It was an absolute pleasure for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team to work with Ruiwan and Wang on their wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.
 
They are foodies and wanted incredible music, fabulous flowers and lots of beautiful wedding photos, what's not to love!
 
Ruiwan looked so pretty in the first of several wedding outfits. She chose a strapless gown in lace and crystals with a sweetheart neckline and long train. Her veil with lace floral applique and satin Jimmy Choo's with a crystal embellished strap were the perfect accents.
 
Wang looked very handsome in his classic tuxedo with a white anthurium boutonniere, coordinating with Ruiwan's bouquet of monstera leaves, garden roses, and white anthurium.
 
The ceremony on the Ritz Carlton Lawn was set with a bamboo arch overflowing with palm branches, monstera, and Ti leaves and accented with dendrobium orchids and roses. 
 
Guests seated on white garden chairs with clusters of greenery and white orchids and a carpet of rose petals marking the aisle.  They were greeted by a music trio made up of a harp, cello, and violin.
 
The couple exchanged their wedding vows in a touching, wedding ceremony before heading off for some sunset photos, while guests enjoyed cocktails and butler passed hors d' oeuvres including Tuna Tataki with Pickled Cucumber and Yuzu Mayonnaise, Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Citrus Aioli, and Grilled Portobello Puffs, and Figs & Mascarpone Cheese in Phyllo Purses.
 
The couple, their family and friends made their way to the Healing Garden for an evening of dinner and dancing. 
 
The garden was set with a collection of round tables draped in white floral Damask linen, accented with a centerpiece of monstera leaves and white hydrangea. Gold metal geometric candleholders, gold charger plated and gold chiavari chairs added a pop of color to the table-scape.
 
After Ruiwan and Wang's first dance the couple and their wedding guests enjoyed a dinner beginning with a salad of Frisee, Arugula, and Butter Lettuce with Lardons, Green Apple Dressing, and Candied Walnuts.
 
Guests were also offered a choice of entrées which included Pan Roasted Salmon with Pomme Puree, Broccolini and Carrots, and Sauce Pique or Coulette of Beef, Pomme Puree, Broccolini and Carrots dressed with Green Peppercorn and Cognac Demi-Glace. 
 
The couple danced the night away in the garden before departing in a shower of sparklers and an afterparty in the hotels Ca d'Zan Ballroom.
 

The phrase Better Together came from the custom gold cake topper of Shereen and Justin’s Sarasota wedding at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You can see how much in love they are and our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team loved being part of their day.
 
For the ladies, their day started at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota with a bite to eat and some time together getting ready for the wedding later that afternoon. The guys day began in a private residence and some time to hang out and relax.
 
Midafternoon the couple and their wedding parties arrived at the botanical gardens for some final preparations and some pre-ceremony wedding photos.
 
Shereen looked stunning in her crystal embellished lace wedding gown with cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline. We love her choice of incredible Badgley Mischka wedding shoes with crystal accents.
 
After a very touching first look and some time for photographs, the couple exchanged their wedding vows under a canopy of mature trees, Spanish moss and a shimmering crystal chandelier.
 
Justin barely held back tears as Shereen made her way down the aisle to the song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
 
After exchanging wedding vows, rings and lighting a unity candle, the couple and their guests enjoyed a light cocktail reception before heading indoors for an evening of dinner and dancing.
 
The reception was set with floor length linens in a soft warm tone, dressed with white lanterns, flickering candles and arrangements of greenery and blossoms of cream and soft pink. The tablescape paired perfectly with light pink napkins, a custom menu card and vintage inspired off white charger plates.
 
After their first dance and a few touching toasts, Shereen and Justin along with their family and friends dined on an incredible dinner that included:
 
Roasted Garlic and Herb Rubbed Chateau of Beef with Roasted Shallot Butter and Blackened Grouper with Fruit Chutney.
 
Guest loved the adorable succulents the couple chose as a wedding favor, with the sign “Let Love Grow”, displayed next to a jar for guests to share their best date night suggestions.
 
The evening concluded with a delicious three-tiered amaretto wedding cake with Samoa filling and Shereen and Jason’s grand exit under a shower of sparklers.
 
Congratulations Shereen and Jason, we wish you a lifetime that is absolutely better together!

We at Jennifer Matteo Event Planning love the amazing sunsets of beautiful Sarasota;  they are the perfect backdrop for any wedding and Katie and Joe’s waterfront wedding at The Bay Preserve at Osprey had a stunning orange sunset.
 
Katie wore a beautiful sheer wedding gown with lace appliques, crystal embellishments, a beaded belt and a pair of shimmering flats were both stylish and comfortable.
 
