Jessica and Travis' elegant, outdoor Sarasota wedding brought together quintessential Florida icons, including a live shark tank behind the couple's cake table. With a color palette of assorted jewel tones and greenery, every element of this detailed wedding surely popped!
“Since most of our guests were coming from out-of-town, we wanted them to have the full Florida experience, and what better way than an aquarium right on the water? Our wedding ceremony pick also incorporated the Florida oasis feel we were going for,” the bride explained. “I tried to stray away from it feeling tropical, so we made sure in incorporate a lot of elements of romance in the chandeliers, candles, and floral arrangements. I love the elegant look of greenery, but wanted lots of pops of color. I wanted to be different, and jewel tones aren’t something you see every day.”
To incorporate their personalities throughout their wedding, Jessica honored her husband's love for flying airplanes the reception decor.
“When Travis isn’t playing baseball or golf, he is flying airplanes. He obtained his private pilot’s license several years ago, and it is one of my favorite activities we do together,” Jessica shared. “I had airport codes of all the places we have traveled together instead of table numbers, i.e. SRQ for Sarasota.”
MORE: TRAVEL INSPIRED WEDDINGS
To ensure she hired the best wedding vendors and to keep her day stress-free, Jessica hired Sarasota wedding planner Jennifer Matteo Event Planning.
“I’ve seen many of my friends so stressed the day of their wedding because they didn’t have that person in the background making sure everything went smoothly,” the bride explained. “I hired Jennifer Matteo Event Planning because I wanted someone who would have my back the day of the wedding so that I did not have to worry about anything. Because of Jennifer's relationships with vendors, I knew whomever she suggested would be top-notch.”
Looking back on her wedding day, Jessica shared that one of her favorite memories occurred during the reception.
“Dancing with my dad (we did a polka) and just dancing in general were my most memorable moments from the evening. Having all our closest family and friends together with us was something so special and a moment that both Travis and I want to keep reliving!” the bride reminisced.
The Proposal:
Travis and I met at a local driving range. I was meeting some of my co-workers after work to give them lessons since I had played golf in college. My friends got wind that there was a cute baseball player down at the other end. I had no interest at the time, but my friends kept insisting that I talk with him. Eventually we worked our way to the stall right next to him, and we ended hitting balls and talking for the rest of the night. The beginning of our relationship consisted of us spending a lot of time on the golf course, since it is a passion we both share.
Fast forward five years, Travis took me back to the same driving range, which was being torn down the next month, on a random Wednesday and convinced me that he wanted me to help him with his swing. I thought nothing of it, as this was a normal after work activity for us. About 20 minutes in, he suggested I should hit my driver. I pulled off the head cover and taped to the driver was a note that said, “Where we are at right now is the first time I ever laid my eyes on the love of my life, now I want to ask, “Will you marry me?” I didn’t realize it at the time, but we were the only ones on the range that night, he had the whole thing shut down so we could be alone. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
Someone who can help make decisions, because I will waiver back and forth till the cows come home!
I’ve seen many of my friends so stressed the day of their wedding because they didn’t have that person in the background making sure everything went smoothly. I hired Jennifer Matteo Event Planning because I wanted someone who would have my back the day of the wedding so that I did not have to worry about anything. Because of her relationships with vendors, I knew whomever she suggested would be top-notch
How did you incorporate you and your spouse's personalities into the wedding?
When Travis isn’t playing baseball or golf, he is flying airplanes. He obtained his private pilot’s license several years ago, and it is one of my favorite activities we do together. To incorporate this into our day, I had airport codes of all the places we have traveled together instead of table numbers, i.e. SRQ for Sarasota.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Since most of our guests were coming from out-of-town, we wanted them to have the full Florida experience, and what better way than an aquarium right on the water? Our wedding ceremony pick also incorporated the Florida oasis feel we were going for. I tried to stray away from it feeling tropical, so we made sure in incorporate a lot of elements of romance in the chandeliers, candles, and floral arrangements.
What were your colors?
Jewel tones with lots of greenery. I love the elegant look of greenery, but wanted lots of pops of color. I wanted to be different, and jewel tones aren’t something you see every day.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
I feel like everyone says this but it is so true; stay in the present moment. The day will be gone so quickly, so enjoy every second. In the planning process, hire a wedding planner. Seriously, it will make a world of difference. Lastly, hire a videographer and have raw footage included. It was so special to go back and watch our full first dance, all the speeches, vows etc.
Ceremony Venue: Longboat Island Chapel
Reception Venue: Mote Marine Aquarium
Photographer: Alisa Sue Photography
Videographer: Jessica Overholt
Planner: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Caterer: Morton's Market
Rentals: So Staged, US Tent
Cake: Cakes by Ron
DJ: Jam All Day Entertainment
Officiant: Bill Friederich
Invitations: Write on Sarasota
Transportation: SRQ Services
Dress Shop: The Perfect Dress
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Nuovo Salon and Spa
