Scene Together: Couples on their Wedding Days

By Wendy Lyons Sunshine | April 2022

Jessica Luke + Alexander Taaffe
Married March 6, 2022

Siesta Key native and Pine View graduate Alex Taaffe recalls one particular Harvard v. Yale football game in Cambridge, Massachusetts, because that’s where he first met California-raised Jessica Luke. The two exchanged numbers and later dated back in New York City. Bonding over a shared competitiveness in games and appreciation for great restaurants, they fell in love.

Both also enjoy careers in cutting edge finance and digital sectors. Alex is Vice President of Business Development at GSR, a crypto currency market making firm. Jess is Manager of Enterprise clients at Pitchbook, a data service provider.

The pair escaped New York and moved to Sarasota during COVID. For their fourth anniversary of dating, Alex arranged a trip to Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos. There, over a private lunch in a romantic and secluded part of the island with white sand and crystal-clear water, he asked Jess to marry him. 

In March, their wedding celebration kicked off with a beach party at Longboat Key Club to welcome guests, some of whom traveled from as far as London, Germany, and Dubai. The ceremony took place on a warm and beautiful afternoon on the lawn of the Powel Crosley Estate. Jess wore a Badgley Mischka dress and Alex wore a black tuxedo with a white bowtie, later changing to a white dinner jacket. 

The emotional ceremony and heartfelt exchange of vows left no dry eyes in the audience. Following a breathtaking sunset, the couple was announced from the top balcony of the Mediterranean-style mansion. Dinner and toasts were capped by an outstanding band whose saxophone and trumpet players engaged the dance floor, and sparkler cannons highlighted special moments between Jess and Alex. The send-off party continued indoors with a DJ and food late into the morning.

VENDORS | Photographer: Arianna J Photography • Florist: LilyBella • Caterer: Puff n Stuff • Videographer: Vibe Chaos • Rentals: So Staged and Affairs in the Air • Planner: Gilly Francis