Florida Weddings

You know what happens when a bride as adorable as this graces our pages here at SMP Florida?  We throw a party.  A party that celebrates all things bridal cuteness and a true love romance that is just as amazing.  I’m talking a seriously sweet theater proposal and a wedding filled with bundles of shabby chic meets vintage-inspired details held at the Town Manor Inn.  Ready to get your party on?  Join us in the gallery for every last moment captured by Angela Gaspar Photography.  It’s all kinds of pretty.

From Angela Gaspar Photography… I had the pleasure of escaping the cold for a little while to photograph Diana and Nick’s beautiful Florida wedding.

Even though Diana and Nick had known each other since high school, their romance didn’t begin until after college. They had both moved back to their hometown and started spending more and more time together. Diana’s first one-on-one moment with Nick was spent helping him build a set he was designing at the local school he worked at. It was only appropriate that Nick would propose to Diana in the same theater. On a night out, Nick made an excuse to stop by the school and when they entered the theater she immediately saw “Diana, will you marry me?” written in tape on the stage!

Their wedding took place at the charming Town Manor Inn. I loved the whole look and feel of the ceremony, including the bridesmaids mix matched dresses. The cake topper was adorable and represented their terrier that wasn’t at the wedding.

 

Wedding Photography: Angela Gaspar Photography / Wedding Venue: Town Manor Inn in Auburndale, Florida / Bridesmaids’ Attire: ModCloth / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang for David’s Bridal / Stationery: Exclusively Weddings / Jewelry: Family Heirlooms

Perfectly subtle and perfectly southern, this beaut from Amalie Orrange Photography is going to make your Monday feel beyond fabulous. It’s a wedding that will stand the test of time, and from the looks of these two lovebirds, its a love story that will too. So grab another cup of coffee, and join me in starting this week off right in this gallery filled to the brim with gorgeous.

From Amalie Orrange… Abby & Nick had a gorgeous wedding, from the champagne and charcoal details, to the beautiful sunny day that make Florida so famous. Abby found me via Style Me Pretty and we hit it off from the start. She has such great classic style and wanted that to come across in all of the details in their wedding. Abby & Nick’s monogram appeared throughout the entire wedding from the programs, guest gift boxes and the bridesmaids monogramed “getting ready shirts”. 

From the Bride… We met in Tallahassee, FL while we were both second year law students. Nick, a die-hard gator fan and UF alum, transferred to FSU law after a year at Ole Miss. His best friend and fraternity brother was in my first year law school class and told me I needed to meet his friend who was transferring. Jokingly, I said, if he’s an obnoxious Gator like you, this Seminole fan is not interested. Little did I know, he talked me up that entire summer and we all hung out as friends once Nick arrived in Tallahassee. Our first date was October 24, 2008. I guess you can say, the rest is history.

Nick and I both now live in Jacksonville, FL. After a year or so of renting a house with a group of guys, Nick was bit by the “house buying” bug. I would walk through houses with him and comment on design ideas, etc. At this point, we both knew that any house would one day become our home together. Fast forward to actually buying a cute, 1960’s red brick house in Jacksonville. After getting keys to the house, but before moving anything in, amidst drop cloths and paint cans in an empty living room, Nick got down on one knee, said that he wanted to start our life together there in that house.

Wedding Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography / Wedding Venue: Women’s Club of Winter Park in Winter Park, Florida / Wedding Planner: Kristen from Blush by Brandee Gaar / Floral Design: Apopka Florist / Catering: Levan’s / Band : KTG Entertainment / Wedding Dress : Casablanca via The Bridal Shop / Alterations + Customization: Martha Shump Designs / Bridesmaids’ Attire: Lynn Lugo via Bella Bridesmaid / Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Absolutely Fitting / Hair: Salon INXS / Makeup: Nicole Larson

When you love succulents as much as I do, weddings like this gorgeous Rocklege gem have a tendency to brighten your day.  Brighten your day in a way that only sunny yellow bouquets filled with succulents can do.  And when the bride is the oh-so-talented Lauren of Lauren Grace Weddings & Events and also happens to be as dedicated to succulents as you are, that’s a day brightening times ten.  Together with her dapper beau and close friends and family, she crafted an affair that was pure lovely (here’s looking at you, cake table), complete with divine images from Vine & Light Photography.  See so much more in the full gallery.

