Briana & Dylan’s Elegant and Energetic Ritz-Carlton Wedding in Sarasota

Some weddings are simply unforgettable, not just for their beauty, but for their energy. Briana and Dylan’s Ritz-Carlton Sarasota wedding was exactly that. With over 350 guests, incredible design details, and a weekend filled with laughter, family, and fun, it was the perfect blend of sophistication and celebration. From the moment guests arrived, every detail radiated “wow.”

A Couple with Big Hearts and Big Energy

From our very first conversation, I could tell that Briana and Dylan wanted their wedding to be an experience, one that felt grand, meaningful, and full of life. They’re a couple who knows how to have fun, but also values family deeply. Briana, originally from Chicago, and Dylan, from Connecticut, brought together their loved ones from all over the country to celebrate in sunny Sarasota.

Their connection runs deep, they’ve known each other for years, and that long history made the day even more special. Both are kind, outgoing, and full of energy, and their families share that same warmth. It was a joy planning a wedding that reflected not just their love story, but also their vibrant personalities and the closeness they share with their guests.

A Destination Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

For Briana and Dylan, choosing The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota was an easy decision. The resort offered the elegance, space, and service they wanted for their large celebration, while giving guests a luxurious destination experience. With over 350 attendees (and more than 600 invitations sent!), we truly transformed the Ritz into their own private oasis for the weekend.

From the ceremony overlooking the water to the stunning reception spaces filled with custom details, every inch of the venue reflected their vision, big, beautiful, and full of personality.

The weather was picture-perfect, with clear Sarasota skies and a soft coastal breeze that carried excitement and anticipation through every moment.

A Design That Blended Sophistication and Fun

The overall design was elegant yet lively, a mix of soft blues, crisp whites, and silvery accents that created a timeless and elevated aesthetic. It felt luxurious but also inviting, with thoughtful touches that made guests feel part of something truly special.

Briana paid close attention to every detail, from her custom bridal shoes to the grand welcome sign that greeted guests as they entered the celebration. The custom bar, designed and built by Stella Rose, became one of the focal points of the evening. Adorned with stunning blue and white details and a cheeky “Drink…” sign that made everyone smile, it perfectly reflected the couple’s fun-loving spirit.

Our team also curated custom rentals from LDE to elevate the entire experience, creating a cohesive, polished design that felt both high-end and full of joy.

Family Moments and Emotional Highlights

While the day was full of excitement, some of the most meaningful moments were the quiet, emotional ones. The first look between Briana and Dylan was incredibly special, full of emotion, anticipation, and love. With such a big event ahead, that private moment allowed them to pause, connect, and take in everything they had built together.

Throughout the day, their families played a huge role in creating the energy of the celebration. You could feel how close everyone was, siblings, cousins, parents, and friends all coming together to make the day unforgettable.

A Reception to Remember

As guests entered the reception, you could feel the excitement in the air. The ballroom sparkled with elegant blue and white florals, candlelight, and a dance floor ready for an unforgettable night.

From heartfelt toasts to the kind of dancing that keeps everyone on their feet all night long, it was a celebration that captured exactly who Briana and Dylan are, big-hearted, joyful, and full of love for the people around them.

Every corner of the space reflected intention and artistry, from the meticulously styled tables to the grand custom bar that served as the social hub of the evening. It was one of those nights where everything just flowed — full of movement, laughter, and love.

A Planner’s Perspective

This wedding was a beautiful challenge in the best possible way, coordinating so many moving parts, ensuring that every guest felt taken care of, and making sure the energy stayed high from start to finish.

What stood out to me most was how Briana and Dylan never lost sight of what mattered most: celebrating with their loved ones. Even amidst the grandeur, they remained grounded and gracious, soaking in every moment with their friends and family.

Seeing the entire weekend come to life, from the oceanfront ceremony to the packed dance floor, was beyond rewarding. It was exactly the kind of event we love to create: elegant, emotional, and full of energy.

Ready to Create Your Own Unforgettable Celebration?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as fun and full of personality as it is elegant and refined, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is the perfect backdrop. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration like Briana and Dylans, we’ll bring your vision to life with creativity, care, and expertise.

Let’s start planning your Sarasota wedding. Inquire to begin designing a celebration that’s beautiful, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

Vendor List:

Venue/Catering/Dessert/Bar: Ritz Carlton Sarasota

Floral: Victoria Bloom

Beauty: Posh Bridal

Photo: Fantasmic Photography

Day of Signage: Laconic Events

Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Music: Sunset Strings

Reception Music: Noah Grey Music

Rentals:

• Us Tent (Chairs, Feasting Tables)

• Palacios (Dance Floor, Draping)

• Stella Rose (Bar, Signage)

• BBJ Linens (Linens)

• A Chair Affair (Chargers)