Brayden and Morgan’s wedding in Sarasota, Florida, was a timeless celebration of love and elegance. Surrounded by 140 of their closest family and friends, the couple exchanged vows in the Ritz-Carlton Healing Garden, with breathtaking water views and a floral arch adorned with white roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath. From the emotional first touch and private vow exchange to the romantic ballroom reception illuminated by candlelight, every detail reflected their vision of classic elegance.
Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Style: Elegant, timeless, classic, romantic
Time of planning: 6 months
Number of guests: 140
Setting: Ceremony – garden, reception – ballroom
Season: Spring
Brayden and Morgan’s love story began the summer before their freshman year at the University of South Florida, where a friendship quickly blossomed. By their sophomore year, Brayden worked up the courage to ask Morgan on a date to Jackson’s, a waterfront restaurant in Tampa. After dinner, they admired the boats on the water, marking the beginning of their relationship. Five years later, Brayden proposed to Morgan in the same spot, this time on a boat adorned with her favorite flowers and champagne, with their families cheering from afar. Following her joyful “yes,” the couple celebrated with an intimate engagement lunch at Jackson’s, bringing their story full circle.
Location & Planning
Brayden and Morgan chose the stunning Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida, as the backdrop for their wedding day, perfectly combining timeless elegance with romantic water views. Their ceremony took place in the Healing Garden, an outdoor space featuring a lush floral arch and a serene waterfront setting. For their reception, the couple envisioned a sophisticated ballroom adorned with candlelit tables and classic white florals. Their goal was to create a day that felt both intimate and grand, embodying their love story while offering their guests an unforgettable experience of elegance, romance, and joy.
"We wanted something that embodied elegant, timeless, classic style with our touches to it."
Welcome Day
The wedding weekend for Brayden and Morgan began with an elegant welcome dinner that brought all their guests together at the hotel. The evening was a relaxed yet chic celebration, setting the tone for the festivities ahead. Guests adhered to an all-white dress code, creating a beautifully cohesive and refined atmosphere.
The decor for the dinner embraced a breezy, tropical elegance. Tables were adorned with crisp white linens, lush floral arrangements featuring orchids and roses, and gold accents that added a touch of glamour. Overhead, greenery installations swayed gently, complementing the waterfront views and making the open-air space feel intimate and inviting.
Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, including a Peach Bellini and a Mint Mojito, served at a stylish bar with custom signage. Adding a unique artistic touch, a live painter captured the evening’s atmosphere, creating beautiful keepsakes of the setting and the joyful atmosphere. Candlelight and soft ambient lighting added warmth as the sun set over the water, casting a golden glow on the celebrations.
Midway through the dinner, Brayden and Morgan slipped away with their photographer Shauna Cooney for a private beach session. Against the backdrop of the serene ocean and a pastel sunset, the couple captured breathtaking photos, showcasing their joy and love in the most stunning natural light. These magical moments became a highlight of the evening, perfectly blending the romance of their day with the beauty of their surroundings.
Bridal Morning
Morgan’s wedding morning was a serene yet joyous start to her special day. She wore a breathtaking Enzoani fit-and-flare gown adorned with intricate floral lace and paired it with a royal-length veil that flowed elegantly behind her. Her classic updo highlighted her radiant features, while her makeup was soft and timeless, perfectly complementing her bridal look. Accessories, including her delicate diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet, added a touch of sparkle, and her aunt’s gold ring with a blue stone served as her “something blue.” Her Badgley Mischka heels and a pearl-accented clutch completed her ensemble with sophistication.
Surrounded by her bridesmaids dressed in sleek black satin gowns, the room was filled with laughter and excitement. Each friend held a bouquet of white roses, mirroring Morgan’s larger arrangement of white roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath. The bridal party shared heartfelt moments as they helped Morgan get ready, ensuring she felt cherished and supported before stepping into her unforgettable day.
Groom's Fashion
Brayden spent his wedding morning surrounded by his closest friends, preparing for the day with a mix of calm anticipation and lighthearted moments. Dressed in a classic black tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse, he added sentimental touches with his grandfather’s wedding band and a sleek watch gifted by Morgan. His boutonniere, a white rose accented with baby’s breath, tied his look to the elegant floral theme of the day. The groomsmen, all in matching tuxedos, shared laughs, toasts, and words of encouragement for the unforgettable moments ahead.
"We wanted to have a wedding day scent that they could always wear on special occasions and it would make us think of our day. So, we picked out each other's perfume and cologne and ended up choosing the same Jean Paul Gaultier brand for each other."
