Set against the waterfront charm of the Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota, Florida, this celebration blended glam with laid-back energy in the most stylish way. From curated fashion moments to high-energy party vibes, every detail told a story. Thoughtfully brought to life by Jennifer Matteo, the wedding unfolded like a dream, wrapped in palm fronds, personal touches, and music that moved with the breeze.
Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States
Style: Tropical, Chic, Glam
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 170
Setting: Estate
Season: Summer
Summer and Michael met on a run back—the kind of serendipitous moment that felt ordinary at first but turned out to be life-changing. She had almost skipped the jog in favor of a post-work happy hour, but fate had other plans. A friend had invited Michael along, and from that first six-mile stretch, Summer was intrigued. What followed were DMs, a spontaneous concert date, and years filled with shared adventures. Today, they run a thriving business together in Tampa Bay—and Summer also leads her own interior design firm.
Their proposal was just as memorable: a surprise at the end of a pier with 30 loved ones hidden nearby, ready to celebrate. Summer’s creative spark, honed through years of design work and Pinterest boards, shaped every detail of their wedding, making it feel wholly personal and undeniably stunning.
Welcome Party
To kick off the weekend, Summer and Michael hosted an intimate welcome party at Sage in downtown Sarasota. Surrounded by their closest people, the night was full of laughter, cocktails, and the kind of anticipation that made everything feel just right.
Summer wore a sleek white satin gown with a halter neckline and off-the-shoulder feather-trimmed sleeves, adding both elegance and personality to her look. Her voluminous ponytail and statement earrings gave the whole look a fresh, fashion-forward finish.
Michael complemented her look in a dark teal suit with a relaxed open collar and classic boots. The couple’s style set the tone for a wedding weekend where every guest felt seen, celebrated, and completely immersed in their world.
Getting Ready Together
Forgoing tradition, the couple chose to spend the morning together at the Jubilee Estate alongside their wedding party. Rather than splitting off into separate suites, they brought everyone into one space, filling it with laughter, music, and the comforting scent of a gourmet breakfast crafted by private chef Israel Mora.
Summer floated through the room in a cloud of soft tulle and lace, while Michael kept things cool in his signature relaxed style. It was one of those rare, calm-before-the-storm moments—a choice that turned into one of their favorite memories of the entire weekend.
Summer’s fashion choices throughout the weekend were an extension of her design sensibility—elevated, feminine, and a little unexpected. For the ceremony, she wore a sculptural Galia Lahav gown with floral appliqué, sheer corsetry, and tiered tulle layers that moved beautifully with every step. Her custom detachable sleeves added a romantic flourish, while a soft cathedral-length veil framed the silhouette with subtle drama.
She paired the look with sparkling drop earrings and crystal-heeled stilettos. Her bouquet by Lemon Drop Florals blended crisp white orchids and roses with textured tropical greens for a modern sculptural effect.
For makeup, Summer opted for a sun-kissed glow with warm, bronzy tones, soft contouring, and peachy lips. Summer’s hair by Made by Beck fell in effortless waves for the ceremony, later swept into a high, playful ponytail for the reception that brought out her fun-loving energy.
Michael looked equally sharp in a custom ivory suit with a relaxed open collar and black woven loafers—elegant, yet unpretentious. His boutonniere featured a single orchid and crimson tropical bloom, tying his look seamlessly into the florals throughout the day.
Ceremony
Guests gathered under palm trees, soaking in the warm breeze and the relaxed Florida vibe. A lush floral installation framed the ceremony space, composed of monstera leaves, birds of paradise, white anthuriums, creamy orchids, and deep burgundy blooms. The overall scene was both grounded and dramatic, playing off the historic Mediterranean architecture of the venue.
The ceremony began with a live performance by Briley and Marcus King, adding a soulful depth to the already emotional moment. The moment she locked eyes with her father just before walking out remains etched in her memory—bittersweet, grounding, and full of love. Summer walked down the aisle, meeting Michael at the altar, where they exchanged deeply personal vows. It was everything they hoped for: sincere, emotional, and wildly beautiful.
"Our wedding ceremony was nothing short of magical—a perfect reflection of our love, our journey, and the people who have shaped it."
Cocktail Hour
Tropical cocktails and the sounds of a live saxophone filled the air as guests transitioned into cocktail hour. Summer’s spicy jalapeño margarita, the “Shugie,” was named after her beloved Great Dane, Maddox, while Michael paid tribute to his alma mater with the “Country Roads” Orange Crush.
Just when guests thought it couldn’t get more heartfelt, Summer surprised Michael by bringing out Maddox himself—a joyful, tail-wagging addition that had everyone smiling through happy tears.
Private Moment
In a quiet break from the buzz, Summer and Michael stepped away for a few private moments captured beautifully by Maddie Kaye. Surrounded by historic architecture, tropical palms, and a breezy waterfront backdrop, they held each other close, laughter and emotion written across their faces.
From candid glances to full-hearted smiles, these unposed snapshots distilled the love and giddiness of the day. These still moments—so full of life—captured their connection in the most honest way.
Decor & Setting
Summer’s background in interior design showed in every detail—from the oversized tropical arrangements to the cohesive color palette of greens, maroon, terracotta, and soft blush. Jennifer Matteo Event Planning brought her vision to life flawlessly, marrying her eye for elegance with her knack for dynamic, immersive settings.
Oversized chandeliers framed a custom photo lounge, while sleek tables with pink chargers, orchid details, and floating linens created a modern yet organic look across the lawn. The setting struck a rare balance: editorial yet inviting, bold yet romantic.
Reception
The first dance to “Firestone” by Kygo kicked off a reception that felt part-dream, part-nightclub. With guests waving napkins high above their heads, the grand entrance had the kind of energy that promised a night to remember. The Fusion setup by Rock With U brought together a DJ with live musicians, layering beats with drums, sax, and trombone.
Guests danced beneath twinkling lights, surrounded by ghost chairs and tropical centerpieces, sipping signature cocktails and soaking up the atmosphere.
Party
As the night took on a life of its own, Samba dancers burst onto the dance floor, elevating the energy with movement, color, and rhythm. Light-up tambourines passed from hand to hand as guests joined in, creating a celebration that felt more like a concert. Summer had changed into a shimmering fringe dress that caught the light with every move, ready to dance, twirl, and even hop on the drums for a surprise performance.
The cake cutting felt like a flirtatious intermission in the party—sweet, fun, and full of sparkle. Summer and Michael were lifted onto guests’ shoulders, arms raised, cocktails in hand, beaming from ear to ear. At every turn, there was something unexpected, something unforgettable.
Summer and Michael never left each other’s side. That simple choice became the golden thread of their wedding day, weaving every moment into something deeply shared and beautifully theirs.
PLANNER Jennifer Matteo Event Planning | PHOTOGRAPHER Maddie Kaye Photo | CONTENT CREATOR Velzyco | BRIDAL STORE Isabel O’Neil Bridal | MUAH Made by Beck | FLORALS Lemon Drop Florals | CATERING Puff N Stuff | RENTALS Upstaged, Treasury Rentals, Stella Rose Events, US Tent Rental | ENTERTAINMENT Rock With U | DANCERS Samba Conmigo | DESSERT Sweet Clementine
