Keri and Chris’ destination Longboat Key beach wedding was a beautiful boho blend of the Gulf Coast waters’ natural elegance with the carefree salt-life style of living that Florida is famous for. This stunning destination wedding included live music on the beach playing throughout the night as guests kicked off their shoes and danced barefoot on the sand.
“I wanted something casual, relaxed, with a boho-minimalist vibe. Something that reflected our style and who we are,” the bride explained. “We kept everything natural with hints of white, ivory, and mauve. I really liked the natural look with soft colors against the beach setting. I feel the setting with couches, farm tables, and a live band on the beach was exactly what I had envisioned and something I had not seen before. We were so happy with the outcome, and I can’t think of anything we would have changed.”
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The California couple loved Florida’s Gulf Coast and knew it would make the perfect backdrop for their destination wedding of 85 guests. While planning their cross-country celebration, Keri relied on The Resort at Longboat Key to take care of all the little details that encompassed their wedding.
“We currently live in San Diego, CA; however, I’ve been coming to Florida with my family since I was a little girl. My parents own a condo now in Longboat Key, and it made for the perfect setting for a beach vacation for our family and friends for the weekend,” the bride beamed. “We wanted a private, natural setting with a beautiful view so the beach setting at The Resort at Longboat Key Club was perfect for us. Ayla, our coordinator was amazing. She immediately made me feel at ease when we looked at the venue and her responsiveness and communication was key in planning a wedding from California. They were extremely accommodating to all of our questions and did an amazing job on the day of the setup and catering. Our guests still rave about how great the food was!”
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Keeping in line with the boho atmosphere, the couple focused on hosting a relaxed affair with personal touches.
“The ceremony and vibe of the reception were really important to us. We wanted to keep the ceremony intimate and personal in a way that was more representative of us. We had Chris’ best friend officiate and spent a lot of time coming up with the script and vows,” Keri revealed. “We also stayed away from doing a traditional sit-down dinner, and instead opted for a lounge reception with food stations for the guests to mix and mingle on the sand throughout the night. We really wanted to stay away from doing a more traditional wedding and stay true to who we are. Overall, we wanted everyone to enjoy themselves in a casual yet beautiful setting.”
Looking back on their wedding day, it was the intimate moments and celebrating with their friends and family that meant the most to Keri.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was walking down the aisle and seeing Chris for the first time that day. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember,” Keri gushed. “Because we live across the country from many of our family and friends, seeing everyone having a great time together is something we were so grateful for. Dancing barefoot in the sand, watching the sunset, and celebrating with everyone close to us was more than we could have ever hoped for.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted a private, natural setting with a beautiful view, so the beach setting was perfect for us.
Ayla, our coordinator at The Resort at Longboat Key Club was amazing. She immediately made me feel at ease when we looked at the venue and her responsiveness and communication was key in planning a wedding from California. They were extremely accommodating to all of our questions and did an amazing job the day of with the setup and catering. Our guests still rave about how great the food was!
The Proposal:
Chris’ proposal was intimate and sweet at our home in San Diego with our pet rabbit.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I wanted something casual, relaxed, with a boho-minimalist vibe. Something that reflected our style and who we are.
What were your colors?
We kept everything natural with hints of white, ivory, and mauve. I really liked the natural look with soft colors against the beach setting.
What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Keep your wedding representative of you as a couple. On the day of don’t stress about the small stuff and just enjoy yourselves!
Venue and Caterer: The Resort at Longboat Key Club *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Alisia Thompson Photography
Planner: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Florist: Tailored Twig
Rentals: The Copper Acorn, So Staged Event Rentals, Palacios Events, US Tent
Cake: Cakes by Ron
Band: Keith James Music
Invitations & Signage: Kimberly Ann Jones Art
Transportation: Siesta Trolley
Dress Shop and Designer: The Dress Theory (San Diego) – Alexandra Grecco
Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne