Lexi and Jon’s wedding at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota was a romantic and intimate celebration with a classic design and bold red accents. Inspired by the couple’s time in New York, the planner Taylored Affairs gave the reception feel of an upscale dinner party—moody lighting, dark wood tones, and velvet textures added warmth to the black-and-white palette, while apples, pomegranates, and red rose petals gave a dramatic twist to the candlelit tablescape. From a quiet vow exchange under a tree to a high-energy party with champagne towers and key lime pies, every moment was unforgettable.
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Style: Modern, bold, upscale
Time of planning: 11 months
Number of guests: 109
Setting: Ceremony – garden, reception – ballroom
Season: Winter
Lexi and Jon met as sophomores at Florida State University, set up as blind dates for a themed fraternity event. Though they clicked right away, their relationship remained platonic until they moved to New York City after graduation. A few years and life changes later—including Lexi’s appearance on The Bachelor—they unexpectedly reunited at a restaurant in the Lower East Side just before the pandemic. Their second “first date” soon followed, and from that moment on, they knew it was meant to be. Jon proposed in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, during a quiet evening walk down Swifts Alley—Lexi said yes before he could even get the words out.
Couple's Morning
Lexi spent the morning surrounded by her closest friends—and her beloved Australian Shepherd, Maverick. The girls wore floral satin pajamas while Lexi got ready in a robe lovingly handmade by her mom using lace and fabric from her own wedding dress.
The suite was filled with joy and anticipation, with bridesmaids dancing and cheering Lexi on as she had her hair and makeup done by Lea Cakes MUA. A last-minute veil mishap turned into one of Lexi’s favorite memories: while she was getting ready, her friends FaceTimed her from bridal shops across town, trying on veils until they found the one she loved—then hand-delivered it to her just in time.
Lexi’s bridal look was timeless and elegant, with a modern silhouette and soft, romantic touches. She wore a sleek strapless dress from Jack Sullivan Bridal paired with custom lace gloves by Flora Bridal, creating a perfect balance of structure and delicacy. Her bouquet of creamy white calla lilies echoed the understated sophistication of the day, while her accessories—diamond earrings gifted by her mother and a pearl ring passed down from her great-grandmother—added sentimental depth. Bella Belle heels and a soft, radiant makeup look completed her ensemble, capturing the calm confidence she felt as she stepped into her wedding day.
Jon got ready alongside his groomsmen in high spirits, laughing, joking, and even being lifted off the ground for a group photo before heading to the ceremony. He wore a classic black tuxedo from Suit Supply with a white shirt and bow tie, paired with polished black dress shoes. His boutonniere featured a single calla lily tied with a small red ribbon—his playful nod to Lexi’s time on The Bachelor, calling it her “final rose.”
Lexi and Jon shared their first look in front of the stately white-columned house, surrounded by their joyful wedding party. The moment was filled with excitement and laughter rather than quiet nerves, setting a fun, relaxed tone for the day ahead. With bridesmaids in colorful gowns and groomsmen in classic tuxes gathered around them, the couple soaked in hugs, cheers, and a round of lively group photos before heading to the gardens.
"We were feeling excited, in a dream, calm and sure."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the garden, set beneath a canopy of trees with sunlight filtering through the branches. Rows of deep red wood chairs lined the brick path, leading to a floral altar framed by lush greenery and soft white blooms. Clusters of calla lilies, hydrangeas, and queen Anne’s lace softened the setting with an organic, slightly untamed elegance. At the entrance of the aisle stood a large urn filled with green hydrangeas and long, draping amaranthus, while a wide white bow tied to a tree near the water added a personal touch to the natural surroundings.
"The morning of, before I got ready, Jon and I shared private vows under an old live oak tree in front of Jon's family home. There are no photos, no videos, only the memory of that moment that we share together."
Despite a recent hurricane that forced last-minute changes to their layout and logistics, the ceremony felt grounded and full of heart. Lexi walked down the aisle with her father as guests stood surrounded by light and greenery. The couple exchanged traditional Christian vows in front of their closest loved ones, with a few unexpected hiccups that only added to the charm. The atmosphere was warm and romantic, and by the time Lexi and Jon shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the space felt completely theirs.
"It was perfect and felt so romantic."
Cocktail on the Sunset
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour with a stunning view of the Sarasota Bay as the sun began to set. The scene was vibrant and relaxed, with trays of passed hors d’oeuvres, glasses of white wine in hand, and live instrumental music adding an elegant touch. Friends mingled in colorful dresses and black tie, soaking in the golden light and catching up as the breeze rolled in from the water. High-top tables draped in white linens dotted the patio, while some guests paused at the railing to take in the oceanfront view with a toast. It was a warm, social interlude before the evening continued indoors.
"Lexi and Jon wanted their reception to feel less like a traditional wedding and more like an intimate dinner party with their closest friends and family."
Decor & Setting
The reception took place in a warmly lit ballroom transformed by Taylored Affairs into a dinner party setting inspired by the couple’s time in New York. Planner Anna Taylor brought their vision to life with rich mahogany chairs, white draping across the ceiling, moody candlelight, and elegant tablescapes layered with pomegranates, red apples, and scattered rose petals. Small lamps and tall glass hurricanes added a soft glow to the room, while creamy floral arrangements brought balance to the deeper tones. The design felt both classic and bold—personal, atmospheric, and beautifully executed.
"Lexi decided on a pop of red, which was sprinkled throughout the reception space from red rose petals, apples, and icing on their key lime pie."
Reception
After a lively grand entrance, guests settled in for dinner and heartfelt toasts that brought both laughter and tears. The bride’s father gave a welcome speech that set the tone for the evening, followed by emotional words from close friends and family. The dinner, catered by Michael’s On East, felt like a shared meal among loved ones rather than a formal affair—warm, celebratory, and full of connection. The candlelight flickered across wine glasses and velvet details as guests toasted the couple and shared stories late into the evening.
Night Celebration
One of the highlights came when Lexi and Jon reentered the room, surrounded by their groomsmen holding key lime pies. It was a playful, unexpected twist that lit up the room with laughter and applause. They cut into a pie topped with red “Just Married” icing, staying true to the bold red details woven throughout the celebration. Red accents decorated the table, tying the dessert moment back to the reception’s dramatic aesthetic.
After dinner, Lexi changed into a flirty white halter dress, ready to dance the night away. She and Jon kicked off the celebration with a bold, passionate first dance that had everyone cheering—set on a black-and-white checkered floor under soft, flowing drapes and chandeliers. The energy in the room shifted instantly, and guests flooded the dance floor, waving napkins in the air as the DJ from Curate Entertainment kept the beats going well into the night.
Earlier in the evening, the couple had kicked off the night with a champagne tower—stacked glasses gleaming under candlelight as guests gathered around to toast. Lexi and Jon poured the champagne together, the bubbles overflowed, and the night officially began. It was the perfect opening to an evening full of surprises, joy, and nonstop celebration.
"The energy was high all evening and the dance floor was packed!"
Advice from the couple:
• Things are bound to happen, but there’s no such thing as being too organized! The weeks leading up to your wedding are a whirlwind, and your mind will be all over the place. Create a packing list and write a few reminders to help you stay in the moment when the time comes. And don’t forget your veil! 🙂
PLANNER Taylored Affairs | VENUE Marie Selby Botanical Garden | PHOTOGRAPHER Ashley J Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Golden Day Films | FLORALS Gather & Grace | MUAH Lea Cakes MUA | CATERING Michael’s On East | ENTERTAINMENT Curate Entertainment | OFFICIANT Father Charleston | PIES Flos Bakery | TRANSPORTATION Elite Party Bus & Car
