Wedding portrait of a bride and groom in a beautiful garden setting in Sarasota, Florida — Bride and Groom at Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida.

WEDDING VENDORS:

Wedding Dress: The Bridal Finery

Photography: Stephanie Tarno photos

Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Wedding Planning: NK Productions Wedding Planning

Hair: Hair by Elena

Makeup: Brides by Kellyanne + Co

Florals: Mary Nell Chadsey Floral Design

THE DRESS

TBF bride, Julia, looked breathtaking in the stunning Alexis gown by Ines Di Santo. This strapless tulle A-line gown features a sweetheart neckline and soft ruched detailing on the bodice. The gown is adorned with subtle sparkle and 3D floral appliqué, which is absolute perfection for an outdoor garden party wedding. Julia paired her wedding gown with a solid abstract off-white shrug in magnolia fabric that she customized during her alterations fittings. She used the shrug to create a transitional wedding look with more coverage by wearing the shrug for her ceremony and taking it off for the reception. To polish her bridal look, she wore the matching Alexis veil by Ines Di Santo, custom earring studs, and a stunning gold crown from Maria Elena Headpieces.

THE VENUE

Julia and Thibaut’s wedding was a dream come true at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. In the heart of downtown Sarasota, the venue provided a picture-perfect setting overlooking Sarasota Bay. The versatile indoor and outdoor spaces perfectly complemented the gardens' natural beauty, creating a magical atmosphere for their unforgettable celebration. Inside the Selby Museum, the reception echoed the garden’s beauty with vibrant florals and bright colors. Personal touches, such as disco balls illuminating the dance floor and a Prato sign to commemorate where their journey began, added the sweetest touch to their special day.

Bride and groom posing in front of the Selby Gardens, celebrating their garden party wedding in Sarasota Florida surrounded by vibrant greenery and elegant architecture — Bride and Groom at Marie Selby Botanical Garden in Sarasota, FL.

WORDS FROM THE BRIDE

How Did You and Your Husband Meet?

Thibaut and I met randomly one night at the restaurant Prato in Winter Park, FL. A close college friend of mine was visiting her boyfriend working in Orlando and invited me for a drink in Winter Park. Thibaut was at the same restaurant eating dinner with his brother and a friend. Thibaut said he saw me walk in and sit at the bar, and told his friends that he wanted to go to the bar after dinner… After meeting that night, Thibaut flew to Peru for 2 weeks to coach the Peruvian water ski team. We went back to Prato for a proper dinner date as soon as he returned.

What Was Your Wedding Dress Shopping Experience Like?

It was not easy to find a dress because I had a certain look in mind because the first venue we had in mind would have been an indoor ceremony. One of my best friends / bridesmaids referred me to The Bridal Finery after her amazing bridal experience there in 2020. As soon as I walked into the store I felt the clean and crisp energy and knew that I would find the perfect dress there. Brittany and Roberta were there for my first appointment and saw that I was struggling to find my dress since I had the indoor ceremony look still in mind but knew that for the garden I probably wanted to have a tulle like fabric.

After I was able to describe what I liked on the various dresses but was now open to tulle, Roberta asked Brittany to get a certain dress from the second store - and that one was the one!!!! My dress was a perfect fit for me and the wedding setting. I wanted a second look after the ceremony so I worked with the TBF team to customize the removable shawl piece for the ceremony by removing the excess fabric train. From the moment I walked into the door for my first fitting, to the moment I walked out with my dress I felt like a princess bride at TBF! Brittany, TBF Operations Coordinator, was so helpful with wedding day undergarments, shoe recommendation blogs, which steamer to use and so much more! I was anxious to find a wedding dress in central Florida that wouldn’t just feel transactional - but at TBF my experience didn’t feel transactional at all. I felt supported and l had the best bridal experience ever!

What Was Your Favorite Bridal Accessory?

To this day I am in love with the Whistledown Gold Pearl Crown I wore, made by Maria Elena Headpieces. The crown was the perfect combination of elegance and glamor, it made me feel like a real bride.

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Newlywed Life?

My favorite thing about newlywed life is being with Thibaut every day and knowing that he is my lifelong partner.

What Did You Love Most About Your Wedding and Venue?

The wedding design and venue was very authentic to Thibaut and I. We didn’t get too caught up in following trends, we focused on making each little detail small but meaningful to us. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, FL was the perfect venue for us to celebrate with friends and family from all over the world, as it had both a greenery and water aspect. Both of these settings are special to Thibaut and I. The garden was lit perfectly during the ceremony, flowers were lush and fully bloomed and the waterfront cocktail hour was breathtaking. Having the reception inside the glass window ballroom overlooking the water was exactly what we were dreaming for.

What Advice Do You Have for Future Brides?

Thibaut and I attended half of our cocktail hour because we really wanted to enjoy the moment and see as many of our friends and family before the reception. This was one of our favorite decisions of the night because once reception time came we could enjoy dinner and then dance the night away! I definitely recommend this for future brides to do.

bride and groom with groomsmen and bridesmaids at their garden party wedding in Sarasota Florida — Sarasota, FL

Julia’s Botanical Garden Wedding in Sarasota, Florida