Cassandra and Bryson’s Sarasota wedding at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was a pleasure to plan for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team. The beautiful soft aqua and peach tone color story paired perfectly with the surroundings of the gardens.
 
The couple chose not to see each other prior to exchanging their vows at the botanical garden’s wedding pavilion. The ladies spent the morning relaxing in their custom monogrammed floral print robes while sipping a little champagne.
 
Cassandra looked amazing in her modern lace wedding gown. The three-dimensional lace floral details, sparkling flats, and bridal bouquet of king protea, white roses and astilbe were perfect for this garden wedding.
 
Bryson and his groomsmen wore tan vested suits with soft peach boutonnieres, aqua bowties and pocket squares that complimented the bridal party’s aqua gowns.
 
While the couple chose not so see each other before the wedding they were able to send gifts to each other and take some pre-ceremony photos with their wedding party.
 
The Great Lawn was set with white garden chairs and the aisle leading to the Wedding Pavilion was carpeted with white petals. The pavilion was swagged with soft draping, and a spray of peach, pink and white florals.
 
After their touching wedding ceremony, the wedding party finished some photos in the incredible succulent garden while guest enjoyed delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, 
 
Across the property the reception was prepared with round tables set with clear glass charger plates layered with soft peach napkins and custom menu cards. Greenery and candles of assorted sizes adorned the tables along with custom table numbers with watercolor flowers.
 
A crystal chandelier was hung above the newlywed’s sweetheart table and was covered with a shimmering blush linen filled with candles, seeded eucalyptus and soft peach tone roses.
 
Wedding guests dined on preselected entrees that included Garlic and Herb Rubbed Chateau of Beef, Classic Chicken Picatta or Pan Seared Mahi Mahi.
 
After an evening of dinner and dancing, Cassandra and Bryson cut their four-tiered square wedding cake embossed with bright green monstera leaves. Alongside the amazing cake was an incredible dessert display including bite sized treats, Tuxedo strawberries and dessert martinis.
 
The finale of the evening was a spectacular sparkler exit to send the couple on their way.

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team worked with Renee & Michael to create their lovely, modern vintage Siesta Key wedding.
 
This elegant, weekday wedding at the Sunset Beach Resort was intimate, with the couple surrounded by only their closest family and friends.
 
Renee looked beautiful in her A-Line champagne organza wedding gown with a crystal embellished bodice. Her wedding bouquet was a spectacular color story of pink with special lockets knotted into the ribbon.
 
Michael, dressed in a handsome Navy-blue suit and white deck shoes, waited anxiously to see his bride for their first look. 
 
The white sand beach was set with wooden cross-back chairs leading to an elegant, round wedding structure layered in greenery and soft pink florals. The structure gave a modern touch while the pink tones incorporated a vintage feel.
 
A notable member of the wedding party was the couple’s daughter, Layla, who played a very important role as their flower girl. Layla walked down the aisle with the two ringbearers, Harlow and Sydney, the bride’s nieces.
 
The beachside wedding reception that followed had an elegant vintage feel with modern touches. Long wooden tables were draped in a soft mauve runner topped with gold beaded glass charger plates, antique china, gold banded stemware, and mercury glass votive candles.
 
Unique gold-toned metallic vases and acrylic chairs added a modern touch to the tablescapes, while floral arrangements in white, soft pink and fuchsia bridged the old and the new. 
 
Following a plated first course of Grilled Peaches + Burrata with Mache, Pistachios, and Balsamic Drizzle, guests enjoyed a station-style dinner reception. Stations included Roasted Vegetables, Shrimp, Chicken and Steak Skewers, an Oyster and Gulf Shrimp display, and a Mac N Cheese Bar with multiple fixings.
 
A modern white ribbon wedding cake with soft pink flowers was displayed with bitesize homestyle treats.
 
Renee and Michael danced under glimmering vintage crystal chandeliers surrounded by loved ones with flickering sparklers as the evening came to a close.

Ashley and Cody’s Siesta Key wedding was the kind that just makes our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team smile. It was a day that was all about love and all about creating a wedding day that was a unique reflection of them.
 
The couple decided not to do a first look and to spend the morning with their wedding parties enjoying the day while waiting to see each other when they exchanged wedding vows on the white sand beach.
 
Ashley and Cody decided on a soft light color palette that was airy with a relaxed bohemian feel that paired with the waterfront wedding.
 
