Just Married: Matthew Buchanan and Diana Kelly

JUST MARRIED: Matthew David Buchanan and Diana Elizabeth Kelly

Bride’s Parents: Drs. Thomas and Jacqueline Kelly
Groom’s Parents: U.S. Rep. Vern and Sandy Buchanan

The wedding of Matt Buchanan and Diana Kelly was full of love, faith, family and many surprises. The Oct. 25 ceremony at St. Martha Catholic Church included people important to the couple, including the Rev. Fausto Stampiglia and the Rev. William Hild, who both officiated the wedding ceremony, and the Rev. Jerome Carosella, who baptized the bride, as well as married her parents 28 years ago.

Following the ceremony, more than 350 guests arrived through the front gates of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art ready to celebrate. While sipping on “Mr.” (a gimlet) and “Mrs.” (Bellini) cocktails, guests were treated to a jet fly-by (a surprise from aviation enthusiast Matt), complete with “Top Gun” music playing in the background, which signaled the start of the reception. (Scroll down for video.)

The courtyard was draped in romance — chandeliers hung from the trees, votives twinkled and the weather was absolute perfection. The surprises continued with Diana’s debut on stage, singing “I Can Only Imagine” to her groom, followed by a fireworks display (from Matt) and a taste of Sarasota featuring food by Michael’s On East and a circus performance from The Circus Arts Conservatory (from the couple to their guests).

“The surprises were for each other and for our guests to feel really loved and know we were so excited they were there,” says Diana.

They didn’t stop at the reception, either. As the evening wrapped up, sounds of a helicopter swirled above the courtyard. Diana soon realized Matt had arranged their departure. After the couple lifted off, they enjoyed a tour over the Ringling and Longboat Key. 

The couple will honeymoon in Bora Bora, Australia and New Zealand in the spring.

THE DETAILS

Dress: Rivini
Bride’s shoes: Custom by Diana E Kelly
Hair and makeup: Saks Fifth Avenue, Eri Vincent and Fresh Salon and Spa 
Catering: Michael’s On East
Cake: Pastries by Design
Lighting: Affairs in the Air
Floral design: Botanica
Band: Clint Wiley’s None Other
First dance: “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Photographer: Ryan Joseph Photography
Videographer: Voila Cinematography
Paper goods: The Paper Tree
Wedding planning: NK Productions
 

To see more photos, click here.