Some couples I photograph once. However, some couples I grow with. Stacy and Andy fall into that second, rarer, more precious category… and getting to document their Selby Gardens wedding in Sarasota on February 27, 2026 was one of the most meaningful days I’ve had behind the lens. I’ve been photographing this family for years. Maternity sessions. Newborn snuggles. Their boys growing up. And now here we were, watching it all come full circle at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
The Details That Set the Tone
Notably, the invitation suite said everything about this wedding before the day even began. Clean, modern serif typography on cream stock, palm fronds and warm wood tones in the flat lay, those rings nestled in a velvet box next to the formal card reading “Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, Florida.” It was intentional. Thoughtful. Exactly who Stacy and Andy are.
Stacy’s look was put together by the team at Brides by Kelly Anne Co., and her gown came from Calvet Couture Bridal. The florals throughout the day were by Sarasota Fleurs… lush, tropical, and so perfectly suited to the gardens.
Getting Ready and the Groom’s Morning
Meanwhile, Andy got ready with his guys while Stacy’s morning unfolded with that beautiful, unhurried energy she always has. Calm. Present. Completely herself.
The First Look at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Without doubt, Selby’s grounds are extraordinary for a first look. The lush tropical canopy, the way light filters through the banyan trees on an overcast day… it wraps you in something soft and private even though you’re in the middle of a living, breathing botanical garden.
I’ve photographed a lot of first looks. But when you’ve known someone for years, when you’ve watched their relationship grow… it hits differently. Andy’s face when he saw her. Stacy’s calm certainty. That’s the stuff I’ll remember long after the gallery is delivered.
Portraits Through the Gardens
We took our time wandering Selby after the first look, and the overcast sky was honestly a photographer’s dream. Soft, even, diffused light through tropical canopy, no harsh shadows, no squinting. In particular, the banyan grove and waterfront walk gave us some of my favorite frames of the entire year.
In fact, Stacy was stunning and completely at ease. Andy was steady, present, and so clearly happy. They moved through the portrait time like it was the most natural thing in the world, because for them, it really is.
Wedding Party and Family Photos
The wedding party brought such good energy. What’s more, the family photos… well, seeing generations come together for a day like this is one of my favorite parts of every wedding I shoot.
The Ceremony Under the Banyan Trees
Above all, there is nothing quite like a ceremony at Selby Gardens Sarasota. The banyan trees create a natural cathedral that no ballroom can replicate. Stacy walked down the aisle and it felt like the whole garden exhaled with her.
Their coordinator NK Weddings brought it all together beautifully, and the videography team from Cosmolosco Films was right there capturing every frame alongside me.
Cocktail Hour in the Gardens
Additionally, the cocktail hour gave guests a chance to wander Selby’s grounds while Stacy and Andy took a breath and soaked in the day. Married with Michaels handled catering, and the warm, unhurried atmosphere carried everything perfectly.
Sunset Portraits at Selby’s Waterfront
As a result, the overcast skies that blessed us all day softened perfectly into a warm, even glow by golden hour. The Selby waterfront along Sarasota Bay has this quality of light that I chase at every wedding I shoot here. Stacy and Andy moved through it like they were born for it.
Overall, these are the images I knew they would hang on their walls. That light, that love, that absolute rightness of two people exactly where they are supposed to be.
The Reception
The reception was warm, full of laughter, and completely alive with energy. DJ Joey Horn kept the dance floor moving all night, and the cake from Paisano’s Bakery was just right. Their mutual friends brought so much genuine joy to the room that you could feel it in every corner. Naturally, it was exactly the kind of night Stacy and Andy deserved.
What I kept coming back to throughout the night… this wasn’t just a wedding. Instead, it was a reunion of people who love this family, celebrating a chapter they’ve all been part of. That’s rare. That’s everything.
Why Selby Gardens is One of Sarasota’s Most Magical Wedding Venues
Of course, I’ve now photographed multiple weddings at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and every single one has revealed something new about the venue. You can also explore my full guide to top Sarasota wedding venues if you’re still in the research phase.
Overcast Days Are a Gift Here
Unlike beach venues where clouds can feel like a disappointment, Selby’s lush green canopy and tropical textures photograph beautifully in any light. The day Stacy and Andy had… that soft overcast glow… is honestly a photographer’s dream scenario. Your images will be stunning rain or shine.
