Rose, Peach and Gold Romantic Glam Waterfront Wedding | Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast
Shelly and Angelo's waterfront Sarasota area wedding highlighted the best that Florida has to offer: beautiful weather and amazing waterfront views.
“We knew we wanted a more intimate, private wedding location, somewhere outside and by the water,” the bride explained. “We wanted to embrace the Florida weather and the wonderful location of Sarasota County. We had a lot of family flying in and loved the easy access to the airports and hotels.
The couple married along the Manatee River, under a 150-year-old oak tree accented with chandeliers, ivory drapery, and crystals for their pair's glam inspired wedding ceremony.
“One of my favorite décor pieces was having church pews for our ceremony seating. With the lush green lawn and a beautiful sunny day, the pews were just a wonderful unexpected touch,” Shelly shared.
To take the stress out of planning her wedding, Shelly looked for a Sarasota wedding planner who could bring her vision to life.
“The most important key for me was a feeling of comfort and having that instant ‘click' with them, a good feeling of trust and having the same idea of what I am dreaming of,” the bride explained. “When I first met Kimberly [of Kimberly Hensley Events], I immediately felt comfortable talking with her. As we discussed my ideas and vision, she listened to me, and she was able to connect with my vision and knew exactly how to achieve our dream wedding. I could not have been happier with her and her services. She truly was a blessing for me. I cannot thank her enough!”
On the recommendation from their planner, the couple met with Sarasota wedding photographer Djamel Photography.
“I wanted someone who could capture the moment and mood in their work. I wanted the pictures to convey the emotion and know the story behind it. Knowing we are not ‘picture people,' finding someone we felt comfortable with was key for us,” Shelly shared. “Djamel [of Djamel Photography] was very outgoing, funny and just had an overall wonderful personality. During the wedding, he took charge and was able to make us feel comfortable and ‘forget' about him taking pictures. We were able to have fun and really enjoy the moment together as husband and wife.”
Looking back, one of the bride's most memorable moments was seeing her husband-to-be at her ceremony.
“We had a sheer curtain covering the porch entry, where I was standing. When the curtain was drawn back, all I could see was Angelo,” Shelly reminisced. “Walking down the aisle was the single best moment, with the violin and guitar playing and the wind blowing the drapes and the sun glistening off the water in the background. Standing at the altar, with my husband and surrounded by our family and dear friends was completely amazing.”
The Proposal:
We had been dating for 13 years; we met my senior year in high school. I knew Angelo had purchased the ring, and I continued to patiently wait for a couple months. He had planned some amazing dates, but the timing was off. Angelo proposed on July 4th under the stars, while we watched the fireworks. I just loved that after 13 years, he was still nervous to ask me to marry him.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
The most important key for me was a feeling of comfort and having that instant “click” with them, a good feeling of trust and having the same idea of what I am dreaming of.
I knew going into my wedding planning it would be emotionally difficult for me. I had lost my mother to cancer back in 2003, and my father is elderly and knew he could not participate in the planning process. So finding the right planner was very important to me.
I met with a couple other wedding planners before choosing Kimberly Hensley Events. When I first met Kimberly, I immediately felt comfortable talking with her. As we discussed my ideas and vision, she listened to me, and she was able to connect with my vision and knew exactly how to achieve our dream wedding. I could not have been happier with her and her services. She always made us feel like we were her only client, always available to chat or email. She is very organized, polite, professional, but also fun at the same time. She truly was a blessing for me. I cannot thank her enough!
What did you look for in a photographer?
I wanted someone who could capture the moment and mood in their work. I wanted the pictures to convey the emotion and know the story behind it. We met with a few different photographers, who our planner recommended based on style and budget. They all were fantastic and their work was amazing. Knowing we are not “picture people,” finding someone we felt comfortable with was key for us.
Djamel [of Djamel Photography] was very outgoing, funny and just had an overall wonderful personality. He was also very professional and passionate about his work. He would be as little or as much involved that you wanted. He provided advice and consultation of attire for our engagement shoot and even Angelo’s attire for the wedding. He is also very knowledgeable about fashion and how to dress one’s body type.
During the wedding, he took charge and was able to make us feel comfortable and “forget” about him taking pictures. We were able to have fun and really enjoy the moment together as husband and wife. We truly couldn’t be happier with Djamel Photography.
How would you describe your theme?
Romantic, glam and fun. Since we have been together for a while, Anglelo and I wanted our wedding to be a great celebration for everyone. I also really love the timeless, romantic feel, and what girl doesn’t love a little glam?
What were your colors?
We chose a soft, romantic and glam palette that consisted of blush, dusty rose, lavender, peach, gold and silver colors and textures. I just love the endless feel and look of these mixtures of colors.
My flower arrangements consisted of roses, spray roses, lavender sprigs, ranunculus, peonies, dusty miller, gold eucalyptus leaves and berries. My bouquet was absolutely perfect for what I had vision, I just loved the dusty millers and gorgeous peonies incorporated with the garden roses and the stems wrapped with ribbon and crystal pins.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
To enjoy and embrace the planning time and process. Remember its one day for the two of you to celebrate your love for one another with your family and friends. I didn’t have anything go wrong, but if I did, I wouldn’t sweat the small stuff. In a few years, you won’t be talking about the color of napkins or plates.
I cannot recommend enough a wedding planner. Of course I could have done it all myself, but I wouldn’t of had a stress-free wedding beyond my dreams. Best choice we made.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast
Photographer: Djamel Photography
Planner: Kimberly Hensley Events
Florist: FH Weddings
Caterer: Puff N’ Stuff
Rentals: US Tent, Tampa Lights, FH Weddings
Cake: Two Prince Bakery
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – Cory *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Vendor
Violin and Guitar: IBEX Productions
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies – Rev. Rick Lackore
Invitations: Suite Paper
Transportation: Sarasota Trolley
Dress: Malindy Elene Bridal – Anne Barge
Hair and Makeup: Rachel Artistry
Photobooth: Photogenica
