Occasions

Engaged
THE COUPLE: Lindsey Landers-Niedenfuer, daughter of Tom Niedenfuer and Judy Landers-Niedenfuer, of Sarasota, and Justin Kirby Leins, son of Shawn and Lori Leins, of Sarasota

BACKGROUND: Lindsey attended Pine View School, in Osprey, and received her degree in hospitality and event planning from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is also the lead singer of the pop band, Official Hot Mess. Justin attended Riverview High School. He graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in finance and economics and is now a financial adviser with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, in Sarasota.

INTERESTS: Lindsey loves to cook and entertain, write music and perform. She is an animal-rights advocate and volunteers for animal charities. Justin is an avid golfer and racquetball player.

THE PROPOSAL: Justin proposed on the beach at sunset during a surprise weekend getaway to the Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

THE WEDDING: The wedding is set for Nov. 24, at the Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard.

The Newlyweds
BRIDE AND GROOM: Dawn Van Lanen and Mike Bear

BRIDE’S PARENTS: Larry and Sherrie Van Lanen

GROOM’S PARENTS: Bill and Pat Bear

HOW THEY MET: Dawn is the general manager of Tropical Beach Resorts and Mike is the general manger of Dex Imaging. Mike came into the resort to upgrade a copy machine. Dawn thought nothing of it when Mike made regular visits regarding the machine, not realizing he was stopping by to see her. On Christmas Eve, Dawn and Mike had their first date at Euphemia Haye, and he even brought her a Christmas present — a Coach purse.

THE PROPOSAL: Dawn had returned from a spin class April 17, and she and Mike headed to the beach to meet up with Mike’s family at the cabanas. She wore no makeup, her hair was a mess and the closest thing she had to a shower was a swim in the ocean. Mike invited her to walk on the beach, where he stopped and drew a heart in the sand. Dawn drew a heart next to his. Mike got down on his knee and proposed. The two walked back to the cabanas and told Mike’s family the news. They spent the rest of the day on the beach and stayed for sunset.

THE WEDDING: A private family wedding ceremony was held June 25, at Turtle Beach.

THE RECEPTION: The banquet room at Marina Jack was transformed into a chic and sexy Miami nightclub. Walls were draped in plush white satin, with the room drenched in white from floor to ceiling and lit with LED lights. Modern, white club sofas and white shag carpets were brought in just for the occasion. Even the youngsters had their own place to party at tables packed with toys, candy, dress-up clothes, games and glow-in-the-dark paraphernalia. Guests danced the night away on the sleek white dance floor featuring the couple’s custom-designed monogram. Even after the constant flow of passed hors d’oeuvres, exotic cheeses and seafood display and desserts of pastries, cakes and fruit, guests were treated to a late-night snack of burgers and fries topped off with rich chocolate milkshakes.

THE DRESS: Long, straight and simple with plumeria flowers running along the shoulder strap and just enough sparkle. An attached scarf on the side of the dress blew in the wind during the ceremony.

BRIDE-AND-GROOM’S FIRST DANCE: “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Michael Buble

HONEYMOON: The couple spent their first night at The Cypress Inn across from Marina Jack and had breakfast the next morning overlooking Sarasota Bay. They honeymooned at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, in Key West. In September, the couple flew back to Wisconsin to visit Dawn’s hometown, Algoma.

FUN FACT: Mike played the pearl shells and the ukulele during the exchange of vows.