From Vine & Light Photography… Lauren did a wonderful job of incorporating vintage and modern elements to her day, with so many wonderful and on-trend details. This wedding is a great example of how to have seasonal details incorporated into your day in a way that is both classy and unique. I think you can see that best in their floral choices, the tall branches centerpieces, the succulent cactus favors, and the muted sage green, yellow and blush color palette.

Lauren has a background in event design and coordinating, as well as past experience working with a florist, so when it came to her wedding day, she did had a blast creating a unique vision to represent her and Blair. I love that Lauren’s friends and family came alongside the couple to help make her day unique. Her family baked most of the baked goods in the dessert bar, and one of her bridesmaids did the calligraphy for the menu and welcome window panes. Overall, their day was filled with personal touches, charming details, and loving family and friends. It was such a lovely day and such an honor to be there.

From the Bride… I wanted our wedding to represent both Blair and me through little details. I wanted everything to be personal; for example, our cakes were made by my aunts with some help from bakers I have a relationship with. All of my vendors were people I know through my business so it was like family. Our first look was on the water, where I spent hours playing as a child, just like Blair did too. It was so nice being able to share that moment with him before the wedding. Being able to hug and love on him before our busy day started was amazing.

I was very inspired by my flowers and succulents! I wanted green because it is my favorite color, but I didn’t want green flowers or greenery. Then I saw this gorgeous succulent bouquet online, and I was in love. Previously having worked at a florist (Amanda’s) made the flowers very important to me, and she executed everything exactly how I would have done it myself. There was so much love at our wedding; there were so many tears, hugs, and laughter. It was everything I could have asked for.

Wedding Photography: Vine & Light Photography / Ceremony: Old St. Mary’s Church in Rockledge, Florida / Reception: Rockledge Municipal Building in Rockledge, Florida / Event Design + Planning: Lauren Grace Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Amanda’s Florist / Calligraphy + Paper Goods: Chelsea Barrett Design / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: ModCloth

When Laura Yang Photography described this magical Smyrna Beach engagement session as a literal “heaven,” I knew I was about to fall madly in love.  Head over heels style.  Because there are few things in the world I adore more than a day spent at the beach and when you add in a devastatingly gorgeous sunset and the happiness that only soon-to-be-married cuties can bring, I adore it even more. Lucky for me (and you), she captured every last moment between these two sweethearts and they are brightening our day more than any sun-filled beach could.  Click here for more.

From Laura Yang Photography… At this engagement session, it was as if heaven opened up and we stepped inside. Everything about this day, from the pristine landscape to the gorgeous color palette and the head-over-heels couple, was absolutely perfect.

Photography: Laura Yang Photography / Location: New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Okay, so Florida may not have the type of winters we have up here in New England, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have gorgeous winter inspired weddings. And if you’re on board with a romantic winter wedding filled with pretty whites and pale shades of blue, then you’re going to love Kristina Grimm Photography‘s outdoor photo shoot. It’s a vintage chic winter wonderland picnic and it’s all right here in the full gallery. 

Click here for the FULL photo shoot!

From Kristina Grimm Photography… Winter is my favorite time of year. We don’t get much winter in Florida, but I wanted to create a Florida, outdoor, winter-inspired shoot. The Boys Youth Ranch was the perfect setting for a Florida winter afternoon. This weather lately made such a perfect afternoon to create just that look we needed. With a little elbow grease and late nights of hammering, painting, staining and sewing, our idea was a success.

Photography: Kristina Grimm Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Wekiwa State Park Boys Youth Ranch in Apopka, Florida / Floral Design: Fairbanks Florist / Cinematography: Imprint Cinema / Wedding Cake: Everything Cake / Invitations: Dogwood Blossom Stationery / Furniture: Custom by Kristina Grimm Photography / Wedding Dress: Made by the Bride’s Mother-in-Law / Hair + Makeup: Marigold Scott

Wedding Wednesday.  An entire day of basking in SEVEN gorgeous fêtes chock-full of pretty.  A morning, noon and night of lovely, if you will.  And today’s gorgeous lineup?  It’s just one stop-you-in-your tracks affair after another with everything from a glorious ranch fête to an e-session and wedding that will make your hearts sing.  Prepare for a day swooning in the gallery, lovelies… it’s going to be sooo good.

