Sarasota Dream Weddings -and- Sarasota Beach Weddings

Bride's Choice Award Winner 2012

2012-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to share our goodnews! For the fourth year in a row, we have won Wedding Wire's Bride's Choice Award 2012. That means we have been voted into the top 5% of Wedding Officiants in the nation! We send a great big THANK YOU to all our bridal couples who have given us so many 5-star reviews. We are proud to have earned your accolades! See us at www.SarasotaDreamWeddings.com.

Rev. Georgeann Butler & Megan 1-14-12

2012-01-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

Here I am with my bride Megan on Saturday. Isn't she lovely? I had a lot of fun helping her and Jonathan tie the knot. Thank you, Horatio Franco, http://www.studiofourphotography.com/ for sharing this lovely image.

Beautiful Wedding at Ca d'Zan with Horatio Franco

2012-01-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

Here I am with Horatio Franco from http://www.studiofourphotography.com/ on Saturday. We worked at a beautiful wedding at Ca d'Zan in Sarasota. It's always a delight to work with Horatio because he makes everyone feel at ease and have fun...and his images are gorgeous.

Baby Blessing Nov. 16 on Redington Beach, FL

2010-11-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful experience to be a part of welcoming Cole into the world and the arms of his loving family. It was a lovely day on Redington Beach here in Southwest Florida. Cole was so sweet, and I can see why his family is just "nuts" about him!

Cole with his Mommy and Daddy

Nellie's Deli Tasting & Show

2010-11-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

We all had fun on Thursday evening when Nellie's Deli and Catering hosted a bridal tasting and mini-bridal show for bridal couples who have booked Nellie's to cater their wedding. Tammy Young and Nina Lakatos were our hostesses while owners Fredda and Craig Pohl created the lucious dishes for tasting.

Below you can see that Rich and I had an opportunity to speak with every couple about creating a ceremony espeically for them. We always offer a personalized ceremony with ideas to make it heartfelt, memorable and fun.

Revs. Richard & Georgeann Butler - Sarasota Dream Weddings

(941) 351-5347

Civil, Spiritual, Religious Ceremonies...or anything in between created just for you!

Evelyn England (right) and her assistant Ileana of SageArt Photo & Video displayed photo albums and video. Professional, expert images that will last a lifetime. Evelyn was kind enough to snap these photos to share with you.

Becki Creighton, Owner of Flowers by Fudgie and her staff is always ready to help create anything from a special bouquet to an entire landscape...indoors or outdoors. With freshness, innovation and creativity, your wedding decor is always expertly designed.

Tammy Gamso (left) of Tammy Gamso & Associates - The Finishes Touches - displayed photos of her hair and makeup designs as well as some of the products she uses to make sure that the entire bridal party is relaxed and looking their very best.

Wayne and Alice Delair of Delair Entertainment

Wayne was the evening's MC and provided music for our enjoyment. He knows how to keep the party going! It's always fun when Wayne is there to professionally choreograph your wedding. You can relax and enjoy yourself when Wayne is at the helm.

Rex Willis, Guitarist

You might like to consider having Rex Willis provide your ceremony music and ask him to stay to play during cocktail hour and dinner. Your guests will enjoy the talents of this polished musician.

Sarasota Brides & Formalwear

Diane and Kristy were on hand to show off some of their latest fashions. You will find the best designers at their salon on Clark Road. No matter what you have in mind, there is a consultant waiting to help you, your bridal party, family and friends find the perfect dress or tuxedo to fit your taste and budget. Stop in to see what I mean!

Beautiful Cakes by Ron

What is a tasting without dessert? Beautiful Cakes by Ron made sure the evening ended on a sweet note!

There are so many Bridal Professionals waiting to help make your day as special as it can be. I am always happy to help you find the perfect person to provide the perfect service you need. I have worked with so many professionals in the twelve years I have been performing ceremonies in the Greater Sarasota/Bradenton area that I think I can help you find exactly what you need. Just ask me!

With sincere wishes for your Special Day to be a dream come true,

Georgeann

http://www.sarasotadreamweddings.com/

Valentine's Day Beach Wedding

2010-02-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Valentine's Day! I officiated at a Destination Wedding at the Longboat Key Hilton. Rich came along and took some pictures that I'm sharing with you. As you can see, the sun was shining and we had a great time together. Congratulations, Mary & Roger! May every Valentine's Day include a special celebration of your love.

DeSoto National Memorial Wedding

2010-01-31T06:14:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of performing a ceremony at the DeSoto National Memorial in Bradenton yesterday. It is located at the northern terminus of 75th Street North West and can be reached from I-75 or I-275. It has ample parking and a beautiful promenade on the Manatee River, a Visitor's Center and a gorgeous wooded setting for photographs. Be sure to contact Jorge Acevedo (941) 792-0458 Ext 106 to obtain a permit, and be ready for a wonderful outdoor wedding experience. www.nps.gov/desoto/index.html

Want some other ideas for wedding locations? Visit our web site http://www.SarasotaDreamWeddings.com/ We're always happy to help you plan your Special Day.

Bride's Choice Award Winner 2010

2010-01-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

We are sending a great big THANK YOU to our bridal couples for voting for us to again be awarded the Bride’s Choice Award™ 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism. The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means our past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected us to receive this honor.

We are proud of the work we do on behalf of our bridal couples. We love our Brides and Grooms, and we think it shows. Just today, a prospective Bride called because she read the testimonials of our couples on our website http://www.sarasotadreamweddings.com/ and the WeddingWire Network.

