Maddy and Eno's outdoor Sarasota wedding was a gorgeous garden-inspired celebration that delighted in details. Stunning shades of purple and lavender popped against the sage greenery that perfectly complemented their casual-chic ceremony and reception.
“Details were the key. We weaved the garden theme throughout the entire wedding, from invitations to parting gifts; it was all about the garden! We even used flower names for tables instead of numbers. We gave away small watering cans with seeded paper as favors. We had floating candles with flowers in the water to add to the garden theme,” the bride beamed. “We had fun, practical things as well! We set out socks so the ladies could kick off their heels and dance in comfort. We had a charging station so people could charge their phones and continue to take photos. We had a giant chess set out on the terrace for those who wanted to take a quiet break from the festivities; it was a great night!”
MORE: GARDEN WEDDING INSPIRATION
To plan a magical wedding for 80 guests that would be memorable and merry, the Venice couple booked Sarasota wedding planner Laura Detwiler Events for her expertise and creativity.
“I had to find someone who would know when to take control and when to work closer with my mom and me. The planner had to be someone who could add to our ideas and help us figure out how to execute them efficiently,” Maddy explained. “Laura, the owner of Laura Detwiler Events, was someone I could work with because she listened. She was flexible and really provided new and fresh ideas without forcing them onto us. She stood out because of her friendly personality and her willingness to let us be creative while guiding us through the process. Her years of experience really showed on the wedding day itself! She executed everything perfectly, and we could not have been more pleased!”
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As she looked back on their special day, Maddy cherishes the moment she was surrounded by all of the most important men in her life.
“Coming from a blended family, it was important for me to have my father and stepfather both walk me down the aisle. Seeing my husband-to-be waiting for me, with both dads by my side was so very rewarding,” the bride reminisced. “Also, we wrote our vows. We wanted to express our feelings in our own words, and I’m so glad we did!”
The Proposal:
Eno proposed on Christmas morning.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
My mom helped me so much with the wedding; she likes to be very organized! I had to find someone who would know when to take control and when to work closer with my mom and me. The planner had to be someone who could add to our ideas and help us figure out how to execute them efficiently.
Send me pricing and availability for Laura Detwiler Events.
Laura, the owner of Laura Detwiler Events, was someone I could work with because she listened. She was flexible and really provided new and fresh ideas without forcing them onto us. She stood out because of her friendly personality and her willingness to let us be creative while guiding us through the process. Her years of experience really showed on the wedding day itself! She executed everything perfectly, and we could not have been more pleased!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We let the gardens and the season, along with our quirky and vintage style, lead us in our style. Beautiful flowers in purple, lavender, and sage, with vintage gold frames and elegant crystals, formed the basis of our inspiration!
What were your colors?
Purple, lavender, and sage green. There was never really a question for color, as purple has always been my favorite color!
What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Don't think that you can’t do what you want to do. You can have the wedding they want, even on a budget! Be creative – do some things yourself, be flexible with the dates, enlist help from friends! You’d be surprised how much you can make your dollar stretch! Make sure you spend your money wisely and spend more on the things that are important to you!
Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Photographer: Dark Light Portrait Studio
Videographer: Storybook Films
Planner: Laura Detwiler Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Beneva Flowers
Caterer: Michael's on East
Rentals: So Staged
Cake: Seashell Cottage Bakery
DJ: Joe Ferrin
Officiant: Beth Navickas (Family Friend)
Invitations: Minted
Bride and Bridesmaid's Dress Shop: David’s Bridal
