"When children find true love, parents find true joy." What a quote! Look to a father at the wedding of his princess to hear sentiments that will rock your soul. That's just one of the many things that struck Joanna at Diva Productions about Jana and Brent's Destin, Florida wedding.
Brent and Jana were high school sweethearts. Little did they know when they were fifteen, that thirteen years later they would be married! When Joanna started reviewing their wedding film footage, she knew exactly where the focus should be. Family. Their love and their love of family brought tears to her eyes ...
The Proposal
I came home after work on a Thursday evening and did my usual routine. Got the mail, walked into the kitchen and started going through it. I came across a letter that was addressed to me and had a return address from Destin, FL with the sender's name, "Mr. Wright". My initial thought was I had been put on a mailing list because my parent's have a place in Destin, so we are there often. I opened the letter and unfolded a beautiful floral paper with the most poetic words on it about love. I was like, "what is this??" Then, I turned the page ...."Will You Marry Me?". I turned around and Brent was on his knee with a dozen roses in one hand and the ring in the other. "YES!" I screamed as tears of joy streamed down both of our faces. He told me to go get dressed as he had a night of romance in Atlanta planned. It was the most PERFECT night.
The Inspiration
I wanted our wedding to be a magical, romantic, enchanted garden! One of the special touches we had included was a WISH LANTERN that we set off after our 1st dance. It represented the bride and groom shedding their worries and starting a new life together.
The Wedding
My parents own a place in Destin that is a home away from home for us. Brent and I knew we wanted to get married there. When we were looking at venues and stepped foot on the Palazzo's property, we both looked at each other and said "this is it". It just felt right! Shelby Peaden Events did an over the top job of planning our dream wedding. Everything was more than we ever could have expected. She is a true joy to work with and has such refreshing ideas! Dine by Design was our caterer. Kim did an exquisite job with the menu. Everyone still talks about how great the food was. Not, to mention how terrific her staff was. The bartenders, servers and everyone was just wonderful! Confections on the Coast not only made a cake that looked too good to be true, but the taste was out of this world!! Rhonda is so creative and a true artist. I don't think there's anything she can't create! Fiore Florist in Pensacola did a OUTSTANDING job on our decor and flowers. Everything was so beautiful that it brought chills when we first saw everything. Everyone describes our wedding as magical! JUST what we wanted!
The Memories
Diva Productions did a fabulous job of capturing our day on film. They made a beautiful movie for us that we will cherish for the rest of our lives! Lauren Kinsey Photography's energy is amazing and made us feel like rock stars!
Brent's twin brother, Ryan, gave a very emotional speech, as did my father. My Dad's speech was amazing and there was so much love behind it. Another very special moment was when we saw a hummingbird at the bar hovering over a pear martini. Brent's grandfather passed away several years ago and his thing was hummingbirds. He loved them!!! So, we think that was him!
Other Special Touches
Daffy Apple is where we ordered our caramel crunch apples for our favors. They were so cost friendly, adorable and delicious! We wrapped them in a cellophane bag and tied them with a black raffia ribbon. We stuck a sticker on them that read "Love is Delicious!"
Coordinator & Event Designer: Shelby Peaden Events / Photographer: Lauren Kinsey Photography / Cinematographer: Diva Productions / Wedding Gown Designer: Venus from La Raine's Boutique, Atlanta / Bridesmaids: LOVE by Enzoani / Jewelry: Family brooches on bouquet / Floral Designer: Fiore / Invitation Designer: Paper Diva / Cake/Desserts: Confections on the Coast
Caterer: Dine by Design / Hair: Two Fishes Artistry
Be sure and take a look at more of Diva Productions films on their blog!
One we recently featured ~ Pretty In Pink!
A sweet, sweet short film: Sunday Best!
A choreographed first dance: The Time Of Their Lives!
AND ~ just in case you missed it ~
Joanna explores the if's and's & but's of Hiring A Wedding Filmmaker ~