I really enjoy getting to know each and every one of my brides.  Planning a wedding is such a personal experience and I believe that I can be most creative and inspired when I get to know what makes the couple tick, how they met, how they got engaged and what they plan for their life together!  

Sometimes (and this was one of those times) I don't get to meet my couples in person leading up to the big day and we plan over the phone, email, facetime, whatever it  takes to comprehend their vision and what will make their wedding day perfect for them.  

Although I never met, and barely spoke with Ally and Wytch (there was one email chain over the 8 week planning period) I had the extreme pleasure of planning with Susan, Ally's mom.  We discussed a few key points that Ally did not want, such as a cake - and replaced that with playful gourmet ice cream sandwiches!  

After many meetings, calls, emails and inspiration boards - we nailed it!  After the wedding, Ally told me that she didn't know she wanted a wedding until she saw how beautiful her's was....

That comment totally made my week, and is why we do what we do, with such attention to detail and with the couple's personality, love and life in mind - even if we only meet them on the wedding day!

Give Credit Where Credit is Due:

Styling & Planning: Yours Truly
Catering: Modern Events
Dessert: Nye's Cream Sandwiches
Entertainment: No Filter Band
Florals: Victoria Blooms
Videography: Jessica Overholt
Photography: Alisia Thompson
Linens: BBJ
Draping: Palacios Events
Decor: So Staged
Rentals: US Tent
Transportation: Sarasota Trolley

From the first meeting - I adored Andrea and Jeff.  Their love of life, food and travel were apparent, and the main inspiration for their Modern Tuscan wedding.  

They wanted to spoil their guests with service, wine, and a really great night - so that is exactly what we did!

The twilight ceremony set the stage for a great evening - from the family style dinning to their charcuterie station with custom Italian wine wall (built by my uber talented husband) this one was so fun to pull together!  The couple gave me creative freedom and that is a planners dream!  

The florals were show stopping - fresh lemons, olive branches and loads of candles were the perfect accent to the cafe lighting overhead - that was entangled with greenery to give a really natural feel.  

I loved each and every detail of this wedding, but I loved getting to know the new Mr. & Mrs. Rodhouse more - congrats to a wonderful couple!!!

Give Credit where Credit is Due:

Planning & Styling: Yours Truly
Beauty: Brides by Kelly Anne
Gown: Tara Keely
Photography: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Catering: Puff N' Stuff
Entertainment: Jam All Day, Marc Mannino
Officiant: A Wedding With Grace
Florals: Oh Darling Events
Decor: So Staged
Lighting / Draping: Palacios Events
Rentals: US Tent Rentals
Venue: Bakers Ranch
Bakery: The Cake Zone

How to best describe this intimate Casey Key Wedding? Tranquil Elegance.  

I love planning each and every wedding I am so fortunate to be chosen for, but the smaller ones hold a special place in my heart.  

I believe that a successful event lies in the details.  Sometimes when you have a larger guest list you are not able to really focus on the little things that make a day so special, but when you are able to really narrow down who you want to invite it gives you the ability to take the time to think about every little thing that goes into the day.

We ordered in hand died muslin table runners, custom dishes, and used a hemp stitch napkin to give the table a really soft, yet coastal look.  

We scoured the area for just the right candle sticks, starfish and table decor to fill the center of the beautiful farm tables with just enough to compliments the greenery and florals so perfectly styled by Victoria Blooms.  

The Bride and Groom gave us a little direction in their design, and we were able to run with it and do what we do best - make weddings meaningful, beautiful and oh so special.

Thank you to these amazing Vendors!

Event Planning & Styling: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Beauty:  Brides By Kelly Anne
Bakery: Cakes by Ron
Furniture & Decor: So Staged Event Design
Rentals & Linens: US Tent / Linens by the Sea
Photography: Love & Style Photography
Catering: Mortons Gourmet
Florals: Victoria Blooms 
Stationary: Write On Sarasota
Entertainment: Tasa + Rob
​Lighting: Palacios Events 

Telling you that this couple was a dream to work with is simply an understatement.

From the first meeting my beautiful bride, Erin  - let me know that she wanted a soft romantic wedding, loved flowers and her 4 dogs!  I did my best to incorporate all he wishes into her wedding vision.  From the hanging centerpieces to the "doggie bags" at the candy bar and homemade dog treats for her guests to take home to their fur-babies - the details of this wedding were certainly reflective of this Veterinarian couple.

The venue was transformed with elaborate draping, lighting and such lovely decor - she really gave me free reign and trusted the vision that we both shared!

The guests dined on cuisine from Michaels on East catering, enjoyed the exceptional service and danced the night away under sparkling chandeliers!

Event Planning:  Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Catering: Michael's on East 
Beauty: Brides By Kelly Anne
Bakery: Cake Zone 
Specialty Decor: So Staged Events + Rentals
Rentals / Linens: US Tent 
Photography: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Venue: Bakers Ranch
Florals: Oh Darling Events
Stationary: Write On Sarasota
Entertainment: Wayne Delair Entertainment
Live Entertainment: Tasa + Rob
Draping: Affairs In the Air, Palacios Events
Transportation: SRQ Services

Sometimes a once in a lifetime venue comes along - and this was one of those times!  Ashley and Eric contacted me looking for a private beach wedding, something special and intimate that showed their sense of style and elegance.  I had a place in mind, and thankfully the home owners (who are friends and the sweetest people on earth) agreed to welcome them into their home for the big day.  

