Each celebration we feature is a reflection of the couple at the heart of it, and Lauren and Alec’s winter wedding at Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota was nothing short of breathtaking. Blending historic architecture with romantic design, the day was a seamless expression of fun, intention, and effortless joy. With expert planning by Ashley Johnson of B Eventful Planning & Design and an all-star team of vendors, Lauren and Alec’s December wedding glowed with meaning, memory, and a sunset so beautiful the bride joked it “looked like we hired it.”
The Wedding Day
Lauren and Alec’s wedding embraced the charm and grandeur of the Mediterranean Revival-style Powel Crosley Estate. The venue’s water views and historic stonework created the perfect canvas for a celebration full of color, texture, and warmth. Guests were welcomed with views of glowing string lights, sea-kissed breezes, and a soft pastel sky. With a vision focused on personal touches and meaningful celebration, Lauren and Alec chose to forego traditional cultural elements and instead centered the experience around love, laughter, and a design that reflected their personalities.
Lauren began the day with her bridal party at The Westin Sarasota, where she and her bridesmaids were pampered by the beauty team at Femme Akoi. Hair and makeup were soft, glowing, and effortlessly romantic- perfect for a bride who wanted to feel like the most elevated version of herself.
Her gown from White Closet Bridal was sleek and classic, with a clean silhouette that made room for heartfelt accessories: her mother’s jewelry and pearl-detailed heels. Her look, styled with intention and sentiment, echoed the tone of the entire day: timeless with a personal twist. Her bridesmaids wore mix-and-match gowns in shades of purple- a style Lauren let them personalize to ensure they felt confident and comfortable. The variety of styles added a fresh, editorial edge to every photo, bringing modern flair to the historic venue. Alec and his groomsmen wore sharp suits from Milano Exchange, striking a balance between classic formality and relaxed Florida style. Their polished look set the tone for the ceremony to come.
The couple’s ceremony took place just before sunset, on the bayfront terrace of Powel Crosley Estate, officiated by Lauren’s uncle- a touching family gesture that added even more meaning to the moment. Save The Date Florida designed breathtaking florals for the altar, with rich shades of plum, lilac, cream, and greenery spilling over from romantic arrangements. The ceremony space glowed beneath the soft light of A’s Rentals chandeliers and golden hour rays, creating a scene that felt like a page from a modern fairytale. Lauren and Alec exchanged vows under the fading Sarasota sun, framed by nature’s beauty and the architecture of another era. As guests transitioned into the reception, the estate was transformed under a stunning clear-top tent provided by US Tent Rental and adorned with statement rentals from Stella Rose Event Rentals. Elegant wood tables, candlelit glass cylinders, golden-rimmed chargers, and soft blue runners created depth and warmth across the tablescape.
The stationary suite from Berries & Blooms Studio, paired with signage by DW Events & Designs, added modern romance to every corner- place cards, menus, and welcome signage all echoed the couple’s chic-yet-whimsical style. Simply Gourmet Caterers provided both dinner and bartending services, treating guests to a menu full of comfort and flavor. Dessert followed in delicious layers- The Cake Girl created the couple’s classic wedding cake, and sweet additions from Nothing Bundt Cakes rounded out the night.
But one of the biggest moments of magic? That sunset.
“One of my favorite memories was everyone being blown away by the beauty of the entire event. The sunset looked like we hired it”
Once the stars were out, Total Entertainment and The Sound Society kicked off a reception full of high energy and heartfelt celebration. The live 6-piece band kept guests on their feet all night, creating a dance floor that pulsed with laughter, love, and rhythm.
The couple’s joy was captured in real time by Love, Asha Photography, whose lens followed every tear, toast, and twirl. From emotional getting-ready candids to golden hour portraits and the unforgettable sparkler send-off, her storytelling approach gave Lauren and Alec images to relive the magic forever. On film, Grove Film recorded every moment with cinematic clarity, preserving both the grandeur of the day and its most intimate in-between glances.
Guests arrived via SRQ Trolley, making for a seamless and stylish experience from start to finish. The weekend began at Sage Sarasota, where Lauren and Alec hosted their rehearsal dinner at the acclaimed downtown venue, catered in-house and surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Lauren & Alec Reflect On The Magic
When asked about her favorite memory, Lauren’s response was immediate:
“One of my favorite memories was everyone being blown away by the beauty of the entire event. The sunset look like we hired it – haha”
And when it came to her favorite vendors?
“My wedding planner and photographer are my favorite vendors. My planner because wow, my day wouldn’t have been so perfect if not for her and my photographer because she was able to capture the amazing night and so many intimate moments”
Planning a wedding taught Lauren one clear lesson:
“-a wedding planner was essential! We had a vision but being able to come to the correct vendors, be able to articulate that vision and keep everything organized would have been extremely difficult for just my mom and I to plan.”
When recalling how the whole process felt for her, Lauren shared:
“It was…such a fun experience! Half the time I couldn’t stop screaming in disbelief that I was planning my wedding. It is such a surreal experience – one I cherish and am happy that everything went so beautifully.”
From an heirloom-filled morning to a golden-lit ceremony, candlelit dinner, and dance floor beneath the stars, Lauren and Alec’s Sarasota wedding proves that when a clear vision meets the right team, wedding-day magic really does exist.
Video: Grove Film