We’re kicking off the day with a big ol’ dose of sunshine, all thanks to a breathtaking Lake Mary, Florida affair and the oh-so-amazing images of Vine & Light Photography.  Literally overflowing with one gorgeous detail after another, it’s beautiful blooms by Amanda’s Florist meets fun-filled lawn games meets sweet navy blue hues.  This, my friends, is what we call a summertime masterpiece and you can see every last HAPPY moment in the full gallery.  Join me there for more.

From Vine & Light Photography… Megan and Dustin’s wedding was the epitome of a sweet, southern, summertime occasion, complete with bow ties, a signature cocktail (vodka lemonade with muddled herbs), the wedding party playing corn hole, homemade apple and key lime pies (made by the bride’s mom!) and lots and lots of dancing and wholehearted celebration. Their big day was classic, elegant and laced with nods to family and tradition (they had a wall of doors built and decorated it with vintage family photos). Megan had vintage hankies set out for her wedding guests to use to dry their eyes during the ceremony. She also incorporated many antique store finds throughout her wedding decor to marry the two styles of classic and vintage. Overall, there was such a sense of family and community put into their wedding day style.

From the Bride… I don’t really know if I had a theme for my wedding; I have just always dreamed of having a very classic wedding with lots of antique touches. I love the color navy, and I thought that was a good classic accent color to use throughout the wedding. My mom made key lime pie, blueberry bramble, peach cobbler, apple pie and pecan “tassies” (using my grandmother and her twin sister’s old mini pie tins that they used to make the same thing for various weddings and special occasions), and then a family friend made cheesecake.

I know it sounds cheesy, but my favorite moment was the moment I’ve been dreaming of my whole life: walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Dustin’s face. Little did I know he’d be crying way harder than I was! I was shaking like a leaf, but my dad placed his hand on mine and it calmed me right down. As I was walking I tried to take it all in as much as possible, and I feel like I did. It was as special as I had hoped.

Wedding Photography: Vine & Light Photography / Wedding Venue: Lake Mary Events Center in Lake Mary, Florida / Floral Design: Amanda’s Florist / Wedding Day Coordination: Mijanne Wurdeman / Wedding Invitations: Chelsea Barrett Design / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Bride’s Jewelry: Amanda Pearl

If you were to look up the word “happy” in the dictionary, I am fairly certain you would find a photo of this darling Lakeland duo, smiling from ear to ear in total love-filled bliss right there on the pages of Webster’s Dictionary.  And, if not?  Well, that lovely photo needs to be added ASAP, because these are the kind of sweethearts that live and breathe some serious HAPPY.  Case in point?  This take-your-breath-away e-shoot captured by Andi Mans Photography, aka, a sunshiny afternoon with the perfect dose of L.O.V.E.  Grin your heart out in the full gallery.

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From Andi Mans Photography… What a special couple! Ashleydawn and Brandon are perfect for each other! I was thrilled to find out Ashley was engaged and jumped on the opportunity to photograph this special moment in their lives. The session was FILLED with tons of laughter, love and sweetness! I love how they met: Ashley had been sitting next to Brandon’s grandparents in church for three years until they sweetly asked her if she had “The Facebook” so they could have their grandson and Ashley connect online! Brandon was in Ohio and Ashley was in Florida, and to make long story short, they met and the love story began! I just am amazed to hear God’s faithful workings on two beautiful people! 

Photography: Andi Mans Photography / Location: Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida

One thing that always, ALWAYS makes me happy?  Drop-dead gorgeous wedding inspiration.  Add in a fabulous Dr. Seuss quote, a talented team of Florida’s finest vendors and a downright gorgeous setting and, well.  That’s a joy that can’t be described in words.  Emily Grace Design styled this dream-like wonderland to absolute perfection with bundles of vibrant hues and beautiful blooms by Taylormade Wedding & Event Flowers that will seriously rock.your.world.  Oh, and the gallery chock-full of images captured by Kt Crabb Photography?  Beyond lovely.  Join me there for more.

