Sarasota's magical sunsets and two colorful paintings created by a family friend provided inspiration for this gorgeous occasion. Krista and Chad wanted to share a weekend full of celebration with all their loved ones and with Hunter Ryan Photo capturing it all, well, it's just goodness all around. We know y'all will adore this one!
Nothing is more important than friends and family, so Chad and Krista shared a long Easter weekend with everyone they cherish by hosting a multitude of pre-wedding festivities. Of course, on the big day, the bride and groom were surrounded by all their favorite gals and guys. Krista chose to wear a festive ballgown to fulfill her inner princess and the ladies wore a vibrant shade of coral, telling of the stunning shades to come at their venue.
From Krista: I’ve never seen anything so magical as Ca’ d’Zan : the way the sun hits the tower and filters through the Banyan trees, the terra cotta exterior and ornamental detail, and the soft breeze that rolls off the blue water right behind the mansion. I get chills just remembering that first visit. I knew that this was where I had to get married. The waterfront terrace covered in pink, grey, ivory tan and black marble creates the most dramatic setting for a sunset reception and takes your breath away.
My favorite memory was the first look. Chad was waiting for me up in the tower. I remember walking up the winding staircase and seeing him standing there in his tux looking out of the tower, as handsome as ever. I remember the look on his face when he saw me, the look every girl hopes for.
“Chad is my best friend and I am his. We are the best and truest versions of ourselves when we are together.”
Two more favorite/hilarious moments took place at their ceremony: During our vows, Chad proclaimed, “With this wing, I thee wed!” with exceptionally articulated conviction. The best man and I had to stifle our giggles. Then, only minutes later while walking back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Chad Miller, my beautiful (and ridiculously long) cathedral veil caught on the program basket and carried it halfway down the aisle behind us.
Chad and I had our first dance at sunset and I remember feeling as if we were dancing on water. The marble terrace seemed to reflect the sunset and the water so perfectly you hardly noticed where land and sea and sky converged. It’s truly breathtaking. At the reception, our head table was set to accommodate our wedding party and all of their dates. It was rather impressive. It was such an amazing day and our vendors brought everything together so perfectly.
It's easy to see how this was one of the best weekends of their lives...second is their proposal story which I had to share: When Chad proposed, he took full advantage of the fact that I am severely geographically and directionally challenged. For Labor Day in 2014, we rented a lake house in Omena, MI for both our families to spend the weekend together. All I knew is that Omena, MI was about 6 hours North of where we lived; other than that I relied entirely on Garmin and Chad to get me there. So we are driving, Garmin said we were a little over an hour out, and Chad drives into the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Chad is an outdoorsman and loves to go to state and national parks, nature preserves, etc. So I really didn’t think anything of it. We’re driving though the woods, passing several scenic lookouts, when he decides to stop at “Scenic Lookout #9”. We parked the car, and slowly made our way to the top of this massive sand dune overlooking Lake Michigan. We get to the top, and literally the clouds parted momentarily showing off the most incredible sunset. I’m snapping photos along with all the other crazy tourists, when Chad grabbed my hand and led me over to the side where there were fewer people. He turned around and said “Well Petey (one of his many nicknames for me)…This is it!” Naturally I said, “What’s it?” and he got down on one knee and said, “Will you marry me?” I don’t remember much beyond that, other than crying and saying, “Oh my God!” over and over again.
We're so happy y'all shared this gorgeous occasion with us. Cheers to you both!
