Wedding Day

Resonate Life Church

Ceremony

IMG Academy Golf Club

Reception

Our Wedding

We were set up by Brennan McNally, one of Matt's groomsmen. We ended up meeting for the first time at Norton's, a popular bar in Crystal River. After meeting Matt, I (Allie) knew that he was "the one," but I'm not sure that he was as convinced. I initiated most of the dates for the first year. During that time, we loved to go to local bars and watch sporting events, specifically baseball games. Neither of us is sure when we started dating, but I think if we had to come up with a date, we could choose July 22, 2019 (although, if you asked his teacher friends, they would say that they had to convince Matt that he had a girlfriend). Anyway, this is the night that we watched our first baseball game together at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox played the Rays; unfortunately, the Rays lost. One of my favorite things to do with Matt is travel. Our first "trip" together was to West Palm Beach and Port Saint Lucie to catch some Spring Training games. He got to come home with me to Michigan in July and this last Christmas. We have also traveled to Miami, Key West, Asheville, and Savannah. So, how did our engagement go down? On our drive back to Florida from Michigan, we decided to stop in Asheville, NC. Matt's original plan was to propose the next morning (New Years Day) at Hickory Nut Falls in Asheville. Well, plans never do work, do they? Of course it was raining that day, so we decided to drive out the rain and go to Savannah, GA. That evening, we were walking through Savannah and we got to Forsyth Park. If you've never been, you should go; it is beautiful! The night was gorgeous! Matt proposed at the fountain as the sun was setting. I can honestly say that this was one of the best nights of my life. We are so excited to be getting married, and we are just as happy to have all of you there with us! "I have found the one whom my soul loves." Song of Solomon 3:4

Our Story

We have rooms blocked off at two hotels, Embassy Suites - Downtown Sarasota &amp; The Aloft Sarasota. These hotels are in Downtown Sarasota, about 20 minutes from the ceremony and reception. However, Sarasota has a lot more options as far as night life and things to do. If you'd like to stay a little bit closer to the ceremony and reception, the airport hotels are only about 10 minutes away. If you want to stay somewhere on the beach, I'd recommend Bradenton Beach. It is only about 20 minutes from the ceremony and reception.

This hotel includes breakfast and two cocktails per person per night. Valet parking is $25 / night.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota

This hotel does not include breakfast. Valet parking is $17 / night.

Aloft Sarasota

Travel

Motorworks has the largest Florida outdoor beer garden, complete with a large shaded deck and 22 ft projection screen. The taproom has over 30 craft brews on tap, as well as a full-service bar. Motorworks doesn’t have a restaurant but they do partner with food trucks and local restaurants.

Motorworks Brewing

Yes, beaches are hot in the summer, but they are also beautiful! There are plenty of options near Bradenton to get your beach fix: Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island, Beer Can Island, Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach.

Beach

Things to Do

Angie is my youngest sister and one of my best friends. Fun Facts: She is the best gift giver. When she was in 7th grade, she had to write about a person she looked up to for English class; she chose me. For Christmas that year, she framed the assignment and wrapped it up. I still have it in my room to this day. I like to take credit for teaching her how to ride a bike, but Monica also helped a little. Angie makes her own jewelry; if you need some wedding jewelry, be sure to check out her shop on Etsy (AngelicaMadeOriginal). 

Angie Olmstead

Monica is my middle sister and one of my best friends. Fun Facts: Monica is moving to Hawaii next year! Ask her about her childhood hula skirt. You won't regret the story. Monica adds humor to any situation, whether appropriate or not.  Her first Halloween in college, she dressed up as a box of wine. It's always a good time when she's around. Monica is getting married in January, so this could be her last wedding as an Olmstead.

Monica Olmstead

Christina is the first friend I made in Florida. She is incredibly smart, beautiful, and down for a good time! From theme parks, to beach days, to lunch, we've had a lot of fun together. One of my favorite memories was paddle boarding to Three Sisters Springs. I am not the most skilled paddle boarder, and I had all my clothes and several hard seltzers in a cooler on the front of my board. I ended up hitting one of the bridge posts and almost falling in... Whoops! 

Christina Vaughan

Beth is one of my many, many cousins (and mom to three beautiful boys). Growing up, I used to watch her play volleyball, basketball, softball, and march in the band. She used to babysit my sisters and I during the summer months. One particular summer, she got really excited about grilling cheeseburgers , and she made them so often that I refused to eat them. To this day, I still pick on her about cheeseburgers. 

Beth Albert

Ariel is a friend to both Matt and I. Matt has known Ariel since high school. We enjoy hanging out at the McNally household for euchre, beer, pool time, and, of course, to hang out with little Grayson. Ariel has a small business, A+ Creations! If you are into wooden decor, you should check it out; it's awesome!

Ariel McNally

Erica is my high school best friend. We met at Interlochen Arts Academy, where we went to boarding school. The memories that we made there together will stay in my heart forever. Erica is my go-to girl for most things. We've shared fun times and heart breaks together. From my first kiss to my wedding day, we've been through it all. 

Erica Bigelow

I've known Zakk since elementary school. We've played baseball together since we were nine years old. In middle school, I tagged along on a family vacation trip to Pennsylvania; it was one to remember.  I also had the pleasure of marrying him and his wife, Heather, on St. Augustine Beach! Together, they have three beautiful kids: Emma, Easton, & Nolan.  

Zakk Bidlack

The fantasy guru! Bill has always been there through many life lessons; I can always count on him, from fantasy sports to life. Bill is a Long Island Native (Patchogue-Medford... WHATCHA GOT?!).  I am thankful that he welcomed me as a friend. We've made many memories, from Spring Training  tours to New York!

Bill Reyes

Fellow long time Connell Heights native, Brennan and I have spent a lot of time together. Our summers are spent playing golf, enjoying poker, grilling out, and just having fun. Brennan used to run trivia night at the local bar. He knows a little about everything! He is also an avid runner/triathlete who will one day complete the Iron Man, I'm sure of it.  It is always a great time when he's around!

Brennan McNally

Chris is my brother. He had the opportunity to travel the globe working in Africa where he met George Clooney in the process! Growing up, I had much to learn and I can credit my brother for a lot of that. I have learned so much from him! He has been living in Washington DC, but is actually moving back to Florida (in the Champa Bay Area)! Chris is a political connoisseur and an activist for the disenfranchised. 

Chris Garlock

Another fellow Connell Heights native, Tucker and I grew up less than a quarter of a mile from each other. We even spent some of our college years in the same city, Tallahassee. He is an "everything" Florida State fan and could probably rattle off all of the college basketball statistics. Tucker is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet; you'll understand why when you talk to him. I don't think I've ever met someone who has been in as many weddings as Tucker. 

Allie & Matt

Allie & Matt

Registry