Ryann & Jeffery's Vow Renewal at Esplanade Golf and Country Club
On September 6, 2025, Ryann and Jeffery Gaines renewed their vows at Esplanade Golf and Country Club in Lakewood Ranch, with their closest family and friends there to watch. We planned the day with them, and it was a lovely one: small, warm, and full of people who've been part of their story for a long time.
Why Ryann and Jeffery wanted to renew their vows
After years of memories, adventures, and big moments, they wanted to mark how far they've come. Their idea was simple. They wanted a gathering that felt personal and intimate, with a classic feel. After living a decade of life together, learning together, growing up, and growing older - they finally got their BEAUTIFUL celebration with family!
We were honored to plan it, and we worked in small details that nodded to their history together.
The setting at Esplanade in Lakewood Ranch
Esplanade gave us wide views, lots of green, and a relaxed feel that still felt polished. The ceremony was on the lawn in the early evening, when the light turns soft and golden.
As guests arrived, there was quiet music and flowers by Tailored Twig. Their arrangements were white blooms and greenery, simple and fresh, with plenty of life in them.
The Ceremony Esplanade in Lakewood Ranch
Their officiant led them through a sweet exchange of vows, and there weren't many dry eyes in the crowd. It felt like two people saying, "We'd still choose this."
There was laughter and a few happy tears. Their family was right there, and some of them had watched this love grow over the years.
The reception
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the reception. We designed it with Upstaged SRQ and Stella Rose Events, keeping the look soft and neutral with candlelight and Tailored Twig's florals on the tables. US Tent Rental helped shape the space so the evening could flow easily.
The cake came from Cakes by Ron, a classic one that suited the evening. Then dinner turned into dancing, and the whole room loosened up.
Capturing The Moments
Jozie Jennings Photography photographed the day. The quiet ceremony moments are in there, and so is the laughing that went on all night.
What We Loved About Planning This Beautiful Vow Renewal at Esplanade in Lakewood Ranch
This wasn't a day of big gestures. It was about the two of them and the people in the room.
How do you plan a vow renewal?
A vow renewal can be as big or as small as you like. There's no license or legal paperwork, so you get to build the day around what feels like you.
Start with the feeling you want, whether that's a quiet dinner with a few people or a full party. Then decide who's there. A smaller guest list often makes the day more personal. Think about writing your own vows, even short ones. And if you can, let someone else handle the details so you get to be a guest at your own celebration. That's where we come in.
Frequently asked questions about renewing your vows
Do you need a marriage license to renew your vows?
No. A vow renewal is a symbolic celebration, so there's no legal paperwork.
Why a License Is Not Needed
Already Married: Because you are already legally married, a vow renewal is a symbolic event rather than a legal one.
No Paperwork: There are no legal documents to file, no waiting periods, and no government fees.
No Legal Effect: The ceremony does not change or affect your existing legal marriage status in any way
When should you renew your vows?
Any time that feels right. Some couples wait for a big anniversary, and others do it after just one year.
Common Timing Options For Vow Renewals:
Milestone Anniversaries: Many couples wait for major markers like 10, 25, or 50 years of marriage.
Early Years: Some choose to renew after just 1, 3, or 5 years, especially if their original wedding was very small or rushed.
Life Events: Others hold a ceremony after overcoming a hard challenge, after a major life change, or annually as a personal tradition
Where can you hold a vow renewal near Sarasota?
You can hold a vow renewal almost anywhere you choose because it is a symbolic ceremony that does not require a legal marriage license.
Popular and Scenic Locations
Beaches and Coastal Spots: Sunset beach ceremonies offer a romantic backdrop, with regional options like the Gulf Coast beaches in Florida or tropical destinations.
Parks and Gardens: Local public parks provide picturesque, budget-friendly green spaces, though you may need a low-cost permit from the local parks department.
Nostalgic Venues: Returning to the original wedding venue, the spot where you first met, or a meaningful family hometown adds sentimental value.
Does Jennifer Matteo Event Planning plan vow renewals?
We do. We planned Ryann and Jeffery's, and we plan private celebrations of all sizes. You can read more on our Private Events page.
Dreaming about your own vow renewal?
If you're thinking about renewing your vows, we'd love to hear about it.
Say hello and tell us your idea, and we'll take it from there.
Vendor team
Planner: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Florals: Tailored Twig
Decor and rentals: Upstaged SRQ, Stella Rose Events, US Tent Rental
Cake: Cakes by Ron
Photography: Jozie Jennings Photography
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