Brenden and Valerie's European inspired Sarasota wedding featured a travel theme and a Mediterranean color palette of cobalt blue and dusty sage.
“The inspiration for our wedding theme was our travels in Europe and around the world together. We both were stationed in England, where we met, and were able to take many memorable trips during our time there,” Valerie shared. “The bold colors and patterns were inspired by an Italian paper design on an envelope liner that my grandmother kept from her travels with my mother. We tried to capture Mediterranean beauty in a classic Floridian home.”
MORE: TRAVEL INSPIRED WEDDINGS
The couple, who are both fighter pilots in the Air Force, chose to host their destination wedding close to the bride's parents near Sarasota. Searching for a wedding planner who could easily accommodate a couple who lived out of state, they hired Jennifer Matteo Event Planning.
“I interviewed three wedding planners, specifically looking for the one I got along with the best and who wasn't deterred by the fact that both my fiancé and I lived multiple time zones away. I also reviewed their work and the way they set up and maintained their websites, because I felt it was a reflection on their attention to detail, as well as a great indicator of the style and quality we would inherently gain for the money,” the bride explained. “I hired Jennifer Matteo Event Planning because right off the bat I felt like I was talking to a friend. Although, I could tell when it was time to take care of business, she would make it happen. I also knew I would need to lean on her artistic creativity with inputs from my Mom and I, and I trusted that she would make the day a success with the vision that we provided. Jennifer and her team did a phenomenal job! They handled the details during the day immaculately so we could all enjoy spending the precious time that we had with our family and friends.”
Looking back, the bride reflects that her most cherished memory was something that wasn't planned ahead of time, nor on their radar.
“For us, every moment was truly memorable, but the only hitch in the plan happened right after dinner when the speeches began. With no chance of rain in the forecast, while the best man was giving his toast, a Florida downpour began, misting at first and then truly raining. Everyone moved under the porches and Jennifer's team popped out with umbrellas. It lasted for the rest of the speeches, and as if the skies knew that the father-daughter dance was about to begin, it stopped! A little rain is lucky on your wedding day, right?”
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I interviewed three wedding planners, specifically looking for the one I got along with the best and who wasn't deterred by the fact that both my fiancé and I lived multiple time zones away. I also reviewed their work and the way they set up and maintained their websites, because I felt it was a reflection on their attention to detail, as well as a great indicator of the style and quality we would inherently gain for the money.
I hired Jennifer Matteo Event Planning because right off the bat I felt like I was talking to a friend. Although, I could tell when it was time to take care of business, she would make it happen. I also knew I would need to lean on her artistic creativity with inputs from my Mom and I, and I trusted that she would make the day a success with the vision that we provided. Jennifer and her team did a phenomenal job working with my Mom locally and narrowing down vendor suggestions for us to choose from. They handled the details during the day immaculately so we could all enjoy spending the precious time that we had with our family and friends.
The Proposal:
Brenden proposed the day we returned home from a weeklong trip to Thailand and Bali with friends. I was visiting him in Okinawa, where he was stationed, and he lived in an apartment overlooking the ocean. That evening as we sat inside, we reminisced about our trip over a bottle of wine and decided to watch the sunset on the porch, while listening to music and the sound of the waves. As the sun set, we decided to dress up to walk down the seawall to dinner. As I stood up to go inside, Brenden got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, with all the perfect, private details that make the moment so special.
What was your wedding linen inspiration?
Cobalt blue and dusty sage were chosen as a backdrop for the bold patterns on the tablecloths.
I want to learn more about rentals from Over the Top Rental Linens
[My planner recommended] Over the Top Rental Linens their service was seamless to me and my family. Excellent choice for quality linens and service.
How would you describe your theme?
Our wedding inspiration was our travels in Europe and around the world together. We both were stationed in England, where we met, and were able to take many memorable trips during our time there. In fact, the seating chart and tables at the wedding were marked with countries that we both visited, together and separately.
What were your colors?
Cobalt blue and dusty sage. The bold colors and patterns were inspired by an Italian paper design on an envelope liner that my grandmother kept from her travels with my mother. We tried to capture Mediterranean beauty in a classic Floridian home.
What advice would you give to other Sarasota couples?
If you can spare the extra money, use an event planner, even just for the day of the wedding so that you can focus on spending time with your family and friends.
Ceremony Venue: Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast
Reception Venue: Riverhouse Reef & Grill Eagle's Nest
Photographer: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Videographer: EVMRC Everett Marc Cinematography
Planner: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Florist: Oh Darling Flowers
Caterer and Cake: Morton's Gourmet Market
Linen Rentals: Over the Top Linen Rentals *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Rentals: The Copper Acorn and US Tent
DJ: DJ Harry Wright
Band: Breezin' Entertainment *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: I Do Ceremonies
Invitations: 2BirdStone Minted
Transportation: Sarasota Trolley
Dress Shop: Transformations Sewing (Boise, ID)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Salon Linnea
Groomsmen Suits: Generationtux.com
Child Care Service: Elite Family Care
Paper airplanes: CC's Paper Florals
Bobbleheads: Bobble for a Cause
