Azul Steak & Sushi Lounge

Welcome Party

The Powel Crosley Estate

Wedding Day

Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

After Party

Our Wedding

Our Story

It all began on a warm summer day in August of 2017. Jon and Joanne first locked eyes in a NYC office. Joanne was interviewing&nbsp;for a job and Jon, luckily for him, was one of the interviewers. Clearly, Joanne aced the interview and she got the job! After three months (and a lot of flirtatious moments by the water cooler), Jon and Joanne finally hung out for the first time outside of work on December 9th, 2017 and boy did sparks fly.&nbsp;

Jon and Joanne learned that they both love spicy margaritas, bubble tea, meat, and traveling! After several months&nbsp;of dinners, copious amounts of wine, and R&amp;B throwbacks, Jon and Joanne decided&nbsp;to take their first trip of many to Jamaica! It was there, with the sunshine and rum filled piña coladas, that&nbsp;the&nbsp;couple knew they were meant for each other.

In May 2020, after a few years of NYC romance, the couple decided it was time to move to Florida and enjoy the sunshine, beach, and palm trees. However, the couple still bounces back to New Jersey and New York to visit friends and family.

This inseparable couple has traveled to 22 countries together spanning across Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and most recently Asia. They spent 9 months backpacking Asia and loved every second! It was during this trip in Bali, Indonesia where Jon decided to bend the knee and pop the question! On January 18, 2023, Jon and Joanne got engaged! They are so excited for you all to join them in their marriage and wedding on February 18, 2024!&nbsp;

Photos

Wedding Party

flights

FLYING INTO TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

This is typically a less expensive option than flying directly into Sarasota. We suggest Uber/Lyft to the hotel. This will be about an hour and 15 minute drive.

FLYING INTO SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

Shuttle: There is a complimentary shuttle from the hotel that runs between 7 AM-11 PM. If utilizing the shuttle, please call the front desk when you have your luggage. The shuttle has scheduled runs for the nearby college and airline crews but the wait is usually not more than 15 minutes.&nbsp; Uber/Lyft: You can take an Uber/Lyft to the hotel which is a 5 minute drive. Walk: It's a 20 minute walk if you wanted to get your steps in!

accomodation

We have a hotel block at the Hilton Garden Inn! If you want a King or Queen room and the option is unavailable, please text Joanne at 201-539-0231. We will let the hotel know and get more added!

airbnb

You can also rent an Airbnb. There are a few options near the venue!

Travel & Accommodation

feb 16: Casual Bar Night

For guests arriving on Friday, February 16th, we'll have a casual bar night in downtown Sarasota! Location: Circo in downtown Sarasota Time: 7 PM

feb 17: Welcome Party

There will be a welcome party from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM to welcome all of our beautiful guests to Sarasota&nbsp;and kick off the weekend. We recommend Uber/Lyft to get there. Food and alcoholic beverages will be provided. Location: Azul Steak &amp; Sushi Lounge, Downtown Sarasota

feb 18: CEREMONY & RECEPTION

Alas, the day has come! Getting to the venue: There is a 3 minute shuttle to the venue from the Hilton Garden Inn or it's an 8 minute walk from the hotel through a parking lot. You can also Uber/Lyft. You may park at the venue but we recommend not to so you can enjoy our free bar! Ceremony: Please arrive by 3:00 PM so that the ceremony can start at 3:30 PM. Cocktail Hour: Starts at 4:00 PM. Yes, there is an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Let's get rowdy folks. Dinner: Dinner service begins at 5:40 PM. Dancing: All night long! Reception ends: 10 PM Attire: Semi-formal/ cocktail. Please come in sensible footwear as the event will take place outside.

Itinerary

Q + A

Sarasota is a picturesque coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico in the southwestern part of Florida. It's known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and lush tropical landscapes. Here's our go-to guide for the best restaurants and attractions!

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS

This is one of our favorite breakfast spots in Sarasota! It's a casual cafe with delicious eats. We recommend the savory waffle and the all day burrito.

Project Coffee

This is one of our favorite casual spots for Mexican! The birria tacos are a MUST order and you can't go wrong with their spicy margaritas!

Circo

If you like Peruvian food, you MUST go here. It's a bit more upscale and everything is DELISH. We recommend their ceviche, short ribs, and rack of lamb!

Selva Downtown Sarasota

This is probably one of the hardest restaurants to get into in Sarasota! Unfortunately, they don't take reservations. We once arrived right when they opened (4 PM) and we still had to wait 2 hours for a table! But it was soooo worth the wait. While you wait for your table, you can go outside to the backyard and get drinks and apps and listen to the band. We recommend the scallops with braised pork but EVERYTHING is delicious!

Owen's Fish Camp

attractions

This is one of our favorite beaches! The sand feels like very fine powder and it's an incredibly wide beach - so much room for activities! Escape the cold north and get your tan on here!

Siesta Beach

This is a beautiful museum with a ton of art. The grounds are stunning with amazing views of Sarasota Bay!

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

This is a really great aquarium - there are tons of fish, turtles, and other sea life! Fun fact - Joanne visited here when she was about 15 years old with her dad, Calvin Strand, and her uncle and aunt, Larry and Phyllis Flynn.