With Sarasota Bay as a serene backdrop and the grandeur of The Ringling Art Museum, Taya and Danny’s wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and artistry. This destination event brought together their closest friends and family for a day filled with meaningful traditions, lush floral designs, and personal touches.
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Style: Timeless, fairy-tale, dreamy
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 280
Setting: Museum & estate
Season: Spring
Taya and Danny’s love story began in 2018 at a wedding where they were seated next to each other. “We had so much fun talking, sharing dessert, and dancing the whole night!” Taya recalled. By the end of the evening, Danny had asked for her number, and their journey began.
In June 2022, following Taya’s medical school boards, Danny surprised her with a proposal on Catalina Island. “I saw a nice picnic set up and told him we couldn’t go down there because someone had something nice set up for someone!” she laughed. Little did she know, the picnic was for her, and Danny had arranged for a photographer to capture the magical moment. The celebrations continued with an engagement trip to Hawaii and an intimate party hosted by their families.
Location & Planning
The Ringling Art Museum in Sarasota, Florida, provided the perfect setting for their celebration. The ceremony took place at the Ca’ d’Zan mansion, with its Mediterranean-style architecture and breathtaking waterfront views. The reception was held in the museum’s courtyard, where towering statues and pink-hued walls created an elegant ambiance.
The team at A Charming Fête masterfully brought Taya and Danny’s vision to life. From coordinating the event’s intricate details to creating a cohesive aesthetic, the planners ensured every moment felt special. “I always dreamed of having a full aisle of flowers with a big arch, and our florist and planner executed that perfectly,” Taya shared.
Bridal Morning
Taya began her day surrounded by her bridesmaids, who wore flowing dresses in soft pinks and floral prints. Her bridal look featured the stunning Diana dress by Netta Ben Shabu, purchased from La Jeune Mariee. She paired her gown with delicate Christian Louboutin lace pumps and accessories gifted by her mom—a pearl bracelet and earrings.
Her bouquet, designed by Bows and Arrows, showcased a palette of pink, peach, and cream florals. Taya’s makeup and hair, styled by Rania’s Hair Salon, complemented her romantic and classic look.
Groom's Fashion
Danny opted for a custom tuxedo from Tom James Company, paired with Christian Louboutin leather oxfords. His attire included sentimental touches—a pair of cufflinks engraved with Taya’s handwriting and a lapel pin featuring a photo of his late grandfather.
Ceremony
The ceremony space was transformed into a floral paradise with a circular arch of vibrant roses and cascading greenery framing the couple. Rows of ghost chairs lined the aisle, which was adorned with lush floral arrangements.
Taya walked down the aisle to Taylor Swift’s Enchanted, played by a harpist. “Our ceremony exit song was Miracles Happen from The Princess Diaries movie, and it was amazing!” she said. Guests marveled at the setting and described the ceremony as “perfect from start to finish.”
Private Moment
After the ceremony, the couple shared a private moment, capturing portraits with their photographer, Niki Marie. The soft golden light, the shimmer of the bay, and the intricate details of the Ca’ d’Zan provided the perfect backdrop for timeless photos.
"From getting ready with our best friends and family members to our after party, every single part was perfect. We had so much fun together and talk about our wedding frequently and how we wish we could relive that day!"
Decor & Setting
The museum’s courtyard was brought to life with a stunning reception design. Tables were adorned with blush linens, gold accents, and lush floral centerpieces by Bows and Arrows. One standout feature was a tree decorated with pink florals and crystal chandeliers, creating a whimsical focal point.
The custom escort wall by Matteo Woodworking added a playful yet sophisticated touch, while elegant stationery from Cartalia Studio guided guests to their seats.
"We were excited for our guests to see our beautiful venue and we were so excited to finally get married! It was so nice to see all our friends and families at our favorite place with us."
Reception
Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner by Culinary Creations, followed by heartfelt speeches from Taya’s brother, father, maid of honor, and Danny’s brother.
The first dance was a magical moment as Taya and Danny swayed to Anyone by Justin Bieber. The dance floor, enveloped in a dreamy layer of fog, added a cinematic touch to the scene. The live band, part of the evening’s entertainment, brought an electrifying energy to the celebration, ensuring that the dance floor remained lively throughout the night.
"Some special touches and traditions we had were Latin music, and we also incorporated the Lebanese drums, and dancing into our entrance! We thought it was awesome that we could honor our cultures by having some traditions done at our wedding."
The five-tier wedding cake by Julie Deffense was a breathtaking centerpiece, adorned with blush tones, intricate lace-like detailing, and cascading sugar flowers that echoed the wedding’s romantic florals. Displayed on a lace-draped table, it was as delicious as it was beautiful. Taya and Danny’s cake-cutting moment, surrounded by loved ones and glowing chandeliers, was filled with laughter and joy, adding a sweet highlight to their unforgettable evening.
Party
As the evening transformed into a lively celebration, Taya and Danny embraced the party spirit by changing into more playful attire. Taya dazzled in her feathered, beaded Lottie dress by Nadine Merabi paired with matching Christian Louboutin sneakers, while Danny opted for a sleek white tuxedo jacket.
The energy was electrifying as the couple joined their band and DJ on stage, performing a few songs and getting every single guest onto the dance floor. “It was so cool to see everyone up dancing and singing with us,” Taya said. The night was filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories that perfectly concluded their extraordinary celebration.
"We were so happy and excited for the rest of the night. It was beautiful and exactly what we wanted."
Advice from the couple:
• Wedding planning can be stressful and busy with everything else going on in life! We tried to really make the focus on us and have fun with planning! We tried to have date nights when we were planning/making big decisions so it was something fun to do together! I am bad at making decisions by myself, so it was really helpful to have Danny to help and support me through every choice. Our wedding was very us, and I think it was important to make every decision together and to have fun while doing it!
PLANNER & DESIGN A Charming Fête | PHOTOGRAPHER Niki Marie | VENUE The Ringling | FLORAL Bows and Arrows | DRESS La Jeune Mariee | MUAH Rania’s Hair Salon | SECOND DRESS Nadine Merabi | SHOES Christian Louboutin | CATERING Culinary Creations | ENTERTAINMENT Xentric Entertainment | CAKE Julie Deffense | STATIONERY Cartalia Studio | SIGNAGE Plume and Paper | CUSTOM WALL Matteo Woodworking | RENTALS Nuage Designs, So Staged, Palacios Events | BRIDE Taya