Click here for the FULL photo shoot!

Prepare yourselves, lovelies.  We’re not done yet.  We have one very stunning film from Shutter Life Productions to share with you.  Enjoy!

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From Kt Crabb Photography… This photo shoot was inspired by the Dr. Seuss quote, “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” It’s way to easy to take the little things for granted. The ability to hold a beloved’s hand, pass along a smile and share in laughter all seem commonplace after married life begins to run it’s course. It’s hard to embrace those delights when disagreements steal the moments from our grasp and leave a silent barrier. But love surely conquers all and reminds us that even though we are faced with many trials, life is certainly better shared.

Our hope for the movie piece was to show a simple disagreement that can come with any relationship. We then contrasted that of the dream the bride has that resemble moments of her wedding day. They day they officially committed to share their lives together, through thick and thin. When she returns to normal life, she is reminded of that commitment by her sweet husband’s actions and forgiveness soon follows.

Emily designed our brilliant areas with a constant theme of vibrant colors easily found through out nature in the early summer months. With a “dream” as our inspiration, Emily ran with the wonderful idea of an overall softness throughout every detail. From the baby’s breath in the bride’s hair to the fluffy white feathers on the bed, she did a marvelous job carrying the theme all the way through!

Photography: Kt Crabb Photography / Photo Shoot Location: Lake Runnymede Conservation Area in St. Cloud, Florida / Design: Emily Grace Design / Floral Design: Taylormade Wedding & Event Flowers / Cinematography: Shutter Life Productions / Music in Film: “Look Out for You” by Amy Stroup (Licensed through The Music Bed) / Makeup: Simply Makeup by Cristina

Backyard weddings have a magical way of touching the soul – and this drop dead gorgeous fête captured by Sarah Ashley Peters Photography?  A heart stopping masterpiece.  Set against an intimate (+ breathtaking) backdrop of sky-high trees and rustic goodness every.which.way you turn, it’s burlap ring pillows meets beyond darling DIY details meets a laid back, yet elegant vibe we can’t get enough of. Oh, and did I mention some of the prettiest paper goods you ever did see by Rifle Paper Co.?  Settle in, lovelies.  You’re in for an entire weekend of pretty.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Oh, and we’re not done yet.  We have a stunning film from Jesse Beecher to brighten your day even more.  Enjoy!

From the Bride… Landson and I were married about an hour outside of Orlando in Clermont, Florida, on April 29, 2012. Our beautiful outdoor wedding site was owned by family friends and is located behind acres of orange groves, literally in middle of nowhere — in a cow pasture. During our four-month engagement, Landson and my dad were out at “the ranch” (as we nicknamed it) scooping up cow piles, fixing the fence so no more cows could get in (although they almost always managed to), trimming overgrown bushes and trees and raking leaves nearly every weekend. Because of their hard work, our wedding was even more amazing then I could have possibly dreamed. I work in Winter Park, Florida, for Rifle Paper Company, and I had the pleasure of having my lovely boss, Anna Bond, illustrate our wedding invites. Then I had them letter pressed over at Mama Sauce, a print shop near by that Rifle is good friends with. The simplicity and classiness of the invite set the mood of the entire wedding.

I knew long before I was engaged that I wanted a gorgeous outdoor wedding in a place that made you feel like you were in the middle of nowhere. Guests had to take not only a longer drive to Clermont from Orlando, but once they arrived at the ranch, they had a 10-minute scenic drive through orange groves and cow pasture before arriving at the beautiful tucked-away venue that had it all: a little “screen room,” a poured slab of cement for a dance floor and a beautiful canopy of trees, ideal for an intimate ceremony free from the hot, Florida sun. Julie Arnold, owner of the charming Florida citrus shop “Showcase Citrus,” which sits on the edge of the property that hosted my wedding, is a collector of vintage things. One of her vintage items is an old Studebaker truck! She offered to let me borrow the truck for whatever we needed for the wedding, which we used for our engagement photos, and since it happened to be vintage blue and cream with accents of red (the exact colors of my wedding) I knew it was meant to be! We decided that since the property was so big, that my dad would drive the truck in for the ceremony with me sitting in the car, and my bridesmaids and ring bearer would sit in the bed of the truck on bails of hay. It was perfect way to enter and was a wonderful piece to be sitting in the background of my wedding for the rest of the event.

