Lisa and Dave
Lakewood Ranch Country Club
“I wanted our wedding to still feel like winter with black-tie attire and some darker colors, but also keep it Florida with a mix of lighter and darker flowers. My idea was to keep it simple and elegant. Our colors were gold, dark green and navy. I wanted a very elegant, classic feel to the wedding.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Lisa and Dave’s destination Sarasota wedding combined timeless white flora and greenery with luxurious gold details in an elegant country club setting. The bride and groom exchanged vows on a pristine lawn overlooking a sparkling fountain before dining and dancing the night away in a chic ballroom reception.
“I wanted our wedding to still feel like winter with black-tie attire and some darker colors, but also keep it Florida with a mix of lighter and darker flowers. My idea was to keep it simple and elegant,” the bride shared. “Our colors were gold, dark green and navy. I wanted a very elegant, classic feel to the wedding.”
The Philadelphia couple gleaned inspiration for their 180-guest destination nuptials via social media. Upon discovering Susan Elizabeth Photography‘s stunning work, Lisa knew it was the exact style she envisioned. Their first conversation sealed the deal, and the final product left the couple and their guests completely smitten.
“I took one look at Susan Elizabeth Photography‘s portfolio, and it was clear that her work is as good as it gets. I wanted clear, fun and timeless photos. She offered all of the above. I only considered one other photographer but my decision was easy after speaking to Susan. Her work is perfect,” the bride raved. “Not only did we have a great time with her (yes, even my husband), but we are still receiving compliments on our wedding photos every single day. I am beyond happy with her work and feel so lucky to have, quite literally, stumbled upon her on Facebook.”
The pair were wed in a sunny outdoor lawn ceremony before hosting their reception in an elegant ballroom. Classic white linens accented with gold Chiavari chairs and charger plates complemented the neutral space, while a mixture of low and high centerpieces provided visual interest and drew focus to the crystal chandeliers.
Surrounded by their closest friends and family, in a venue that felt predestined by fate, made a lasting impact on the newlyweds.
“We Live in Philadelphia but chose to get married in Florida where our parents live. We found it to be the perfect getaway for our guests in the middle of the winter. What are the odds of two people meeting in Philadelphia with parents that live three miles apart in Lakewood Ranch, Florida?!” the bride gushed. “Most of our guests came from out of town and that meant so much to us. Having all of our favorite people from all aspects of our lives in one room was so special to us. It was the first time, and possibly only time, we had this opportunity and every minute was wonderful. The wedding was so special; we still say it was perfect. We felt so much love.”
Although sharing the January weekend with their treasured guests was the highlight of the experience, the pair will never forget exchanging vows as well as a few special dances that turned into core memories.
“Dave and I say over and over that having our most favorite people in one space was all we could ask for. It was the first time, and possibly only time, we had this opportunity ,and every minute was wonderful,” Lisa reminisced. “However, our ceremony was perfect and our first dance was so much fun (we took lessons at the Society Hill Dance Academy in Philadelphia). Dancing with our parents also meant so much to us!”
The Proposal:
Dave and I were getting ready to meet friends for happy hour. He had a friend come over to help him move furniture on the roof, and they called me up for assistance. Dave set up an entire row of flowers and proposed on our rooftop with the Philly skyline behind us.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Turks and Caicos. We wanted to get away and do nothing but drink and lay around at the most beautiful beaches.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
My bachelorette party was in Charleston South Carolina and Dave had his bachelor party in Philadelphia. Charleston is absolutely adorable! My girlfriends flew in from all over the country (24 of us total), and it was the perfect meeting spot with shopping, good food, photo-ops and water for boating!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I took one look at Susan Elizabeth Photography‘s portfolio, and it was clear that her work is as good as it gets. I wanted clear, fun and timeless photos. She offered all of the above. I only considered one other photographer but my decision was easy after speaking to Susan. Her work is perfect. Not only did we have a great time with her (yes, even my husband), but we are still receiving compliments on our wedding photos every single day. I am beyond happy with her work and feel so lucky to have, quite literally, stumbled upon her on Facebook.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I wanted our wedding to still feel like winter with black-tie attire and some darker colors, but also keep it Florida with a mix of lighter and darker flowers. My idea was to keep it simple and elegant.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our photographer, Susan Elizabeth Photography, was certainly the best decision I made! Everyone has been asking how I found Susan and how amazing she is!
What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Don’t stress over the little things. What’s important is that you have all your people there and that you have a great time.
