple has a lot of vegan friends. So, a fantastic plated dinner was created with options to suit everyone's taste.

From Salads with vegan-friendly Lager Vinaigrette Dressing to Butternut Squash Manicotti with Brown Butter Sage Sauce as a vegetarian option. The vegan selection offered delicious Stuffed Zucchini Boats with a spicy Diablo Sauce.

The special touches didn't stop there, after an evening filled with toasts, dancing, and a photo booth, guest enjoyed a late-night Tapenade Bar with Hand Cut Tortilla Chips served with Homemade Black Bean Salsa & Red Pepper Hummus.

The evening wrapped up with the newlywed's cake cutting and a display of both vegan and non-vegan donuts from local bakeries; before a spectacular sparkler sendoff.

Congratulations Kelly and Justin!

​We're thrilled we got to travel to Ohio in the Autumn to be part of your special day.

​Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team loved working with Maria and Tom, creating an elegant, romantic wedding at St. Petersburg’s historic Vinoy Hotel. The weather was picture perfect, and the resorts fountain area made an incredible backdrop.
 
Maria looked amazing in her lace wedding gown with its sweeping train, sweetheart neckline, and cap sleeves. The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of several varieties of eucalyptus, dusty miller, soft pink roses, and a brightly colored pink peony.
 
After the couple’s first look and some photos, they took some wedding party and family photos that included their flower girl, Maria’s daughter.
 
The outdoor wedding ceremony was set in the hotel’s courtyard with its historic fountain as a backdrop. 
 
The fountain was filled with a cascade of lush greenery and soft pink flowers. The space was adorned with white lanterns and delicate floral arrangements.
 
The couple’s Sand Ceremony was designed to include Maria’s daughter, who added her hot pink sand to the mix.
 
As the newlyweds ended their ceremony with a kiss, wedding guests made their way across the lawn for cocktail hour and were greeted by a champagne wall of fresh greenery and flutes filled with chilled champagne.
 
A lounge area was created with elegant soft seating, tables filled with floral arrangements, and large potted palms. Guests dined on a Bruschetta Bar and passed hors d ‘oeuvres that included Lobster Profiteroles and Edamame Pot Stickers.
 
Inside the reception space was set with tables draped in crisp linen and modern white chairs. The romantic tablescape was created with long low arrangements of greenery and florals in shades of pink. Modern gold flatware, vintage pressed glass goblets, contemporary gold-rimmed china, floating candles, and mercury glass votives created an eclectic look.
 
Wedding guests made their way inside to the ballroom while the couple snuck off for a few sunset photos before their introduction and first dance to “Stand By Me” by Ben E Kings.
 
A delicious, gourmet, multi-course plated reception followed with entrée selections that included pescatarian and vegetarian options. The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, dancing, some late-night snacks, and ended with Maria and Tom cutting their three-tiered white wedding cake.
 
Congratulations, Maria and Tom. We wish you a life as romantic as your wedding day!

Jaina and Amol’s spectacular Sarasota wedding was filled with multiple events, incredible colors, and layer upon layer of amazing details.

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team was thrilled to be with them throughout the entire weekend.
 
Their weekend began Friday with breakfast, Amol’s Vidhi, the first of many hair and makeup sessions for the ladies throughout the weekend and a Sangeet filled with food, family photos, speeches, and some special family dances.

The décor was a bright, colorful palette, and the evening included a henna artist available to adorn the guests.
 
Saturday started with breakfast, getting ready, and Amol’s Baraat, arriving in a fantastic convertible Bentley.

The bride’s family welcomed him and prepared for the bride’s arrival. She entered under a white lace canopy decorated with flowers and greenery and was escorted to the mandap by her uncle.
 
The ceremony space was filled with gold chivari chairs, gold risers with flickering candles, and the path to the mandap was draped in white fabric and lined with bright red flower petals and hundreds of candles in glass cylinders.
 
The gold-toned mandap was trimmed in a thick, lush blanket of white flowers dotted with red and pink blooms and greenery.
 