Their beachside palace is nothing short of breathtaking - the bridesmaids were treated to a stunning view of Siesta Key Beach while pampered in preparation for the wedding, while the groomsmen practiced their bowling game in the indoor alley, complete with a night club!

When it was time to say "I do" the couple made their way down to their private beach, and joined in marriage in front of 50 of their nearest and dearest.  

They dined and danced the night away on the powder white sand under the stars of one of the best beaches in the world - Siesta Key.  

From start to finish, this was a very special wedding for me to plan.  I can't thank Beth and Gary enough for opening their hearts and homes to Ashley and Eric - it was truly the perfect start to their life together!

Thank you to these Wedding Pros:
Event Styling & Planning: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Catering: Modern Events
Beauty: Brides by Kelly Anne
Chargers: BBJ Linens
Rentals & Linens: US Tent Rental / Linens by the Sea
Furniture & Decor: So Staged Event Rentals
Florals: Oh Darling Events
​Bakery: Cakes by Ron
Photographer: Rina Kay Photography
Videography: Jessica Overholt
Entertainment: Grant Hemond & Assoc.
Officiant: Your Wed Pastor

This was a once in a lifetime, so fun to plan, creative explosion of ideas! When Kati told me she wanted a Boho Tractor Wedding at her fiance's father's property, I was not sure what to think - then I saw the property.  It was literally COVERED in beautifully restored tractors complete with the perfect location under the trees for their ceremony.  
The bride and groom wanted good vibes, great music and food to reflect all their favorites - the team of vendors did not let them down!  
From the custom food stations (Got Meat?, Mac & Cheese and Oyster Shucking on site) to the soul filled sounds of Tasa + Rob they ate and danced the night away!
The are not fans of cake - so my creative team (aka my husband) custom built the donut wall to act both as their back drop and to serve the oh so sweet treats from La Dona Donuts!  
I surprised them with a Donut bride and groom - just as a little extra, that was just super cute (Thanks Chelsea!)
From start to finish - this was one of my all time favorites.  I am pretty sure that I will never again get the opportunity to style and work with such a great venue, amazing couple and such a unique vision!  

Thank you to these amazing wedding pros:
Planning / Styling: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Catering: Mortons Gourmet
Rentals: U.S Tent, So Staged Event Rentals
Donuts: La Dona Donuts
Entertainment: Tasa + Rob
Photography: Alisia Thompson
Lighting: Palacios Events
Florals: Oh Darling Events / Elegant Design Florals
Paper Art: CCs Paper Florals

This beautiful fall wedding is a great example of what a marriage should be about - family.  Jim and Nicole have two beautiful girls together and with their families (Nicole's flew in from Germany) they got their life together started off with a great party!
At their water side private property they said a heartfelt "I DO" - and follwed with German traditions - Baumstamm Sägen (sawing a log), and plate breaking.  These were all new to me, but so much fun to help plan and be a part of!
Everyone enjoyed dinner and dancing - complete with fire dancers and an appearance by Snow White for the kids!
I have done weddings at so many venues - but there is something special about hosting your closest loved ones at your home to start your life together.  
"Herzliche Glückwünsche" Jim and Nicole! (I hope I am saying that right?) It was such a pleasure to help you plan your begining and I wish you all the happiness in the world!

Thank you to these amazing wedding professionals:

Planning & Event Styling: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Rentals: US Tent
Decor: So Staged
Videography: SRQ Photography, Everett Dennison
Bakery: Sift Bakehouse
Make up: Brides by Kelly Anne
Entertainment: Firedancers - Gena Cristiani & Ella Storme
Catering: Ephesus Mediterranean Grill
​

Weddings are supposed to be about love, right?  The word alone is at the main foundation of what a marriage is about.  THIS wedding was what it should be about.  The amount of love between Tony and Kristin could not be measured. Throw in an abundance of celebrating with family and friends and you have yourself one heck of a wedding!  

It wasn't about being showy, or being better than one of her (many) sisters.  Kristin planned her wedding to be quaint, intimate, and really showcase who she and Tony were as a couple.  

She asked for pastels, wild flowers, and a feel that reflected the look of her family's ranch in Sarasota, Florida.  Her dress...was THE dress.  Vintage, tea length, embelished in all the right places and just perfect for her - was the start of the design process for me.  

I took my cues from the blush pinks, delicate lace and played off of Kristin's lovely, sweet and oh so soothing personality.  Every meeting with her let me feeling more at ease than when it started (she's got a gift for that).  
​Her ceremony was loving and full of spirit.  The vows between Kristin and Tony were heartfelt and sincere.  Her dog Emma even followed her down the aisle (which was totally not planned, but so wonderful!)
Family and friends dined and celebrated under a draped tent in the families riding corral and danced the night away with Jam All Day Entertainment leading the party!  
​
I am so thankful to say that although the wedding planning is over, I am still close to Kristin and her family.  Her father is my pediatrician and we speak often!  I am so fortunate that I get to do what I love, and meet some amazing people along the way.

Planning: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Photography: Heather Lauren Photography
Beauty: Brides by Kelly Anne
DJ / Photobooth: Jam All Day Entertainment
Florals: Bee Ridge Florist
Bakery: Thompson's Cakes
Ceremony Music: Marc Mannino
Videography: Longen Films