Stephanie and Saxon’s luxurious Sarasota wedding featured a breathtaking first look over the Sarasota Bay, a private vow exchange, and an enchanting garden courtyard reception at one of the most historic venues in the Sunshine State.

“We chose Sarasota to get married in after a visit to our venue; it took our breath away! The grounds were so romantic and unique. I knew our guests would have never seen anything like this,” the bride gushed. “We were looking at many venues around the country to get married. We quickly fell in love with Sarasota and all the city has to offer; it was nice having the city just an hour away.”

MORE: LUXURIOUS WEDDING INSPIRATION

The Tampa couple’s sunset courtyard ceremony was embellished with chic acrylic decor that magnified the modern design that Stephanie had envisioned. The clear chuppah was decorated with luscious white and ivory florals and cascading greenery, while the reception featured a long feasting table for the wedding party, adorned with Chiavari ghost chairs and clear chargers to add a romantic ambiance in the tablescape.

“Our theme was modern romantic but very clean and simple. The grounds at our venue are so detailed and colorful; it is such a special place that was so effortless,” the bride beamed. “We had white flowers and linens, acrylic decor, and slate grey bridesmaid dresses to complement the tiles of the venue.”

MORE: MODERN WEDDING INSPIRATION

To create a unique experience for their 280 guests, the bride and groom sought a local and reputable wedding planner who would execute their dream vision flawlessly.

“I was looking for a wedding planner who was very familiar with our venue and the area and who had confidence in the planning, lots of experience, and a personal connection to support my visions,” Stephanie shared. “I really enjoyed working with NK Productions. They have an amazing team that supports each other ensuring smooth execution. They have so much experience and connections to other vendors. On the day of the wedding, they were so on point.”

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Looking back on their special day, Stephanie and Saxon shared it was those intimate occasions that meant the most to the couple.

“The first look and private vow ceremony were the most memorable moments for us because it was special and private,” the bride reminisced.

The Proposal:
We were in London during Thanksgiving week. The first night we got there I thought we were going to meet a good friend at a pub. When we started walking along the river near the London Eye, Saxon popped the question. The best part was the second surprise. After some photos around the city with a local photographer, we went to the restaurant and both our families were there with champagne sparklers. We spent the week in London and a couple of days in Italy celebrating together. It was a dream!

What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I was looking for a wedding planner who was very familiar with our venue and the area and who had confidence in the planning, lots of experience, and a personal connection to support my visions.

I really enjoyed working with NK Productions. They have an amazing team that supports each other ensuring smooth execution. They have so much experience and connections to other vendors. On the day of the wedding, they were so on point.

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was modern romantic but very clean and simple. Our venue was so detailed and colorful; it is such a special place that was so effortless.

What were your colors?
We had white flowers and linens, acrylic decor, and slate grey bridesmaid dresses to complement the tiles of the venue.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ca’ d’Zan, Ringling Courtyard
Photographer: Hunter Ryan Photo
Videographer: Voila Cinematic
Planner: NK Productions *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Victoria Blooms
Caterer: Michael’s on East
Bar: Modern Events
Music: Pete Simms
Reception Music: Big City Rhythm
Invitations: Doyle Paper Co.
Lighting: Affairs in the Air
Furniture: So Staged and More
Transportation: Primetime, SRQ Trolley
Hair & Makeup: Ana Mary, Fresh
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

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