After a traditional wedding ceremony surrounded by family, the couple enjoyed lunch and some time exploring Sarasota, taking some outdoor photos.
 
Later that evening, the wedding reception began with the couple’s first dance to “Across the Room” by ODESZA.

The evening included parent dances, several speeches, a delicious dinner, and lots of dancing. The evening concluded with an elegant display of mini desserts, including some Indian sweets and a few less traditional selections like tiramisu, macaroons, and Chocolate Ecstasy Cake.
 
Congratulations, Jaina and Amol, we are so glad your family and friends were able to come together and celebrate with you!

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team loved working with Suzanne and David on their Sarasota wedding. From their welcome party to the last dance, this intimate Selby Gardens wedding was packed with entertainment and surprises for their family and friends.
 
For the couple, the festivities started with their first look, photos together, and some time with their wedding party. Across the gardens, wedding guests enjoyed champagne as they gathered for the outdoor wedding ceremony.
 
Suzanne and David entered the intimate wedding ceremony together to the sounds of a guitarist. The couple and their wedding party all wore lush tropical floral leis, which created a relaxed tropical vibe.
 
The cocktail hour that followed brought in some steel drums, cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres that included island favorites like tuna sliders, crab cakes, and tequila grilled shrimp. As the sun began to set, the couple took time for some photos as guests made their way to the reception area.
 
The sounds of soft rock and country music filled the air as an interactive illusionist performed up-close magic while guests found their seats.

Tables were set with white linens and warm pink napkins, centerpieces of greenery, and white tropical flowers held thick pillar candles in glass cylinders. Dozens of lights in acrylic cases hung from the trees and flickered above the tables.

​Dinner and toasts were followed by an incredible Jimmy Buffett impersonator who opened with “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and ended his set by taking some time for photos with wedding guests.
 
As if an illusionist and Jimmy Buffett impersonator and a cart with Nye's Cream Sandwiches were not enough.
David decided to surprised Suzanne with an appearance by her favorite singer-songwriter, Emily Hearn!
 
Congratulations Suzanne and David, we know this was a wedding your family and friends will talk about for a long time.

​Sarasota's Edison Keith Mansion, in the Phillippi Estate Park, was the ideal location for Linda and Cayden's elegant wedding with an old Florida feel. Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team worked with them to incorporate personal details and a stunning neutral color palette. 
 
The wedding parties spent the morning getting ready and taking some fun photos. Soft vintage-inspired neutral colors were incorporated in everything from robes to invitations and personal flowers. Creamy white garden roses and ranunculus were blended with Dusty Diller and sage colored eucalyptus leaves.
 
Following their first look, the couple and their wedding party prepared for the outdoor wedding ceremony. Gold chivari chairs sat beneath a pair of oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The aisle was marked with two white garden urns filled with greenery and white florals.
 
Cayden entered to the song "Marry Me" followed by the couple's wedding party. Once everyone was in place, Linda made her entrance escorted by her mother.
 
A cocktail hour followed the outdoor wedding ceremony, which included an assortment of butler passed hors d' oeuvres, and a Mediterranean inspired dip station. The newlyweds selected Moscow Mules and Classic Mojitos for their Signature Cocktails. Guests enjoyed Polaroid photos and shared some advice for the newlyweds. 
 
Inside, the dining room was arranged with round tables and gold chivari chairs, tables were draped in floor-length white linens and set with gold charger plates, vintage-inspired china, and custom-designed menu cards. Centerpieces included greenery and mercury glass votives and candlesticks holding various styles of candles.
 
Linda and Cayden's sweetheart table sat in front of a beautiful mantle filled with greenery and a collection of tall candles. Greenery, metallic tone candles, and the bridesmaid's bouquets filled the table, the two garden urns from the ceremony flanked the table.
 
In a unique twist, the couple's introductions and first dance to "Tenerife Sea" were done on the mansion's patio before inviting guests into the wedding reception.
 
