Hanging Greenery Ideas for Old Florida Tropical Purple Wedding Reception | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio

Luxurious, Purple, Tropical Sarasota Wedding | Longboat Key Club

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Lauren and Chris’ destination Sarasota wedding was a visually stunning day where pops of vibrant colors and exotic florals filled the air. This tropical beach-inspired ceremony artfully combined the bride and groom’s shared love for Florida’s classic beauty and their unique personal touches.

“Our theme was tropical beach inspired. Since we were in Florida, we wanted tropical and beach elements with a classic, Old Florida, feel. Our main colors of purple and gray made a perfect background for tropical flowers, seashells, and driftwood,” Lauren shared. “Our colors were purple and gray. Purple is my all-time favorite color, and we loved how well gray went along with it.”

The couple’s original venue took severe damage from Hurricane Ian, leaving them to scramble for a new location for their December date. After a twist of fate, the Ohio couple found their dream spot at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. The ceremony took place on the Marina Lawn overlooking the harbor waters, while the Harborside Lawn hosted a tented outdoor reception for the pair’s 130 guests.

“Since we were getting married in Florida, we wanted our venue to truly feel like we were in Florida. We didn’t want to just get married in a ballroom because we could do that in Ohio. We wanted to be able to have most of the festivities outside to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida. We were so fortunate to spend so much time outside enjoying all the beauty Florida has to offer,” the bride revealed. “Unfortunately, our original venue took severe damage from Hurricane Ian and would not be open in time for our wedding. It was really important to us to keep the same date we originally had. Our planner found us The Resort at Longboat Key Club, and luckily, they had availability the same weekend! It felt like fate. My Mom drove up and signed the contract before we saw it in person to make sure we didn’t lose the date! It was sad to see our first venue get damaged, but at the end of the day, it felt like we were meant to end up at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. They exceeded every expectation we had. Everyone we came in contact with was such a joy to work with!”

Hosting an outdoor, tented wedding that provided a wow factor required an experienced florist known for their grand designs. Just as fate helped them find their wedding venue, the bride’s parents were introduced to the owner of Botanica International Design Studio. The vibrant double floral arches created a romantic atmosphere for the bride to walk through to her awaiting husband, while the floral chandelier and vibrant centerpieces filled the grand tent during the reception.

“We looked for someone who would listen to our wants and needs. I wanted someone to take my ideas and turn them into the bigger picture. I knew I wanted it to be grand, but not in your face. I knew I wanted greenery on the top of the tent, but not so much greenery that it took away from the beautiful centerpieces and floral chandelier. Botanica International Design Studio took our ideas and brought them to life,” Lauren beamed. “My parents happened to be at a different resort, and there was a wedding there that Botanica was doing. My parents met Ian and instantly knew he would be a good fit for us. I am so happy we went with him. The wedding day truly wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for Botanica.”

The couple’s love for their dogs was expressed through the naming of their wedding drinks, while Chris’ penchant for cigars was acknowledged by a surprise cigar roller at the after-party. The proposal, an emotional moment in front of Cinderella’s Castle, paid homage to their shared love for Disney and set the stage for their wedding and the magical journey ahead.

“My husband and I have two dogs that we knew we would want to be incorporated into the day somehow. Instead of doing special his and her drinks, we had drinks named after our two dogs. The one was called Elsa, which was a Tito’s and Sprite. The other one was called the Anna, which was a ‘Sex on the Beach,’” the bride revealed. “We also knew we would want to have something Disney-related, so our guest book was a Mickey and Minnie wooden head that the guests signed that we have hung up in our home. It was important to us that our personalities came through different elements throughout the weekend.”

As the evening ended, guests were surprised by a spectacular fireworks show over the water. Looking back on all of the excitement of their wedding, it was the reception reveal that took Lauren’s breath away.

“Walking into the tent before the reception was truly magical. It was so amazing to see our two years of hard work come to life before our eyes. It was exactly what we wanted and more,” the bride reminisced. “Also, seeing our painting come to life throughout the reception was amazing! All of our guests thought it was so cool to see how the painting progressed throughout the night. Having a live painter was truly worth it.”

