Amanda + Scott: Sarasota Beach Wedding {Sneak Peek!}

I don't think I have ever smiled more while browsing a gallery of wedding mages!

Are the images flawless? {shot on film, mind you}

ABSOLUTELY.

But, there is so much more to the pristine quality of this fine art photography.  These are moments.  Pure, authentic and timeless moments that were in abundance this entire wedding weekend.

I had to start by posting a sneak peek for you for a few reasons.  To wet your whistle, of course {'wink!} to keep browsing and smiling through Each. And. Every. Image, and truth be told, wipe away some happy tears!

This is Amanda.  I. MEAN ... 

Her bouquet made by Ian Prosser, owner of Botanica International Design Studio was everything. {Amanda squealed. Me too!}

Now you know I love a good reveal! Could her bridesmaids be any sweeter? {or excited?!}

Chuppah!

Amanda always dreamed of a beach wedding.  Dreams really do come true!

From beach to ballroom, we still had to bring the outdoors in,  This floating centerpiece did just the trick!

Theres is no question that Amanda set the tone for this impeccable wedding.  Her demeanor, smile and laughter were contagious, and there was nothing the rest of us could do about it, except to submit and go along on this deliriously splendid ride!

And I'll raise my glass to that!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota

Dress: BHLDN

Floral Design: Botanica International Design Studio | Ian Prosser Productions

Photography and Video: Flora and Fauna | Love Flora and Fauna

Hair and Makeup: Ana Molinari Salon

Drape: Swag Décor

Linen: Over the Top Linen

Wedding Moments: A Classic Wedding Send-Off

Classic!

Remember the days of yesteryear when the bride would slip away from the dinner and dancing towards the end of the wedding reception to change into her getaway outfit, which was presumably for her to jet off on her honeymoon?

Why on earth did we get away from that? If you can't guess, I;m all in favor of another outfit. [SHOCKER]

The newly wed, Mrs. Daniela Ackerman opted for a sweet lace mini dress with a navy liner to bid farewell to her adoring guests.

These moments were priceless and whimsical with an environmentally friendly confetti toss, Ecofetti, and captured at the precisely perfect moment by {another newlywed!} Abby DiDomenico with Liga Photography

Cheers!

xx, LS

REAL WEDDINGS: ERICA AND SHAWN AT THE RITZ CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES, TAKE 2!

I've been looking forward to sharing just a fraction of the beautiful imagery from Root Photography for Erica and Shawn's wedding for some time now.

I mentioned it's been bittersweet to cull images and reminisce, but I've put on my big girl stilettos, and have decided that  I am all the better for having two incredible opportunities to work with such a loving and supportive family. They can't get rid of me just quite yet!

Perhaps I'll start with the end.  This is my favorite image, and certainly not because it's the best photo I've ever posed for, but because it was one of the last songs of the evening, and the Landis/Landau/Sickel ladies pulled me aside for this moment.  This was 3 + years in the making and I loved every meeting, every phone call, every text and email.

Nothing but love.

I know, I know, you've stopped by to look at the "pretty."  Well, I've got pretty for you, alright!

Let's start with Erica's dress by Kenneth Pool: I was at Solutions Bridal when we had Kate, {mom} Vicky {Sister} and a slew of fun bridesmaids.  We all agreed Erica could have worn wear a burlap sack and still look smashing, nit when she stepped out in this??  Let's just say tears were shed. I wasn't alone! *wink

From dress, to veil to the delivery of her delicate, lush bouquet, the pretty just kept coming. Kinda' like a one-two "style punch!"

I love these sisters.

Grooms look dapper, and have fun while getting ready too! At least Shawn did!

When designing a wedding in a larger hotel, I always like to claim my space and carve my niche on our designated side.  I think we let everyone know that this area was especially for Erica, Shawn, their families and treasured wedding guests with the application of this dramatic and elegant draping by Swag Décor.  Below, is the entrance to the foyer that led guests to the ceremony and reception spaces.

Ceremony time!  THAT CHUPPAH!  How many ribbons?? I couldn't even guess!

Proud parents.  This makes me so happy!

Just married, and just breathtaking.

On to the reception!  Guests enjoyed finding their ombré hues escort cards on this custom built display.

Reception details for the win!

Party, party, party!  And wedding streamers for life!

Love was certainly in the air! Clint Wiley and his lead female vocalist are now getting married!

Erica had so many girlfriends at the wedding she had hoped would catch the bouquet.  I didn't have the heart to just have one "win," so we made twelve! We had happy and surprised girls just after this award-winning toss!

Finally, a sweet and signature send off for guests as they made their way back to their guest rooms and/or valet. Dunkin Donuts!  Kate is a legendary, life-long and loyal patron!

I hope you had as much fun being a virtual guest at Erica and Shawn's wedding, as I did reminiscing, love bugs!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Bridal Gown, Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids Gowns: Solutions Bridal

Venue: The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Photography: Root Photography | Nathan and Jensey Root

Video: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Floral Design and Chuppah: Lee Forrest Design

Wedding Stationery: 2u Creative

Lighting: Get Lit Productions

Band: Clint Wiley and the None Other Band

Drape: Swag Decor

Trend Report: Faux leather - How to wear it (and how the heck do you iron it)

Excitement struck yesterday afternoon when I arrived home and there on my doorstep a package sat waiting patiently for me to usher it in doors. Inside - my latest purchase – a faux leather skirt. The hot trend, I thought, would add the perfect spice to my wardrobe. And I was totally right. The leather skirt is simply a great basic that you can rock all the way through winter.

Additionally, the faux leather trend is the ideal day-to-night transition piece. Paired with a blazer or feminine top, I’m office ready. Toss off the jacket and I’m dressed for cocktails with my girls after work. You can find the skirts and jackets featured in this post at anntaylor.com

But I did run across one, tiny snag. Ever wonder how do I iron faux leather? Who knew, faux leather, for all of its benefits – wrinkles…a lot…So once you have your statement piece, here are a few tips to keep it date night ready.

Step 1: Place your faux-leather piece into the clothing dryer accompanied by several towels. Run the dryer on medium heat for a minute or two.

Step 2: Let the garment cool while smoothing the wrinkles out as much as possible with your hand.

Step 3: Pull out the ironing board. Lay your faux leather on the ironing board but cover the wrinkled areas with a clean towel. Iron out the wrinkles on a steam-free setting while making sure you don’t leave the iron on the garment for too long.

Step 4: Smooth out wrinkles one more time as the clothing cools.

You’re now wrinkle free and ready to go!

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