The reception began with a welcome speech by the couple, followed by a plated salad selection, and family-style dinner service. After dinner, guests danced the night away, had some fun playing with props in the photo booth, and ended the evening with a family cake cutting and delicious cupcakes.
 

​Our Jennifer Matteo Event Panning team loved taking a look back at Christina and Grant's November wedding at Sarasota's iconic Ca' d'Zan at the Ringling.
 
We spent a lot of time with Christina on all of the details, color palette, and floral design. She's super sweet and knew exactly what she wanted. The wedding was a whimsical fairy tale with very thoughtful touches. 
 
After a morning of the wedding parties getting ready, each made their way to Ca' d'Zan for Christine and Grant's first look in the mansion's tower. Some wedding party photos followed this before the couple's wedding ceremony on the terrace, facing the Sarasota Bay.
 
The personal flowers were created in shades of pink with bold pops of orange and lush greenery. This was a color story and design detail that continued throughout the wedding.
 
The sun was beginning to fall as Christina made her entrance to "Can't Help Falling In Love." 
 
Tall gold metallic urns overflowing with brightly colored flowers stood above dozens of flickering pillar candles, and an antique table created the stage for the couple to exchange their wedding vows.
 
Following the ceremony, wedding guests enjoyed hors d' oeuvres and cocktails to the sounds of an electric violin and DJ as the bride and groom took some sunset photos. The couple took some time together, off in the distance, overlooking the spectacular setting.
 
Seating assignments were presented on a luxurious wall lined with miniature envelopes containing each guest's escort card.
 
The reception began with the wedding party's entrance, followed by the newlyweds' entry to a traditional Arabic wedding song.
 
The outdoor reception space was designed with long rectangular wooden tables. Each table was set with gold flatware, textured pink glass charger plates, custom round menu cards, and a soft pink napkin tied with organic cording and greenery.
 
The tables overflowed with long pink table runners, organic elements, textured glass vases, and candles of every size and shape. Chunky pillar candles, gold-toned glass votive candles, and gold candelabra holding white tapered candles lined the various tables.
 
A lush carpet of cottage roses, ranunculus, and snapdragon wove its way down the length of each table. Round gold metallic table numbers and clear acrylic chairs added a modern element.
 
Dinner included several toasts and a surprise belly dancer. Ballet flats, pashminas, and belly dancing scarves were provided for guests as they danced the night away. Live Arabic music mixed with a DJ playing popular contemporary songs.
 
The evening included a Hookah Lounge with "sparks of love" matchboxes, assorted truffles, and platters of mini baklava. 
 
The ceremony backdrop was repurposed to display the couple's unique gold and white marble tone wedding cake with a cascade of brightly colored roses spilling out of the center.
 
Congratulations, Christina and Grant!

Miya and Glenn’s incredible Lakewood Ranch wedding was absolutely a feast for the senses and our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning loved working with them on every detail.
 
The waterfront wedding ceremony on the lawn of The Lake Club was modern and elegant. Clear acrylic chairs led to a series of ceremony structures, modern columns filled with pink and white flowers stood in front of a wedding arbor draped in white fabric and topped with a blanket of roses in soft pink, blush and white.
 
As wedding guests gathered, Miya and Glenn’s family and wedding party made their entrance to “A Thousand Years.” Miya and her father followed closely behind to “Pachelbel’s Cannon in D.”
 
The outdoor wedding ceremony was filled with incredible, touching moments. Following the ceremony guests made their way to the Lake Club’s Terrace for a Cocktail Hour that included scrumptious passed Hors D’oeuvres , a Chilled Seafood Station and a Modern Artisan Cheese Display.
 
After finishing formal family photos, Miya headed inside for a sneak peek at ballroom – based on her reaction, we are pretty sure she was blown away.
 
The décor was a blending of classic and modern with amazing pink and white florals. Modern gold chairs, glass candelabras, and floating candles in contemporary containers were balanced against gold banded china, gold flatware and pink napkins for a more romantic feel.
 
