We began planning our Sarasota wedding from New York City. We did our research, and considered everything from luxurious, all-inclusive sites to warm-sand-in-your-toes beach weddings. But we imagined a one-of-a-kind site that we could dress with meaningful touches – bowls of oranges in honor of our citrus hometowns, books as favors – and that recalled the jazzy literary elegance of Fitzgerald. We realized early on that our greatest challenge would be in choosing which of the many romantic and historic sites with stunning Gulf and bay views we wanted. Planning a wedding, matching an imagined beauty to a real life place, seemed a tall order.

We chose the Charles Ringling Mansion for our reception because it is perched on the edge of Sarasota Bay and because of its characteristic Floridian whimsy and storied past. John's brother, Charles, also a circus magnate, had chosen coral-colored marble for the façade, sea foam for the walls and paneling. We were most excited by the curving staircase, the crystal chandeliers, rose garden and the romantic wisps of Spanish moss. But it wasn't an easy choice – the array of

Luxury and elegance defines a Sarasota wedding

venues in Sarasota is vast. We could have had lush, tropical nuptials in the Schimmel Wedding Pavilion on Sarasota Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, an intimate service in the charming Mary's Chapel at Historic Spanish Point, an "old Florida" wedding and reception at Phillippi Estate Park, or a stylish affair at historic Powel Crosley Estate. If we wanted grand elegance, we could choose the courtyard of the Ringling Museum of Art or the waterside terrace of the opulent Cà d'Zan. For couples looking for a memorable, individual and moving wedding, Sarasota is a destination offering elegant estates and stunning natural surrounds. But Sarasota is also home to world-class resorts able to expertly weave together your wedding celebrations.

The Ease of Luxury
From the fine-woven wall patterns lining the great ballroom to the delicate edible gold foil on the groom's cake we sampled, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers weddings catering to the affianced's every whim. The Ritz draws couples from all over the country and the globe. From grand affairs with passed hors d'oeuvres, full bands and sit-down dinners to intimate 200-guest weddings on a meticulously groomed lawn overlooking the bay, the Ritz's wedding coordinator can orchestrate every aspect of a wedding, down to the last detail.

For the pair who can't decide between luxury and the beach, some area resorts offer both. Not only can a wedding at either Longboat Key Club & Resort or The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key be an all-inclusive affair but, with their own private Gulf-front beaches, the bride and groom can vow eternal love and fidelity under an eternally vaulted sky.

Other properties offering to satiate your urge for a luxury wedding include Tropical Breeze Resort & Spa of Siesta Key and Hyatt Sarasota.

Feast-Day of the Sun
Getting married as the colors of sunset radiate across the Gulf is a feast for the eyes and for the spirit. The symbolic marriage of day and night, of sky and water, is not lost on most couples who do, in fact, go to great lengths to time their own marriages to this celestial one. Sarasota County's many beaches, including Siesta Public Beach, with the whitest and finest sand in the world, set the stage for the "Florida Wedding" – breezy elegance under the sky's tent, lit by Apollo's lamp. Many area vendors are quite experienced at working their ceremonial, floral or gastronomic magic on the sand. Beaches and beach pavilions are available for public use, though in some cases a nominal reservation fee and permit are required.

In the end, our wedding in Sarasota surpassed what we'd hoped for. Having all our guests together and celebrating our future was unforgettable, but only the gifts of sky and sun coming together in just that remarkable way approached the feeling that radiated from my heart.

Love Sets Sail
If marrying on land is too lubberly, hire a boat for nuptials at sea. Celebrate your vows under the blue Gulf Coast sky, at the moment of sunset or under the bright tapestry of stars. A ceremony a' sail can begin your voyage together in style – from large luxury yachts accommodating 100 guests with a full gourmet buffet dinner, to more intimate ceremonies on small chartered sailing craft.

Ryan Nance has lived in Madrid and Taipei, traveled to Portuguese ruins in Malaysia, and explored back alleys in Paris. He came to Sarasota to get married.