There is such a remarkably strong sense of family and tradition in this Orlando wedding by Sarah Bray Photography. Traditional in the sense that so many aspects of the ceremonious affair were done in honor of these two specific families and their loved ones. I have such admiration for a couple that incorporates so much heart and personal symbolism into their vows. I love that they took their patriotism and incorporated into the decor with a vintage, Americana flair. The cracker jack favors and vintage can labels are perfection. Click here to see even more!
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From Sarah Bray Photography… The wedding was in Baldwin Park, the same neighborhood where the couple was engaged, now lives and where they plan to start their family. The bride and her family are partiotic and it was important to include this in the big day. The couple placed seven small American flags in the ground to surround them while they took their vows. Each flag represented a perished loved one who had served as great patriots in their lives and our country. The couple recessed to a live performance of The Battle Hymn of The Republic, while guests waved small American flags. The story of the song and its significance to the uniting of the North and South, as well as it’s strong Christian ties was written in the program.
Rather than the traditional unity candle, the couple opted to have a Unity Prayer – where the immediate family members encircled the couple while the pastor prayed for the joining of these 2 families. Rather than a bridal party dance, the couple had “the family dance” which paired grandmothers and their grandsons, siblings with their spouses, and the new couple dancing to “You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.
The Bride wore a traditional mantilla veil for the ceremony, which was handmade by her Mother using components from her own veil from 40 years ago. She carried her Mother’s silver rosary and her white hanky which she also carried on her wedding day 40 years prior. The hanky now bares the initials of all of her children and their wedding dates (Danielle and Lucas’ initials were the last to be added). Her “Something Blue” was a turquoise ring Lucas had made for her for this day, it was originally a piece of turquoise his grandmother had set in silver and made into a bolo necktie for his grandpa many year ago when the family was living in Texas. Danielle wore a different head piece for the reception, which she made, also using pieces from her Mother’s 40 year old veil. Lucas wore his Grandfather’s custom made cowboy boots (made in Texas), which had been handed down to him. He wore a western style inspired tuxedo and an American flag lapel pin.
Danielle had a very specific vision for the flowers and their was only one floral designer she’d entrust with her vision, her Mother! Table arrangements were all unique, eclectic and colorful. The bride’s mother did all of them. Arrangements consisted of vintage milk glass vases, mason jars and flower boxes. Each of these pieces was hand selected from antique stores, Grandparent’s treasures, or local shops by the bride, her Mother, and her sister. Some unique pieces included George and Martha Washington goblets for the couple’s toast and a metal scrapple pan. (Scrapple is a Pennsylvania Dutch meat dish. The bride is from PA.) They used vegetable cans and relabeled all of the cans using vintage label overruns which the bride purchased online.
The couple stayed in their new house together for the first time that night – Sarah Bray Photography followed the couple home and got a pic of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold!
Wedding Photography: Sarah Bray Photography / Venue: Grace Hopper Hall of Baldwin Park / Wedding Program: Molly Simonson Design / Makeup: Makeup by Bella / Catering: Big City Catering / Wedding Cake: Cut the Cake / DJ: Elegant Entertainment / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Flower Girl Dresses: Nancy August / Bride’s Shoes: J.Jill / Bridesmaid Shoes: Unforgettable Moments / Wedding Cake Topper: Ruby Lane / Floral Design: Mother of the Bride