Allie and Josh’s Sarasota wedding featured a beautiful bohemian-styled celebration. The fluffy beige plumes of the pampas grass created a whimsically understated theme, while the vintage-inspired burnt orange and sage green florals added personality to the aesthetic.
“Our wedding theme and design were boho style. We chose this because it is laid back yet can be sophisticated. We also incorporated some of our favorite colors with this style,” the bride explained. “We chose burnt orange, greens, and beiges because they are warm and inviting colors.”
The Tampa Bay couple hoped for an outdoor, waterfront wedding while emphasizing fantastic décor and delicious food.
“We live in Bradenton, Florida which has always been home for both of us, so it was fitting that we were married in our hometown,” Allie shared. “Josh and I both love the outdoors, and we love to be outside on the water. With that in mind, we chose a venue that had both of those elements.”
The ambiance was key in creating the boho-inspired wedding for the couple’s 100 guests, with a focus on the venue, décor, photographer, and food.
“When we chose our wedding planner, Kelly Kennedy Weddings and Events, we were looking for someone who really understood our sense of style and who we felt could bring our vision to life,” Allie revealed. “It was also important to us that we have someone who we were confident enough to let her take over the day of the wedding. Kelly really helped me bring my vision to life! She was always available when I had any questions or wanted to bounce ideas off of. She was really good about sharing her own thoughts and opinions about the design but also being very respectful to our wishes and requests. She responded to me in a timely manner which I appreciated. I couldn’t have done it on the day of the wedding without her! She worked with all of the vendors to set everything up and I didn’t have to worry about a thing the entire day which made the process go much smoother for me.”
Thanks to the guidance of their wedding planner, the couple curated an extensive supply of rentals to create a balance of old and new décor. Circular wicker chargers added a vintage flair to the tablescape while a modern neon sign balanced the sweetheart table backdrop.
“We chose Kate Ryan Event Rentals at the recommendation of our wedding planner, and they did not disappoint,” the bride detailed. “Their rentals played a big part in bringing the wedding details together.”
Forgoing the first look trend, Allie recalled the memory of Josh seeing her for the first time during the wedding ceremony.
“The most memorable moment of the day had to be walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing the expression on Josh’s face when he saw me for the first time,” the bride reminisced.
Where did you go on your bachelorette?
St. Augustine, Florida. I chose that location because it is somewhere I always wanted to visit but did not have the opportunity. It was also within a few hours drive for all of my bridesmaids.
What was your wedding theme?
Boho style. We chose this because it is laid back yet can be sophisticated. We also incorporated some of our favorite colors with this style.
What were your colors?
Burnt orange, greens, and beiges because they are warm and inviting colors.
The Proposal:
The proposal was perfect for us. Josh proposed while on a sunset cruise on our boat.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We chose Jackson Hole, Wyoming because we love the mountains and all that it has to offer.
Which vendors exceeded your expectations?
When it comes to our vendors every one exceeded our expectations. They were all so helpful from the second we hired them to the day of the wedding. They always made themselves available for questions or concerns.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
When we chose our wedding planner, Kelly Kennedy Weddings and Events, we were looking for someone who really understood our sense of style and who we felt could bring our vision to life. It was also important to us that we have someone who we were confident enough to let her take over the day of the wedding.
Kelly really helped me bring my vision to life! She was always available when I had any questions or wanted to bounce ideas off of. She was really good about sharing her own thoughts and opinions about the design but also being very respectful to our wishes and requests. She responded to me in a timely manner which I appreciated. I couldn’t have done it on the day of the wedding without her! She worked with all of the vendors to set everything up and I didn’t have to worry about a thing the entire day which made the process go much smoother for me.
What did you look for in a wedding rental company?
We chose Kate Ryan Event Rentals at the recommendation of our wedding planner, and they did not disappoint! Their rentals played a big part in bringing the wedding details together.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Select your vendors as soon as possible, especially the venue, and use a wedding planner!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast
Photographer: Alisa Sue Photography
Planner: Kelly Kennedy Weddings and Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Ivy & Vine Floral Design
Caterer: Mattison’s Catering
Rentals: So Staged, Copper Acorn Rentals, Posy Exchange
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Linens: Linens by the Sea
Cake: SugarPaste Cake Company
DJ: DJ Cory Barron & Co.
Officiant: “I Do” Ceremonies
Dress: Paloma Blanca | Overskirt – Hayley Paige
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Show Me Your MuMu
Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne + Co.
Rehearsal Dinner: Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.