Just Married: Lea Mei and James Buchanan

Lea Mei and James Buchanan were married Friday, May 6.

A time to celebrate
| 6:00 a.m. August 24, 2016

Sarasota
Celebrations

Where it all began

Lea and James were introduced through mutual friends during their sophomore year at Cardinal Mooney High School. Lea recalls that she enjoyed watching “the football stud” while he played as a fullback for the school. The two shared a friendship and stayed in touch after college. Once it was time to plan their 10-year class reunion, the two reconnected. Lea was unable to attend, but James got her phone number and invited her to a Christmas party the following evening.

The proposal

Just shy of their four-year dating anniversary, James popped the question to Lea on Oct. 31, 2015, at Walt Disney World. Combining Lea’s love of Halloween and Disney, James surprised his soon-to-be fiancé with a trip to the park. On Halloween, Lea and James were enjoying another day at the park — an unsuspecting Lea thinking the highlight of the day might be the jalapeño and cheddar pretzels and the ride “Spaceship Earth.” Little did she know James would surprise her with a private boat ride to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks — and a proposal. Afterward, James had a private car waiting to take them to dinner, where Lea was surprised to find her parents, brother and sister-in-law and James’ parents.

"The entire evening was everything I could have dreamed of and more." — Lea Mei Buchanan

The wedding and reception

Using a gold rose as the cornerstone to their design, the couple included classic, elegant details ranging from gold bridesmaids’ dresses to hand-painted gold rose favors by Sarasota artist Debbie Danheisser. Elements of gold, ivory and sparkle illuminated the evening and were seen in even the smallest of details, including the place settings and stationery.

The Details

Bride: Lea Teresa Mei

Groom: James Vernon Buchanan

Parents: Denise and Roberto Mei and Congressman Vern and Sandy Buchanan

Honeymoon: New Zealand and Australia in September

First dance song: “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie

Photography: Justin Demutiis Photography

Videographer: VH Video

Floral design: MMD Events - ivory and gold hydrangeas and roses. Hand-painted gold leaves were included in bouquets and centerpieces

Invitations: Kleinfeld Paper

Cake: Custom eight-tier wedding cake by the Cake Zone with gold roses and pearls matching the bride’s dress

Dress: Custom Ines Di Santo ball gown featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls and a cathedral-length matching veil. Custom tiara headpiece by Nikki Sedacca

Favors: Hand-painted gold rose by Debbie Danheisser and traditional Italian Jordan Almonds as a nod to the bride’s Italian heritage

Wedding Planner: NK Productions

Something old, new, borrowed and blue: Old — the bride wore her grandmother’s antique diamond ring. New — tiara. Borrowed — the bride wore her mother’s diamond earrings. Blue — garter

The ceremony took place at First Baptist Church in downtown Sarasota, followed by a reception in the courtyard at the Ringling Museum of Art. The bride and groom arrived in a Rolls Royce, and guests enjoyed a cocktail hour complete with ballerinas in the courtyard. The bride’s father, owner of Cafe Baci, created the meal in collaboration with Paul Mattison. Guests enjoyed live music by Serenade of Souls, dancing and a fireworks show after dinner.