1. Real Weddings

Anne & Matt: A Beach Wedding in Sarasota, FL

If the phrase first impressions are everything rings true, then it's amazing that Anne Carraway and Matthew Benolkin ever made it past their first dat

If the phrase first impressions are everything rings true, then it's amazing that Anne Carraway and Matthew Benolkin ever made it past their first date. My first impressions of other people are usually off, Anne says, referring to when she first saw Matthew and didn't really think he could be the one. But something must have clicked for the two, because Matt left enamored with her. Four months after being introduced by a mutual friend (who later served as a bridesmaid), Matt proposed with Anne's grandmother’s engagement ring to which he had added a lovely oval diamond. The Bride Anne Carraway, 30, an environmental consultant The Groom Matthew (Matt) Benolkin, 28, an estimating consultant The Date May 1 Immediately, Anne and Matt began planning their wedding with help from friends and family, all initially wary of Anne's vision of a celebration awash in pink and green. Everyone seemed to think the colors were questionable, until they saw it all come together, she says.

The Guests
The ceremony was full of such personal touches: a combination of personally selected Scripture, quotations, and vows culminated with an exuberant recessional to the cellist's rendition of Three Dog Night's Joy to the World.
Guests sat in white wooden chairs, in rows bordered by shepherd hooks decorated with satin ribbon, hydrangeas, peonies, and ranunculuses. Two pedestals adorned with tropical and coastal greenery served as an altar, which faced Anne. It's a beautiful piece, as well as a tribute to my grandmother who passed away, says Anne. She called me her little butterfly.
The Location
The Boutonniere
The flowers consisted of lush pink peonies and bundles of green hydrangeas. As it turned out, Anne's vibrant color combo was the perfect complement to the springtime soiree, held on the beach at sunset.
The four-tier wedding cake was iced in white fondant and covered in elegant green scrollwork and tiny pink dots.
Anne chose a strapless, ivory silk organza A-line gown by Watters Bride.