Rusty Pelican Wedding
Sari and Michael tied the knot in Tampa, Florida during their wedding at the Rusty Pelican. The two envisioned a classy and elegant day filled with capturing the love of their friends and family that came to celebrate!
Sari and Michael met by chance one night when their roommates were chatting over FaceTime. Michael briefly said “hi” on camera to Sari and her roomie, which immediately Sari caught his eye. Adding one another on Facebook and connecting online, they took their friendship a step further through texting, which led to phone conversations, and finally their first date!
Michael asked Sari out on a date to teach her to ice skate, which Sari totally thought he was joking about at first since he was two hours (yes, two hours!) away from where she lived. However, he made due on his promise and arrived promptly on time for their date, however to their dismay the rink was closed. Quickly changing plans, the two ended up grabbing a movie and sharing a slice of pie at their local Perkins. That night felt like it had flown by so quickly as they chatted until close. Realizing their was a clear connection, the two spent many hours over the following year driving back and forth to see one another, which was totally worth it!
Proposing to Sari in Las Vegas during a fun getaway, Michael asked for Sari’s hand in marriage after a beautiful dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Bellagio fountains. I love that Sari remembers his exact words, which were, “I just want to tell you that you make me the happiest man in the world and I love you more than anything.”
Flash forward to their wedding day, there was no denying the same beautiful love that they have shared since first meeting. Surrounded by her girls, we captured our bride first while they guys finished up getting ready. Now let me just tell you that Sari is my “laid back type A” soul sister. Insanely organized, she was able to relax and enjoy every moment of her big day – along with Michael! Capturing Sari and her girls in their robes, along with details, followed by buttoning up in her dress, Sari’s aura lit up the room as much as Michael’s smile all day long. Heading over to our guys, Michael’s mom surprised him with a money clip, a family tradition, in honor of his wedding day. Michael and his guys had me cracking up as they attempted to “look serious” for a few shots of their group before the ceremony. Seriously a group full of jokesters, they couldn’t help but laugh at one another and enjoy the moment.
With Michael and his guys heading off to the ceremony, we were finally able to sneak Sari and her girls down for their group portraits. Sari radiating from head to toe in her gown trucked through bushes to get to our secret spot – the girl can rock a dress no matter the elements! After capturing our girls, we shooed them off into their transportation and headed over to the Rusty Pelican to prepare for their ceremony.
Overlooking the waters of Old Tampa Bay, the two tied the knot under an adorable white pagoda outside of their reception ballroom. A special giving of roses to each of their mothers took place during their ceremony, along with hand written vows.
Having pre-captured each of their bridal party sides, we moved on to family portraits and a group portrait of the bridal party after the ceremony. Once wrapped up, we ventured around the property in search of botanical Florida backdrops and of course the nearby rocky shore off the water.
Entering the room for their reception, Sari and Michael of course had the grandest of grand entrances, but I must note how hilarious Michael’s best man Casey was in entering with a money machine. Guests were definitely cracking up as fake dollar bills poured out from the machine onto the tables.
From special dances to sentimental toasts, and of course tons of dancing, the night was filled with so much love and happiness. Wishing our couple farewell, along with their guests, we captured their bubble send off before hugs goodbye!
Congratulations Sari and Michael! Wishing you as much joy in your future as you felt on your big day!
Venue: Rusty Pelican
Makeup & Hair: D’s Hair and Makeup Creations
Floral: Arlene Floral Designer
Cake: Alessi Bakery
DJ: DJ LV Productions
Officiant: Pastor Jerry Rittenhouse
Stationary: ElegantWeddingInvites
Dress Shop: CC’s Bridal Boutique
Dress Designer: Stella York
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Ring Shop: Wesche Jewelers
