Christina & Grant

Grant had been waiting for the perfect moment to propose. After a morning at the farmers market, he got down on one knee in their kitchen and said, “When you’ve found the one, every moment is the perfect moment. Will you marry me?”

Christina and Grant said their vows surrounded by a cocoon of beautiful flowers along the water while the sun was starting to set. The décor was vibrant and romantic to play off of the Venetian castle-like qualities of the Ca' d'Zan residence.

To honor Christina’s Arabic heritage, the couple added some Syrian Orthodox traditions, including crowns at the ceremony. Also, their entrance as newlyweds included a grand, traditional Arabic welcoming with a band and drummer, dancing and singing. Grant is originally from the Midwest, so the cultural elements were new to him and his family, making their union feel truly unique.

Cocktail hour was held in the gardens of the Ringling Museum where guests toured the property and had the opportunity to enjoy a hookah bar amidst lush flowers. The couple also featured sentimental bites for guests to enjoy. Each dish paid homage to major milestones in their relationship such as tacos representing their first date and a flatbread station as a nod to their first kiss.

When guests sat down to dinner amongst farm tables and candelabras, a belly dancer continued the celebration. Near the end of their reception, the couple was able to sneak off to sit alone overlooking the water and reflect on the day’s events.

NUMBER OF WEDDING GUESTS: 200

VENDOR LIST

VENUE: Ca' d'Zan at the Ringling Museum PHOTOGRAPHER: Sam Hurd Photography VIDEOGRAPHER: Voila Cinematic EVENT COORDINATOR: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning RINGS: Gold & Diamond Source BRIDE’S GOWN: Galia Lahav via Isabel O’Neil Bridal Collection BRIDE’S SHOES: Christian Louboutin JEWELRY: Van Cleef & Arpels GROOM’S FORMALWEAR: Ted Baker GROOM’S SHOES: Salvatore Ferragamo BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Adrianna Papell GROOMSMEN’S FORMALWEAR: The Black Tux HAIR & MAKEUP: RACHELartistry STATIONERY: A & P Design Co. FLORAL: Tailored Twig DÉCOR: So Staged LIGHTING: Palacios Events CAKE: The Artistic Whisk HOOKAH BAR: Wonderland Vape and Hookah Lounge BELLY DANCER: Sevdije Lika