Liz and Ty got married on February 21, 2026, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota… and honestly, as a Marie Selby Botanical Gardens wedding photographer, this one settled somewhere deep. I’ve known Liz for years. So getting to witness her marry the guy who truly grounds her, loves her, and matches her energy… that’s a whole different kind of honor.
Getting Ready at Embassy Suites Downtown Sarasota
Initially, the morning started at Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Sarasota, right in the heart of the city. Liz and her girls were already well into getting ready when I arrived — the suite full of light, laughter, and the kind of quiet energy that comes before a really big day.
Liz’s gown was from Calvet Couture Bridal, with alterations by The Ivory SRQ. She had a spray tan with Siesta Glow Sarasota the day before, and her hair and makeup were done by the teams at Brides by Kelly Anne Co. and Cora’s Corner. Every detail, every person in that room, was chosen with intention.
And across the hotel, Ty was getting ready with his guys. Calm. Easy. Ready for the day.
The First Look at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Personally, one of my favorite things to document is the first look… that moment before everything else begins, when it’s just the two of them. There’s nothing quite like it.
Of course, the reaction on Ty’s face… that’s the kind of moment I live for. Calm, grounded, completely overwhelmed by love all at once. And Liz… she walked toward him like she already knew exactly where she was supposed to be.
Bride + Groom Portraits Through the Gardens
After the first look, we took a little time to wander the grounds for portraits. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is honestly one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of Sarasota. There’s something wild and romantic about shooting among towering banyan trees, blooming orchids, and that sweeping waterfront view of Sarasota Bay.
In fact, Liz was relaxed, glowing, and completely in the moment. Ty was steady and present. Honestly, they were the easiest couple to photograph… because they just love each other so naturally, and it shows.
The Wedding Party and Family
Furthermore, the wedding party gathered before the ceremony, and there was such easy, warm energy in this group. And seeing the family come together — that’s always one of my favorite parts of the day to document.
The Wedding Ceremony at Selby Gardens
The ceremony took place in the gardens themselves, surrounded by the lush tropical beauty that makes Selby one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Sarasota. Their planner, Swanky Soiree Events, had it all beautifully set — and as a result, every detail fell perfectly into place.
Moreover, Liz had told me years before this day that if she ever got married, I would be her photographer. I don’t take that lightly. Ever. Standing there watching her walk down the aisle… it wasn’t just my job. It was something much more personal than that.
Together, they said their vows, they kissed, they walked back out as husband and wife to the sounds of DJ Jamal. The whole ceremony felt grounded and intentional, never rushed… exactly who Liz and Ty are as people.
Golden Hour at Selby’s Waterfront
Meanwhile, Florida gave us perfect weather and one of those Sarasota sunsets that just dissolves into the most incredible golden light. The Selby waterfront along Sarasota Bay is honestly one of the most stunning sunset portrait spots in the city, and we made every minute of it count.
Naturally, these two were glowing… literally. That light, that love, that complete ease between them. It’s what I try to capture every single time, and sometimes everything just aligns perfectly.
The Reception
In addition, the celebration continued with catering by Married with Michaels and a beautiful cake from Publix Bakery. The florals from The Refined Petal carried that same organic, lush feel from the ceremony right into the reception space.
As expected, the dance floor was full, the energy was warm and joyful, and every person in that room felt the love Liz and Ty brought to every single detail of their day.
Why Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is One of the Best Wedding Venues in Sarasota
Without doubt, Selby Gardens has become one of my absolute favorite venues to photograph in Sarasota, and here is why I think couples keep choosing it.
The Natural Backdrops Are Endless
For example, from tropical blooms to shaded canopy paths to open waterfront views, Selby gives photographers and couples so many beautiful settings to work with — all within one property.
The Light is Extraordinary
Consequently, west-facing waterfront views mean golden hour hits the gardens in the most stunning way. If you plan your ceremony timing right, you’ll finish just in time for those last rays to light everything up.