Joe and his groomsmen wore grey vested suits, black bow ties and boutonnieres of a kumquat, green veronica and black privett berries, wrapped in black satin ribbon. 
 
Katie carried a hand tied bouquet of white peonies, Queen Anne’s lace, snapdragons and kumquats; a theme that carried throughout the wedding details.
 
After a very sweet first look the couple took time to explore the waterfront property and do photographs with their wedding party before exchanging their wedding vows.
 
Katie’s father walked her down the aisle to where she and Joe would exchange their wedding vows along the Sarasota Bay under a canopy of mature trees and Spanish moss.
 
Guests enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing under a clear top tent, draped in flowing white fabric and market lights. 
 
Round tables were draped in shimmering fabric set with dark woodblock table numbers, bronze vessels overflowing with white flowers and greenery, dotted with bright orange kumquats. The tables in four corners of the tent anchored the room with floral arrangements on towering white risers.
 
Katie and Joe began the evening with their first dance, then everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner which included Roast Leg of Lamb, Carved Flank Steak, Chicken Picatta and Ravioli with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Smoked Mozzarella.
 
After an evening of incredible toasts, the couple closed out their magical evening by cutting this elegant, stark white four-tiered wedding cake, accented with clusters of kumquats.
 
Congratulations Katie and Joe, we loved being part of your spectacular wedding.

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team absolutely adored working with Frank and Chris on their Tampa wedding.
 
They are the owners of Tampa’s Revel Dance Company, appropriately named. To revel means to eat, drink and make merry and that’s exactly what they did with their family and friends.
 
Their wedding day began at the Aloft Hotel Downtown Tampa and they spent the morning together getting ready for their big day. They chose to wear matching burgundy suit jackets with floral patterned neckties.
 
Frank and Chris enjoyed a relaxed day taking photographs with family members, taking some time alone.  The alone time was a high priority for them both.  After pictures and alone time they made their way to Rooftop 220 for their wedding ceremony. 
 
The couple stood under a modern metal arch swagged in garland and flowers where they exchanged wedding vows in a very personal, touching wedding ceremony.
 
Guests enjoyed a rooftop cocktail reception with incredible butler passed hors d’oeuvres including Pear and Goat Cheese Flatbreads, Corn and Ricotta Cheese Fritters and Maryland Crab Cakes before making their way to the Armature works for a night of dinner and dancing.
 
The modern, industrial reception space with its high ceilings, exposed brick and huge windows was set with long rustic wooden farmhouse tables. The tables were dressed in bronze vessels overflowing with antique hydrangea, white roses, and snapdragons.
 
Each place setting was layered with white china, a crisp napkin with a custom menu card and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Oversized square place cards, and candles in mercury glass containers completed the tablescape.
 
The evening was filled with multiple toasts telling wonderful stories about Frank and Chris. The dance floor was full the entire evening, including a few well-choreographed dance numbers.
 
The evening ended with guests enjoying this four-tiered amaretto chiffon wedding cake, some delicious desserts and a table of sweets.
 
Congratulations Frank and Chris, we wish you a lifetime of happiness just as amazing as your wedding day.

​Sarasota’s Powel Crosley Estate could not have been a more perfect location for Marisa and Casey’s wedding, and our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team loved helping them tell their story.
 
This beautiful classic wedding design in blue and gold truly complimented the wedding venue’s incredible architecture and detailing.
 
Marissa looked stunning in her magnificent lace gown with a sweeping train and plunging sweetheart neckline. The look was complimented by shimmering Stuart Weitzman pumps and a white hand-tied bouquet of roses, garden roses, ranunculus, anemone with fresh rosemary and eucalyptus adding a touch of greenery.
 
Her bridal party wore tailored pale blue bridesmaids dresses and carried lush bouquets of greenery and a few pops of white floral.
 
Not to be left out, Casey and his groomsmen looked sharp, dressed in classic black tuxes with satin notch collars and bow ties.
 
After their first look, Marisa and Casey exchanged their wedding vows on the steps of the estate under a crystal chandelier, officiated by the bride’s uncle. The majestic columns flanking the couple were adorned with large swags of white florals.
 
The incredible outdoor wedding reception that followed was set against the backdrop of the two-and-a-half-story Mediterranean mansion. 
 
Guest tables were draped in white linen and accented with large clusters of greenery and flickering white pillar candles in glass cylinders. Gold charger plates, soft blue napkins with custom menu cards, individual laser cut name plaques and fresh rosemary added the perfect, very personal touch to the reception. Vintage pressed blue glassware and gold acrylic tables numbers added another nod to the color story.
 
The couple’s sweetheart table was an incredible focal point. They were seated on an elegant powder blue settee behind a beautiful wooden two drawer table. The drawers opened toward guests and overflowed with eucalyptus and white roses with gold glass votives completing the look.
 
