Abbie and Joe’s Sarasota wedding was full of sweet details, gorgeous florals and a coffee bar that had guests raving. Featuring a color palette of blush pink with subtle hints of gold, the bride and groom opted for mismatched fine china and giant goblets to add flavor to their special day.

“Our theme could be best described as garden-style. I wanted loose flowers with lots of greens,” the bride explained. “Pink is my favorite color, but I didn’t want an overwhelming amount of pink.”

MORE: GARDEN INSPIRED WEDDINGS

Early on, the bride was excited to continue a family tradition by choosing her wedding dress from Truly Forever Bridal.

“I chose Truly Forever Bridal because both of my older sisters had found their dresses there. I figured why not keep the tradition going,” the bride gushed. “Walking in I knew the exact style I wanted for my dress. I always thought I wanted a sweetheart strapless tight to mid-thigh then flare out, and when I tried this dress on I knew it was the one! It was everything I dreamed of, except that it had straps instead of sweetheart strapless.”

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The Florida natives wanted music that complemented their surroundings and were thrilled when they came across the beautiful sounds of Sunset Strings.

“We included live music for the outside ceremony because we thought it would sound better than something over a speaker. It was absolutely beautiful,” the bride gushed. “I would highly recommend Sunset Strings to anyone looking! They gave us a list of all of their songs, which made it super helpful to choose. They also have a YouTube channel with different videos that you can click through and listen to while picking your selections.”

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Looking back on their wedding day, Abbie recalled the moment her husband surprised her with a breakout performance at their reception.

“Joe completely surprised me and sang I’m Yours by Russel Dickerson at our reception. One time I nonchalantly said to him ‘I would love for you to sing at my wedding,’ and he actually remembered and put on quite a show!”

What did you look for in a wedding dress?
I always thought I wanted a sweetheart strapless tight to mid-thigh then flare out. When I tried this dress on I knew it was the one; it was everything I dreamed except that it had straps instead of sweetheart strapless.

I chose Truly Forever Bridal because both of my older sisters had found their dresses there. I figured why not keep the tradition going. Walking in I knew the exact style I wanted for my dress. The consultant was very good at helping me keep an open mind and gave me a variety of different styles to try on. In the end, I walked out with the dress I had in mind when I first came in. I guess you could say I know what looks good on my body.”

Why did you include live music for your ceremony?

We included live music for the outside ceremony because we thought live music would sound better than something over a speaker. It was absolutely beautiful!

I would highly recommend Sunset Strings to anyone looking! They gave us a list of all of their songs they could play, which made it super helpful to choose. They also have a YouTube channel with different videos that you can click through and listen to while picking your selections.

The Proposal:
Joe and I dated for two years before he asked me to marry him. One summer, Joe was planning a photo shoot to help launch his new personal training website, and he asked me to be in the shoot. I was flattered and agreed. Little did I know the day was going to end with more than just a couple of photos! I asked one of my best friends who occasionally does my makeup if she would tag along and help with my look for the day. I didn’t even know she was be doing my makeup for my proposal! We went down to Naples beach, got a hotel and began to get ready while Joe went out to shoot some photos by himself. While Michelle and I were in the room getting ready, I asked her if she thought I could be getting engaged. She quickly responded with, “Oh no! If you were getting engaged I would definitely know, and I promise I know nothing!” Surprisingly, Michelle really didn’t know because Joe didn’t want that exact convo to happen because he knows I would ask something like that! She was just as surprised as me when we walked down to the beach and found a huge heart made out of roses that said, “Will you marry me?”

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Garden-style. I wanted loose flowers with lots of greens, and with it being an outside wedding, that was the best way for us to describe it.

What were your colors?
Blush pink with subtle hints of gold. Pink is my favorite color, but I didn’t want an overwhelming amount of pink.

What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Enjoy the process! I heard that a lot when I was planning, but sometimes being stressed and overwhelmed I would forget how important that was. It’s your one time leading up to your special day, and looking back you will only think that dwelling over the little things was silly! If it doesn’t go your way, see which way it goes; it’s more thrilling and who doesn’t love a good thriller?

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Historic Spanish Point
Photographer: Ashleah Yust Photography
Florist: Garden of Eden
Caterer: Sarasota Catering
Rentals: Rental Depot
Cake: Made by Rita Rud (Groom’s Sister)
DJ: Event Concepts
Live Music: Sunset Strings *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Pastor Jason Warman, Coastlife Church, Venice FL
Invitations: Minted
Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Bridesmaids Dresses: Poffie Girls
Hair: Elina Bolam
Makeup: Krista Worth Beauty
Additional Vendors: Out and About Coffee