Kallie and Domenic's glamorous waterfront Sarasota wedding was a blend of Italian romance and chic elegance, making every guest feel as if they had stepped into a picturesque scene straight out of Tuscany. The couple's aesthetic, inspired by the timeless allure of Vogue Weddings, was intertwined into every element of their ceremony and reception, creating an ambiance that was as enchanting as it was deeply personal.
“From the very beginning, our wedding was envisioned as a celebration of Italian romance. I aimed for an atmosphere that exuded chic elegance and dreaminess, making every guest feel as though they were transported to the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany or Rome. Inspired by Vogue Weddings, my aesthetic goal was to create a timeless, effortlessly romantic ambiance. Rich satins, serene sage greens, opulent golds, deep blacks, warm woods, and Grecian decor would be the foundation of our design palette,” the bride shared. “We opted for bridesmaids' dresses in a lustrous sage green hue with a touch of silver undertones, complemented by solid black tuxedos for the groomsmen. My husband stood out in a white jacket tuxedo, adding an elegant touch. Throughout the wedding, our color scheme revolved around neutrals, blacks, and gold, exuding a suave, sexy, yet classy and timeless vibe that extended to our beloved friends in the wedding party.”
The bride immersed herself in research to perfect every detail for her 145-guest winter wedding. She frequently turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay, finding it an invaluable resource while planning her celebration.
“I used Marry Me Tampa Bay for fonts of research! There are so many useful resources and inspiration that I would frequently just browse the site and save save save to Pinterest,” Kallie revealed.
Shannon Kelly Films played a climactic role in Kallie and Domenic's day, creating a wedding video that deviated from the conventional highlight reel. The couple wanted a film that was as unique as it was romantic, capturing the essence of their love and the electrifying atmosphere of their wedding in a style reminiscent of a cinematic movie trailer.
“We had a unique vision for our wedding video, steering clear of the traditional and sappy style. Instead, we aimed for something more ‘badass' and reminiscent of a thrilling movie trailer. Cringey or awkward voiceovers were definitely off the table; instead, we wanted a few clever sound bites that would bring laughter to everyone's lips. I recall mentioning to Shannon of Shannon Kelly Films that we wanted our video to embody the vibes of shows like Bridgerton, Succession, and The Godfather. With Shannon's exceptional talents, the resulting video surpassed all our expectations, delivering everything we could have ever wished for and more,” Kallie detailed. “At first, we were uncertain about hiring a videographer due to the additional cost and our preference for photography over video. However, choosing Shannon Kelly Films turned out to be an excellent decision. Not only was her pricing reasonable, but her portfolio spoke volumes about her talent and expertise. Moreover, her delightful personality made the entire experience enjoyable. Shannon's presence throughout the day kept us laughing and uplifted the positive atmosphere. After just one conversation with her, we knew she was the perfect fit for us.”
The Fort Meyers couple curated a wedding that was as much a visual masterpiece as it was a record of their love story. It set the atmosphere for an evening where their Italian heritage was underscored by the iconic melody of The Godfather theme played on a harp.
“Everyone who knows me is well aware of my penchant for being different and setting trends instead of following them. It was crucial for Domenic and me to infuse elements of our personalities into every aspect of our wedding, making it truly special and unique to us. Our thoughtfulness extended from the ethereal and dark ambiance of the rehearsal dinner the night before to the elegant white wedding trolley that transported us and our guests. As soon as you walked in, a grand neon VIVA VOLPI sign greeted everyone, setting the tone for the celebration. Together as a couple, we created the majority of our wedding details on Canva, infusing our personal touch into everything. From meticulously designed menus to script-rolled name cards and wedding signs, our creativity was on full display,” Kallie beamed. “Domenic and his groomsmen had a tradition of wearing sunglasses throughout the night, and naturally, we incorporated that into our wedding. Our signature drinks were carefully crafted to reflect our unique personalities. The Dom Diesel (vodka and Red Bull) and the Blushing Bride (vodka, Sprite, a splash of grenadine, and a cherry on top) were delightful choices that added an extra personal touch. To honor our Italian heritage, we couldn't resist having the iconic theme from The Godfather played on the harp as our bridal parties walked down the aisle. It created a breathtaking and truly memorable moment. As the bride, I selected “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey, beautifully performed on the harp, which sounded absolutely stunning.”
