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 didnโt 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 didnโt 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 wasnโt 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.”
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 didnโt 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 didnโt 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!
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!
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; thatโs 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!
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.
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 wasnโt for Botanica.
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 weeksโ notice. All of our vendors made the transition seamlessly! It wouldnโt 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!!
