When Carrie first told us about her ideas for a vintage African Safari themed wedding, we knew it was going to be amazing!  They had planned a safari trip for their honeymoon, visiting Tanzania and Rwanda and even trekking with mountain gorillas!  Their wedding had that trip as their inspiration and they used lots of vintage safari details and decor to make it all come together.  The ceremony was at Sugar Creek Ranch and then their reception was at a private residence in Sarasota.  The food was from Simply Gourmet Caterer and included yummy treats like peruvian ceviche spoons, herb crusted roasted aged new york strip, and a lemon meringue and apricot upside down cake.

Guests were first introduced to the theme of the wedding through the invitations.  Carrie and Cory sent out a vintage style Western Union telegram asking guests to pack up their “finest binoculars and a thirst for adventure Stop.”  Jason fell in love with all the animals at the ranch and it was obvious that Carrie and Cory were animal lovers as well, not just because they were going on a safari for their honeymoon but also because they made sure their dog Dublin Belle was included in the wedding day too.  When the guests arrived, they enjoyed the views of the ranch and the animals as they took a hay ride to the ceremony site.  Cory had a more adventurous ride over in the big-wheeled Swamp Donkey!  He had started his morning with the tradition of digging up a buried bottle of bourbon.  It was a bit more of a challenge to find it than he had expected, but that made it even more fun!  The bride and groom got together for a quick first look before they went to their ceremony and exchanged vows.

Carrie looked so pretty in her gown with vintage lace and a veil for the ceremony.  For pictures and the reception, she changed her look to match the safari theme by taking off the lace and adding a brown necklace and matching brown leather belt with an elephant buckle.  By the end of the night, her hair was down in loose curls and she was ready to party!  Everyone had a great time at the laid-back, candlelit reception.  There were tons of details inspired by Africa, including zebras, lions, elephants, and other safari animals.  Jason was jealous that Carrie and Cory were leaving to experience the real thing soon after!  We know that was the trip of a lifetime, and the perfect way to celebrate after a beautiful day starting that lifetime together.  Congratulations to the newlyweds!