The Banyan Trees Are Iconic
Selby’s ancient banyan trees are unlike anything else in Sarasota. They create a natural, architectural backdrop for ceremonies that feels timeless and completely unique to this venue.
The Intimacy Factor
Even with a full guest list, Selby has a way of feeling tucked away from the world. The garden paths, the waterfront, they create pockets of quiet that make the whole day feel more personal. Consequently, couples here often tell me it felt more intimate than they expected.
A Community of Vendors Who Know This Space
Working with NK Weddings made every moment feel effortless. Indeed, when you have a coordinator who knows Selby’s flow inside and out, the photography, and the whole day, just opens up.
Furthermore, I’ve had the privilege of photographing more than one Marie Selby Botanical Gardens wedding this season, and it’s worth saying that every celebration here feels completely different. If you want to see another Selby day through my lens, take a look at Liz + Ty’s Selby Gardens wedding from earlier this year.
Angela’s Tips for Your Selby Gardens Wedding
1. Plan for golden hour at the waterfront. Specifically, Selby’s west-facing waterfront hits differently at golden hour. Even 15–20 minutes slipped away from the reception is worth it, those are the images that end up above the mantle.
2. Lean into overcast days. Unlike beach venues where clouds feel like a disappointment, overcast skies at Selby are a gift. The tropical canopy diffuses light in a way that’s actually harder to achieve on a perfectly bright day.
3. Trust the banyan trees, don’t over-decorate them. Indeed, the ancient banyans do the work on their own. Simple florals and a neutral palette let the venue speak, and that’s where Selby’s magic really shows.
4. Book your coordinator and florist early. The best vendors in Sarasota know Selby inside and out, and they fill up fast. As a result, a good coordinator who’s fluent with the venue’s timeline will save you more stress than any other single decision you make.
5. Build in time to wander. For example, between the tropical gardens, the waterfront, the canopy paths, and the banyan grove, there are more portrait locations at Selby than most couples have time for. The more time you give us, the more variety you get.
FAQ: Weddings at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
What is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and where is it located?
In short, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden and wedding venue located at 1534 Mound Street in downtown Sarasota, Florida. It sits along Sarasota Bay and is known for its tropical plantings, ancient banyan trees, and stunning west-facing waterfront views.
How many guests can Selby Gardens accommodate for a wedding?
Generally, Selby Gardens can accommodate weddings ranging from intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations. For exact capacity figures by space, reach out to the Selby events team, they’ll walk you through the options based on your guest count and vision.
Do you need a wedding coordinator to get married at Selby Gardens?
Yes, and importantly, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens requires you to work with an approved coordinator for all wedding events. This is genuinely a benefit: coordinators who know the venue ensure the day runs smoothly and beautifully.
What is the best time of year for a Selby Gardens wedding?
Overall, October through April is the sweet spot for Sarasota weddings, and Selby is no exception. The cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and long golden-hour windows make this stretch ideal for both comfort and photography.
Does Marie Selby Botanical Gardens allow outside photographers?
Yes, furthermore, Selby allows you to bring in the wedding photographer of your choice. You’re not required to use a venue-assigned photographer, which means you can choose someone whose style and approach truly fits your vision.
How do I book a wedding photographer for my Selby Gardens wedding?
Ultimately, if you’re planning a Selby Gardens wedding and want to talk about photography, I’d love to connect. Reach out here, I only take a limited number of Sarasota weddings each year.
Vendor Credits
Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Coordinator: NK Weddings
DJ: DJ Joey Horn
Violinist: Violin Pasha
Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne Co.
Dress Boutique: Calvet Couture Bridal
Florist: Sarasota Fleurs
Videographer: Cosmolosco Films
Caterer: Married with Michaels
Cake: Paisano’s Bakery
Dreaming of a Selby Gardens Wedding? Let’s Talk.
I have very limited dates left this season, and Selby Gardens is a venue I genuinely love coming back to. If you’re planning a wedding here and want a photographer who will show up with full presence and protect every feeling of your day, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out here and let’s connect.
More Weddings and Stories from Angela Moon Photography
If you loved this gallery, here are a few more posts from around Sarasota… Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Wedding | Liz + Ty, Lido Beach Resort Wedding | Emily + Jorge, Top Sarasota Wedding Venues, and A Proposal at Selby Botanical Gardens.
