A Styled Bridal Session at The Retreat Sarasota

We shot this styled bridal session at The Retreat Sarasota not long after the venue first opened its doors for weddings and events, and it remains one of our favorite spaces to photograph. Our returning couple Brandie and David stepped in front of the camera for us, and the golden hour light did the rest. The property is anchored by a canopy of sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss, with open pasture stretching out beyond it and a sky that turned every shade of pink and purple right on cue.

What we love most about The Retreat is how many distinct backdrops live on one property. There is a rustic swing hanging from one of the old oaks, a white ranch style fence perfect for golden hour portraits, and a modern front porch entrance with warm wood accents where a couple can start or end their night. Just down the path sits The Gathering Place, a barn style reception venue that lights up beautifully once the sun goes down. The property sits on 84 acres of conservation land, and beyond the oaks and ponds we shot around, couples have the option of hosting large tented celebrations on the front field for over a thousand guests, or something far more intimate by the reflection pond. The Retreat Sarasota

One thing that makes this venue special beyond the visuals is its mission. Every event at The Retreat Sarasota supports Resilient Retreat, a nonprofit that helps adult survivors of trauma, including first responders and helping professionals, through free confidential programs. It has earned the nickname the venue that saves lives, and knowing your wedding day is also giving back to the community adds a layer of meaning that a lot of couples find really special.

The Retreat has grown and changed since these photos were taken, but the bones that make it such a beautiful backdrop are still there. If you are considering The Retreat Sarasota for your own wedding day, we hope these images give you a real feel for what the space can look like when the light hits just right. Huge thanks to our friends at Dolled Up Brides for hair and Shy Chic Boutique for the florals that tied the whole look together.