Tanya and Brian
ZOTA BEACH RESORT
“I wanted a beachy, coastal, boho vibe. We are both very laid back and love to be outdoors on the beach. Moving here from Chicago, we don’t think we’ll ever get sick of the coastal feels! We also wanted everyone to feel like they were in paradise. We chose pinks, corals, and greens. I wanted it to be warm and coastal. I loved having our ceremony palette be all green and then walking into a pop of color for the reception.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Tanya and Brian’s waterfront Sarasota wedding was a colorful celebration featuring tropical greenery, coastal details, and pops of coral and shell pink befitting the beautiful Florida beach setting.
“I wanted a beachy, coastal, boho vibe. We are both very laid back and love to be outdoors on the beach. Moving here from Chicago, we don’t think we’ll ever get sick of the coastal feels! We also wanted everyone to feel like they were in paradise,” the bride beamed. “We chose pinks, corals, and greens. I wanted it to be warm and coastal. My planner actually helped me a lot with the color scheme. I loved having our ceremony palette be all green and then walking into a pop of color for the reception.”
“Tanya envisioned a tropical boho vibe, which became my main source of inspiration for the design. I always strive to reflect the couple’s unique vision, and for this wedding, creating a balance between boho, beach, and tropical elements was key,” Delaney Driver, owner of Wilder Minds Events detailed. “For the ceremony, we kept things more classic with an all-green arch, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to shine. Then, for the cocktail hour and reception, we brought in vibrant colors and playful details, giving the couple the best of both worlds. To achieve that perfect balance between relaxed and elevated, we incorporated Plithos Rentals, which tied the beachy boho vibe together without making it feel too casual. The result was a sophisticated, elevated atmosphere that still embraced the laid-back, tropical charm Tanya was dreaming of.”
The Palmetto bride sought a wedding planning team who could create an unforgettable beachside fete for their 117 guests. Upon seeing Wilder Mind Events’ portfolio, Tanya instantly connected with their designs.
“I wanted someone who would listen to me and ensure my vision would be executed to the best of their ability. When I looked on Wilder Mind Events‘ Instagram, I knew immediately they were the one!” the bride gushed. “With the work they’ve done, I knew they’d be able to understand my vision. Their service was exceptional! Anything I needed, they were there to ensure it got taken care of.”
“Some of my favorite details from the wedding day were the hanging lantern baskets and the coconut wall. The lanterns were such a unique touch, adding a beautiful sense of dimension to the outdoor space—something you don’t often see. I love incorporating suspended elements, and these lanterns gave off a perfect bohemian vibe without overwhelming the scene,” the wedding palnner added. “I was also completely excited about the coconut wall. Not only was it visually stunning, but it featured custom etchings of their dogs and their wedding date/names, making it so personal. What made it even more special was the fact that the coconuts were non-alcoholic, making it an inclusive experience for everyone. Whether you were sober, pregnant, or a child, everyone had the chance to enjoy the fun. Guests could head to the bar for a shot of rum, and the bartenders would pour it in—such a clever and interactive detail that the guests absolutely loved!”
The beach resort’s convenient amenities allowed guests to stay on property mere steps from the celebration. The progressive decor and color palette from ceremony to reception helped transition the experience and keep everything feeling fresh. Amber McWhorter Photography was on hand to artfully document the entire day as it unfolded, forever preserving the memories for the couple to treasure for years to come.
“Amber McWhorter Photography was exceptional! I loved her work that I saw on her website and Instagram,” the bride revealed. “We had the same style. It just felt right; especially her being on my wedding planner’s preferred vendor list.”
With a broad spectrum of guests in attendance, the pair prioritized their wedding day entertainment. Chris Grainger at Graingertainment impressed the couple with his magnetic personality and range of music, drawing everyone on the dance floor through various genres and music styles.
“We wanted someone to play music from all decades. It was super important to us for all guests (young and old) to have fun and be able to sing along,” the bride explained. “When I met with Chris, he had a personality just like us, and we knew right then he was the one to choose.”
Tanya and Brian snuck away for a few solitary moments to soak in the celebration that was unfolding around them. Witnessing their wedding vision come to fruition filled with their most treasured guests was a moment they will never forget.
“Our hotel room overlooked our whole reception so we took a minute to break away and oversee it all. That is where it clicked for me, seeing my vision so perfectly executed and all of our friends and family having a great time,” the bride reminisced.
The Proposal:
Brian brought me to Clearwater Beach and flew my closest friends and family in from Chicago for it. They hid in the bushes while we walked down a rose filled aisle in the sand, and he surprised me at the end! It was a weekend to remember forever.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
Amber McWhorter Photography was exceptional! I loved her work that I saw on her website and Instagram. We had the same style. It just felt right; especially her being on my wedding planner’s preferred vendor list.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to the Maldives because it is so beautiful! We wanted a once-in-a-lifetime location where we probably would not be back to in a very long time.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Scottsdale, AZ. That is where my husband and I first met and thought it would be special.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I wanted a beachy, coastal, boho vibe. We are both very laid back and love to be outdoors on the beach. Moving here from Chicago, we don’t think we’ll ever get sick of the coastal feels! We also wanted everyone to feel like they were in paradise.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted someone who would listen to me and ensure my vision would be executed to the best of their ability. When I looked on Wilder Mind Events‘ Instagram, I knew immediately they were the one! With the work they’ve done, I knew they’d be able to understand my vision. Their service was exceptional! Anything I needed, they were there to ensure it got taken care of.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted someone to play music from all decades. It was super important to us for all guests (young and old) to have fun and be able to sing along. When I met with Chris, he had a personality just like us, and we knew right then he was the one to choose.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
They all were absolutely amazing. If I had to do it all again I would choose the same people. They all knew just what to do and when.
What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
Trust the process, and trust your vendors! They know what they’re doing, and they know your vision (even if you think they don’t). I didn’t think anyone would understand the vision I had, and I was very scared I would not like it but it was exactly how I pictured.