Summer + Mike

Edson Keith Mansion, Sarasota, FL.

Being my first official Lu and Birch Wedding - this one sits very close to my heart. Summer and Mike had planned the most intimate wedding at the most romantic venue and I was gosh darn lucky to be a part of it!

Edson Keith Mansion sits right on the edge of the Phillipi Creek and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds are lined with Palm Trees and Fig Trees with spanish moss hanging down as if it was out of a story book. The Mansion itself is utterly majestic with a pale blue painted dining room, a drool-worthy library and large windows overlooking the gardens.

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Oh the Gardens! Upon arrival the guests were led into the rose garden to grab a glass of lemonade as they made their way to the ceremony site, which was overlooking Philiipi Creek. Both Summer and Mike had written their own vows and read them to each other as the sun went down. 

Summer spent a lot of time creating the decor for her wedding and all of her hard work paid off! She decided on Gold and Pale pink as her primary colors (with touches of Grey, Black and White) which fit the Old Fashioned Charm of her venue and really brought the whole wedding together. 

By the end of the evening the weather was just right for dancing the night away under the stars. The patio was strung with lights for added ambience and made a perfect place to celebrate the happy couple. 

Tips for a Destination Wedding

Since this was technically a destination wedding (they do live in Florida, but it was not close to where they lived), I could not see the venue until the day before the wedding. This would normally give a planner or coordinator a heart attack, but both Summer and the venue contact were very organized, which made my job a lot easier! 

Summer kept her decor simple and did things like hiring a lighting company that strung lights on the patio, which made a huge impact but didn't take any extra manpower. She also chose a Full-Service Caterer (Mattisons Restaurant and Catering - They were amazing and extremely professional) that did all of the table settings and bar set-up which is always my recommendation no matter if it's a destination wedding or one in your own home. It might be a little extra money, but well worth it.

All Photos by Brian Blanco . Brianblanco.com