As the bride reflected on her stunning Sarasota soiree, it was the intimate exchanges, laughter shared, and the seamless blend of romance and authentic touches that made their nuptial weekend unforgettable.
“One of the most cherished memories of our wedding was the joy of being united with my husband and having all my closest friends gather from various parts of the United States. It was a remarkable occasion where different friend groups came together, connecting and having an absolute blast, regardless of age. Witnessing everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves was truly a rarity and made the celebration unforgettable,” the bride reminisced. “Another unforgettable moment was the first look, that precious instance when our eyes met before the ceremony. It was a deeply emotional and exhilarating experience. And let's not forget my dress; it was a true embodiment of my dreams, and I couldn't wait to showcase it to everyone. The gown held immense significance for me, and it was a delight to share its beauty with our loved ones. To add a personal touch, Domenic and I chose to exchange private vows. This intimate act held great meaning for us, and we even requested our vendors to grant us some privacy during this special time. It allowed us to express our heartfelt promises in a more secluded setting, deepening the significance of our commitment to one another.”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
The girls decided to have an unforgettable getaway in Las Vegas! We couldn't resist the allure of Vegas, with its non-stop excitement and endless entertainment options. We scored tickets to see the incredible Usher, indulged in a relaxing day by the pool, and, of course, couldn't pass up the chance to experience the electrifying live performance of Chippendales. Meanwhile, the boys embarked on an exciting shared cruise to the Bahamas. Since my husband and his two best friends were tying the knot just a month after us, they decided to combine their bachelor parties. It was a clever way to save money and maximize their time off by enjoying a thrilling adventure together. Joined by a group of 20 guys, they set sail for the Bahamas, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Proposal:
Domenic had been secretly collaborating with Rachel Dew (our florist and friend) for several months to meticulously plan our proposal. Three months prior to the big day, he orchestrated a meeting between my mom and his mom for the first time, cleverly disguising it as an opportunity to go ring shopping. As Domenic had previously served as the student body president at FGCU, attending speaking events and alumni gatherings was a regular occurrence for him. To lay the groundwork, he planted a story three months in advance, informing me of his speaking engagement at an alumni wine dinner on a Sunday in November. Initially, I didn't think much of it, except for the slight inconvenience of a Sunday event.
When the anticipated day finally arrived, Domenic was a bundle of nerves. Upon arriving at Miramar Lakes, he informed the gate guard that we were there for the wine dinner, and to our surprise, the guard affirmed with a resounding “yes.” Unbeknownst to me, as we turned the corner, a series of alumni dinner signs lined the path. Oblivious to any ulterior motives, I took it all at face value. As we stepped out of the car and began walking towards the venue, I noticed a camera crew in the vicinity. However, I still didn't suspect a thing, assuming it was simply part of the upscale alumni event.
It wasn't until we turned one more corner that the most breathtaking, surreal, fairytale-like proposal setup appeared before my eyes. An abundance of white roses, delicate petals, and flickering candles adorned the surroundings, with a private dinner table arranged outdoors, accompanied by a personalized menu. It was everything I had ever dreamed of. To capture this momentous occasion, Domenic had even hired a professional photographer. The proposal was an awe-inspiring culmination of months of careful planning, resulting in an unforgettable experience that surpassed all my expectations. Domenic's attention to detail and the sheer beauty of the setting made it an enchanting chapter in our love story.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration??
From the very beginning, our wedding was envisioned as a celebration of Italian romance. I aimed for an atmosphere that exuded chic elegance and dreaminess, making every guest feel as though they were transported to the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany or Rome. Inspired by Vogue Weddings, my aesthetic goal was to create a timeless, effortlessly romantic ambiance. Rich satins, serene sage greens, opulent golds, deep blacks, warm woods, and Grecian decor would be the foundation of our design palette,
What were your colors?