After their first dance the band faded into a hora and a brief dance set before guests were seated for a delicious dinner and night of dancing under the shimmering market lights and Sarasota sky.

It was a pleasure for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team to plan Meredith and Jorge’s incredible downtown Sarasota wedding at the brand new Art Ovation Hotel. 
 
The deep red and metallic gold color palette played well with all of the modern detailing of Sarasota’s newest downtown wedding venue.
 
After spending the morning relaxing, hair and makeup for the ladies, and time for the wedding photographer to shoot images of the wedding details and Meredith getting ready, it was time for the couple’s First Look.
 
They were so adorable! 
 
Meredith looked stunning in the first of her two wedding gowns; a light layered tulle ballgown with a nude illusion bodice with modern lace.  She carried a cascading bouquet of deep crimson roses, hypericum berries, burgundy peonies and red amaryllis.
 
Jorge looked incredibly handsome wearing his grandfather’s vintage classic tuxedo with the modern touches of a patterned tie and pocket square
 
They took full advantage of the beautiful scenery surrounding the hotel for some outdoor wedding portraits.
 
The wedding structure of flowing soft white fabric and swags of greenery exploding in deep red florals set the stage for their indoor wedding ceremony. Meredith made her entrance to At Last by Etta James before the two exchanged their wedding vows. The bride’s grandfather and uncle officiated the incredible, heartfelt wedding ceremony.
 
A cocktail hour with their signature cocktail, A Standing Ovation, led into a magnificently detailed wedding reception.
 
Guest tables were surrounded by gold chiavari chairs and were layered with shimmering gold linen, gold charger plates and deep red napkins topped with custom menu cards. Footed containers overflowing with greenery and an assortment of deep red flowers, modern acrylic and gold table numbers and textured glass votive candles completed the timeless look.
 
After introductions, Meredith and Jorge’s First Dance to When I Say I Do by Matthew West and a welcome speech, guests were treated to three fun, delicious food stations.
 
An evening of dancing concluded with the couple cutting an incredible shimmering gold wedding cake adorned with red florals.
 
Congratulations Meredith and Jorge, we were honored to be part of your incredible wedding day. 
 
Find out more about the couple, Jorge’s wedding proposal and their wedding at Scene Sarasota

Lauren and Kurt were so much fun for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning Team to work with. Their wedding was about family, food, fun, bursts of color and cute details.
 
Their wedding story started with adorable wedding invitations filled with colorful flowers, a theme that repeated itself throughout the wedding.
 
Their Sarasota wedding began at the Lido Beach Resort with the ladies getting ready and sharing a toast. We love their matching palm leaf robes and the stemless monogrammed champagne glasses.
 
The fun details continued with matching Mickey and Minnie ears, a brightly colored bridal bouquet with pink peonies, orange and fuchsia colored roses and Lauren’s gift to her dad. She gave him a sweet tie bar that read “forever your little girl.”
 
Kurt spent the morning with his groomsmen and we love his polka dot pocket square and some fun boutonnieres with roses, seeded eucalyptus and succulents.
 
Lauren and Kurt did not let some rain dampen the fun; they had their first look and the wedding ceremony was moved to an indoor space. Floor to ceiling windows and a dark wood wedding structure with floral swag helped bring the outdoors inside. 
 
The couple and their wedding guests made their way to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for a fun evening of dinner and dancing.
 
Their cocktail hour included awesome caricature arts and fun twists on Deviled Eggs, Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese and Shrimp Escabeche and Plantain Chip.
 
After some wedding photos on the beach and at the aquarium, everyone joined the couple for dinner and dancing.  The brilliantly colored theming was carried though the centerpieces, custom menu cards and the colorful bands of the charger plates.
 
Guests danced under a canopy of crystal chandeliers and dined on inventive food stations that included Wagyu Beef Sliders, an Artisan Mac and Cheese Bar and a Taco “Truck” Bar with local Grouper and Chicken Tacos and all of the fixings.
 
Lauren and Kurt had an incredible evening and it was absolutely a wedding that reflected their personalities!

Our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning clients Christian and Robert began their days separately with their wedding parties. 
 
The ladies began earlier in the morning with hair and makeup followed by detail photos of Christian’s fabulous shoes, wedding gown, jewelry and their wedding invitation.
 
The gentlemen began a little later, dressing and preparing for some portraits and their departure to the Courtyard at Sarasota’s Ringling Museum of Art. 
 
Later in the afternoon the couple and their wedding parties were transported to the Ringling where Christian and Robert had their First Look, some photos with their wedding party and some portraits at sunset.
 
