Sarasota Wedding | Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Wedding
Jessica and Josh's Sarasota wedding featured a stunning outdoor wedding ceremony, with a grand entrance down their venue's spiraled staircase.
“We loved the idea of being by the beach, but not on the beach,” the bride shared. “We also really love the Sarasota/Siesta Key Beach area. We have shared many special memories there, so it was perfect for us.”
The Wesley Chapel couple hosted an elegant, blush pink and gold wedding day, with tall garden rose and hydrangea florals.
“I liked how well the colors complemented each other. I didn’t want anything too bright or extreme,” Jessica explained. “I wanted a classic, timeless feel, but also a super modern chic theme. We were told by so many people that our wedding belonged in a magazine, and I have to say I agree!”
With the decor in place, the Sarasota bride and groom focused planning an unforgettable wedding celebration for their guests.
“I wanted everything to look beautiful of course, but it was most important to us that our friends and family had a blast. We managed to create a fun atmosphere where our guests let loose. I wanted the dance floor to be packed 'til the lights came on, and we succeeded in that goal!” Jessica gushed.
It was important to the bride to look her best, so she hired a Sarasota hair and makeup artist who specialized in wedding beauty.
“I wanted to feel the prettiest I've ever felt. I also wanted someone who was experienced, specifically with doing weddings, so that we stayed on schedule and could enjoy the morning getting ready together,” Jessica explained. “I wanted the best of the best so I hired the owner of Michele Renee The Studio. Every single person in my wedding party was happy. I had a couple friends who typically like to do their own makeup, but as they saw others getting done, they changed their minds and had theirs done also. We actually nicknamed Michele the ‘Hair and Makeup Doctor!'”
MORE: MICHELE RENEE THE STUDIO WEDDINGS
Looking back, one of the bride's most memorable moments was honoring her father during her big day.
“My father passed away shortly before the wedding, so my mother walked me down the aisle. We also did a Mother/Daughter dance in memory of my father,” Jessica reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding hair and makeup artist?
I wanted someone who was very skilled in hair and makeup for my special day; I wanted to feel the prettiest I've ever felt. I also wanted someone who was experienced, specifically with doing weddings, so that we stayed on schedule and could enjoy the morning getting ready together. I found my look on Pinterest and did a trial run before my wedding which I highly recommend! It was such a relief to know how my look was going to turn out before the actual big day.
I wanted the best of the best so I hired the owner of Michele Renee The Studio. She did a phenomenal job! I saw many wedding blogs where brides had used them, and I could tell from the pictures they did an amazing job. Every single person in my wedding party was happy. I had a couple friends who typically like to do their own makeup, but as they saw others getting done, they changed their minds and had theirs done also. Everyone seriously looked so good! My mother could not have looked more beautiful and that meant the world to me for her to feel that way. Michele Renee and everyone at that studio does a great job. They are very knowledgeable at what looks good on you and what is best for pictures. We actually nicknamed her the “Hair and Makeup Doctor!” They kept us on track all morning so that we were all done in time for the photographer to start taking pictures of us getting ready. I'm excited for another reason to go visit them and get pampered!
The Proposal:
Josh was determined to make sure I had no idea he was going to propose. I had planned a Fourth of July party at our house and handled most of the inviting. Apparently everyone else was in on the plan. My husband is very techy and set up electronic clues around the house and had me thinking I was just showing everyone else his latest gadget. At the end of the scavenger hunt he was standing there waiting and popped the big question! I was so excited I forgot to say yes initially!
How would you describe your theme?
Elegant, romantic and modern. I wanted it to have a classic, timeless feel, but also a super modern chic. It was the perfect mix!
What were your colors?
Blush pink and gold. I didn’t want anything too bright or extreme. I liked how well the colors complemented each other and gave the romantic, elegant and timeless feel I was looking for.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Choose your vendors wisely. If you invest time in choosing the best of the best your day will run perfectly from beginning to end.
I would strongly recommend doing an engagement session with your photographer. It will allow you the opportunity to get comfortable with them before the big day. In my case it led to me hiring someone new, which was the best decision ever.
Our wedding video is one of the best keepsakes we have. When I was planning my wedding I saw that not hiring a videographer was a lot of couples biggest regret. A video captures your special day in a way a photograph cannot. I highly recommend a videographer.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club
Photographer: Kristen Weaver Photography
Videographer: A Jalbert Brothers Production
Florist: Events in Bloom
Caterer: Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club
Rentals: Linens By The Sea
Cake: Cakes By Ron
DJ: Classic Entertainment
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Dress: Jon’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Olga’s Bridal Boutique, Bill Levkoff
Bridal Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
