Rehearsal Dinner

Makrides Residence, St. Regis

Welcome Party

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

All though Reid &amp; Valentina were both students of Georgia State University, they didn't really know each other until after graduation! They met through a mutual friends engagement party and Reid didn't give up on the chance to date Valentina for four years.

Panthers to Partners

Valentina and Reid went to Charleston for an intimate birthday celebration, that turned quickly into an engagement celebration! Reid proposed in front of a beautiful church, and they celebrated with some champagne!

How did he propose?

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Local Airports

Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) - We recommend flying into SRQ.Tampa International (TPA) - This airport is about a hour away from Sarasota.

Hotel Room Blocks:

This is where our wedding will be held! WE HAVE A ROOM BLOCK HERE! Click on the link to book at a discounted rate. For special requests call central reservations at 866.258.7247 with your confirmation number that needs to be noted on your reservation.

WE&nbsp;HAVE&nbsp;A&nbsp;ROOM&nbsp;BLOCK&nbsp;HERE.&nbsp;PLEASE&nbsp;BOOK&nbsp;BY&nbsp;9/23/2026!Click&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;link&nbsp;to&nbsp;book&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;discounted&nbsp;rate.&nbsp;For&nbsp;special&nbsp;requests&nbsp;call&nbsp;central&nbsp;reservations&nbsp;at&nbsp;1-866-912-1077&nbsp;with&nbsp;your&nbsp;confirmation&nbsp;number&nbsp;that&nbsp;needs&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;noted&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;reservation.Located&nbsp;in&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;Sarasota.

The Westin Sarasota

WE HAVE A ROOM BLOCK HERE! Click on the link to book at a discounted rate. For special requests call central reservations at 1-800-EMBASSY with your confirmation number that needs to be noted on your reservation. Please note this rate expires on 9/23/26.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota

This is where our welcome party will be held on Friday!

The St. Regis Longboat Key

Travel

On Land

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota, Florida. It was established in 1927 as the legacy of Mable and John Ringling for the people of Florida. The circus museum was added later on. Florida State University assumed governance of the Museum in 2000. Don’t forget to check out John Ringling’s mansion while you’re there!

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

A tropical, urban oasis featuring unparalleled horticulture displays and a Sarasota bay-front setting, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a living museum and world-class center for education, research and conservation. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens has something for everyone.&nbsp; Relax amidst nature’s beauty and allow the scenery of unparalleled botanical bliss to carry you away.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota

There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in downtown Sarasota. Check out this website to keep up to date on the latest festivals, parades, and activities the area has to offer while you visit!

Downtown Sarasota Main Street

Crown Jewel of Sarasota BayA true pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota, the Van Wezel, (pronounced Van Wayzull), presents a broad spectrum of the world's finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. This season, with more than 100 events, the Van Wezel has carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras and a compelling mix of classical, modern and ethnic dance. The Van Wezel also hosts more than 50 performances and events presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Concert Association and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series. Check now to see what is playing while you're in town!

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

By the Sea

Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands is truly unique in concept, history and ambience. It’s easy to relax, unwind, and let your cares fade away.Renowned as a continental marketplace, the Circle is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present, with its lush tropical plants, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architectural design. Whether shopping for trinkets and treasures, high fashion or home décor, gourmet snacks to candlelit feasts under the stars, you’ll find it all on the Circle. Depending on the season, you may find art or seafood festivals with local vendors around the circle.

St. Armands Circle

Offering fun tiki cruises in beautiful Sarasota Florida, including Sarasota Bay, the Intercoastal Waterway, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Longboat Key. Excursions are customizable based on availability, so please call for details and pricing. Cruises are private charters and accommodate up to 6 people, age ten and over.If you have a private dock on Sarasota Bay to depart from, go to, or return to, let us know at time of booking, we will do our best to make your special requests happen!

Cruisin' Tikis Sarasota

Public Parking, Public Restrooms, and a concession stand all accessible at this beach! Enjoy the views, the sun, and the water with the whole family!

Lido Beach

The owners/guides of Sea Life Kayak Adventures come from science and conservation backgrounds and are members/volunteers of several environmental and wildlife organizations including Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc (Wildlife Inc), Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and the Save the Manatees Foundation.Our experienced Florida wildlife kayak guides will make your kayak tour (or rental) of Sarasota’s Lido Key Mangroves unforgettable.&nbsp;There is a difference between kayak tour operators, and our trips focus on you!

Kayaking SRQ

Things to Do

Creative Black Tie: Think formal meets coastal elegance. Tuxes and gowns are encouraged, with room to play—lightweight fabrics, soft colors, and elevated details that feel at home by the water. The vibe is refined but not rigid—stylish, comfortable, and a little bold.

Valentina & Reid