Jillian and Kevins wedding took place at the  University Park Country Club, in Sarasota Florida.

This year will be a great year for a wedding in Sarasota. Venues have been upgraded, including the Hyatt and the Ringling Museum, some prices have been reduced because of the economic impact of property valuations, and everybody is ready for a good party!  I will be opening a new photography studio in downtown Sarasota soon, and there will be some great surprises at our grand opening.  We have some brand new cameras and lighting equipment for wedding, engagement, and portrait photography, as well as some new options for albums and wedding websites.

For couples looking for a memorable, individual and moving wedding, Sarasota is a destination offering elegant estates and stunning natural surrounds. Sarasota is also home to world-class resorts able to expertly weave together your wedding celebrations. Check out my recommendation page for venues, and many other wedding services.

See you at the wedding!

With its beautiful tropical and subtropical plants, serene sunsets over Sarasota Bay, and its proximity to downtown Sarasota, Selby Gardens has become a favorite location for weddings. For brides and grooms, the most difficult decision is not whether to have their wedding at Selby Gardens, but rather where in the Gardens to have the wedding.

Summer Discounts: Hold your wedding and/or reception at the gardens during the months of June, July, August and September and receive 25% off the total rental.

Friday and Sunday Discounts: Hold your wedding and/or reception at the Gardens and receive a 20% discount off of the entire rental.

WEDDING SITE OPTIONS

Weddings may be held anywhere on the grounds. The most popular areas are the Schimmel Wedding Lawn and Pavilion and the Bayside Oak adjacent to the Mansion. Other areas include the Great Room by the Bay and the Mansion Museum.

Indoor receptions are generally held in the Great Room by the Bay and the Mansion. The Great Room by the Bay is a 3,600 square-foot room and it has 60-feet of glass windows facing west for spectacular bay and sunset views. It seats approximately 175 persons at round dinner tables or up to 250 people theater style. The Mansion will accommodate 45 guests for a sit down dinner or up to 75 for a cocktail reception.

Duration of Events

The following time periods are provided as part of the contract the day of your event unless previously approved by a Selby Gardens Manager.

• Set up time (Receptions; 3 hours, Wedding Ceremony; 1 hour)
• Wedding Rehearsals, 1 hour maximum
• Wedding Ceremony, guest arrival to departure, 2 hours
• Receptions, Parties, Dinners, etc., as noted on your contract
• Dressing Rooms (if available after 3:00 p.m.), 2 hours prior to ceremony until 1 hour following ceremony
• Cleanup, removal of decorations, caterer clean up, etc., 1 hour

At Hyatt, they believe there’s nothing more important than bringing people together in an unforgettable fashion for your wedding or commitment ceremony. Their professional staff will take care of every detail imaginable – from flowers to music to everything in between – and make your day a dream come true. Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a lavish affair, you’ll feel more than welcome with stunning facilities and idyllic settings.  Nestled near downtown and on the bay, the Sarasota Hyatt is a wonderful location for amazing wedding photography.

• Tiger Lily - www.tigerlilyflowers.com
• The Naked Florist – http://www.srqeventdesigns.com/
• Beneva Flowers - www.beneva.com
• Flowers by Fudgie - www.flowersbyfudgie.com

Florists

Word of mouth is always your safest bet when choosing a wedding florist. If the florist’s service and work come highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Do your research by going to bridal shows and looking at online pictures from each store’s web site and look around their shop. Try to answer the following questions:

• Make sure you speak to the florist that will do your arrangements.
• Do you feel comfortable with your florist?
• Is your florist paying attention to you while you’re talking and does he/she seem interested?

• Pictures of flowers and arrangements that you like (magazine clippings or websites)
• Picture of your wedding gown – swatches of material from your bridesmaids gowns – if available, a picture of your reception room
• If you are supplying the containers for arrangements, bring those too.
• Bring quotes you’ve gotten from other florists.
• Bring a list of all the flowers and arrangements you need and who they are for, so that the florist can label corsages, boutonnieres and bouquets, with names or titles. Example: on a bouquet a stapled piece of paper reads “maid of honor”. This way everyone gets the right flowers.

Questions To Ask The Florist

• When viewing photos of past work, ask if the flowers where arranged by the same person that is doing your arrangements.
• After giving your florist your ideas, ask for their opinion or ideas. You don’t have to take their advice but at least take the time to listen. You never know, you might like their ideas better then your own.
• Is there a delivery charge?
• Is there a setup fee?
• Do they have rental supplies?
• Do they need a map for the different delivery locations?
• Can you change your order if you have another idea? What’s the cut off date for new ideas?
• What times will the flowers be delivered to each location? This question can be asked 1 month before your wedding.
• Will the florist transport ceremony decorations to the reception location? Is there a fee?
• Can they make a sample of your bouquet and centerpiece? Some florists will, some won’t.
• Will they write you up an itemized quote? Some won’t in fear that you will bring it to other florists for a better deal.
• Are the flowers you’ve chosen in season? What flowers are in season for your date?
• You’re on a tight budget, can the florist work with a mixture of silk and fresh flowers?
• Are there any additional or hidden costs?
• Is the florist familiar with your reception and ceremony locations?
• One month before your wedding date, call the florist and ask them if they can get the type and color of flower you wanted?

Things To Keep In Mind
If your wedding date is around the time of a flower giving holiday (mother’s day, valentine’s,etc) you’re going to pay more for your flowers. The florist will also be very busy during this time and you can’t expect to be the centre of attention. Meet and speak to the person that will be making your flower arrangements.

A good place to start is with the bride’s and bridesmaid’s bouquet, work with those colors and flower types to create your centerpieces, alter arrangements and other floral decor.

You don’t have to book on the spot. Take your quote home and think it over.

The more information you give your florist the better they will understand what you want.

If you choose flowers that are not in season and have to be shipped, you’re looking at a bigger expense and you don’t know what effect the shipping will cause on your flowers.

What Goes On The Contract
In most cases your bill will be your contract. Read the small print on the bill. Everything the florist is supplying should be on the bill:

• Your name, address and phone number.
• The contact person’s name, address and phone number for every delivery location.
• An itemized list and description of every floral arrangement, the number required, color of ribbons and other decorative accents.
• Time of setup
• The name of your floral designer
• The service they will provide. i.e. setup and delivery to each location and what this entails.
• The total cost, your deposit and the amount still owing and the date for the last payment.