The inspiration for Calvin and Adelaide’s Sarasota wedding was classic and chic, with loads of greenery and white florals. Places that were important to Adelaide, such as their wedding locale of Sarasota, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains inspired the decor, which featured inventive and lush arrangements of eucalyptus, fern, Queen Anne’s lace, and pops of blue thistle created by Beneva Flowers. The Field Club is near and dear to the couple’s hearts, as it is where Calvin proposed to Adelaide, so it was the perfect selection for their light-filled, cozy reception, where each place setting was personally tailored to their guests with lovely wreath place cards. Adelaide is a picture-perfect classic bride in a Pronovias gown and tiered veil, and shares “My wedding dress was a no-brainer. The first time I tried it on, it felt as though someone had made the dress specifically for me. I fell in love with it, and we bought it that day. The train, the simplicity and elegance of the design, and the way the neckline framed my decolletage and face made me feel and look stunning. I cannot say enough things about how much I LOVE my wedding dress!” We can just feel the Florida sunshine and beauty oozing from the lovely images by Lana Ponomarenko Photography!
How did you meet?
Calvin and I are both opera singers. He is a bass baritone and I am a soprano. We didn’t know it at the time, but our story began on December 18th, 2014. Another day of work at the Pittsburgh Opera for me (Addie). For Calvin, that day was his Resident Artist audition with the Pittsburgh Opera. Calvin walked into the building, and upon seeing him, I couldn’t speak because I had so many butterflies in my stomach. Calvin introduced himself, and I, not knowing what else to do, just escaped to another room to compose myself. Calvin was set in his “audition mode,” and did note that I seemed to have curiously vanished. Once Calvin finished his audition and left, I thought to myself, “I’ll never see him again!” Little did we know that we had just met our soul mates! Fast forward five months to Santa Fe Opera, May 2015: I went to my first rehearsal with the cast of “La fille du régiment” and, lo and behold, who walked in? That’s right, Calvin, who was also in that production. The same feelings that had overtaken me in Pittsburgh immediately returned. But this time, Calvin walked straight over and struck up a conversation. He knew that I was someone special, and from the first moment, we shared a natural connection. That led to an invitation to a board game night, karaoke nights, movie nights, and runs along the Santa Fe River. God had blessed them beyond measure by allowing them to work together with the Santa Fe Opera, and start their relationship in the land of the “enchantment.” We were, as New Mexicans say, “enchanted” by one another, and still are today!
What is your proposal story?
Calvin completely surprised me when he proposed. We knew that we were going to get married eventually, however we had only dated for a year. The week before our proposal, Calvin had helped me move all my belongings from Pittsburgh, PA to Florida. This was no simple moving trip, as Calvin was also meeting my entire extended family for the first time. We arrived in Sarasota, following the big move, and had some welcome vacation time in my home town. A few days later, we were out to dinner at the Field Club with my entire extended family. We all ate on the patio and enjoyed the gorgeous weather, as well as each other’s company. As we were leaving to head home, Calvin wanted to make a pit stop in the bathroom. (Which is odd, as our home is only minutes away from the Field Club.) He told everyone to go on ahead, and so the two of us left after everyone else. He was also very interested in going to look at the boats in the marina. So, we headed out onto marina’s peninsula. We were taking in the beauty of all of the lights reflecting on the water, chatting and kissing. It was serene and like something out of a movie script. As we were kissing, I realized that Calvin didn’t have both his arms around me, and that he was reaching into his pocket. Next thing I knew, he was on one knee asking me if I would spend my life with him. I was so elated that I screamed yes before he could even finish his question. It was the easiest question I had ever answered in my life. Calvin had completely surprised me, in the best way possible. We headed home to tell my family the good news, and they already had champagne waiting so that they could celebrate with us! Little did I know that Calvin had secretly asked for my parents as well as my sisters permission to propose to me. They were all in on it! It was the best day of my life, up until the day we were married.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
The marriage ceremony was extremely important to both of us, as we both have strong faith lives. Music was paramount to us, as we are both opera singers. We had some of our closest friends provide our music for our wedding. We had a full chorus of singers, Calvin’s father conducted, and we had my dear friend playing the trumpet along with two other trumpet players. It made for a glorious wedding ceremony. The fact that we were able to start our life together with all of our family and closest friends. It was incredible to look out and see everyone that loves and supports us in our life, there to witness our vows.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
To enjoy every moment of your wedding day. Your wedding day celebrates the start of something far more important, your marriage and life together. So, do not stress out about the planning of your big day, remember what it is really all about. Savor each and every moment you have together as an engaged couple, because that is a precious time of preparation and excitement. Have a good time with your family and friends. Choose the joy in all the situations the wedding throws at you. Love every party, shower, and event! Celebrate the people that are there to celebrate you. Thank your family for all that they did to make your wedding a possibility. Get a head start on all your thank-you notes, the “thank-you” managers on your registries are a life saver!
- Photography
- Lana Ponomarenko Photography
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- Ceremony Venue
- The Church of the Redeemer
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- Reception Venue
- The Field Club
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- Floral
- Beneva Flowers
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- Wedding Cake
- The Cake Lady – Sarasota
- Makeup
- Jess Marie Makeup
- Bridal Salon
- CC’s Bridal Boutique
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- Groom’s Attire
- Joseph a. Bank
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- Bridesmaid Dresses
- Bill Levkoff
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- Submitted via
- Matchology
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