Sixty years of marriage is a triumph in and of itself but designing an unprecedented celebration to honor that love was just as much a delight.

Working with Keely Thorne , a destination planner out of Texas who communicated the vision of Donna and Don’s daughter and granddaughters, Ian and Zoe took romance to a whole new level by intertwining delicate, whimsical blooms with traditional elements.

The outcome was a utopia of awe - commemorating a lifetime of true love.

Arriving at the Gasparilla Inn and Club, guests were escorted to the Pelican lawn where two tents awaited - the first for cocktails and the second, for dinner, dancing, and a spectacular surprise.

A stunning white bar and intimate bistro tables with Washed Camilla chairs encouraged guests to relax and mingle during the cocktail reception. White and ivory blooms accented by blue decor enhanced the look.

Following, a walkway of bubble votives led to the reception tent - adorned with a 16 foot arch of smilax, eucalyptus, and white hydrangea.

Around the perimeter of the tent, Eliza Vanilla drape gave an ethereal feel while inside a dreamland of Donna’s favorite romantic blooms, gold chandeliers, stylish furniture groupings, and a custom vinyl covered dance floor was visual beauty at its finest (all decor provided by Botanica with the help of our vendor partners sans linen and flatware).

Dinner was served amongst a variety of high and low table arrangements comprised of roses, anemone, viburnum, peonies, freesia, hydrangea, tulips, scabiosa, ranunculus, spray roses, and eucalyptus. Glass containers with gold candlesticks in addition to mercury votives provided enchanting warmth.

If guests weren’t in awe already, the big surprise after dinner was sure to amaze.

White panels with tightly packed hydrangea sprouting from atop and a 24 foot vinyl backdrop created a beautiful stage for…Diana Ross.

What an event Donna and Don’s 60th Anniversary Party was. Not only did it astound the guests of honor and their friends and family, but it did us as well.

Designing for this precious family was a sincere privilege and we wish Donna and Don many more years filled with such adoring love.

Event Professionals:

Venue: Gasparilla Inn and Club

Event Design and Planning: Keely Thorne Events

Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography

Tent: Sperry Tents

Lighting: Lightworks

Event Design, Floral and Decor: Botanica Design Studio with the help of our vendor partners Swag Decor , Letz Dance On It , Vivant Rentals and Treasury Rentals.