Urban Setting for a Rustic Wedding

Ciara and Ryan

Sarasota Garden Club

Selected Photos by Meghan Davis of Day Dream Design*

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While many grooms are our initial contact at the start of the planning process, many don't stay actively "in the picture" after their fiancee gets fully involved.

Not the case for this couple. Ryan happily was a part of all communications, design meetings, final details, and most importantly the first hours right before the ceremony at Sarasota Garden Center.

Ciara and Ryan were equal partners in all aspects of their wedding planning. It all started with a natural, rustic feel and which Ryan carried out with freshly cut wood stumps and hand-painted bird houses for each table. Ciara's creativity was found in the addition of fresh carnations with baby's breath and dark brown burlap runners to compliment the mint green and pink color scheme.

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Ciara and Ryan filled their ceremony and reception with many unique features that reflected their personalities and determination to make the celebration fun for all of their guests. "We've been to weddings that were very formal and 'stuffy" and we don't want that," said Ciara. . . "He (Ryan) wants our guests to have a great time. . . "

They achieved this in many ways. 

One was a set of lawn games behind the clubhouse building. The cornhole games were painted to match the wedding colors.

Ciara made her sorority sisters feel welcome with small flowers at the garden entrance. 

Together they created a blueprint for an evening of memories not just for themselves, but for those in attendance. 

The couple decided to do a first-look before the ceremony started. They spent much of the time together by themselves reflecting on their special day.  

The garden club is in an urban setting right in Downtown Sarasota. Although surrounded by tall condo and commercial buildings, it is truly an "oasis" of tranquility with lots of notable trees, tropical themed gardens, and multiple lawn areas. Ciara and Ryan chose the front lawn for their natural ceremony setting. As part of their nuptials, they planted an element of tropical foliage.

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Two of our preferred vendors, DJ Bill of DeLite Entertainment, and  officiant, Vicki of Beachangels Weddings, were on hand.

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Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed social hour with a bar and hand-passed hors d'oeuvres on the side patio garden area.

                                        

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For the guest table assignments, Ciara and Ryan connected two large frames together with strings holding place cards in alphabetical order. Each contained a packet of birdseed attached with a clothespin.

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Guest table decor alternated between our white carriage lanterns and the couple's wood pieces. Each had white chair covers with brown chair ties and mint green napkins.

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The cupcake tower also shared table space with Ciara and Ryan's favorite cookies..

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The sweet heart table had the perfect garden backdrop. Once bridal bouquets and candlelight were added, it had a romantic, rustic feel.

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The perimeter space on the patio housed the extensive buffet arrangement which included a salad station, Marinated Mediterranean Vegetables, Chicken Parmesean, Pesto Penne, Carved Roast Baron of Beef, and our popular Paella.

We added some of our rustic in-house decor consisting of a triangular wood topiary, tall candle stands and a garden container filled with silk Bells of Ireland.

  

The evening was filled with lots of dancing

 and mingling with family and old friends

 they had not seen in a while.

Congratulations Ciara and Ryan 

for allowing us to be a partner

 in your special celebration. 

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Planning, Decor, Coordination & Catering:

Catering By Robert . Event Concepts . FL

Officiant: Beachangels Weddings

DJ: DeLite Entertainment

Fresh Flowers: Publix

Photography: Daydream Designs

Chair Rental: All Event Rental

Cupcakes and Small Wedding Cake:

Gigi's Cupcakes

Flowers Make a Personal Statement at the St. Pete Beach Community Center

Monica and Angel

*Selected Photos by Melissa Lauren Images

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One of the most "well put together" events of last spring was the trendy celebration for this special couple. It was beautifully special due to the fact the bride's uncle was a florist. The combination of aqua, navy and a touch of medium blue made a definite impact.

Her uncle and cousin traveled from Miami for Monica's wedding, loaded up with a huge assortment of hydrangea, roses, baby's breath, orchids, and glassware galore. Yes, we have had family be directly involved in decor, but this special gift was AMAZING. Professional florists Jorge and Alvaro created a whimsical, yet modern design-scape that suited the tan-neutral tones of the Bocal Ciega Ballroom.

 

We adored the graceful way they balanced candlelight with flowers. It was such a delight working with professionals that put their heart and soul into the design of Monica and Angel's wedding day. It inspired us to come up with some unique tablescape linen accents that included a mixture of solid and organza damask runners for guest and display tables.

The Boca Ciega Ballroom at the SPBCC is one of the few reception locations with an expansive view of the uncluttered section of the bay. For that reason, it stands apart from traditional hotel ballrooms without the "water view." The spectrum of blues hinted of nautical with a modern touch. 

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Monica's and Angel's day began separately but at the Holiday Inn in Clearwater Beach with their respective attendants.

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The ceremony itself took place at St. John Vianney Catholic Church just a few blocks away from the community center. The Friday celebration enabled the couple to schedule a later afternoon nuptial that did not interfere with traditional Saturday evening masses. 

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Once guests arrived for the reception, they were immediately drawn to the amazing florals greeting them at the sign in table inside the foyer. Monica provided many tabletop details such as "cut out" wood signs, figurines, and keepsakes that were personal expressions of she and Angel. Our staff was more than happy to place these items alongside such amazing fresh flower arrangements designed by her talented family members. 

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Guests had an opportunity to write on Monica and Angel's "wall" portrait.

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Social Hour was mostly held on the second level terrace with a displayed custom pineapple-coconut cheese spread with fresh fruits, vegetables and crackers. 

Most of Monica's and Angel's formal pictures alone and with bridal party members were taken along the shores of Boca Ciega Bay behind the SPBCC.

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Inside Boca Ciega Ballroom, a well-coordinated set up was achieved between catering staff and floral designer because of Monica's clear vision for her reception. The aqua-navy combination had the perfect balance with alternating colors of napkins and chair ties. 

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White was the base color that highlighted each table design. 

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There was a magical feel in the arrangement of table centerpieces which ranged from low white and blue hydrangea vases to varying heights of glass cylinders with floating candles. 

The place card table was transformed into a candy station later in the evening:

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One of the highlights of the evening was Angel's DIY photo booth that produced a very professional, yet fun activity for guests' enjoyment. 

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Uplit palm trees dotted the ballroom and created a sultry South Beach look for the space.

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Here are more images of this awesome celebration:

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In memory of the late Chef Nelson, who will be missed as one of the Tampa Bay Area's foremost cake decorators. This was one of the last weddings he participated in.

Planning, Event Design, Coordinating and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . Fl

Fresh Flowers and Arrangements by Jorgi's Floral Artist and Design, Miami - Jorge Candanoza and Alvaro Arenas

Photography: Melissa Lauren Images

Palm Trees and Live Foliage: A1 Foliage

Videography: Hearts Video