After Landson proposed, my mom assigned my dad to the job of finding us used china in his obsessive garage sale hunting. Sure enough, a few weeks later, my dad found us 80 sets of china to use. My mom also started to collect a massive assortment of red, white and blue fabrics to use for table cloths, couch cushions and, most importantly, the flags that decorated the trees of the venue. She made miles of banners, which we hung everywhere! Our ceremony was my favorite part. Of course, I had dreamed about it for years. I walked down the aisle to what I think’s the perfect song – “Forget me Not” by the Civil Wars, performed live by my best friend and two of Landson’s brothers. I have always had a love for hand-written notes, and since I work for one of the greatest stationery companies ever, there were naturally some cards and writing involved. Landson and I wrote our own vows, but rather than having them on a plain piece of paper, we picked two different cards from Rifle and wrote our vows on them. Now they are in our home for us to see daily. The day couldn’t have been any better. It was so full of laughter and love, and was more than I could have ever imagined. Everyone cried in the ceremony, laughed during the speeches and danced their hearts out at the reception. It was the perfect way to start the rest of my life with my favorite person.

Wedding Photography: Sarah Ashley Peters Photography / Wedding Venue: A Private Property in Clermont, Florida / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: DIY / Wedding Cinematography: Jesse Beecher / Wedding Invitations: Rifle Paper Co. / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Bride’s Belt: J.Crew

What do you get when you combine fab Parisian-inspired details with a downright amazing rustic flare? Pure wedding perfection – and this Winter Park affair by At Last Wedding + Event Design is serious proof that it all comes together magnificently.  From the tree-filled ceremony overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Osceola to the lovely pink hues, it’s a pretty fest like you’ve never seen.  Add to that some beautiful images by Studio222 Photography and, well.  Happy, happy Thursday.  See it all here.

From At Last Wedding + Event Design… Nicole and JJ desired a soft, Parisian-influenced wedding with hints of a rustic feel. Their ceremony and reception venues were the absolute perfect locations for their vision, and everything came together without a hitch. The couple exchanged vows on the lawn of the Polasek Museum in front of a large, mossy tree and lake. Rather than the typical setting of chairs for a wedding, we designed the space in the shape of two semi-circles, giving the guests a much more intimate setting. Plus, the ceremony was performed by JJ’s father, which made it that much more special for the pair. The reception was nothing short of a party, and all of the guests had an absolutely fantastic time — especially the flower girl, who could be found crowd surfing on the dance floor!

Wedding Photography: Becka & Nate of Studio222 Photography / Ceremony: Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden in Winter Park, Florida / Reception: Winter Park Farmers Market in Winter Park, Florida / Wedding Coordination: At Last Wedding + Event Design / Floral Design: Dream Designs Florist / Wedding Cinematography: Fotos by Frandsen / Catering: Big Wheel Provisions / Dessert Buffet: The Baking Bar / Bar: AM Mobile Bar Service / Music: Scott Thompson of Thompson Entertainment / Transportation: VIP Transportation Group / Wedding Dress: Wtoo via L.A. Bridal / Bride’s Veil: Serephine / Makeup: Amanda Fritz of BeautyMarked by Amanda Brooke

I’ve been obsessed with tulips for as long as I can remember, so to say that I get a tad bit excited when I spy a sweet, tulip-filled wedding would be a massive understatement.  Especially when that tulip-filled wedding is boasting soft pink and orange hues, one seriously cute Mr. and Mrs. and a lace gown that will take you breath away.  That’s just downright elation.  Lee Forrest Design was the master behind all of the bloomy goodness and Andi Mans Photography filled the entire gallery with some serious lovely.  You can soak in all of the pretty right here.

