Call me crazy - but I wanted to donate a wedding. Not just my services, but an entire wedding to a deserving couple who without assistance, could not have gotten married. The proposal happened on stage at a charity concert, as a surprise to the bride - who had no idea how much her life was about to change! He popped the question, she said yes and I walked onto the stage (very nervous to be in front of thousands) and announced that not only was her engagement ring a gift from Diamond Vault Jewelers, but her entire wedding was being gifted to her as a “thank you” for her military service and service to the community. Tears followed, and so did many planning meetings!
Their vision was elegant country, I found them the perfect venue - Rafter J Ranch Barn, which was so kind to donate their rural farm venue as the location for their big day. Every detail of the wedding was generously donated by a local vendor (please see complete list), and donations for the affair nearly reached $40,000. I was in awe of the generosity of our community in Sarasota - everyone was happy to be a part of the wedding and bring their creativity and services. As a homage to her military service, Karrie adorned dog tags in remembrance on her bridal bouquet- a detail that touched the heart of all the guests. The groom’s wedding band was a custom made piece by Diamond Vault and was forged out of metal from his fathers wedding band - another detail in memory of loved ones. It is not every day that I get to “give” someone a wedding - plan them, style them, yes - but the feeling of giving two amazingly sweet people the gift of a life together is something that I will always cherish. Without the unwavering support of the local wedding community this simply would not have been possible. Sarasota is a small town, but with the biggest heart! A Very Special Thank you to the vendors who donated their time and talents: Photography: Katelyn Prisco Photography Bakery: Cakes by Ron, Wonder Cakes Rentals: US Tent Lighting & Draping: Palacios Events Furniture & Decor: So Staged Florals: Victoria Blooms Favors: Just a Basket Case Venue: Rafter J Ranch Barn Stationary: Write on Sarasota Ceremony Music: Marc Manino Entertainment: Harry Wright Event Planning & Styling: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning Jewelry: Diamond Valut Catering: Morton’s Market Photo Booth: Be Glam Photo Booth Officiant: Grace Felice Beverages: Gold Coast Eagle Paper Artist: CC’s Paper Florals Garter: Mandaleno's tickle YOUR fancy I love a good charity. When you are asked to partner with a GREAT charity, that is something special!
I was kindly approached by Kelly & Tony Barrett of Barrett Realty to help them plan their annual Golf Outing for Heroes Welcome Home - a charity that helps find housing for local vets, and I jumped at the opportunity! I teamed up with Just a Basketcase Events and Sunset Cadillac to put on a great event, that was SO MUCH FUN! We were able to raise significant funds for the charity and we look forward to another great event next year! Special Thank you to Dylan Wade Cox Photography for some great shots! |
Jennifer Matteo
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