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Rachel and Patrick’s love story began thanks to Rachel’s friend, Cristina. After matching on a dating app, Rachel and Patrick planned to meet at an Irish bar in downtown Tampa. As the date approached, Rachel strongly considered backing out until Cristina stepped in with encouragement. With her own partner also named Patrick, Cristina reassured Rachel with the night’s running joke: “His name is Patrick, how bad can he be?” Despite her initial hesitation, Rachel went on that first date in the summer of 2021, and the rest is history. Nearly two years later, Patrick proposed by the water on Davis Islands, surprising Rachel with flowers, champagne, and her favorite snack – Chick-fil-A nuggets. Dubbed “Florida Fall Romance” by the couple, Rachel and Patrick’s wedding, planned with the help of Events by Lindsay J. and captured by Justin DeMutiis Photography and Lupinek Productions, beautifully reflected their love for the autumn season.
Featured venue: Ritz Carlton Sarasota
Held at The Ritz Carlton Sarasota, the ceremony and reception featured a striking palette of bright pinks and reds, adding a classic touch to the tropical waterfront setting.
Dream dress: Monique Lhuillier
Rachel wore her dream gown by Monique Lhuillier — an off-the-shoulder corset design that perfectly embodied the day’s effortless aesthetic.
Groom’s style inspo: sophistication
Patrick wore a classic black suit with a dark pink rose boutonniere and pocket square for that extra touch of classic sophistication.
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Swiftie ceremony inspo
During the ceremony, a string quartet led the musical transition from Pachelbel’s Canon in D to a string arrangement of Taylor Swift’s “Daylight” as Rachel made her entrance down a petal-covered path thanks to florist Tailored Twig. The ceremony concluded at sunset, offering a breathtaking view and stunning photo opportunities over the water.
On trend: custom cocktail accessories
Cocktail hour took place outside on the lawn behind the ceremony location. Guests enjoyed rose covered linen tables and cocktails with custom monogrammed drink accessories.
Theme alert: “we’re so glad we matched”
Guests were then directed to the ballroom for a romantic, candlelit dinner. As a nod to how the couple met, the escort wall read “We’re So Glad We Matched,” with guests finding their personalized matchboxes, each featuring a different detail of Rachel and Patrick’s love story.
Yes, chicken nuggets are a luxe menu item!
As a tribute to the groom’s heritage, the couple incorporated a traditional German schnapps toast, using Prinz schnapps brought from Germany by Patrick’s parents. And, of course, Chick-fil-A was served as the late-night snack, because, as Rachel put it, “It wouldn’t be a Rachel event without chicken nuggets!”
Pink and red rose installation
Above the dance floor, lush hanging florals by Tailored Twig and a crystal chandelier tied together the rose-centered theme of reds and pinks.
Honoring a dear friend
Through all this, Rachel’s dear friend Cristina was battling terminal spinal cancer and could not be there for the wedding. However, her presence was deeply felt, and she was able to attend the ceremony via remote video and was given a big shoutout by the officiant. “She is the reason I found my happiness, and she will forever be a part of our story and marriage,” Rachel shared.