A white oversized “Mona Lisa” frame accented with greenery sat in the soft white sand setting the backdrop for the wedding ceremony. 
 
Ashely, wearing a soft flowing wedding gown with a cathedral length veil fastened to a floral headpiece carried a loose bouquet of peach and white with ranunculus, cottage roses and astilbe.
 
Cody stood waiting for his bride wearing linen slacks and vest with a white shirt and pale peach ranunculus boutonniere. 
 
After exchanging their wedding vows the couple headed off for some photographs around the resort with their wedding party and their two pups.
 
Guests relaxed at the tented reception, steps off the beach. An eclectic mix of lounge furniture continued the relaxed vibe that blended perfectly with the hand crafted, wood fired pizza and foods from a Sarasota based food truck featuring a unique mashup of Korean and Mexican foods.
 
After an evening of dancing the couple fed each other donuts and enjoyed delicious ice cream treats that included locally made gourmet pops made by POP Craft Pops.
 
This day was truly about love, it reflected Ashley and Cody, and their love for each other, family and friends.

​Wedding planning with MJ and James was an absolute pleasure for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team. They wanted to capture the natural beauty of Marie Selby Botanical Garden by incorporating florals to complement and enhance the space and not overpower the venue.
 
After a morning, at separate sites, getting ready with their wedding parties, MJ and James took time for their first look and wedding photos before their wedding ceremony.
 
MJ wore a beautiful bohemian style lace wedding gown with bell sleeves. She chose to wear her hair up, accented with a fantastic cluster of succulents and greenery. Her bridal bouquet of loosely arranges flowers in white, and orange with touches of lavender fit in with the natural setting.
 
The outdoor wedding ceremony was set against a backdrop of mature trees dripping with Spanish moss accented by white wood hanging lanterns. Rows of white garden chairs formed an aisle decorated with tall wooden lanterns and loose clusters of flowers.
 
MJ and James chose just one piece of music for the entrance of their family and wedding party – Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles. After the intimate wedding ceremony guests enjoyed butler passed beverages as well as hors d’oeuvres that included Cuban – Style Spring Rolls with Spicy Mustard, Burrata Crostini with Braised Baby Artichokes and Pine Nuts and Truffled Macaroni and Cheese Bites.
 
As the sun set, guests moved inside for the evening festivities. Tables were draped with soft natural colored linen, accented with wildflowers in eclectic containers. White charger plates accented with soft pink napkins with fresh herbs knotted into them completed the relaxed, natural décor.
 
MJ and James began the evening dancing to Can’t help Falling In Love With You, followed by parent dances and a welcome by the bride’s father.
 
A very relaxed evening that included dinner, dancing, and several toasts also incorporated a fun photo booth to capture memories of the evening.

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team’s first interaction for Allison and Matthew’s Sarasota wedding was with Allison’s mother, Ilene. She wanted someone to help her plan her daughter’s wedding so she and Allison could enjoy the process without the stress.
 
Both the bride and her mother have very demanding schedules, so having full planning assistance was the only way to go. Allison wanted a wedding that was unique yet traditional. So, our team set out to create a wedding that struck a beautiful balance for her and the result was simply stunning. 
 
White wedding invitations with black lettering and shimmering gold borders set the tone for this classic, modern black-tie wedding.
 
Allison chose a beautiful, form-fitting modern lace wedding gown complimented by her bridal bouquet of white tulips, roses, and peonies. 
 
The perfect backdrop for Allison and Matthew’s outdoor wedding ceremony was the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with its mature trees covered with Spanish moss and the amazing waterfront views.
 
Clear acrylic ghost chairs and clear risers with white floral arrangements led the way to the modern acrylic chuppah. The chuppah was draped in a cascade of white orchids and a tallit covered the chuppah for a traditional element. 
 
After their wedding ceremony the couple made their way back up the aisle to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
 
Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with butler passed champagne, white wine, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as the couple’s signature cocktail, a Pineapple Moscow Mule.
 
Allison and Matthew enjoyed some sunset photos as their wedding guests were invited to the wedding reception.
 
The ballrooms were dressed in a luxurious color story of white and gold, with gold Napoleon chairs bringing a more classic touch to modern mirrored tables, clear class chargers, and acrylic table numbers. Lush white floral arrangements floated above the tables on gold risers and filled the center of tables along with candles in antique glass.
 
