Garden Inspired Sarasota Wedding | Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Wedding

Robin and Tom's Sarasota wedding featured an outdoor ceremony, followed by a reception under the stars with nature inspired elements such as wooden farm tables decorated with lush greenery.

“Tom and I both work in the horticulture industry, and our theme was lush, green, simple and organic because we love plants,” the bride shared. “The colors we used for our wedding were shades of green, champagne and blush.”

To bring their organic vision to life, the Riverview couple hired Sarasota wedding florist Andrea Layne Floral Design.

“[We looked for] someone who could capture my vision and put it together easily,” Robin said. “I love Andrea of Andrea Layne Floral Design. She was so very personable, and I knew that if I had any questions, thoughts or concerns I could reach out and ask her opinion. Her service was phenomenal.”

To document their wedding day for those who couldn't attend, Robin and Tom hired Sarasota wedding cinematographer Rad Red Creative.

“We wanted our wedding videography to capture our personalities and the feel of the day perfectly,”the bride shared. “I loved Rad Red Creative! My wedding planner promised that they would be the best for my videography needs, and they were absolutely everything that was promised. I felt like we were all friends after the wedding.”

Looking back, one of the couple's most memorable moments included incorporating their favorite football teams into the wedding reception.

“We had what is called the ‘Grand March' in Wisconsin, which is a second and late introduction of the wedding party dressed up in different outfits,” Robin explained. “I'm a die-hard Georgia Bulldog so my friends wore Georgia gear, while Tom's friends wore Green Bay Packers gear, and we all danced to Todd Rungren's, I Don't Wanna Work, which is a song played for Packer touchdowns. Our entire wedding party got to dance and be themselves. We were all so happy!”

What did you look for in a wedding videographer?
We wanted our wedding videography to capture our personalities and the feel of the day perfectly, so we could share it with our family who couldn't attend.

I loved Rad Red Creative! My wedding planner promised that they would be the best for my videography needs, and they were absolutely everything that was promised. I felt like we were all friends after the wedding.

What was the inspiration for your hair and makeup? 
I ultimately wanted simplicity, someone who would enhance my skin tone and keep it natural. I also really wanted someone who could work with my natural curl.

Michele Renee The Studio came to the house we rented to get ready and did all of the bridesmaids on location, so it was a very personalized and low-stress experience.

The Proposal:
Tom and I went out for dinner and drinks. On our way home, we stopped by our favorite spot by the church on Lake Alice, and he popped the question. The ring was the ultimate gift. He had spent many months with a Gainesville jeweler having it engraved with a design I picked out.

How would you describe your theme? 
Lush, green, simple and organic because we love plants. Tom and I both work in the horticulture industry.

What were your colors?
The colors we used for our wedding were shades of green, champagne and blush.

What did you look for in a wedding florist?
Someone who could capture my vision and put it together easily.

I love Andrea of Andrea Layne Floral Design. She was so very personable, and I knew that if I had any questions, thoughts or concerns I could reach out and ask her opinion. Her service was phenomenal.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Know the benefits and get a wedding planner. Do the full package. It's worth it to spend the time expressing your vision just once and have someone complete it for you. Because we used a wedding planner and I wasn't having to do the entire day myself, there were unexpected elements of surprise that I appreciated. I didn't really know what the dinner set up would look like *exactly,* and it was perfect.

Invest in your reception! I would also suggest an extra bartender if you have over 150 guests or more.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Photographer: Alison Epps Photography
Videographer: Rad Red Creative
Planner/Designer: Oh So Classy Events
Florist: Andrea Layne Floral Design
Caterer: Affordable Catering
Rentals: A Chair Affair *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: Hands on Sweets
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Family Friend
Invitations: Minted
Day of Stationery: Citrus Press Co.
Dress Shop and Designer: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection – Watters
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro