When Daphne and Dario imagined their wedding, they knew it had to be vibrant, whimsical, and filled with personal touches. The historic Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota became the perfect backdrop for their vision, combining timeless architecture with a Mediterranean-inspired palette. From the sun-drenched ceremony steps to the lively reception under twinkling lights, every detail was crafted to bring warmth and joy. With Austin Trenholm’s artistic eye behind the lens, their day was captured in a series of breathtaking moments, each one feeling natural, intimate, and truly unforgettable.
Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States
Style: Colorful, Whimsical, Mediterranean
Time of planning: 16 months
Number of guests: 62
Setting: Mansion
Season: Spring
Daphne and Dario’s love story began in New York City, even though they had unknowingly crossed paths in high school years before. It wasn’t until 2016, at a Christmas pop-up cocktail bar, that they truly connected. That evening over festive drinks led to years of adventures, including a surprise proposal in Central Park. With their dachshund, Louie, by their side, Dario asked Daphne to marry him, and from that moment, their journey to the altar began.
Bridal Morning
Daphne’s bridal morning was one of the most exciting parts of the day. She prepared in a lace-trimmed robe, sharing quiet yet joyful moments with her bridesmaids before stepping into her breathtaking gown by Relactive. The structured corset, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and delicate floral imprinting made it a vision of romance.
Her look was perfected with soft waves styled by Beauty by Audrey B and glowing, natural makeup that highlighted her radiant smile. She carried a lush, airy bouquet by Gather & Grace, filled with delicate pastel blooms, soft textures, and citrus accents that added a fresh, whimsical touch to the wedding’s Mediterranean aesthetic.
For the reception, Daphne transformed her look with a chic and playful Rosie Etienne mini dress adorned with embroidered 3D floral lace and delicate beading. With matching detachable sleeves and sparkling heels, her second look was a fun and elegant change, letting her move freely and enjoy every dance.
Meanwhile, Dario opted for classic elegance with a fitted black tuxedo from Suit Supply, velvet loafers, and a custom monogrammed shirt sleeve—a meaningful touch that set him apart. He completed his look with a vibrant boutonniere by Gather & Grace, featuring bold, colorful blooms.
First Look
Under the archways of the historic mansion, Daphne and Dario’s first look was a moment of pure emotion. Their photographers, Austin and Luci, perfectly captured every heartfelt detail, from the excitement in their eyes to the joyful anticipation. Adding a delightful touch of charm, their beloved dachshund made a dapper appearance in a tiny tuxedo, completely melting hearts.
As Daphne stepped forward, her bridesmaids peeked from a distance, giggling and swooning over the touching moment. This extra layer of warmth and love made the scene even more special, turning it into a memory that will be cherished forever.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the grand steps of the estate, framed by lush floral arrangements in soft pastels and citrus accents that perfectly complemented the Mediterranean feel of the day. Soft twinkling lights overhead created a warm and inviting glow, setting the perfect atmosphere.
As the music started, Daphne made her way down the stairs, her father waiting at the bottom with her bouquet in hand. “It was truly a magical moment,” added the planner Taylored Affairs.
In front of the estate’s grand archway, framed by vibrant florals, Daphne and Dario exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony filled with warmth, laughter, and a few happy tears. As they sealed their vows with a kiss, cheers and applause filled the air, surrounding them with love and joy.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a cocktail hour infused with personality. They enjoyed signature drinks like “The Sarasota Spritz,” “The Loujito,” and “The Mastro Marg,” fun and refreshing cocktails that reflected the couple’s love for laid-back gatherings and great company. Personalized limoncello bottles served as escort cards, while cocktail napkins featuring Louie’s face added an extra layer of fun.
Before dinner, Daphne and Dario kicked off the celebration by pouring champagne into a tower of cascading glasses. “Dario was so caught up in the moment that he accidentally knocked over the top tier!” shared the planner with a smile. It was a mix of elegance and spontaneity, making everyone laugh and cheer.
Private Moment
Stealing away for a few minutes of quiet, Daphne and Dario took in the beauty of their day with the setting sun behind them. Austin Trenholm’s talent for storytelling shone through in every frame, capturing their love in an authentic and heartfelt way. The soft light, the gentle breeze, and the way they held onto each other—these were the moments they would cherish forever.
Reception & Decor
The reception space was like a Mediterranean dream, beautifully brought to life by Taylored Affairs. Blue-and-white floral linens, flickering candles, and fresh citrus adorned the tables, creating an atmosphere that was both refined and relaxed. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, ensuring a seamless and visually stunning experience for the newlyweds and their guests.
"Once they made the decision, designing with them was a dream. The two of them radiate so much joy and love that I could not see them having a wedding any less bright."
Under a canopy of twinkling lights, the couple shared their first dance to Rufus Du Sol’s “Next to Me,” spinning beneath a dazzling chandelier. Dinner was a feast of flavors, laughter, and heartfelt toasts.
Before their epic re-entrance, Daphne and Dario shared a lighthearted moment cutting their wedding cake. Daphne, already in her sparkling mini dress, laughed as they fed each other a bite, making for a fun and playful moment. It was the perfect lead-up to what came next.
Then, armed with a CO2 gun and a giant cut-out of Louie’s head, they brought an extra spark of energy to the night. The celebration continued with live music, glowing lights, and a saxophonist setting the perfect mood. Guests danced under the stars, waving neon glow sticks, and embracing the joy of the night.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t be afraid to have FUN when designing your wedding aesthetic and embrace color! We had the most fun once we started choosing design elements that felt unique and true to us.
PHOTOGRAPHER Austin Trenholm | SUPER 8 & CONTENT CREATOR Luci Sullivan | PLANNER Taylored Affairs | VENUE Powel Crosley Estate | FLORALS Gather & Grace | MUAH Beauty by Audrey B | DRESS Relactive Bridal, Chateau Nadia | LINENS Nuage Designs | LIGHTING Affairs in The Air | CATERING Pier 22 | ENTERTAINMENT Inpulse Entertainment | PHOTO BOOTH White Tie Modern | TRANSPORT SRQ Trolley | STATIONERY Kulgra | OFFICIANT Weddings by Bonnie