It Feels Intimate Even in a Grand Setting
Indeed, Selby has a way of feeling tucked away and private even though it is in the middle of Sarasota. That creates a sense of calm and presence for couples that not every venue can offer.
It Attracts an Incredible Vendor Community
Additionally, the best planners, florists, caterers, and DJs in Sarasota know Selby well. Working with Swanky Soiree Events and Lily Bella Floral here was effortless, because they know exactly how to make this venue sing.
As a photographer who has now covered multiple weddings at Selby, I can say each one reveals something new about the venue. If you want to see another celebration at these gardens, take a look at Stacy + Andy’s Selby Gardens wedding from the same season.
Angela’s Tips for Your Selby Gardens Wedding
1. Schedule sunset portraits at the waterfront. Specifically, it’s worth building into your timeline even if it means slipping away from cocktail hour for 20 minutes. Selby’s west-facing bay views at golden hour are some of the most stunning light I shoot in.
2. Don’t fight the overcast sky. In fact, Liz and Ty’s February wedding is a perfect example — soft even light through the tropical canopy is gorgeous on camera. Overcast at Selby is a photographer’s gift, not a disappointment.
3. Give the gardens time to breathe. For instance, there are more portrait locations at Selby than most couples realize — tropical paths, the banyan grove, the waterfront, garden clearings. Build in at least 30 minutes for portraits so we’re not rushing through the best spots.
4. Lean on your coordinator. Selby requires approved coordinators and for good reason — the ones who know the venue understand the timing, the flow, and how to keep everything on track. As a result, investing in a great planner here pays off all day.
5. Keep décor simple and let the venue do the work. The lush tropical gardens, the banyan trees, the bay views — they don’t need competition. Instead, simple florals and clean palettes photograph beautifully and let the natural beauty of Selby shine through.
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 celebrated for its tropical plantings, ancient banyan trees, and gorgeous west-facing waterfront sunset views.
How many guests can Selby Gardens accommodate for a wedding?
Generally, guest capacity varies depending on which spaces within the gardens you reserve. For the most accurate guest count guidance, reach out directly to Selby’s events team — they’ll walk you through the layout options based on your vision.
Is a wedding coordinator required at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens?
Yes — and importantly, Selby requires couples to work with an approved coordinator for all weddings. This is a genuine benefit. Coordinators who are fluent with Selby’s logistics, vendor relationships, and timing make the day run beautifully, as Liz and Ty’s wedding with Swanky Soiree Events showed perfectly.
What is the best time of year to get married at Selby Gardens?
Overall, October through April is ideal for outdoor Sarasota weddings. The temperatures are comfortable, humidity is lower, and the golden light in winter and spring is truly exceptional for photos.
Can I bring my own wedding photographer to Selby Gardens?
Yes — furthermore, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens allows outside photographers. You don’t need to use a venue-assigned photographer, so you can choose based on style, connection, and fit.
How do I start planning a Selby Gardens wedding?
To start, reach out to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to check your date, then book your coordinator and photographer early — both tend to fill up well in advance for peak season dates.
Vendor Credits
Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Planner: Swanky Soiree Events
Florist: Lily Bella Floral
DJ: DJ Jamal
Hair: Brides by Kelly Anne Co.
Makeup: Cora’s Corner
Cake: Publix Bakery
Catering: Married with Michaels
Dress: Calvet Couture Bridal
Alterations: The Ivory SRQ
Spray Tan: Siesta Glow Sarasota
Getting Ready: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Sarasota
Planning a Selby Gardens Wedding? Let’s Connect.
Ultimately, Selby is one of those venues I genuinely love shooting — and I only have a limited number of wedding dates available each year in Sarasota. If you’re considering Selby for your wedding, I’d love to connect.
More from Angela Moon Photography
If you loved this gallery, take a look at a few more recent weddings and sessions from around Sarasota… Lido Beach Resort Wedding | Emily + Jorge, Top Sarasota Wedding Venues, Why Powel Crosley Estate is a Top Wedding Venue in Sarasota, and A Proposal at Selby Botanical Gardens.
