Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

  Jon and Alexis’s wedding at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was the kind of day that felt like it was grown from the garden itself — deeply romantic, quietly dramatic, and entirely their own. Their ceremony unfolded along a sunlit brick path beneath a canopy of ancient oaks, where lush arrangements of calla lilies, green hydrangea, ranunculus, and trailing amaranthus by Gather & Grace spilled from vintage urns and gathered softly at the base of each row of chairs. An oversized silk bow tied around one of the old oaks framed the ceremony with a detail that was both effortless and unforgettable. Alexis was radiant in a fitted gown with delicate lace sleeves, a single red rose on Jon’s lapel the only pop of color they needed. Cocktail hour carried the playful spirit the evening was known for, with guests sipping alongside cheeky “Shugg Your Drink” cocktail napkins and custom matchbooks tucked into pewter mugs.

  The reception room glowed with warm candlelight, draping fabric overhead and small table lamps casting the most intimate light over each place setting, with pomegranates and red rose petals scattered across the tables as the mood board came fully to life. Then came the moment everyone is still talking about — the wedding party marched in carrying pies from Flos Bakery with “Just Married” written across the top in red, the room erupted, and from there the night only got better. A champagne tower, an espresso bar, and Alexis in a chic short reception dress dancing the night away. Every gorgeous moment was captured by Ashley J Photography, and getting to be part of this one from start to finish is exactly why we do what we do.

Sarasota,
Florida

November 2024