The couple’s first dance, hora, and blessing of bread and wine led to a delicious plated dinner and night of dancing. 
 
A fantastic night of dancing wrapped up with a luxurious six-tiered wedding cake that was a blending of embossed lace, brushed gold and hand-painted flowers. Guests also enjoyed a lavish pastry and dessert martini display.

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team had so much fun working with Karina and Kyle. Their Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast wedding was an incredible mix of the traditional with the unexpected.
 
Their beautiful wedding ceremony was held on the Bed and Breakfast’s lawn overlooking the water and was framed by a classic white wood trellis gate. 
 
The couple chose not to see each other prior to their wedding ceremony.   Pachelbel’s Cannon in D was played for the bride’s entrance, a harpist playing music during the wedding ceremony and a very traditional Unity Candle was embossed with a prayer in Spanish. The unexpected was the Foo Fighters’ song Everlong that was played at the end of the ceremony as Karina and Kyle exited the ceremony space.
 
The cocktail reception included a gourmet selection of hand passed hors d’oeuvres as well as unique displays of some of their favorite foods. A specialty oyster bar paired with Sauvignon Blanc was a big hit with their guests.
 
Guests were directed to their assigned tables by a hand lettered clear acrylic seating chart. Another touch of whimsy was their Jenga Guestbook; what a fun way to remember your wedding day and to see the well wishes from your wedding guests.
 
Soft lilac and grey with a pop of deep aubergine set the color tone for the reception décor.   The tones started with the wedding party’s dresses and suits, and continued with the flowers. Centerpieces of textured greens, champagne colored charger plates, velvet napkins and custom menu cards added to the overall romantic feel.
 
After dinner and an evening of dancing, guests were treated to delicious wedding cake and a Chef’s Tribute of International Desserts followed by Karina and Kyles exit under a shower of sparklers.
 
At the end of the event Karina and Kyle wanted to offer a late night snack for guests to enjoy on the trolley ride to the after party, McDonalds and Taco Bell hit the spot.  

Kiki and Alex’s Longboat Key Resort wedding was such an incredible experience for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team. We adored planning with this couple.
 
From the very first meeting, Kiki was a dream, so thoughtful and kind. And, very much in love with Alex
 
Kiki wanted a soft, moody, romantic wedding in a mauve color palette. And Alex, a busy golf pro wanted his bride to be happy.
 
They wanted to create an atmosphere with incredible food, drinks, and entertainment for their family and friends.
 
After a morning of relaxing, and then getting ready, the wedding photographers spent time with each wedding party before Kiki and Alex’s first look.
 
Kiki wore a romantic form-fitting lace gown with illusion back, paired with a fingertip length veil with crystal edging. Her incredible bridal bouquet included interesting greenery to add texture along with florals in shades of antique pink and burgundy.
 
Her wedding party wore beautiful mauve gowns and carried bouquets of greenery. Both their gown color and bouquets were tied to elements of the bridal bouquet.
 
The gentleman all wore navy suits with bow ties, with Alex opting for a floral pattern necktie and deep burgundy boutonniere.
 
Trolley service transported wedding guests and the wedding party from local Sarasota hotels to Longboat Key Resort for the couple’s wedding.  The evening began with a ceremony overlooking the water off of Longboat key.
 
The rustic wooden wedding structure with floral swags created a beautiful backdrop as Kiki made her entrance to ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
 
Inside, final touches were being added to the wedding reception with romantic, loose flowing centerpieces.   They were surrounded by golden votive candles and champagne-colored charger plates layered with textured napkins and custom menu cards.
 
Soft draping and lighting added to the elegant and romantic feeling as guests enjoyed an incredible station-style reception dinner.
 
Cheers, Kiki and Alex, we wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

Caitlyn & Ben’s Sarasota wedding at Michael’s on East was everything they wanted. Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team worked with them to create a beautiful, yet traditional Jewish wedding filled with romance.
 
The color palette was driven by the time of year, combining rich deep burgundy jewel tones with flickering candle light. The combination was the perfect accent for the ballroom.
 
Caitlyn wore a romantic crystal encrusted wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline and a long sweeping lace applique train. She carried a textured, hand tied bouquet of white, antique pink and burgundy roses.
 