From Andi Mans Photography… I first met bride Tara and her sweet mother Marlene last year for some coffee to chat about her big day. I secretly really wanted to capture this wedding because I knew it would be just gorgeous, and I loved how easily we connected! So I was thrilled when they chose me! Tara and Adam’s wedding was filled with huge smiles and adorable handmade decor located in the beautiful Winter Park historic home, Casa Feliz. It was also a night of the “Super Moon” and Cinco De Mayo! It was a fun time!

Wedding Photography: Andi Mans Photography / Wedding Venue: Casa Feliz in Winter Park, Florida / Wedding Planning: Sherri Rinker / Floral Design: Lee Forrest Design / Catering: Arthur’s Creative Events & Catering / Wedding Cake: The Cake Lady / Wedding Dress: Rivini / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew

This darling Casa Feliz wedding is all about the sweet, sweet details… and I don’t have to tell you just how much that makes me swoon. From the cute tandem bike to the vibrant purple and orange hues to the fabulous vintage vibe, every.single.moment has special meaning to the uber-adorable bride and groom.  And what better way to celebrate your big day than with a celebration of YOU?  Amalie Orrange Photography was on hand to capture all of the lovely, including that beyond gorgeous gown and the beautiful blooms by Jonathan’s Flowers.  Click here for more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride…  Zack is Jewish and I am Catholic, so we decided to forego a traditional, religious wedding in favor of a vintage-themed party with a Southern influence. Shortly following our engagement, Zack and I found Casa Feliz, a Mediterranean-style farmhouse built by James Gamble Rogers II during the Great Depression. Zack and I visited Casa Feliz once and were in awe of its Spanish tiled roof, whitewashed bricks, vaulted ceilings with huge, exposed beams, hand-carved, antique furniture, and immaculate landscaping intertwined with the old southern oaks. Without visiting any other venues, Zack and I decided Casa Feliz was the perfect location for our wedding. Once we established the venue, Zack and I wanted to personalize the space. When we started dating, Zack and I rode my parents’ vintage, tandem bike as often as we could. Because riding a tandem, especially one as heavy as my parents’, takes extreme teamwork, we figured it drew a great parallel to marriage and should be the focus of our theme. Additionally, Zack and I met on a camping trip, so we also wanted to incorporate rustic, outdoorsy details in the décor. I adore antiques – from Victorian to art deco to retro — I love everything vintage! Zack consented to including vintage details in our décor as long as he did not have to wear a stuffy tux, bow tie or suspenders; points I gladly conceded. From there, we based our color palette on our favorite colors, orange and purple; which happened to work really well with the season and Casa Feliz’ brick backdrop.  

Zack and I were intent on making our wedding as personal as possible. We wanted every detail to reflect who we are as a couple. We started with the invitations, which turned out to be a group effort: I designed our invitation suite by combining a variety of free clipart: an old tandem, art deco accents, and vintage fonts; Zack printed them on DIY invitation/response card paper; and my mom tied, stuffed, addressed, and mailed them for us. With my parents’ tandem on display, our wedding day turned out even better than we had hoped. For the ceremony, our guests sat in the garden facing the front of Casa Feliz and the wedding party stood beneath the balcony, which my sister, Jenn, decorated with an “M & Z” garland she’d made. The girls’ vintage-inspired, orange dresses complemented my wedding dress, an ivory ball gown with lace half-sleeves, an embroidered lace bodice and cathedral train, which was, of course, also vintage-inspired and made me feel like a princess and a proper bride. To accent my gown, I wore a tulle, birdcage veil I made, my great-great-grandma’s engagement ring, my grandma’s pearl and diamond earrings, and my maternal grandma’s wedding garter. In addition, Jonathan’s Flowers designed the most gorgeous bouquets for me and my bridesmaids, using Queen Anne’s Lace, lisianthus, bells of Ireland, blue thistle, and pincushion mums — flowers that remind me of my late grandma.  