When you book your wedding professionals, be sure to see what other couples and other vendors have to say about them. We are always happy to recommend other professsionals who have earned our trust and esteem over the past twelve years. Not only do our couples get the best possible services at the best possible prices, but it makes us look so smart!

Again, THANK YOU, Brides and Grooms. We have worked hard to make sure your wedding dreams come true.

Have a "Plan B"

2010-01-15T06:05:00.000-08:00

When planning an outdoor wedding, it's important to have a "Plan B." I'm referring to an alternate location for your ceremony (and reception) that is away from inclement weather conditions. In the winter, it can be the cold, rain and/or wind. In the summer, it can be thunderstorms. If you are not a Florida resident, you may not think of these possibilities, so it is up to your Wedding Professionals to bring them up.

It is always a good idea to be on time to your wedding ceremony, and that is especially true when planning an outdoor event. After all, how long can Grandma sit in the blazing sun on a hot beach waiting for the ceremony to begin? It is important that you not keep your guests waiting in the hot sun or nervously watching rain clouds roll in.

It doesn't take much to insure that you have the Dream Wedding you have always wanted. It is simply a matter of planning. Visit our website for more ceremony ideas http://www.sarasotadreamweddings.com/.

Ophelia's on the Bay Sunday Brunch

2009-12-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful experience today to dine at Ophelia's on the Bay on Siesta Key. We were first greeted with a hearty welcome by the valet and then by the congenial hostess. We sat at one of the many windows overlooking the garden and the bay. Our waiter was Csaba Kepeca, a familiar and friendly face. Csaba works at the wonderful weddings held at Ophelia's and always makes sure everything is perfect. I have performed many ceremonies in the garden under the cupola, just like this one...

My first recommendation: Run - don't walk - to Ophelia's Sunday Brunch. All dishes were the highest quality and prepared with care. From the apple-filled crepes to the seafood lasagne to the crab legs and chowder (and more!), we enjoyed every morsel. We each enjoyed a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary. And the pastry table was over the top! Homemade tiramisu was my favorite. No matter what you find on any given Sunday, it will please you.

My second recommendation: Consider having your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, birthday party, baptism or baby blessing, anniversary celebration or any other special occasion at Ophelia's. Jane and Stanley Ferro are the proprietors, and they will make sure that your visit is delicious and fun.

My third recommendation: Check out Ophelia's Catering. It seems to be a well-kept secret, and now it's time to get the word out. The menu is extensive, and they can customize it to fit any occasion and budget.

If I can help you find a venue - or any other wedding professional - that will suit your tastes and budget, let me know. In my fifteen years of living in Sarsota and twelve years of performing wedding ceremonies, I have seen the good, the bad and ugly. My experience can help you avoid costly and disappointing mistakes.

Christmas Sunrise Ceremony

2009-12-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful morning on Siesta Key Beach today when Susan and Daniel exchanged vows and became husband and wife. I had the honor of sharing their Special Day with them. I think you can see we had a great time.

Beautiful Photos at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club Wedding

2009-12-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos, Horatio! No wonder so many couples put you at the top of their wish list when choosing their photographer. StudioFour's blog is http://www.studiofourblog.com/ Check it out! You can be confident that you will have artistic, unique and beautiful photographic memories of your Special Day. This is why it is so important to find a professional who is capable, easy to work with and lets you enjoy every aspect of your day. And thank you Christine and Matthew for having fun with me on your Wedding Day. http://www.studiofourphotography.com/ For more photos, ceremony ideas and lots of info on my website, go to http://www.sarasotadreamweddings.com/

Bridal Bargains Galore!

2009-12-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Attention Brides - Want to find some bridal bargains on everything from your designer dress to favors and invitations? Here are two places to buy and sell items that just may save you time and money: http://www.bravobride.com/ and http://www.recycledbride.com/. Happy shopping!

A little wedding humor

2009-12-18T05:16:00.000-08:00

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?' The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.' The child thought about this for a moment and then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'

I got a chuckle out of this, and then began wondering why so many Mothers wear black to the wedding? Do they know something? I have met many Mothers (and Fathers) over the twelve years I have been performing wedding ceremonies. They mostly keep their comments to themselves, but some can be quite vocal. That is the value of having a trusted professional conduct your rehearsal and ceremony. We are used to handling "problem" guests and commanding respect for the Couple and their Special Day.

I have had to deal with bridal parties who celebrated too much at the rehearsal dinner the night before, flowergirls and ringbearers who refuse to walk down the aisle, parents and stepparents who don't want to be in the same room with each other, florists who don't show up, inclement weather, forgotten rings, and MUCH, MUCH more...and all with a smile on my face. It's grace under fire! Every situation was resolved diplomatically. After all, the show must go on!

Welcome to our blog!

2009-12-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

We look forward to keeping you updated on our most recent weddings, discoveries of new and different ways to celebrate your love on your Wedding Day, and how we can help make your Wedding Day dreams come true.
Our most recent "fun" wedding was at the Lowry Park Zoo where I performed the very first wedding ceremony inside the Aviary. We were perched on a covered platform overlooking the habitat and listeing to a little squawking and chirping while the vows were being said and a handfasting was performed. We finished just before sunset so that the bats would not be active! There are many weddings conducted at the zoo. They even have a beautiful room for your reception...check it out http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/.
When pictures are available, we will post them.