First Touch
Instead of a traditional first look, Brayden and Morgan shared a deeply intimate “first touch” before the ceremony. Standing back-to-back, they held hands, feeling the presence of one another while keeping the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle. They privately read the heartfelt vows they had written, their voices full of emotion as they shared their promises for the future. The couple also exchanged meaningful gifts—Morgan gifted Brayden a sleek watch, while he surprised her with a delicate earrings. This quiet moment, filled with love and anticipation, became one of the most cherished memories of their day.
"The first touch and private vows before the ceremony made this day truly unique."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the breathtaking outdoor space overlooking the water. Brayden and Morgan envisioned a classic and timeless atmosphere, brought to life with all-white floral decor. The aisle, lined with clusters of roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath, led to a stunning floral arch where the couple exchanged their vows. Guests were greeted with parasol umbrellas and fans to enjoy the sunny Florida day comfortably.
The bridal party and flower girl walked to an instrumental version of I Get to Love You by Brian Cattucio, while Morgan, accompanied by her father, made her entrance to the original version of the song by Ruelle, creating a beautifully emotional moment as Brayden saw her for the first time. Standing under the floral arch, the newlyweds began their forever surrounded by the beauty of nature, the love of their families, and the memories of a truly unforgettable day.
“The most memorable moment of our wedding day was seeing each other at the end of the aisle. It felt like a breath of fresh air, washing away all the emotions leading up to that moment.”
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Brayden and Morgan took a quiet moment to walk around the stunning grounds of the hotel. This peaceful stroll allowed them to soak in the beauty of their day and share a private moment together before joining their guests.
Their photographer, Shauna Cooney, beautifully captured these candid moments, using a combination of color and black-and-white photos that perfectly highlighted the emotions of the day. From the couple’s heartfelt smiles to the intricate details of the decor and the lively energy of their guests, every element was thoughtfully documented. The photographs reflect the love, joy, and timeless elegance of their wedding, preserving the memories in a way that feels both natural and vibrant.
Decor & Setting
The reception at the Ritz-Carlton ballroom was a vision of timeless elegance and romance. Guests were greeted by a golden seating chart surrounded by lush white roses and baby’s breath, leading into a softly lit space filled with warmth and charm. Tables featured a mix of towering and low floral centerpieces with hydrangeas, roses, and baby’s breath, complemented by floating candles in glass vases. Gold chairs and dramatic uplighting enhanced the luxurious ambiance, while draped walls and glittering chandeliers added to the sophistication. The couple’s monogrammed dance floor became the centerpiece for their first dance, creating a magical setting that seamlessly blended classic beauty with intimate, modern touches.
Reception
The reception in the hotel’s ballroom was an unforgettable celebration filled with heartfelt moments and elegant details. Morgan and Brayden shared their first dance to Biblical by Calum Scott, moving gracefully across their monogrammed dance floor as their guests looked on with joy. One of the evening’s highlights was Morgan’s dance with her father to Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, with a special surprise—a transition to the Charlotte Ave version from the daughter’s perspective. Brayden followed with a touching dance with his mother to Can She Have This Dance by Drew Baldridge, adding another layer of sentiment to the night.
The three-tiered wedding cake was a showstopper, with its classic design and intricate details reflecting the elegance of the day. Before the dancing began, heartfelt speeches and toasts were given by the father of the bride, Morgan’s sisters as her maid of honors, and Brayden’s best men, celebrating the couple with love and laughter. The night unfolded in an atmosphere of joy, elegance, and timeless memories, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
Night Celebration
The party was a vibrant celebration that kept guests on their feet, filling the Ritz-Carlton ballroom with energy and joy. The DJ kept the dance floor alive as friends and family joined Brayden and Morgan in celebrating their new chapter. Laughter and smiles lit up the room, with spontaneous moments like guests requesting their favorite songs and breaking out into lively dances.
The celebration concluded with a grand send-off as guests lined a lit pathway, cheering for the newlyweds. Brayden and Morgan walked through the sparkling display, sharing a heartfelt kiss as their friends and family captured the moment with joyful applause. It was the perfect ending to a day that exceeded every expectation, leaving the couple overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.
The newlyweds ended the night on a sentimental note with a private last dance to Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey, savoring a quiet moment together to reflect on the magic of their day.
"It was truly the best day of our lives."
Advice from the couple:
• Everything always works out, so don’t stress about anything too much. Enjoy the day together, and truly soak in every moment from the minute you get engaged until the end of your wedding day because it all goes by way too quickly.
PHOTOGRAPHER Shauna Cooney | DRESS Enzoani | HEELS Badgley Mischka | SUIT & SHOES Men’s Wearhouse
