Abigail and Kurt's destination Sarasota beach wedding featured soft, neutral flora and natural greenery, a stunning oceanfront ceremony, and a chic ballroom reception with tropical accents.
“Our wedding theme was romantic and simplistic with a touch of beachy vibes. We have always loved the beach, and it is our happy place so we knew there wasn't a better location for the wedding!” the bride beamed. “We chose navy and blush as our colors because they fit perfectly with the vibe of the time of year. February is a winter month (I know, Florida doesn't necessarily agree with that) so the warmth of the navy for winter along with the blush/dusty rose for Valentine's weekend was a perfect blend.”
The Virginia couple originally hails from Florida, and while planning their nuptials from afar Abigail relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay when researching venue options to accommodate their 110 guests.
“In the very beginning of the planning process, I went through any and all wedding websites…you name it, I searched it! I came across Marry Me Tampa Bay when I was originally searching for a venue, and I loved how detailed the description of each location was,” the bride raved. “Marry Me Tampa Bay helped me clarify details from other venues that I did not have the time to visit which helped in the process of elimination.”
The bride and groom visited Longboat Key during a romantic getaway and Kurt popped the question on their beachfront balcony, so searching for wedding venues in that area was a natural choice. While touring wedding locations, the couple looked for the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.
“We chose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because I fell in love with it the minute we walked in; it was classy and visually pleasing. After staying at the resort, every venue that we toured after that simply didn't compare. I knew in my heart that The Resort at Longboat Key Club was where our wedding was going to be,” Abigail gushed. “During the months, days, even minutes leading up to the wedding, they were amazing with their service. I was truly blown away not only by how Kurt and I were treated during the weekend but also by how our families were treated as well. We felt like we were the only wedding the venue has ever had because we were treated like royalty all weekend.”
While attending a friend's wedding and partying on the dance floor all night, Abigail knew she had found the perfect DJ for her own wedding and wasted no time securing them for their upcoming date.
“We were in search of a DJ who would keep the dance floor alive the entire night. Kurt and I went to a wedding six months before our own, and I loved the DJ! He had people on the floor the entire night and was able to notice when to switch up the vibe when the crowd on the dancefloor was dying out. I asked for his card that night and boom…booked Graingertainment the next day!” the bride revealed.
As a delicious surprise for their guests, the couple opted for a unique dessert that would appear after ceremoniously their wedding cake cutting.
“Something I loved about our wedding that isn't common was the Venetian dessert table! After Kurt and I cut the cake, we had a big table rollout that was full of miniature Italian desserts, cannolis, tiramisu, New York cheesecake, etc. It was amazing and our guests loved it!” Abigail raved.
Abigail and Kurt savored the moments during their wedding day experience, including reveling in their surroundings during their first dance, which the bride attributes as one of her favorite memories of the celebration.
“Our guests surrounded the dance floor, and I remember looking around and taking in all the smiling faces looking back at us,” Abigail reminisced. “Everyone was happy and nothing else mattered at that moment.”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Our bachelor/bachelorette weekend was a combined party in Savannah, Georgia. It was incredible and so much fun having both parties together. The girls and guys all got to meet (some for the first time) which made the dynamic between the wedding party on the wedding day even better.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Romantic and simplistic with a touch of beachy vibes. We have always loved the beach, and it is our happy place so we knew there wasn't a better location for the wedding!
What were your colors?
We chose navy and blush as our colors because we felt they fit perfectly with the vibe of the time of year. February is a winter month (I know, Florida doesn't necessarily agree with that) so the warmth of the navy for winter along with the blush/dusty rose for Valentine's weekend was a perfect blend.
The Proposal:
Kurt and I had been long-distance for a few years so when we visited each other, we would always like to do fun and spontaneous adventures together. When he planned a trip to Florida during Memorial Day weekend, we had the idea of staying at the Longboat Key Club resort. We had a fun weekend hanging out on the beach, and one evening during an afternoon Florida storm, we were on our balcony watching the storm and listening to music. Kurt went inside to grab us a couple of drinks and while he was in the room, our song, You Make It Easy by Jason Aldean, started playing. I got up and turned around to open the sliding door so that I could sing it to him, and he was down on his knee with the ring!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We have yet to go on our honeymoon (thanks, Covid) but we will be going to Hawaii.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We were looking for a simplistic, yet classy venue. Many venues that I came across were absolutely stunning but just not right for Kurt and me because they were on either end of the spectrum of being over the top or just not enough.
We chose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because I fell in love with it the minute we walked in; it was classy and visually pleasing. After staying at the resort, every venue that we toured after that simply didn't compare. I knew in my heart that The Resort at Longboat Key Club was where our wedding was going to be. During the months, days, even minutes leading up to the wedding, they were amazing with their service. I was truly blown away not only by how Kurt and I were treated during the weekend but also by how our families were treated as well. We felt like we were the only wedding the venue has ever had because we were treated like royalty all weekend.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We were in search of a DJ who would keep the dance floor alive the entire night.
Kurt and I went to a wedding six months before our own wedding and I loved the DJ! He had people on the floor the entire night and was able to notice when to switch up the vibe when the crowd on the dancefloor was dying out. I asked for his card that night and boom…booked Graingertainment the next day!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
The advice I would give to other Tampa Bay couples is to plan your wedding how YOU want it! Select the vendors YOU want, pick the venue YOU want. It's your day and the happiness that matters the most is your own. Friends and family will give their advice and input but at the end of the day, choose what makes you happy!
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: The Resort at Longboat Key Club *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer & Videographer: Taylor Shea Photography
Planner & Rentals: Swanky Soiree Events
Florist: Flowers by Fudgie
Cake: Cakes by Ron
DJ: Graingertainment *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Siesta Key Trolley
Dress Designer: Essence of Australia
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne & Co.
Rehearsal Dinner: The Resort at Longboat Key Club *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