We opted for bridesmaids' dresses in a lustrous sage green hue with a touch of silver undertones, complemented by solid black tuxedos for the groomsmen. My husband stood out in a white jacket tuxedo, adding an elegant touch. Throughout the wedding, our color scheme revolved around neutrals, blacks, and gold, exuding a suave, sexy, yet classy and timeless vibe that extended to our beloved friends in the wedding party.
What did you look for in a wedding videographer?
We had a unique vision for our wedding video, steering clear of the traditional and sappy style. Instead, we aimed for something more ‘badass' and reminiscent of a thrilling movie trailer. Cringey or awkward voiceovers were definitely off the table; instead, we wanted a few clever sound bites that would bring laughter to everyone's lips. I recall mentioning to Shannon of Shannon Kelly Films that we wanted our video to embody the vibes of shows like Bridgerton, Succession, and The Godfather. With Shannon's exceptional talents, the resulting video surpassed all our expectations, delivering everything we could have ever wished for and more.
At first, we were uncertain about hiring a videographer due to the additional cost and our preference for photography over video. However, choosing Shannon Kelly Films turned out to be an excellent decision. Not only was her pricing reasonable, but her portfolio spoke volumes about her talent and expertise. Moreover, her delightful personality made the entire experience enjoyable. Shannon's presence throughout the day kept us laughing and uplifted the positive atmosphere. After just one conversation with her, we knew she was the perfect fit for us.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
For our December honeymoon, we have decided to embark on an exhilarating ski trip to Vail, Colorado! It's an opportunity for Dom to experience the magic of snow and the thrill of the slopes for the very first time. While we did consider the breathtaking international destinations available, we ultimately opted to stay within the United States. After investing in our dream wedding, we found that Vail offers the perfect blend of adventure and romance, making it an ideal choice for us.
“We had a unique vision for our wedding video, steering clear of the traditional and sappy style. Instead, we aimed for something more ‘badass' and reminiscent of a thrilling movie trailer. Cringey or awkward voiceovers were definitely off the table; instead, we wanted a few clever sound bites that would bring laughter to everyone's lips. I recall mentioning to Shannon of Shannon Kelly Films that we wanted our video to embody the vibes of shows like Bridgerton, Succession, and The Godfather. With Shannon Kelly FIlms' exceptional talents, the resulting video surpassed all our expectations, delivering everything we could have ever wished for and more.”
-The Bride
Which vendors exceeded your expectations and how?
Our DJ was the one vendor we simply couldn't compromise on because he is hands down the best DJ/band trio we have ever encountered. The energy and excitement on the dance floor lasted all night long, creating an unforgettable party atmosphere.
Additionally, we had a last-minute floral emergency, but our close friends at I Dew Florals came to the rescue just 20 days before our wedding. Their work surpassed our wildest expectations, as can be seen in the incredible photos. They truly outdid themselves, bringing our floral vision to life.
We knew without a doubt that our photographer would capture every moment flawlessly, and she indeed delivered a masterpiece.
Shannon Kelly Films, our videographer, exceeded our expectations and perfectly translated our vision into a remarkable video. We couldn't be happier with the outcome, as it beautifully encapsulated the essence of our special day.
What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Embrace the power of teamwork! Unlike many brides who tackle wedding planning on their own, Dom and I approached it as a joint venture. Every step of the way, Dom was involved and engaged. He not only witnessed my every decision and purchase but also provided valuable input and unwavering support, even during those inevitable breakdowns that made us laugh. In times when my mind was overwhelmed, he stepped up to the plate, taking charge by making calls to vendors, arranging hotel accommodations, and ensuring that all my ideas and hard work were flawlessly executed.
While I took the lead in planning and creating, he proved to be the most caring and genuine support system. His dedication and willingness to assist were remarkable, demonstrating his commitment to our partnership. Involving your partner in the wedding planning process is more than just a practical decision; it's a chance to prepare for the challenges and financial hurdles that may arise in married life.
Through this experience, we were able to navigate sensitive topics like finances and family dynamics together, fostering open and honest communication. Wedding planning served as a practice run, enabling us to share laughter, tears, and discussions about uncomfortable subjects, ultimately strengthening our bond as we prepared for our future together.
