Planners keep things moving, too. "Photographers can get so wrapped up in getting the most spectacular sunset, the most beautiful angle of the bride's dress, that they lose track of time," says Hicks. Meanwhile, the champagne is getting warm, makeup starts to drip and exhausted guests may begin heading for the door. "I find out how much time the photographer will need and I keep them to that timetable."

Sarasota weddings, like those all over the country, are becoming less traditional and more creative, say the wedding pros. Brides are choosing to walk down the aisle alone, or with both parents instead of just the father. They're marrying aboard yachts or in swimming pools. Many are keeping their last names. And all of them are going crazy with the reception menu.

"People are becoming much more adventurous," says Bryan Rawson of Destinations Catering in Sarasota. "They are choosing contemporary table settings and food."

Among those innovations, says Wallis, are exotic menu items, such as ceviche, sushi and martini bars, specialty coffees and cordials. Wallis cites one couple who planned a honeymoon trip around the world. Throughout the reception area, food stations featured cuisine from all five ports of call they planned to visit.

"Especially here in Sarasota, people favor tropical, Asian and Caribbean themes," adds Allen. Evyan and Ryan invited the entire wedding party-all 140 of them-to a luau rehearsal dinner.

From exotic menus to dazzling locales, Sarasota offers what it takes to make a wedding special. Evyan's dream wedding took place on Longboat Key. Here's a look at some popular places to tie the knot and cut the cake in Sarasota.

LOCATION, LOCATION

A sampling of popular wedding spots.

The Charles and Edith Ringling Estate

5700 N. Tamiami Trail

Sarasota

www.ncf.edu/publicfunctions/

A historic bayfront mansion on the campus of New College. Built in 1926, it was originally the home of Charles and Edith Ringling, now known as College Hall.

Capacity: 150

Catering: Caterers must be self-contained. Outside vendors must be approved.

Rental costs: Ranges from $500 to $2,500, based upon affiliation with the University of South Florida and New College. Highest rentals are for those not affiliated with either university. In addition, $150 non-refundable cleaning fee. Reserved space is limited to the first floor and bayfront, from 9 a.m. to midnight.

Entertainment: Facility must approve name and nature of entertainment and reserves the right to restrict the vendor and volume of music.

Alcohol: Must be supplied by outside vendor.

Contact: Debbie Killarney, (941) 359-4491

Note: Due to the mansion's age, electrical power is limited. Candles are prohibited indoors, and all catering, decoration, staging, lighting and tent setup must be approved in advance.

The Chelsea Center

2506 Gulf Gate Drive

Sarasota

www.chelseacenter.com

A 160-foot wall of glass distinguishes this architecturally striking building; the 6,000-square-foot interior has no hidden corners or indoor columns. On the 23-acre grounds of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, it hosts weddings of all faiths.

Capacity: 300-400

Catering: Available on-site for smaller parties, but for parties larger than 100, outside caterers should be secured.

Rental costs: Friday and Saturday $1,500, plus a cleaning and setup fee of $250 for parties of 250 or less, $350 for parties of 251 to 400. Rental covers from noon to midnight.

Entertainment: Moveable stage and dance floor.

Alcohol: Must be supplied by outside vendor.

Contact: Helen Witts, (941) 927-7689

The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort

1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Longboat Key

www.colonybeachresort.com

Stylish beachfront location. A spa and salon on the property can beautify the bride and her wedding party, and the on-site bakery can create the wedding cake. There's even a florist to design bridal bouquets.

Capacity: From 20 to 200

Catering: Available on-site.

Rental costs: $500 fee for indoor or outdoor weddings. Fee guarantees wedding space indoors in event of rain. Additional $5/person if wedding and reception are both held outdoors.

Entertainment: Space available.

Alcohol: Full bar on-site.

Contact: Debbie Allen, Catering Director (941) 383-6464, ext. 2902

Crosley Museum

(Administration): One Haben Blvd.

Palmetto

www.crosleymuseum.com

This 16.5-acre estate on Sarasota Bay hosts nearly 80 weddings a year and is booked solid for weekends late into 2002. Guests love lingering in the second-story, solid wood observatory and on the terrace that provides views to the bay.

Capacity: From 80 to 600

Catering: Caterers must be self-contained.

Rental costs: $1,700 for first floor of mansion; $2,500 for first floor and outside grounds.

Entertainment: Space available.

Alcohol: Because the mansion is owned by Manatee County government, alcohol must be provided by Crosley Museum management.