Elegant Destination Sarasota Wedding | Siesta Key Beach Wedding
A relaxed Sarasota destination wedding was the perfect choice for this newlywed couple who wanted an intimate celebration. Lauren and Mark married at Siesta Key Beach, a location that the bride frequented as a child and that holds a special place in her family’s heart.
The Ohio couple searched for a Sarasota wedding location that was simple, yet meaningful and that created the perfect backdrop against Siesta Key Beach.
“A beach wedding fit both of our personalities because we are both very laid back and don’t like a lot of the pomp and circumstance you typically encounter at weddings,” Lauren explained.
Wanting a casual, yet romantic atmosphere for guests to enjoy, the couple focused their wedding day on a celebration of their love for each other.
“We wanted something simple, yet meaningful, with a beautiful backdrop, and you can’t get much more beautiful than Siesta Key beach and the ocean,” Lauren beamed. “Also, the fact that it was a Beach wedding without a nautical or ‘beachy’ theme was unique to us,”
Flower quality was important to the bride, who searched for a Sarasota wedding florist who would assist with her DIY wedding centerpieces.
“I can’t imagine having anyone better than Gayle from Florist Fire. She was professional and went out of her way to help, even volunteering on some last minute projects not part of the original plan,” the bride shared.
As a destination bride, Lauren leaned on the guidance of her Sarasota wedding planner throughout the process.
“Kimberly of Kimberly Hensley Events, was amazing. My husband and I have demanding jobs and were in the middle of making a move to Ohio, so we didn’t have the necessary time to devote to the process,” the bride explained. “Hiring a wedding planner was the best decision I made during the entire planning process.She is one of the big reasons why my day was so perfect!”
MORE: KIMBERLY HENSLEY EVENTS WEDDINGS
Looking back, one of the bride’s most memorable moments happened during the ceremony.
“I was so nervous about the ceremony, but it ended up being my favorite part. Even though I had worried about every single detail while planning, when I was standing there with my husband saying my vows on the beautiful beach on that perfect December afternoon, I thought of nothing else but that moment and was able to soak it all in,” Lauren reminisced.
What did you look for in a planner?
Hiring a wedding planner was the best decision I made during the entire planning process. My husband and I have demanding jobs and were in the middle of making a move to Ohio, so we didn’t have the necessary time to devote to the process. Also, being an out of town bride made having a planner a necessity.
Kimberly was everything I wanted in a planner. She was organized, leaving you feeling that no detail would to be missed. Kimberly will attest that I am enormously indecisive, though I think I got better as I went, so it was important to have someone who would push me to make a decision when necessary, which she did. She treated my wedding like it was her own, which is impressive knowing the number of weddings she plans each year. She is one of the big reasons why my day was so perfect!
How would you describe your theme?
Classically beautiful, with a rustic edge.
What were your colors?
Neutrals, including soft pinks, creams and browns with a touch of soft gold. My bridesmaids all wore different colors within that color scheme. I wanted my colors to be simple, yet classic that would not take away from the beautiful background my venue provided.
The Proposal:
My husband proposed at sunrise on the balcony of our room on our romantic vacation in Los Cabos, Mexico.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
Not being from the area, I was at the mercy of my planner’s advice for a florist. Flowers are so important, especially in my case since my colors were very simple. I wanted the flower quality to be top notch. My mom and I made many of the centerpieces ourselves, so we also needed someone willing to work with what we were making.I can’t imagine having anyone better than Gayle from Florist Fire. She was professional and went out of her way to help, even volunteering on some last minute projects not part of the original plan.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay/Sarasota Brides?
My most important planning advice is that if you are still considering hiring a wedding planner and can fit it in your budget, DO IT. The peace of mind they provide is priceless, especially on the wedding day.
Also, don’t be afraid to DIY if you have the time and the help. It is a fun way to get family members and friends involved and really puts a personal touch on your day.
Lastly, if you are looking for a beach wedding and haven’t checked out Sunset Beach Resort, do it now.
Venue: Sunset Beach Resort
Photographer: Jordan Weiland Photography
Planner: Kimberly Hensley Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Florist Fire
Caterer: Catering By Saffrons
Chair Rentals: So Staged Event Rentals
Tent Rentals: U.S. Tent Rental
Cake: Heavenly Cupcakes
Band: Bay Kings Band
Invitations: Noted Occasions
Dress Shop: Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique (Kentucky)
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN
Suits: Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.
Hair & Makeup: KyleLynn Weddings