Gabby & Jake’s Elegant Seaside Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club in Sarasota, Florida

Gabby and Jake’s wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club in Sarasota, Florida was a masterclass in chic, modern elegance. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Gulf coastline, their day was full of thoughtful design, heartfelt details, and the kind of romantic energy that made every guest feel like they were part of something incredibly special. With a vision centered on editorial sophistication and an intimate dinner party vibe, the beachside venue was transformed into a space that felt elevated, warm, and utterly unforgettable.

The couple’s day began with a timeless Ceremony at the historic First United Methodist Church in downtown Sarasota. As they exited the Church, a shower of flower petals and a vintage getaway car made for the dreamiest send-off, setting the tone for the rest of the evening’s celebration. Guests were then welcomed to Cocktail Hour at Low Tides Terrace at the Beach Club, where signature cocktails—a Grey Goose Cucumber Gimlet and a Negroni—were served with custom napkins and koozies, as they mingled steps away from the shore.

When it came time for the reception on Sunset Terrace, guests walked into the space to find the couple’s vision beautifully brought to life. “I wanted our guests to walk in and feel like they were in a stunning setting, overlooking the beach, surrounded by hanging florals and candlelit tables,” she shared—and it delivered. A jaw-dropping hanging floral installation floated above the head table, creating a focal point that balanced both modern drama and timeless romance. The color palette of white, soft blues, coral, and blush was layered throughout the space in subtle, elegant ways—from the florals to the candlelight to the coastal sunset hues in the sky.

Dinner flowed effortlessly into dancing, as Impulse Entertainment brought the energy to life under a canopy of stars. One of the couple’s favorite memories? Enjoying the night with “Jakes 101 year old Grandmother who was partying with us on the dance floor,” said Gabby. From the music to the food to the design details, the entire evening felt like a beautiful reflection of the couple—classy, relaxed, joyful, and full of love. “It truly was the best night of our lives,” she gushed.

Gabby and Jake’s thoughtful eye for design and unwavering commitment to creating a celebration that felt personal made them such a joy to work with. “I came across MDP Events online and was immediately drawn to Lauren’s work. Her East Coast background and design aesthetic were exactly what I was looking for,” Gabby shared. “Our first call was so reassuring - Lauren was friendly, answered all my questions, and made me feel comfortable. We found we had a lot in common, which made me confident that she would be able to bring my vision to life just the way I wanted.” That trust set the tone for a seamless planning process and a wedding day that felt effortless in all the right ways. Her advice to other couples? “Stay true to what’s most important to both of you as a couple. With all the chaos of wedding planning, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Ultimately, it’s about celebrating your love—so make choices that feel authentic to you both. People will notice it.” And from the dance floor under the stars to the custom cocktails by the sea, every detail of Gabby and Jake’s day reflected exactly that.

Vendor Team:

Coordination & Design: @mdpevents | MDP Events

Photographer: @autumnandjendry | Autumn & Jendry

Videographer: @elimeyerstudio @ranggaelfharandy | Eli Meyer Studio & Rangga El Fharandy

Florist: @victoriabloomssrq | Victoria Blooms

Venue: @ritzcarltonsarasota | The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Printed Materials & Signage: @sadgebrushdesigns | Sadgebrush Designs

Fusion Band: @inpulseentertainment | Inpulse Entertainment

Rentals: @oakandashevents | Oak & Ash Events

Linens: @bbjlatavola | BBJ La Tavola

Lighting, Draping, Chairs, & Dance Floor: @palaciosevents | Palacios Events

Palm Trees: @naturahq | Natura HQ

Hair & Makeup: @bridesbykellyanne_co | Brides by Kelly Anne

Vintage Vehicle: @classic_wedding_cars_fl | Classic Wedding Cars Florida

Trolleys: @siestatrolley | Siesta Trolley

Dress: @alexandragrecco | Alexandra Grecco

Suit: @alanrouleauboston | Alan Rouleau Boston

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Your Wedding Guide To: Bars

If you are having an open bar at your wedding (100% highly recommended), there are a few things to consider regarding aesthetics and guest experience! Whether you are working with your venue or caterer's bartenders, or working with an outside service, you’ll need to decide on the number of bartenders based on your guest count and of course, then bar amounts! And whether your venue has a bar/bars, or not, you’ll want to take note of your options for bar fronts! We will walk you through all of the things you need to know, so that you can make the best decision for your day!