Wedding Ceremony
Friday, April 10th, 2026
Ceremony starts at 5:00pm
Historic Ringling Mansion | College Hall, New College of Florida
Cocktail Hour
5:30pm-6:30pm
Directly following the ceremony, please join us for cocktails on the beautiful lawn overlooking the bay. The reception will begin shortly after. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served
Wedding Reception
6:30pm to 11pm
Dinner and dancing under the stars featuring our favorite foods, music, and people
See FAQs for more info
Welcome Party
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Sage Restaurant Rooftop
1216 1st St, Sarasota, FL, 34236
6pm-9pm
Light Fare and Cocktails
Wedding Day
Friday April 10th, 2026
New College of Florida Waterfront
351 College Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
5pm-11pm
Ceremony starts promptly at 5pm
Saturday Night Party
April 11, 2026
Sarasota Modern Hotel Pool Deck
8pm-11pm
Cash Bar
Our Wedding Registry
Travel
The closest airport is SRQ (Sarasota International Airport). Tampa International Airport is the next closest and is about a 45 minute to an hour drive to downtown Sarasota. The wedding will be held at the New College of Florida in Sarasota (near SRQ Airport), with the welcome dinner at Sage in downtown Sarasota.
Our main hotel blocks are at The Sarasota Modern and Voco—both downtown and walkable to great restaurants, shops, and things to do. Downtown is our top recommendation. Beach stays on Siesta Key or Lido Key are just a short drive from downtown.
Hotel Blocks
Sarasota Modern Hotel
We have arranged a room block at the Sarasota Modern Hotel. Please use the link below to reserve on the Marriott Bonvoy App or call (941) 906-1290 and request the Cohen Wedding Block to make a reservation. We recommend making arrangements as soon as possible as the hotel may fill up quickly.
Voco Sarasota by IHG
We have arranged a room block at the Voco Sarasota. Please use the booking link below or call (941) 487-3800 and request the Cohen Wedding Block to make a reservation. We recommend making arrangements as soon as possible as the hotel may fill up quickly. To utilize the room block discount, you must make your reservations via phone. This hotel is across the street from the Sarasota Modern Hotel. The Voco has a shuttle service for a 3 mile radius, bikes, and beach items for use
Maid of Honor
Gina Very
Commands a small but mighty army of four.
Bridesmaid
Katie Rudnik
Katie is into crystals. Cat is into Breaking Bad. Same same, but different.
Bridesmaid
Maggie Scott
Fishtown's Fashionable Foodie Frequently Foraging For Felines
Bridesmaid
Stephanie Linker
Mayor of Harbor Point. The Princess of Connecticut.
Best Man
Ryan J. Cohen
Motor Enthusiast
Groomsman
Michael Reale
Brother of the Bride, Uncle of Dominic, Sophia, Angelo, and Aria. Bocce League Captain and MVP 2024.
Groomsman
Stephen J. Ong
We met in a pool in the 2000s.
Groomsman
Dr. Hesham Ezz
Half Cardiac Anesthesiologist. Half Critical Care Intensevist. Half sailor. Half Raptor driver. Whole husband to Ellesse.
Groomsman
Dr. David Busse
"Jacked Jesus" ~ Ryan J. Cohen, Dallas, Texas. 2015
Groomsman
Dr. Shravan Chintalapani
The first person I ever met at the University of Miami - who knew we would journey through college and medical school together as best friends
Groomsman
Edward James
A new father, but an old friend. He plays the drums.
Groomsman
Edward Stalzer
We lived together so long we almost applied for a domestic partnership together. He also plays the drums.
Groomsman
John Santucci
Don't ask about his job, your security clearance isn't high enough. He also plays the drums.
Ring Bearer
Mister Dominic Very
Tractors. Dinosaurs. Meatballs. He wishes he played the drums.
Flower Girl
Madame Sophia Very
She's applying to college in the fall
Wedding FAQs
What should I wear to the Thursday night welcome party?
Dressy casual attire - the venue is an outdoor rooftop (it could be chilly)
What should I wear to the Wedding?
Garden Party Cocktail Attire. Suits for men. Long, fun dresses for women—floral and colorful styles encouraged! We’ll be celebrating outdoors on a waterfront lawn. Comfortable footwear is recommended (no stilettos!), and as the sun sets it may get breezy—bring a light layer to stay cozy.
Are the ceremony and reception outdoors?
Weather permitting, yes everything will be outside (you may wish to bring sunglasses and a light layer)
Will it get cold in the evening?
Possibly! As the sun sets, it may become breezy or cool. A light jacket or wrap is encouraged.
Is there parking available?
Yes, on-site parking will be available. Additional details will be shared closer to the wedding date. We may also be using a shuttle service - stay tuned
What time should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before the ceremony start time to allow for seating (That means 4:45 PM... you know who you are)
Are there dietary accommodations?
Yes. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions when you RSVP.
Things to do in Sarasota
What are the best beaches to visit?
Siesta Key Beach – Famous white sand, easy access, great for a long beach day
Lido Key Beach – Close to shopping and dining
Longboat Key – Quieter and more relaxed
Any must-see sights or activities?
Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Ringling Museum, Downtown Bayfront park, Big Cat Habitat, Downtown Sarasota
What other activities could we do?
Go fishing! (See Fishing Booker link below)
Rent a boat for the day, stand up paddle board, kayak rentals, alligator spotting at Myakka River State Park
Hidden gems?
Smugglers Cove Mini Golf - putt putt and feed some alligators
Best Coffee in Sarasota?
Palma Coffee, O&A Coffee, Project Coffee
Best Acai / Juice bar?
Summertap Juice Bar
Best seafood?
Big Water Fish Market, Walt's Fish Market, Owen's Fish Camp
Best Pizza
Trattoria Bella Napoli is pretty good
Best burger and cocktails?
State Street
Should I rent a car?
Ubering here is not impossible... but it isn't Philadelphia. There is a 10-20minute wait sometimes to find a ride. We reccomend a car
Should I stay downtown?
Downtown is walkable, has fun shops, food, and is right by the bay. The beaches are within 15 minutes of downtown. The wedding is within 15 minutes of downtown. The Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER is also within 15 minutes of downtown.
Unverified Facts About Sarasota
What is the average age in Sarasota?
97
What is the most common surgery performed at Sarasota Memorial Hospital?
Hip Fracture open reduction and internal fixation with simultaneous Watchman implantation and coronary artery bypass grafting
Should I look both ways when crossing the street?
Yes, because Ethel won't.
Did I just see an Amish person?
Yes you did. Except that was a Mennonite. And yes. They do ride E bikes.
Why is the sand on Siesta Key so white and cool to the touch?
The sand it made of quartz which originates from the Appalachian Mountains
(This is actually verified)
