Vintage 1920's Sarasota Destination Wedding | Ca d'Zan Mansion
Brittany and David's Sarasota wedding was inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Roaring 1920’s.
“Both David and I are enamored with the magnificence of Prohibition Era America – from the style of dress and the lavish parties, to the carelessness, freedom and zest for life that is so beautifully expressed in old photographs. We wanted to bring all of that beauty into our wedding design,” the bride shared.
The proximity to Tampa Bay and the beaches sold the New York City couple on Sarasota for their Florida destination wedding.
“We thought Sarasota would be a crowd-pleaser with our friends coming in from NYC, due to the guaranteed weather and easy access to the beach,” Brittany explained.
The couple's outdoor wedding ceremony took place on the front lawn of the Ca d’Zan at sunset, then guests danced the night away underneath the stars on the venue's terrace.
“We wanted to find a venue that evoked the true beauty of the 1920’s, the inspiration behind our wedding,” the bride shared. “We thought that the Ca D’Zan Mansion, built in 1922, was the perfect setting for a grand, 1920's affair.”
To transform their outdoor wedding venue, Brittany and David hired Sarasota wedding florist Andrea Layne Floral Design.
“Andrea [of Andrea Layne Floral Design] was amazing from start to finish. I would get married all over again just to use her services!” the bride gushed. “I loved how she helped interpret our ideas in the form of visuals with the use of photos and Pinterest pins. For us, not knowing much about flowers, this really helped bring our ideas to life! She was extremely flexible and open to change as our budget fluctuated up and down and was more than accommodating when it came to making small tweaks to help with the overall cost.”
Showing homage to the family cigar business and complementing their 1920's themed wedding, the couple incorporated indulgent activity stations for their guests.
“In addition to the regular bar, we set up a bourbon and whiskey bar that served a variety of high-end spirits, similar to the ones enjoyed during the time period,” Brittany explained. “My family is in the cigar industry, so naturally, we had quite the elaborate cigar set up, with a cigar roller crafting custom cigars and a table full of different types of cigars for guests to enjoy.”
Looking back, some of the bride's most memorable happened on the dance floor.
“In addition to the band, we also had several guest appearances on the mic. My brother treated us to a rendition of Frank Sinatra, our friends gave us a taste of the Isley Brothers and my husband and his fraternity brothers, all gentlemen of The University of Florida’s Kappa Alpha Order, serenaded me to the traditional Rose Song,” the bride reminisced. “My favorite part of the night, hands down, was the dancing – once it started, it didn’t stop, and everyone was out on the dance floor!”
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
A passionate (but flexible!) person who was able to interpret my thoughts and ideas. Price was also a factor.
Andrea [of Andrea Layne Floral Design] was amazing from start to finish. I would get married all over again just to use her services! She always answered emails promptly and was well prepared with all of the information we asked for. I also loved how she helped interpret our ideas in the form of visuals with the use of photos and Pinterest pins. For us, not knowing much about flowers, this really helped bring our ideas to life! Lastly, she was extremely flexible and open to change as our budget fluctuated up and down and was more than accommodating when it came to making small tweaks to help with the overall cost.
The Proposal:
The proposal happened on Valentine's Day at the Boathouse in Central Park. David suggested that we go somewhere nice and that our friend was able to squeeze a last minute reservation in at the famed restaurant. When we arrived for our reservation, the hostess informed them that ‘she had no reservation' and that ‘it was going to be impossible' to seat us. She suggested having a drink at the bar to give her a few minutes to figure something out.
Fifteen minutes later, the hostess walked us through the crowded restaurant to a set of doors. As they opened, she revealed a window-lined ballroom with a singular, candlelit table in the center of the room.
After we ate our stunningly romantic dinner, David asked me if wanted to take a photo out on the patio in front of the lake. When we walked out to the snow covered terrace, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny black box, got down on one knee and asked to spend the rest of his life with me!
How would you describe your theme?
We were largely inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Roaring 1920’s. Both David and I are enamored with the magnificence of Prohibition Era America – from the style of dress and the lavish parties, to the carelessness, freedom and zest for life that is so beautifully expressed in old photographs. We wanted to bring all of that beauty into our wedding design.
What were your colors?
Our palette was focused in romantic neutrals, with champagne, gold and pewter as a accents.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
It all goes by so fast.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Remember to enjoy yourself and savor every moment!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ca D’Zan Mansion
Photographer & Cinematographer: Dideo Films Photography
Florist: Andrea Layne Floral Design
Rentals: All Event Rental & Design
Rentals: Over the Top Rental Linens *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Vendor
Rentals: Signature Event Rentals *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Vendor
Cake: Elise's Pieces
Band: Chello Hollyday Band
Dress: Sottero and Midgley
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dress: Bill Levkoff
Groomsmen Tuxes: Vera Wang for David's Bridal
Makeup: Danielle Sabatello Makeup Artist, LLC
Hair: Tina Marie Hair Styling