After the ceremony, the staff at Casa Feliz and Arthur’s Catering arranged different food stations and high-top cocktail tables around the house to encourage mingling, as well as areas inside and out for those guests who preferred to sit. My mom and sister designed our rustic, outdoorsy centerpieces. For the cocktail tables, they bought a variety of lanterns from Ikea, which we filled with potpourri and tea lights. For the seated tables, Jenn ordered raw wood platters made from slices of logs that we sealed with polyurethane and topped with a trio of orange, green, and clear vases (also from Ikea), which our florist filled with seasonal wildflowers. Jenn also commissioned a friend to paint a canvas with two bikes leaning against a leafless tree for us to use as a guestbook. Instead of leaving their names and well wishes like in a typical guestbook, our guests were asked to “leaf” their fingerprints on the tree’s branches in orange and brown inks. For our toast, Zack and I used “Red-Neck Wine Glasses” (Mason jars mounted on champagne flute stems) as a semi-classy nod to the South. Zack designed our delicious wedding cake: a chocolate frosted cake with three topsy-turvy layers decorated with a tiny tandem bike that was made to look like it was riding up an autumn bike trail. Zack and I were thrilled with our wedding ceremony and reception, especially because our guests all seemed to have a lot of fun. What’s best though, is all the special details of our day were beautifully captured by our photographer, Amalie Orrange, so we can enjoy them for years to come.

Wedding Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography / Wedding Venue: Casa Feliz / Flowers: Jonathan’s Flowers / Officiant: Ron Rosenzweig / Caterer: Arthur’s Catering / Cake: Party Flavors Custom Cakes / DJ + Band: Thompson Entertainment, L.L.C. / Hair: Katie O’Brien, Bride’s Friend / Wedding Gown: White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: B. Makowsky / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: ASOS / Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Nine West / Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger  / Groom’s Tie: Vintage / Groomsmen Ties + Bow Ties: Vintage / Wedding Invitations: DIY, The Bride & Groom

SMP Florida, your Tuesday just got SO much prettier thanks to this fall fête by Melissa T Photography. Filled to the brim with those gorgeous autumn hues we can get enough of, and timeless touches that ensure this couple’s wedding will be stylish for centuries – waking up to this celebration is like waking up on the right side of the wedding-loving bed. And that outdoor reception area? LOVE. You know the gallery is the place to be to surround yourself with all the pretty – so jump on in for even more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Melissa of Melissa T Photography… I was so excited to shoot Dan and Ashleigh’s wedding at Casa Feliz in Winter Park, Florida. The Andalusian-style farmhouse built in 1932 is the perfect setting. Although it is nestled in the bustling modern Orlando metropolis, the building and grounds feel like a different, magical world. The old masonry building is filled with elegant details. Archways, verandas, patios, a spiral staircase, lush landscaping, antique mirrors and secret courtyards combine in one location to give a wide variety of photographic opportunities. I planned for a lot of pre-wedding time in order to shoot enough detail to truly convey the beauty of the property. I was very excited to see the subtle and elegant design that Ashleigh and Dan had chosen. In such a bold location, just a little decor creates a lot of impact. The rich autumn colors and French-cottage florals fit the farmhouse perfectly, but didn’t disappear against the brick, mahogany and antique woods.

But what stood out most on that beautiful evening was the love that Ashleigh and Dan shared. The connection that they shared with their entire wedding party, family, and guests was a joy to participate in. It was obvious that the love they found in each other was spilling over onto everyone in their lives. I was simply honored to be a part of their beautiful day.

From the bride… Our wedding was a long time coming. Daniel and I dated for three years and were engaged for a year and a half before tying the knot. We knew from the moment we met that what we had was a special, once in a life time love. We didn’t want to rush, yet we hit the ground running with anticipation of a day we knew we would share together. One month before our wedding we lost Dan’s grandfather, and eight days before the wedding we lost my father. With such emotion running through the whole family, the one thing that tied us together was love. The love we all have for each other and the love that brought Daniel and I to our special day. It was a gorgeous day. Perfect Florida winter weather greeted our guests, and we danced under a harvest moon sky and stars that stretched for miles. Daniel and I poured our heart and soul into the wedding. We wanted our footstep on the earth to be as carbon neutral as possible. We made most of our favors and what was purchased was made by others with their hands and hearts. It was a magical evening, and we loved every minute of it. We knew our audience in the sky was smiling down upon us as we celebrated on our own version of heaven’s amphitheater.

