1. Real Weddings

A Fun Vintage-Inspired Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida

Nine months after Amina El-Yousef (39 and an executive assistant) and Brian Yarborough (32 and in construction) met at work and started dating, he pop

Nine months after Amina El-Yousef (39 and an executive assistant) and Brian Yarborough (32 and in construction) met at work and started dating, he popped the question with a New Year’s Eve picnic lunch along the beach. Brian proposed with a handwritten note that explained all the reasons why he loved Amina before he dropped to one knee. With a two-year engagement, the couple had plenty of time to plan their fun gold and black Great Gatsby-inspired wedding in the The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's garden. White hydrangea along a white flower petal-filled aisle led the way to the couple’s crystal accented vine-wrapped wedding arch. While the couple planned their wedding together, Amina walked down the aisle with a surprise for everyone - a red organza Vera Wang ball gown and birdcage veil. “It was a unique choice and quite untraditional, which pretty much is me in a nutshell - a nonconformist,” she says. After Amina and Brian said “I do,” their 170 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and reception in the same location. Glass-topped round tables surrounding a checkerboard-designed dance floor were met with black chiavari chairs, crystal candelabras, gold linens and low white floral centerpieces in gold vases. String lighting was hung overhead as the couple and their guests enjoyed a roast chicken dinner and four-tier gold wedding cake topped with a bold white composite flower. All were entertained by a DJ and "Zaffa" belly dancers before the couple left their reception under an archway of sparklers.

Vintage Seating Chart with Palm Tree Designed
‘My wedding dress was red and entirely unplanned. Once purchased, I decided to make it a surprise for the guests and the groom,” says Amina. “It was a unique choice and quite untraditional, that pretty much sums me up in a nutshell - a nonconformist.”
Amina accented her unique red organza Vera Wang ball gown with a bouquet of white orchids and hydrangea arranged by Tiger Lily Flowers.
Amina's Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Staircase Processional
Amina and Brian were wed in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota garden under a vine-wrapped wedding arch accented with crystals, white hydrangeas and a crystal chandelier.
After two years of planning, Amina and Brian said "I do," in front of 170 friends and family members.
Amina and Brian’s Recessional
The couple decorated their outdoor garden reception with glass-topped round tables, gold linens, black chiavari chairs, a black and white checkerboard dance floor, string lighting, Great Gatsby-inspired art deco table numbers and gold accented floral centerpieces. “It was a magical and enchanted night for all,” says Amina.
Each glass topped round table was met with gold linens, a white floral centerpiece with rose or hydrangeas, gold accents and an Art Deco style table number to match their Great Gatsby inspiration.
Sarasota, Florida Clear Glass Candelabra Centerpiece
Art Deco-Inspired Table Number and Centerpiece
“The element of having our cultures incorporated with the mini "Zaffa" belly dancers and Arabic drummers for the reception entrance added a unique touch many had not experienced,” say Amina.
The couple treated their guests to a bold four-tier gold confection decorated with a large white composite flower.
Amina and Brian were surrounded by their 170 friends and family members as they left the reception in a festive sparkler exit.