Behind the Vows Wedding Day Content Creation Banner
Sarasota Beach Wedding | Venue Longboat Key Club
Purple Wedding Invitation Suite Inspiration with Custom Map
Twist Diamond Engagement Ring | White Gold Wedding Band Inspiration
Pink Orchids, Roses, White Stock Flowers and Monstera Leaf Bridal Bouquet for Wedding Inspiration | Tampa Bay Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Nude Strapless Chiffon A-line Wedding Dress Inspiration | Lavender Gray Bridesmaids Dress Ideas
Bride Overlooking the Beach Wedding Portrait
Pink Orchids, Roses, White Stock Flowers and Monstera Leaf Bridal Bouquet for Wedding Inspiration | Tampa Bay Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Bride Walking on Longboat Key Club Beach Wedding Portrait
Bride with Bridesmaids in Pastel Purple Spring Wedding Dress Inspiration
Tropical Bouquet Inspiration with Orange Anthurium, White Roses, Purple Dendrobium Wedding Bouquets | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Tropical Floral Aisle Arch Inspiration | Orange Anthurium, Pink Roses, Purple Foxglove Flowers, and Greenery | Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Folding Garden Chairs | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio

What did you look for in a wedding venue?

Since we were getting married in Florida, we wanted our venue to truly feel like we were in Florida. We didn’t want to just get married in a ballroom because we could do that in Ohio. We wanted to be able to have most of the festivities outside to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida. We were so fortunate to spend so much time outside enjoying all the beauty Florida has to offer.

Unfortunately, our original venue took severe damage from Hurricane Ian and would not be open in time for our wedding. It was really important to us to keep the same date we originally had. Our planner found us The Resort at Longboat Key Club, and luckily, they had availability the same weekend! It felt like fate. My Mom drove up and signed the contract before we saw it in person to make sure we didn’t lose the date! It was sad to see our first venue get damaged, but at the end of the day, it felt like we were meant to end up at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. They exceeded every expectation we had. Everyone we came in contact with was such a joy to work with!

Tropical Floral Aisle Arch Inspiration | Orange Anthurium, Pink Roses, Purple Foxglove Flowers, and Greenery | Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Folding Garden Chairs | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio | Venue Longboat Key Club
Tropical Floral Aisle Arch Inspiration | Orange Anthurium, Pink Roses, Purple Foxglove Flowers, and Greenery | Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Sarasota Florist Botanica Design Studio
Tropical Floral Aisle Arch Inspiration | Orange Anthurium, Pink Roses, Purple Foxglove Flowers, and Greenery | Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Folding Garden Chairs | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Tropical Old Florida Floral Aisle Arch Inspiration | Orange Anthurium, Pink Roses, Purple Foxglove Flowers, and Greenery | Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Folding Garden Chairs | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio | Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Tropical Old Florida Floral Altar Arch Inspiration | Orange Anthurium, Pink Roses, Purple Foxglove Flowers, and Greenery | Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Folding Garden Chairs | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio | Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Groom's Reaction to Bride Walking Down Wedding Aisle
Bride and Father Walking Down Wedding Aisle

The Proposal:
My husband and I are huge Disney fans! I have always told him my dream was to get engaged in Disney, and Chris made it happen!! On December 15th, he proposed in front of Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. It was one of the most magical days of my life! 

Bride and Groom Vow Exchange Wedding Portrait
Bride and Groom Vow Exchange Wedding Portrait
Bride and Groom Just Married Wedding Portrait | Tampa Bay Florist Botanica International Design Studio

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We decided to spend three days in the Disney parks and then go on a 7-day Disney cruise. We knew we wanted to do something involving Disney, but we didn’t want to just do the parks because we wanted to be able to relax; that’s why we did the best of both worlds and decided to do a few park days but also the cruise!  

Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Naples, FL. My family still has a home there, so my bridesmaids and I spent a long weekend there! It was so much fun and so relaxing! 

Bride and Groom Intimate Dock Wedding Portrait | Sarasota Venue Longboat Key Club
Bride and Groom Boat Bow Wedding Portrait | Sarasota Venue Longboat Key Club
Bride and Groom Boat Bow Wedding Portrait
White Outdoor Pole Tent Old Florida Wedding Reception on the Harborside Lawn | Purple Drapery | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Tropical Wedding Reception Decor | Orange Anthurium, Ruscus Greenery, Monstera Leaf, Purple Stock Flowers, Grapewood Branches, and Bamboo Lanterns | Sarasota Florist Botanica Design Studio
Cream Lounge Furniture for Wedding Reception | Hanging Ruscus Greenery and Purple Drapery
Luxurious Purple and Gray Wedding Reception Inspiration | Tampa Bay Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Floral Hanging Chandelier with Purple Orchids, Roses, Stock Flowers, Orange Anthurium | Tampa Bay Florist Botanica International Design Studio

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Tropical beach inspired. Since we were in Florida, we wanted tropical and beach elements with a classic, Old Florida feel.  Our main colors of purple and grey made a perfect background for tropical flowers, seashells, and driftwood. 