Ben chose a traditional black tuxedo with a burgundy bow tie, boutonniere and kippot as accents. He and the groomsmen added a touch of fun with socks reading “We’re getting married.”
 
The soft, flowing romantic feel was carried through to the bridesmaid’s attire which continued the color story with merlot dresses and bouquets in white and wine with lush greenery.
 
Their traditional, yet romantic Chuppah incorporated swags of soft draping, with clusters of jewel tone roses. The top of the Chuppah was covered with fabric from Ben’s mothers wedding gown which was custom tooled for their wedding Chuppah.
 
The couple included a wedding program titled “The Jewish Wedding Ceremony” sharing traditions and explanations for their non-Jewish friends. The deep burgundy watercolor detail on the program cover continued through to the wedding reception as a detail in the escort cards. 
 
The tablescapes of the wedding reception had a mix of high and low centerpieces.  The jewel toned deep jewel tone color palette continued with the use of different levels of candle light to lend to a soft romantic feel.  
 
An evening filled with touching moments, dinner and dancing concluded with the couple sharing this beautiful burgundy and white stacked wedding cake topped with an heirloom porcelain cake topper.
 
Congratulations Caitlyn and Ben, we hope your life is filled with as much beauty and romance as your wedding day.
 

​Alyssa and Sean’s Tampa wedding was such an incredible day for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team. Filled with love and personality, the love between the two of them is contagious.
 
The ladies spent the morning relaxing, popping a little bubbly to Disney tunes, and getting ready for the wedding day. In their own space, Sean and the gentleman got dressed and raised a glass and took time for some group photos before the couple had their first look.
 
Alyssa wore a long sweeping gown with a modern lace bodice and sweetheart neckline, accented by a crystal-embellished belt to accentuate her waistline. Sean was brought to tears when he saw his bride to be during their first look.
 
The couple exchanged their wedding vows in a riverfront ceremony at Kiley Gardens with incredible views of downtown Tampa and the university as their backdrop.
 
Alyssa and Sean stood in front of a simple wooden ceremony structure of moss, greenery and trailing vines dotted with white roses that matched Alyssa’s bouquet. An elegant detail that would later be repurposed to frame their sweetheart table.
 
The couple’s dogs joined them for their wedding ceremony and photos before the wedding party took a water taxi down to the reception. The dogs were at the reception in spirt with Signature Cocktails named for each of the pups.
 
During the cocktail reception, Sean surprised his bride with a saxophone serenade that left her smiling all night.
 
The romantic details soft lighting, crisp white linens, gold charger plates, and votive candles created a beautiful tablescape. Tall floral arrangements of soft white hydrangea and roses popped against the industrial backdrop of the Armature Works reception space.
 
The couple enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing with family and friends at their incredible downtown Tampa wedding.
 
Congratulations Alyssa and Sean!

​Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team really clicked with Emma and Jason. Emma works in the fashion industry so a stylish edge was on the forefront of her designs.
 
They both have high powered jobs in New York City and were looking for a tropical, modern vibe for their destination wedding. So, the tropical escape of Bay Preserve at Osprey was the tropical escape they and their wedding guests needed.
 
Emma said she wanted a fresh, clean palette with pops of color and beautiful orchids.
 
“I wanted all the décor and all the florals to really seamlessly fit in with the surroundings.  Palms and orchids and Spanish moss. Honestly it was better than I ever even imagined it would look like.”
 
The tone for the wedding day was set from the very beginning with modern invitations in a dark green ink with tropical leaves.
 
Emma chose an elegant wedding gown with simple detailing, a sweeping train and a long flowing veil. Her bouquet of tropical greenery exploded with cymbidium orchids. Her wedding party wore gowns of their own choosing and carried bouquets of tropical greenery with white roses.
 
The couple exchanged wedding vows under Spanish moss draped trees, bringing in details of greenery and orchids as an accent before heading off for sunset photos along the waterfront.
 
Their wedding reception under a sail cloth tent was filled with tropical details. From the bamboo chairs and rattan charger plates lined with monstera leaves and custom menu cards, to gold toned vases filled with tropical greens and white florals; everything reflected that tropical escape.
 
The couple was front and center at their sweetheart table draped in a thick garland of seeded eucalyptus dotted with cymbidium orchids and floating candles.
 
Emma and Jason danced the night away surrounded by flickering candles and market lighting in their own tropical paradise.