The focal point of the room was the sweetheart table, nestled inside an arbor draped in pink fabric. A crystal chandelier, suspended floral creations, a vintage inspired white love seat and a lush blanket of flowers cascaded over the table completed the look.
 
Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team invited tables of guests to the gourmet food stations which included a Chef Driven Carving Station serving Roasted Tenderloin of Beef and a whole roasted grouper a Mashed Potato and Mac and Cheese Bar with amazing toppings as well as a vegetable station.
 
The night continued with several toasts, parent dances and a packed dance floor before Miya and Glenn’s cake cutting and wrapping up the reception with “The Beginning” by Ru Paul.

​Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team loved working with Samantha and Andrew on their simple, elegant wedding with a touch of the tropics. This black and white St Petersburg wedding set a beautiful backdrop for lush tropical details and pops of color.
 
The wedding day began in downtown St Petersburg where each wedding party spent the morning getting ready and taking separate wedding photos.
 
Samantha’s bridal party wore striking black halter neck dresses that allowed their bouquets of tropical greenery and brightly colored blooms to stand out. Andrew’s groomsmen, in classic black tuxedos added a splash of color with tropical patterned pocket squares.
 
The bride looked stunning in her form fitting modern lace and satin gown with a sweeping train. Her tropical print peep tow pumps,  shimmering nails and bouquet of tropical greenery, king protea, giant ranunculus, roses and brightly colored tulips accented the look.
 
The couple and their wedding parties traveled separately to Pass-A- Grille Beach for the couple’s First Look and some portraits before their wedding ceremony.
 
The ceremony space was set with gold chivari chairs facing the Gulf of Mexico and Samantha and Andrew exchanged their wedding vows just as sun began to set.
 
Following some family photos, everyone made their way to downtown St Petersburg for the reception. The tropical vibe continued during cocktail hour where guests enjoyed Chicken Quesadillas, Crab and Shrimp Empanadas, and Avocado Bruschetta.
 
The reception space’s dark wooden floors and exposed brick were a wonderful backdrop for the black and white lines. Gold Charger plates, modern metallic risers and gold flatware set the stage for brilliant pops of tropical greenery in the napkins and centerpieces, while acrylic ghost chairs and floating candles complimented the design.
 
After introductions and a welcome by the couple, guests enjoyed a delicious tropical dinner that included chicken, beef and vegetarian options prior to their first dance and a few toasts.
 
Their magical evening ended with the couple cutting their wedding cake before making their departure in a shower of sparklers.
 
Congratulations Samantha and Andrew!
 

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team is thrilled to share Rebecca and Sam’s beautiful Lakeland Florida wedding. Their wedding took place at the historic Magnolia Building overlooking Lake Mirror.
 
This amazing building built in 1937 with it’s incredible brickwork, wooden floors, vaulted ceiling and fireplace was the perfect fit for the romantic décor overflowing with candles and greenery.
 
Rebecca and Sam were married in front of the venue’s enormous stone fireplace with every ledge filled with greenery, white flowers and dozens of candles. The room was filled with the sweet sounds of violin music and the couple exchanged their wedding vows.
 
After the wedding ceremony the couple and their wedding party took time for some amazing photos on the surrounding property while guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with butler passed white and red wine.
 
In continuing with the abundance of greenery, guest escort cards were attached to Succulents in terracotta pots.
 
The reception space was set with tables draped in soft linen and set with gold charger plates and flatware. Centerpieces of greenery and floating candles in modern glass containers filled the space. Above their heads was a canopy of twinkling lights.
 
Following introductions Sam and Rebecca had their first dance as husband and wife to "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.
 
After a delicious dinner guests danced the night away and enjoyed a customized photobooth before  the couple cut their three-tiered wedding cake which was surrounded by sweet treats. 
Rebecca and Sam ended their evening surrounded by their wedding party in a shower of sparklers.
​
Congratulations Rebecca and Sam!