Molly and Dan’s Sarasota wedding was a serendipitous tropical-inspired celebration that rerouted the couple to the sunshine state. Recreating the sensation of a hidden paradise, vibrant and exotic floral arrangements decorated their historic waterfront estate venue, while the theme of the evening was relaxed and fun.
“We were originally planning to get married in New Orleans but had to cancel because of COVID. So when we switched gears and moved the wedding to Florida, we decided to lean into the tropical feel. We wanted lush flowers, citrus, bright colors, and lots of loud patterns,” the bride explained. “We wanted extra bright colors, pinks, oranges, yellows, and greens. We really wanted our wedding to be a fun, loving party, not too traditional, not too stuffy, and to us, vibrant colors evoke that kind of celebration.”
During the pandemic, the Virginia couple found themselves staying near Molly’s family in Florida. They chose to relocate their destination French Quarter wedding to the beautiful shores of Sarasota and relied on the excellent reputation of MDP Events to coordinate their July wedding for 65 of their closest friends and family.
“Because we only planned for two months, we knew we needed a very talented wedding planner. We wanted someone who was organized and relaxed, who would both help us with the work, and help us calm us down in the process,” the bride shared. “After our initial call with Lauren from MDP Events, we knew she’d be a good fit for us. She understood that we didn’t want anything fussy or traditional for tradition’s sake, and she assured us that even though we had to move quickly, we’d be able to make it work. We’re so grateful for everything she did. She was so easy to communicate with, she never made us feel obnoxious for changing our minds at the last minute or asking a million questions, and she had so many brilliant ideas along the way.”
Originally from Florida, Molly understood a highly experienced hair and makeup team would be essential in keeping her look intact during the summer heat and humidity. Adore Bridal‘s talented artist impressed the bride and made her feel comfortable on her wedding day.
“I wanted a natural look so I could feel casual and comfortable and still myself, and I wanted someone who knows about Florida humidity and how to prevent hair and makeup from suffering in the heat,” Molly revealed. “I chose Adore Bridal, not only because of their great work but also because Kelcey and Kassie were just nice to be around. They were supportive, sweet, and fun, the perfect company for the morning of my wedding. I loved my hair and makeup, and so did my bridal party.”
As Molly and Dan looked back on their stunning Sarasota wedding, it was the sentiment in the traditions shared with family and friends that meant the most to the pair.
“Our ceremony was really meaningful, and we feel so lucky that Rabbi Glickman was able to lead it. First, we had a lovely ketubah signing with just our immediate family. Our parents gave beautiful blessings, and it was a nice, private moment together before the big event. Then, the wedding itself was lovely. It was full of Jewish rituals; circling each other, blessings over wine, breaking the glass, etc.; all of the symbolism felt rich and meaningful,” the bride reminisced. “We also had some of the greatest toasts ever at our rehearsal dinner. Our friends and family made such beautiful, funny, loving tributes, and we’ll always remember them.”
What did you look for in a wedding hair and makeup artist?
I really wanted a natural look so I could feel casual and comfortable and still myself, and I wanted someone who knows about Florida humidity and how to prevent hair and makeup from suffering in the heat!
I chose Adore Bridal, not only because of their great work but also because Kelcey and Kassie were just nice to be around. They were supportive, sweet, and fun, the perfect company for the morning of my wedding. I loved my hair and makeup, and so did my bridal party.
“I really wanted a natural look so I could feel casual and comfortable and still myself, and I wanted someone who knows about Florida humidity and how to prevent hair and makeup from suffering in the heat! Adore Bridal was supportive, sweet, and fun, the perfect company for the morning of my wedding. I loved my hair and makeup, and so did my bridal party.”
-The Bride
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We were originally planning to get married in New Orleans but had to cancel because of COVID. So when we switched gears and moved the wedding to Florida, we decided to lean into the tropical feel. We wanted lush flowers, citrus, bright colors, and lots of loud patterns.
What were your colors?
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
Because we only planned for two months, we knew we needed a very talented wedding planner. We wanted someone who was organized and relaxed, who would both help us with the work, and help us calm us down in the process.
After our initial call with Lauren from MDP Events, we knew she’d be a good fit for us. She understood that we didn’t want anything fussy or traditional for tradition’s sake, and she assured us that even though we had to move quickly, we’d be able to make it work.
We’re so grateful for everything she did. She was so easy to communicate with, she never made us feel obnoxious for changing our minds at the last minute or asking a million questions, and she had so many brilliant ideas along the way.
What elements of your wedding were the most important?
Food, drinks, flowers, and making sure guests were comfortable and having fun.
How did you incorporate your personalities into the wedding?
We wanted our wedding to be lowkey, relaxing, and fun, less like a formal wedding, and more like a beautiful, festive family meal. I handled most of the design choices, and the only thing Dan really insisted on was naming our tables after characters from his favorite TV show, Frasier.
After the wedding, we all took the trolley to my parents’ house, where we had the perfect pool party. There was a bar, a food truck serving hot dogs and fries, a cart full of frozen key lime pies, and we got to float around the pool, singing along to music, talking, laughing, and fully enjoying each other’s company.
“Lauren from MDP Events understood that we didn’t want anything fussy or traditional for tradition’s sake, and she assured us that even though we had to move quickly, we’d be able to make it work. We’re so grateful for everything she did. She was so easy to communicate with, she never made us feel obnoxious for changing our minds at the last minute or asking a million questions, and she had so many brilliant ideas along the way.”
-The Bride
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to Miami for a few days. We were so exhausted after two months of heavy-duty planning and, more than anything, we wanted something easy. It was a short drive, and we knew we could have a bit of everything. We could plop on the beach to relax, but also go out for a great night out in the city. We stayed at the Edition and it was a dream.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our florist designed the most incredible florals we’ve ever seen. We tried to describe our vision, and they created something even more beautiful than we could have imagined. We’re still talking about how much we loved our flowers.
Our wedding planner, Lauren from MDP Events, went above and beyond; she was always available, flexible, and completely organized.
We were absolutely thrilled with all of our signs, menus, cards, programs, and stationery.
For our after party, we had coney dogs (a Michigan delicacy), fries, and a mobile bar, and they were a big hit with our guests!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, but do realize that you will be sweaty and plan accordingly. I was very happy to have my hair up, to be in a light dress, and to have planned a pool party for the end of the night.
