Larissa and Derek's Vintage Glam Wedding

Larissa and Derek were married on Sunday, Nov. 21st at the Powell Crosley Mansion in Sarasota. After all of the love and hard work Larissa, Derek, and Larissa's mom put into the planning of this event, I was so happy to help their visions come to fruition. The couple's love of travel inspired them to create a European-influenced motif with an Eiffel Tower ice sculpture and vintage French postcard table numbers.

The marriage ceremony was performed by the bride's uncle and Bella Musica performed beautifully during both the ceremony and the cocktail hour. There is something so romantic about live music at a wedding ceremony - I think it's such a nice touch and Eric Nordstrom and his musicians did a wonderful job.

After the ceremony the guests enjoyed a cocktail under the pavillion during a sunset on Sarasota bay, and then continued inside the mansion for the reception. Delectables provided the delicious dinner of which guests raved about and the vintage-inspired black and white cake was made by Publix. The tall and low bright fuschia and white centerpieces and florals were all designed by DD's Blooms.

A highlight of the evening was definitely during dinner, when the groom surprised his bride by serenading her karaoke-style with Luther Vandross' "Here and Now" that the guests loved.

After the reception, guests returned to the terrace for a ton of dancing to the music of DJ Frank Diaz. All of the amazing moments were captured by the talented Jerry McGaghey and his second shooter, Tina. Videography was done by Always In Memory. I can't wait to see the pro photos and video, but for now here are a few non-professional photos...

Jackie and Tim's Elegant Vintage Circus Wedding

On October 30th, Jackie and Tim were married under the trees on the front lawn of the Ca d'Zan at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. This stunning mansion is surrounded by large, lush trees and gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay. It was the perfect day for an outside wedding!

Jackie and Tim live in NY city, but chose Jackie's home state of Florida for their wedding. Florida also had significance to Tim though because his parents have always had a condo here so he spent a lot of time in West Florida while he was growing up.

The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. David Cole and included a tradition from Jackie's Greek heritage - the wreath exchange. The ceremony was personal, touching, and romantic and I don't think there was a dry eye around.

Jackie looked stunning in her Vera Wang gown complimented by hair and make up by Michelle Rene artists.

After the ceremony, the guests were able to take a stroll through the house on their way to cocktail hour which was held on the back side of the mansion. The cocktail hour took place during a breath taking sunset.

Jackie and Tim picked a unique theme for this wedding which was elegant vintage circus. They picked this because the mansion was the winter home of John and Mable Ringling (of Ringling Brothers Circus).

This wedding is a perfect example of a theme is perfectly executed and not overdone. They just had a few vintage touches such as vintage Ringling Postcard save the dates, the vintage glass used for their centerpieces and the flower arrangements that were created by Apple Blossoms Florist. By the way, Apple Blossoms did a magnificent job on the flowers! They were unlike anything I had every seen before!

Their invitations had a touch of circus with trapeze people on the back of the envelopes,and their cake topper was a handmade version of Jackie and Tim on the trapeze. They also had vintage circus place cards that were cut outs of circus animals.

Shutterbooth was there with lots of fun props so guests could take pictures for the scrapbook.

Mattison's Catering served a delicious duo entree which the guests really enjoyed and then they also served a late night snack of sliders, truffle fries, mini milk shakes and cotton candy! Chef Paul Mattison and his staff were amazing to work with and the provided five star service.

RJ Vida provided all of the music and the uplighting. RJ really knows how to keep a crowd moving and as usual, the dance floor was packed all night. As always, we really enjoyed working with RJ!

Jeff and Sara from K&K Photography were there capturing all the special moments and details. Jeff and Sara did a great job staying on track which allowed Jackie, Tim and the entire wedding party to even enjoy part of the cocktail hour. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Jackie and Tim had so many fun touches and surprises for the guests it truly was a one of kind event. From the elegant linens and chivari chairs to the array of food and fun little details - everything fit together perfectly.

When Jackie found us through The Knot Magazine last January I could tell this was going be a fun wedding! Jackie and Tim are the sweetest couple and you can just see the love in their eyes. I really enjoyed working with them and their families. They were all absolutely wonderful people and I will miss planning with them.

Jackie and Tim - Congratulations! I hope you enjoyed your South African Honeymoon. You two are very special and it was an honor to be part of your day. Please keep in touch!!!

Here are some of the photos I took of Jackie and Tim's fabulous wedding:

Flawless Occasions featured at White Closet Bridal Co.

We are very excited about this upcoming weekend. Not only are we coordinating an amazing wedding at the Powell Crosley Mansion in Sarasota, but we were also invited to be the exclusive wedding planners at the White Closet Bridal Co.'s Ella Trunk Show this weekend.

Owner Cindy Rivera has invited us to come and meet all of her wonderful clients to give them wedding planning advice and share our expertise. We are so flattered and excited about this opportunity. We know it's going to be a fabulous event with all of the special attention and pampering Cindy has prepared for her bride-to-be's.

For more information about the Ella Trunk Show, visit the White Closet Bridal Co.'s website. Appointments are almost entirely full but it might not be too late so call today and come out and see Cindy and our own Beth this Saturday and Sunday!

Desiree and Trey's Sweet Beach Ceremony

Flawless Occasions has had the pleasure of working with Desiree, the event coordinator at the Marriott Sand Key, on multiple occasions when we have worked on weddings together. We were so honored when she chose us to help her on a very special event - her own marriage ceremony.

The groom, Trey, is in the military so this couple wanted to plan an intimate and romantic beach wedding ceremony to become man and wife before he is deployed. I chose Sunset Beach for their ceremony because of its beauty and privacy. Desiree's elegant bouquet of red roses and white stephanotis was created by DD's Blooms. I officiated the ceremony just as the sun was setting this past Monday, and the couple wrote their own vows in a personal and emotional ceremony.

Erin from Memories by Erin Leigh captured this extremely special moment and took some gorgeous portraits of the soldier and his bride. Here are some of my favorite photos by Erin, enjoy!

Candace and Tom's Elegant Affair

On October 16th, Candace and Tom exchanged vows at Saint Paul's Catholic Church in St Pete. After the ceremony, the guests headed over to the Tradewinds Resort to celebrate.

About 240 guests shared in the celebration and I think that every one of them stayed on the dance floor enjoying the great music played by DJ Joe Lorenzo from Expert Productions. This crowd really knew how to have a good time!
The room look magnificent with pink uplighting, black linens with fuchsia accents (from A Linen Valley)and gorgeous centerpieces by Dana Dineen.

Candace and Tom really had some wonderful things planned for their guests. Natalie from Chic Sweets created a fabulous candy buffet which was a huge hit! They also had Cigar Rollers from Nicacabana Cigars, baskets full of flip flops so people could dance the night away and fun props for the dance floor. The guests really enjoyed themselves!

They also had a cake from Publix which was as beautiful as it was delicious. The cake table was adorned with rose petals, votives and pictures of Candace and Tom's parents on their wedding days.

Carrie Wildes Photography was there to capture all the special moments and details. In fact, here are some of Carrie's amazing photos from the day!

Candace and Tom - you truly are a very special couple and it was an honor to be part of your day! We wish you both a happily ever after!






























Thank you Carrie for all the great photos!!!

Happy Veterans Day and a Sneak Peak

In honor of Veterans Day, here is a sneak peak of one of our latest newlyweds, Desiree and Trey, from Erin of Memories by Erin Leigh. We give many thanks to our past veterans and current soldiers, including Trey, for your service to our country. Happy Veterans Day!

More from this sweet beach ceremony to come...