The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota is an absolute dream wedding venue!  Their team is phenomenal to work with, and they, along with Rita and Kelly of Aria Events, ensured every element was perfect for this destination wedding!  John had proposed to Jennifer with a private dinner in their home complete with waiters and a Maitre d’ from one of their favorite restaurants.  Of course Jennifer said yes, and the two began planning their big day in Jennifer’s home state of Florida.  They knew they wanted a tropical beach theme, and from the handwritten invitations, to the breathtaking nautical cake, every single detail was incredible!

The morning began with the ladies and Crystal Roe Smith on hair and makeup before they put on their David’s Bridal wedding gown and Azazie bridesmaids dresses.  Jennifer met John just below the staircase that overlooks the grounds, and we set off to explore together for portraits.  After capturing photos along the water’s edge, we returned for a stunning outdoor ceremony in the Healing Garden at sunset.  Following the ceremony, friends and family mingled throughout cocktail hour, and we captured a few golden hour portraits before gathering for the reception in the Ca’ D’Zan Room.  Guests enjoyed dinner, speeches, and dessert by the Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chefs, and the evening came to a close with dancing hosted by Graingertainment.  

It was such a pleasure to be a part of documenting Jennifer and John’s big day, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their kind words when we shared their sneak peek images: “Thank you!!!! The pictures we’ve seen so far have been phenomenal!!!!!! I am super excited to see what the rest look like. Thank you for being a part of making my day so perfect! You were wonderful to work with and I could not have imagined a better experience!”