Olivia and Gabriel's bohemian-inspired Sarasota beach wedding featured neutral colors, an abundance of greenery, and personal details.
To complement the gorgeous locale, the bride and groom opted for natural foliage and botanicals with shades of white, honey, and greenery. The couple incorporated personal touches including their pet, Mae, who appeared on napkins, favors, and even the cake!
The Orlando couple chose the Sarasota area for their big day because Olivia originally hailed from the area, and they wanted their 175 guests to experience Florida's famous beaches.
“The most important thing for us was a beautiful place for our guests to visit and a great beach,” the couple explained. “We chose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because of the beach ceremony spots that they have. The service was fantastic! The MVP was Ayla Goggin; she was always available throughout the entire process, even grabbing the groom a Scotch while we took pictures. The beautiful golf courses didn’t hurt either.”
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Olivia and Gabriel sought a relaxed but formal atmosphere for their wedding day, with unique elements that were not typical of other beach weddings. The couple utilized the “South Beach” location for the ceremony and the Harbourside Ballroom for their reception.
“We did a great job of having a beach formal wedding that everyone was able to enjoy. The band and our awesome guests made for an amazing atmosphere,” the bride and groom shared.
Music was also a big priority for the pair, who wanted to truly entertain their guests with a band that would work closely with them to accomplish the kind of party they envisioned.
“We can’t say enough great things about Bay Kings Band. Gabriel and his entire family are from Bogota, Colombia, so it was important for us to have a band that could play different kinds of music,” the bride beamed. “They learned a few different songs for us and abided by the 100+ song ‘no playlist.' Everybody in that band was awesome.”
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When reminiscing about the memorable moments of the day, a few special experiences stood out for the couple, most of which were rooted in their relationships and family.
“The first look was awesome. The weather couldn’t have been better. The arch we had was actually built by Olivia’sdad and it stole the show. Father of the Bride, Mike Walker delivered a speech that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house,” Gabriel reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
The most important thing for us was a beautiful place for our guests to visit and a great beach. We chose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because of the beach ceremony spots they have. The service was fantastic. Ayla Goggin was always available to answer any question we had throughout the entire process. The beautiful golf courses didn’t hurt either.
The Proposal:
From the first time Gabriel visited, we would go to a specific spot to watch the Sarasota sunset, always with our dog Mae. On Christmas Day, when we went to watch the sunset, Gabriel set up a camera and said he was taking a family picture. It was really a video that captured the proposal as the sun was setting on this spot that was so special to us.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Bohemian beach. We had always planned to get married in Sarasota, and we were also drawn to having a beach ceremony. The sand and sunset made our decorating and picking wedding extras simple!
What were your colors?
We chose neutral colors, as they matched our bohemian beach theme and all of the greenery and botanicals we chose. The bridesmaids were in all white, and the men were in navy.
What did you look for in a wedding band?
We wanted a band that would entertain our guests and work with us to accomplish the kind of party we wanted. Bay Kings Band delivered on all fronts. We can’t say enough great things about this band. Gabriel and his entire family are from Bogota, Colombia, so it was important for us to have a band that could play different kinds of music. They learned a few different songs for us and abided by the 100+ song “no playlist.” Everybody in that band was awesome.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don't freak out. Everything is going to be great. Nothing that “goes wrong” will be remembered, and it goes quickly so soak it in.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Resort at Longboat Key Club *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Cat Pennenga Photography
Videographer: Imagery Wedding Films
Planner: Swanky Soirée Events
Florist: Flowers by Fudgie
Cake: Cakes by Ron
DJ: Bay Kings Band *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Michelle Latham
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Siesta Trolley
Dress Designer: Made with Love Bridal
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Shona Joy
Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Generation Tux and The Tie Bar
