Katherine + Lucas Step Into The Limelight | Sandbar Restaurant | Anna Maria, FL

Katie + Lucas’ story is a good one…

In the beginning of 2019, Lucas and Katie went to the graduation party of one of their mutual friends. Partway through the party, Katie spots Lucas and has to ask her friend who the tall man is (for reference for those who don’t know Lucas, he’s over 6 1/2 feet tall). Their mutual friend then introduces the two of them and Katie and Lucas spend the rest of the evening together. When they go their separate ways, Katie gives Lucas her number… or so they thought. 

Katie waited for over a week wondering why Lucas hadn’t texted her to plan a date that he had promised her at the party… that’s when Lucas reached out to their mutual friend saying that he had the wrong number, whether it was on accident or purpose. Their friend then gave Lucas the CORRECT phone number, and then the rest is history!

Lucas popped the big question to Katie in December of 2021 while they were in Vail. Leading up to their engagement, they had traveled near and far together, adopted their fur baby Boomer, and even vacationed to Longboat Key (which is where they stayed for their wedding!).

Their big day was full of friends, laughter and lots of dancing. Their reception space was gorgeous, with a checkered dance floor, wicker lanterns, and tropical flowers. As Katie said throughout the day, it was “very chill”! Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, the music, and each other’s company.

Congrats to the Rytel’s!

Lead Photographer | Tara Zimmerman
Associate Photographer | Emma Hintz

Bridesmaid Dresses | Lulus
Caterer | Sandbar Restaurant 
Ceremony Site | Sandbar Restaurant
DJ | DJ Fits Otis
Event Planner | Be Wed
Florist | Flowers by Fudgie
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Invitations | Sagebrush Designs
Lighting | Palacios Events
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Photo Booth | Fancy Booth
Reception Venue | Sandbar Restaurant 
Transportation | Cj Siesta Trolley

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club | Styled Shoot

ESPLANADE Golf and Country Club is a brand new Venue nestled on 600 acres just north of State Road 70. This gated enclave brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Southwest Florida with regional-inspired architecture, lush landscaping, serene lakes. They have a variety of exquisite and unique event spaces to host your celebration from their Private Dining Room to beautifully structured DODICI 951 Grand Ballroom with an outdoor patio attached overlooking the Golf Courses. Capacity – 2- 350 guests

 MDP Events coordinates a celebration that tells your story, incorporates each desired detail, and is completely customized. Curating the most divine productions for any occasion, they create your dream event and bring it to life! They provide meticulous detailing, innovative design, and seamless stress-free production in the SunCoast area and beyond. MDP Events was started from a passion for the industry and is in honor of Owner and Lead Event Planner Lauren Gertz’s best friend who shared the same obsession and love for weddings that she does! Their team believes that every event should represent their clients vision and be executed into a flawless celebration.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Tara

Balloon Decor on Bounce House | The Modern Girl Party 
Cold Sparklers | TLS Entertainment
Cake | Cakes by Ron
Chargers | Linens by the Sea 
Chairs & Farm Tables | Palacios Events  
Florist | Beneva Weddings
Glassware, Flatware, China | Set and Styled
Graphic designer | A & P Designs
Hair and Makeup | Adore Bridal On-Site Hair and Makeup
Harpist | Catie Pflaumer
Invitation Suite, Escort Cards | A & P Designs  
Linens | Linens by the Sea 
Mobile Bar/Bar Set-Up | The Wandering Whale 
Models  |  Aysza and Colton Armetta 
Venue | Esplanade at at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club 
Videographer | Namesake Creative 
Wedding Gown |  Truly Forever Bridal
Wedding Planner | MDP Events
White Wedding Bounce House | TLS Entertainment