Jessica and Vincent
Ringling Museum
“We chose a very traditional, classic, elegant wedding theme and color scheme, focusing on white flowers with added greenery and pops of light pink to complement our venue. We wanted a timeless look that would never go out of style, and mainly so our future children wouldn’t make fun of it in 20 years.
Our bridesmaids wore light pink, while the groomsmen wore traditional tuxedos with very slight pops of light pink in their boutonnières. We chose colors that were classic and timeless without taking away from the elegant venue.”
-The Bride
FEATURING
Jessica and Vincent’s luxurious, Sarasota wedding brought 105 loved ones together for a February celebration inspired by timeless elegance. Their classic design featured abundant white florals, lush greenery, and soft blush accents that complemented their Florida setting, while a candlelit reception beneath crystal chandeliers and a black-and-white checkered dance floor created an unforgettable atmosphere. From the romantic florals to the elegant reception details, every element reflected the couple’s vision for a timeless celebration.
“We are originally from Staten Island, NY, but moved to Tampa, FL about three years ago. We always wanted a destination wedding in Florida to show our families and friends our new home,” the bride shared. “What made our wedding the most unique was that it was in the courtyard of an art museum. Our guests weren’t expecting to be partying at a museum surrounded by statues and paintings. The courtyard’s style made it feel like we’d walked into Italy without leaving Florida.”
The Proposal
“Vin and I love to travel, especially to places that let us embrace every season. After returning from New England for our autumn trip to see the foliage, next on our list was Banff, Canada for all the winter wonderland/Christmas vibes.
When we got to our hotel, the Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise was completely frozen, and we were able to walk on it. After walking out onto the lake, I turned around to find Vin on one knee, asking me to marry him. It was completely magical.”
The Photography
Amber Yonker Photography
“When searching for a wedding photographer, we wanted someone with a timeless, vintage flair who focused on candids and film.
We chose Amber Yonker Photography after meeting with Amber and learning more about her. Her bubbly personality is what drew us in; her work is breathtaking, and we felt comfortable knowing she cared about what we wanted. Amber’s service on our wedding day was amazing, and she delivered our photos to us promptly.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“I hosted my bachelorette party in Palm Beach, FL. I wanted a relaxing trip, focused more on brunches and daytime activities such as boat days and cabana pool days.
We have not gone on our honeymoon yet. We are heading to East Africa and the Seychelles for our two-week honeymoon. We wanted a mix of adventure and relaxation, and something that is once in a lifetime, and this checked all of our boxes.”
The Design
“We chose a very traditional, classic, elegant wedding theme and color scheme, focusing on white flowers with added greenery and pops of light pink to complement our venue. We wanted a timeless look that would never go out of style, and mainly so our future children wouldn’t make fun of it in 20 years.
Our bridesmaids wore light pink, while the groomsmen wore traditional tuxedos with very slight pops of light pink in their boutonnières. We tried to choose colors that were classic and timeless without taking away from the elegant venue.”
The Details
“The most important elements of our wedding were music and food. We were extremely picky about our DJ, and DJ Vani with Curate Entertainment absolutely blew us away, exceeding every expectation. As an Italian-American from Staten Island, NY, I also found food extremely important. Some of our biggest fears were that our guests would still be hungry after their meals or complain that the food wasn’t great.
We used signature drinks to incorporate our personalities into our wedding, choosing to name them ‘The Staten Island’ and ‘The Tampa’ as a way to acknowledge where we started and where we are now.”
From The Photographer
“This wedding felt like stepping into a timeless European daydream, where every detail was intentionally layered with romance and warmth. From the sun-drenched ceremony framed by palms and classical architecture to the candlelit reception that glowed with an intimate, almost cinematic ambiance, the entire celebration balanced grandeur with genuine emotion.
What stood out most wasn’t just the elegance—it was the way the couple moved through the day, so effortlessly present with one another. Every laugh, every glance, every quiet in-between moment carried a sense of ease and deep connection, making the documentation feel less like photographing an event and more like preserving a feeling. It was the kind of wedding that reminds you beauty isn’t just in how something looks, but in how it’s experienced.”
-Amber Yonker, Amber Yonker Photography
Most Memorable Moment
“The most memorable moment was during our first dance in the middle of the Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard. Surrounded by incredible classical statues and lush greenery, with our favorite song playing and all our loved ones watching, it felt like time stood still.
Everything we had planned and dreamed about for years came together in that instant. Seeing our families and friends who had traveled from all over experiencing our new life in Florida in such a stunning, unexpected setting made it unforgettable.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our florist, Oneco Florist, exceeded our expectations in every sense of the word. I was truly speechless when I arrived at the venue and saw the absolute masterpiece that Oneco put together for us. DJ Vani from Curate Entertainment completely exceeded our expectations. She went out of her way to study our Spotify accounts to learn what kind of music we like. She had everyone on the dance floor for the entirety of the wedding, and some of our guests were even asking her for her business card. Our content creator, Dariela Hernandez from Wedding Tales Co., also exceeded our expectations. I had a malfunction with my wedding dress, and Dariela dropped everything and got on her hands and knees to help pin it for me. It showed how much she truly cares, and it will be something I never forget. She also delivered all content in less than 24 hours, and her edited videos completely exceeded every expectation that I had.
What advice would you give to Sarasota couples?
Be extra thoughtful about every detail and invest in vendors who truly care about your vision as much as you do. We were very intentional about the aspects of our wedding that mattered most to us. We were also extra careful about who we hired and weren’t afraid to ask questions, and it paid off. Hire a planner who knows the area well, has experience at your venue, and can connect you with reliable people. Also, lean into what makes your story unique. Most importantly, remember that the little details matter, but the people and the feeling of the day matter more. Don’t stress the things you can’t control, and remember to soak in every moment; it goes by so fast.
