Just Married: John Simon and Mary Anne Servian

JUST MARRIED: Mary Anne Servian and John Simon

How the couple met:
Mary Anne Servian and John Simon met when Servian was mayor of Sarasota and Simon brought his Pineapple Square project through the city process. The two later reconnected while she was working at the Sarasota Ballet and a donation of space on Lemon Avenue (part of Pineapple Square) was made.

The proposal:
Servian and Simon got engaged Sept. 20, at Hyde Park Steakhouse. The night before, while dining at Tandoor, Simon knocked his knife to the floor, and in an attempt to pick it up he nearly upset the whole table. Later he confessed he was practicing the on-bended-knee move.

The wedding:
The couple was married May 10, at Church of the Redeemer. The reception followed at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ great room.

The inspiration for the French blue, creams and white colors came from the fact the John was raised in Paris — and there were touches of fleur de lis as an homage to his birthplace. The wedding cake was decorated in shades of French blue and white, and every other layer featured fleur de lis or a replicate of the lace from the bride’s dress.

The afternoon was full of love, with Servian’s grandchildren, sons, nephew and Simon’s great-nieces, brother and son all taking part in the wedding.

Honeymoon:
The newlyweds spent a few days in Barcelona before boarding a Regents Cruise for 10 days. From there, they disembarked in Venice and took a train to Geneva and later a train to Avignon, France.

THE DETAILS 

First dance: “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge

Last dance: “At Last” by Etta James

Photography: Sage Art Photo and Video

Wedding planning: Lucy Halasz Weddings & Special Events

Catering: Innovative Dining

Floral design: Beneva Flowers

Invitations: Write-On Sarasota

Cake: Cakes by Ron

Dress: Monique Lhuillier with headpiece by Sarasota Ballet dancer Jamie Carter

Hair and Makeup: Fresh Salon