Christian carried a brilliantly colored cascading bouquet of roses ranging from white to bright magenta, some in pale pink with darker tips. The bouquet was infused with seeded eucalyptus and garden ivy trailing down the sides.
 
They spent some time together to freshen up prior to the wedding ceremony. As the sun set wedding guests gathered for a beautiful evening ceremony. Christian and Robert exchanged their wedding vows in front of a dark wood arch draped in a rope of thick greenery; that allowed the uplight trees and shimmering lights to be their backdrop.
 
An adjoining space in the courtyard welcomed guests for Cocktail Hour, that included a display of charcuterie and cheeses before making their way to the outdoor dinner under the stars.
 
The lawn was surrounded by a hedge of trees draped in shimmering light.   Round tables draped in light colored linen were layered with gold charger plates, knotted napkins and gold toned containers filled with colorful flowers that reflected the light.
 
A long rectangular black and white checked dance floor filled the center of the courtyard with a unique modern wedding cake at one end. 
 
The four-tiered wedding cake sat on a gold stand.  The top and bottom layers were draped in white.  The second tier was a naked layer dotted in gold leaf.  The third tier was brushed with gold and fuchsia. A rope of hot pink spray roses cascaded around the wedding cake.
 
Cheers to Christian and Robert! We wish you a life as bright and colorful as your wedding day.

As 2018 came to a close our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team was excited to bring Joy and Craig’s blush and gold beach wedding vision to life.
 
Their Lido Beach Resort wedding on Sarasota’s Lido Key was an amazing reflection of their love for each other. 
 
Joy and Craig chose not to see each other prior to their wedding ceremony on the resort’s private white sand beach. 
 
Joy took some time in her suite for some wedding portraits and to take in the gulf views and their wedding ceremony space below.
 
The bride carried a handtied bridal bouquet of white peonies, roses and ranunculus accented by dusty miller; the perfect accent to her white lace wedding gown.
 
Joy, escorted by her youngest son, made her way to the waterfront wedding ceremony where Craig and their guests waited for her arrival.
 
The ceremony space was marked with a blond wood wedding structure with a covering of flowers in white and shades of pale pink. The ground in front of the structure had two large gold tone garden urns filled with filled with flowers, which was repurposed after the wedding ceremony to flank the sweetheart table.
 
After exchanging their wedding vows the couple exited to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars and spent some time together taking some beautiful wedding portraits on the Sarasota beach.
 
The couple and their wedding guests made their way to the resorts’ Royal Palm Ballroom. The space was dressed in soft lighting with gold ballroom chairs, gold rimmed charger plates and gold votive candles.
 
The room was accented in in soft pink linen with matching napkins and centerpieces of pink and white flowers.
 
One of our favorite details was their sweetheart table with an asymmetric floral centerpiece, fabric chair treatments and lighting that made it appear to be floating.
 
The reception included some touching speeches, amazing food and dancing and the night ended with delicious wedding cake, desserts and chocolate dipped strawberries.
 

Casey and Matthew were awesome for our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team to work with. Early in the planning of their Sarasota wedding we asked each of them about some of their favorite things.
 
We love doing this as it gives us a lot of insight into the couples and personality and often gives us details that inspire design elements.
 
Imagine our surprise when Casey responded that she loved Florida oranges, so we took that idea and ran with it.
 
The day began with breakfast and then hair and makeup for the ladies.  The guys relaxed and started getting ready a little later in the morning. All of the special details were arranged to be photographed prior to the couple heading to the Ringling for their first look while our Jennifer Matteo Event Planning team worked with the wedding professionals on preparations for the wedding ceremony and reception.
 
Casey wore a beautiful form fitting gown with a sweetheart neckline and a little touch of shimmer.  Matthew wore a light grey suit with an open collared white shirt. His boutonniere was made with floral details found in Casey’s bouquet.
 
Casey carried a loose, textural bouquet of succulents, dusty miller, and dramatic bursts of orange and white.
 
Their uniquely designed waterfront wedding ceremony combined unlikely elements for a beach wedding. The combination of sunshine, sand, water and rattan fans were balanced against a random selection of dark wood dining room chairs, a wispy curly willow arch to mark the aisleway and a dark wood wedding arbor swagged with lush greenery and white hydrangea and roses.
 
Their waterside wedding ceremony incorporated a sand ceremony and an exchange of vows witnessed by family and friends. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour and an outdoor reception in a grove of palms, under a canopy of market lights.
 
The reception repurposed the incredible wooden farmhouse dining chairs paired with a soft creamy linen, wicker charger plates and a light sage colored napkin. The focal point of the table were beautiful low centerpieces in wooden boxes that overflowed with greenery, white flowers and Florida oranges.
 
The orange theme continued into their wedding cake which combines white, orange and blush flowers with brightly colored oranges.