Wedding

Waterfront Blush, Ivory and Gold Sarasota Wedding | Powel Crosely Estate

TheXpos Bridal Show | Tampa Bay Wedding Show Feb 9, 2020

Cara and James' romantic Sarasota wedding was an enchanting evening filled with delicious food, entertainment, and the couple's two adorable dogs. The outdoor garden-inspired reception featured timeless decor that complemented the luxurious waterfront views.

“I would describe our wedding theme as romantic, elegant, and dreamy. I just wanted it to feel magical,” Cara shared. “Our colors were grey, blush, ivory, and gold. James wanted something close to a black tux, which is why we chose the grey, and to me, the other colors perfectly captured our romantic theme.”

MORE: WATERFRONT SARASOTA WEDDING INSPIRATION

The bride turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay to research different looks for her venue.

“We used Marry Me Tampa Bay to find photos of our venue for decor inspiration,” Cara shared.

During the wedding planning process, Cara and James designed their day to include personalized wedding vows. The Tampa couple wanted their ceremony documented in a relaxed and authentic style and chose Tampa Bay videographer Bonnie Newman Creative to deliver on their vision.

“We looked for someone who would make sure to capture the most important parts of our day and include parts of our vows and everyone’s speeches, someone who would catch the feel of our wedding day so well that when we watched it again years from now, we would feel the same way and feel like it were only yesterday,” the bride gushed. “Every video we watched of Bonnie Newman Creative made me tear up or cry! With Bonnie, we knew she was the perfect person for us. We didn’t even feel the need to tell her anything specific. We felt relaxed the entire day knowing we were in good hands. We are so happy with our video!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT BONNIE NEWMAN CREATIVE | EMAIL

While reminiscing on their wedding day, Cara was reminded of the simple moments that left her with the sweetest memories.

“Creating our own vows and saying them to one another meant so much to us. Seeing my husband tear up during his vows made me realize how much he truly loved me, and it made our day so special,” the bride beamed. “Having our dogs Bentley and Baylor in our wedding meant so much to us. We were so glad they were able to be a part of our special day! They looked so adorable too!”

What did you look for in a wedding videographer?
We looked for someone who would make sure to capture the most important parts of our day and include parts of our vows and everyone’s speeches, someone who would catch the feel of our wedding day so well that when we watched it again years from now, we would feel the same way and feel like it were only yesterday.

Every video we watched of Bonnie Newman Creative's made me tear up or cry! With Bonnie, we knew she was the perfect person for us. We didn’t even feel the need to tell her anything specific. We felt relaxed the entire day knowing we were in good hands. We are so happy with our video!

Romantic Elegant White with Green Leaves Wedding Invitation Suite on Antique Tray

Badgley Mischka Ivory Chunky Rhinestone Strappy Sandal Wedding Shoes, Gold Foil Her Vows Book, Solitaire Round Diamond Engagement Ring in Blush Pink Ring Box

Romantic White Ballgown Lazaro Spaghetti Strap Wedding Dress

Tampa Bay Bridal Portrait with Lazaro V-Neck Ballgown Specialty Fabric Wedding Dress

Romantic Bride with Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Robes Champagne Toast Wedding Portrait

Romantic Bride in Lazaro V-Neck Ballgown Specialty Fabric Wedding Dress with Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Dresses Portrait

Romantic Sarasota Bride in Lazaro V-Neck Specialty Fabric Ballgown Wedding Dress with Full Length Veil Holding White Anemone and Greenery Floral Bouquet

Tampa Bay Bride Beauty Portrait, Half Up Hairdo Holding Blush Pink and White Roses, Anemone and Greenery Floral Bouquet in Open Back Lazaro Wedding Dress

Florida Bride and Groom Back to Back First Look Wedding Portrait | Sarasota Wedding Venue Powel Crosley Estate

Romantic Bride and Groom First Look Wedding Portrait with White Rose Petals in the Air

Sarasota Bride in Romantic Lazaro Ballgown Wedding Dress Holding Dog in Tuxedo

Sarasota Bride and Groom Holding Dogs Wedding Portrait

Outdoor Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait Under Banyan Tree

Florida Bride and Groom Exchanging Wedding Vows Wedding Ceremony Portrait | Sarasota Wedding Venue Powel Crosley Estate

The Proposal:
James and I dated for over seven years before he proposed on New Year’s Eve during a picnic on the water at the University of Tampa. He told me earlier that day that he had a surprise for me later. When we got there, James took out a new blanket and said, “Look what I got!” I asked if that was his surprise, and he said yes. He then stood me up and proposed right there. That was the real surprise, and of course, I said yes!

Sarasota Bride and Groom Kissing Wedding Ceremony Exit Portrait

Sarasota Bride and Groom Kissing, Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Dresses, Groomsmen in Gray Suits Wedding Party Portrait

Elegant Bride in Lazaro V-Neck Ballgown Wedding Dress with Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Dresses Holding White Roses and Anemone with Greenery Floral Bouquets Portrait

Romantic Elegant Bride Beauty Portrait in Lazaro V-Neck Ballgown Specialty Fabric Wedding Dress Holding Blush Pink and Ivory Roses, Anemone and Eucalyptus Floral Bouquet

Creative Black and White Bride and Groom Holding Hands on Staircase Wedding Portrait

Romantic Elegant Outdoor Garden Wedding Reception Decor, Round Tables with White Tablecloths, Gold Chiavari Chairs and Low Floral Centerpieces | Sarasota Wedding Venue Powel Crosley Estate

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Romantic, elegant, and dreamy. I just wanted it to feel magical, even for our guests.

What were your colors?
Grey, blush, ivory, and gold. James wanted something close to a black tux, which is why we chose the grey, and to me, the other colors perfectly captured our romantic theme.

INSTAGRAM Blush Pink Linen with Rosemary and Menu Card, Laser Cut Gold Acrylic Name

White Three Tier Wedding Cake with White and Blush Pink Roses, Eucalyptus Decor and Custom Laser Cut Cake Topper

Creative Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Sarasota Wedding Venue Powel Crosley Estate

Romantic Elegant Bride in Lazaro Open Back Wedding Dress, Groom in Gray Suit Intimate Kissing Wedding Portrait

Romantic Bride and Groom Courtyard First Dance Wedding Reception Portrait | Sarasota Wedding Venue Powel Crosley Estate

Sunset Bride and Groom Kissing Wedding Portrait Sitting in Chiavari Gold Chairs with Acrylic Laser Cut Signs

Elegant Sarasota Historic Wedding Venue Powel Crosley Estate

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Try not to get caught up in all the little details. Don’t lose sight of what your day is really all about, which is celebrating your love for one another. Make sure to hire vendors who will make sure all your requests are taken care of so you can relax and make the most of your wedding day.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Powel Crosley Estate
Photographer: Everence Photography
Videographer: Bonnie Newman Creative *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Coordinator: Laura Snow
Florist: Oneco
Caterer: Milan Catering
Cake: Sugarpaste by Stephanie the Baker
DJ: DJ Cory Barron & Co.
Officiant: “I Do” Ceremonies by Lauren Crowley
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Uber
Dress Designer: Lazaro
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Jasmine Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group




Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.