What were your colors?
Purple and gray. Purple is my all-time favorite color, and we loved how well grey went along with it.  

Tall Flower Stand with Purple and Orange Roses, Stock Flowers and Greenery Wedding Reception Centerpieces Sarasota Florist Tropical Wedding Reception Decor | Orange Anthurium, Ruscus Greenery, Monstera Leaf, Purple Stock Flowers, Grapewood Branches, and Bamboo Lanterns | Sarasota Florist Botanica Design Studio
Hanging Greenery | Velvet Purple Table Cloth with Gray Chairs | Tropical Old Florida Wedding Reception | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio
Floral Hanging Chandelier with Purple Orchids, Roses, Stock Flowers, Orange Anthurium | Tampa Bay Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Tall Flower Stand with Purple and Orange Roses, Stock Flowers and Greenery Tall Wedding Reception Centerpiece Ideas | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio

What was your wedding floral inspiration?

We looked for someone who would listen to our wants and needs. I wanted someone to take my ideas and turn them into the bigger picture. I knew I wanted it to be grand, but not in your face. I knew I wanted greenery on the top of the tent, but not so much greenery that it took away from the beautiful centerpieces and floral chandelier. Botanica International Design Studio took our ideas and brought them to life,.

My parents happened to be at a different resort, and there was a wedding there that Botanica was doing. My parents met Ian and instantly knew he would be a good fit for us. I am so happy we went with him. The wedding day truly wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for Botanica.

Floral Hanging Chandelier with Purple Orchids, Roses, Stock Flowers, Orange Anthurium | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio
Round Three-tiered Purple and White Wedding Cake
Tropical Wedding Reception Decor | Orange Anthurium, Ruscus Greenery, Monstera Leaf, Purple Stock Flowers, Grapewood Branches, and Bamboo Lanterns | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio
Hanging Greenery Ideas for Old Florida Tropical Purple Wedding Reception | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio
Candlelit Tropical Purple Wedding Reception Inspiration | Sarasota Florist Botanica Design Studio
Hanging Greenery Ideas for Old Florida Tropical Purple Wedding Reception
Hanging Greenery Ideas for Old Florida Tropical Purple Wedding Reception
Purple Taper Candles with Hurricane Glass Tubes, Purple, White, and Orange Flower Garland for Long Feasting Table | Tropical Old Florida Wedding Reception Inspiration | Sarasota Florist Botanica International Design Studio
Hanging Floral Chandelier Inspiration with Greenery, Purple and Orange Flowers | Luxurious Old Florida Wedding Reception Ideas | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Florist Botanica Design Studio
Tented Wedding Reception Inspiration | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait
Fireworks for Wedding Reception Inspiration | Sarasota Venue The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Fireworks for Wedding Reception Inspiration

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Every vendor we worked with was truly amazing! They all went above and beyond to help us make our wedding weekend so special!  We picked up our wedding and moved it 60 miles north at eight weeks’ notice. All of our vendors made the transition seamlessly! It wouldn’t have been the same without them! 

What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Enjoy the day! Everyone always says the day just flies by, and it truly does! Enjoy every moment!

Do a welcome party Friday night for all of your guests to attend. It had to be one of the best decisions we made for the whole weekend. It gave us a chance to walk around and talk to every guest and thank them for coming to the wedding. By doing this, it allowed for my husband and I to truly enjoy our wedding and reception. We got to actually eat our meals and dance!!  


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    Ceremony/Reception Venue and Caterer:The Resort at Longboat Key Club
    Rehearsal Dinner VenueThe Resort at Longboat Key Club
    VideographyBaby Blue Films
    RentalsSo Staged
    Cakes & DessertCakes by Ron
    DJ/Band & Live EntertainmentGoodley Entertainment Group
    Invitations & StationeryTrout Designs
    Limo and TransportationSRQ Trolley Sarasota
    Limo and TransportationDolphin Transportation
    ShoesHEYDUDE
    PhotoboothThe Fancy Booth
    Fireworks DisplaysZambelli Fireworks
    RentalsBBJ Linens

    About the Author

    Anna Coats

    Marry Me Tampa Bay editor Anna Coats created Marry Me Tampa Bay in 2012 to showcase the area’s best local weddings and vendors. She has been featured as a wedding expert on the national talk show Daytime, Fox13, ABC Action News, Great Day Tampa Bay, and Bay News 9 (now Spectrum).

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