Photographer: Melissa T Photography / Venue: Casa Feliz / Wedding Planner: Shawnee Louise of I Thee Wed Bridal / Dress: Jim Hjelm via Kerrie Rourke of The White Magnolia Bridal Collection /
Hair + Makeup: Janelle on Location / Caterer, Linens + China: Arthur’s Catering / Cake: Sweet Ashley Rae’s / Flowers: Vintage Vines / Harpist: Catherine Way of HarpStrings, Inc. / Lighting: Kaleidoscope Event Lighting / DJ: Direct Entertainment / Invitations, Programs, Save the Dates, Guest Tree: Casey Pickett of Pick Ink (cpartdesign@hotmail.com) / Card Box, Aisle Lanterns, Ring Bearer Box, Favor Boxes, Chalkboard Signs, Table Number Notebooks, Cake Topper + Candle Holders: DIY

The floral design in this wedding is legit to die for. I’m loving every petal I see from the white and black ranunculus in the bride’s bouquet to the fluffy hydrangeas that adorn the altar to the beyond beautiful raised displays of yellow and pink roses dripping with crystal beads. BinaryFlips Photography was there to capture all the pretty details and we couldn’t be happier! Click here for the full gallery.

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From the Bride…When Peter and I first began the wedding planning process, we knew that we wanted it to be something that represented us as a couple with lots of personal details.  We began brainstorming with our planner, but it really didn’t come into fruition until we started interviewing photographers. When we first met Dennis from Binaryflips, we sat down in a café to discuss our vision.  While dating, Peter had introduced me to his favorite past time of bike riding.  After a visit to his native country of Holland, we decided to purchase typical Dutch bicycles.  That became the central theme of our wedding.  Dennis immediately became excited and we brainstormed ways to incorporate the bicycles into our engagement shoot.  The end result: Absolutely gorgeous shots in St. Augustine that had most people asking if we actually went to Holland for the shoot.  The moral of this story is make sure that not only you are excited about theme, but also your photographer that way the pictures appear like you are having a good time and very natural! The rest was history- we began incorporating the bicycle in different areas of the wedding such as the save the dates, the invitations and even the topper. It was important not to go overboard with the theme, but it was used just enough to keep the wedding theme cohesive throughout all of the different wedding events.

One of my most favorite wedding planning tools was Etsy.  There are so many talented people out there, why not put them to work for you.  For example, I was stuck on an idea for the favors.  We wanted to give something edible and I have always loved French Macarons.  I found someone on Etsy that was willing to not only make the delicious cookies from scratch, but also package them elegantly in the color scheme we were using for the wedding- not to mention, her prices were extremely reasonable.  What a time saver!  Other items I purchased on Etsy were the bridesmaids’ gifts, the cake topper, the flower in my hair, wedding programs and thank you notes.  Find sellers that are willing to work with you and brainstorm ideas to make your event personal!

On wedding day, with all the planning completed, I was pretty relaxed and just ready to be married.  Dennis came to the house while I was getting ready with my bridesmaids.  He and his team were able to capture the relaxed and laid back atmosphere before we headed off to the chapel.  He took pictures of all the little details like our rings, the veil and (my favorite) the shoes!   So many times these details get overlooked and now I have great pictures to remind me of what all of these accessories looked like.

Wedding Photography: BinaryFlips Photography / Ceremony Venue: Rollins Chapel / Reception Venue: Interlachen Country Club / Wedding Coordination: StyleHouse Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Fiora Tabletop Design / Wedding Cake: Bake Me a Cake / Furnitures: AFR Event Furnishings, Shannen Kykta / Chiavari Chairs: A Chair Affair

There are so many great ideas packed into this sweet Winter Park wedding by Binaryflips Photography.  First of all the adorable theme, “Let Love Bloom” which is evident in the charming and playful watering cans that hosted the centerpiece flowers and even the bridesmaids’ bouquets.  Working with a limited budget, this innovative bride hosted a flower arranging class with her bridesmaids at a local floral shop in order to get some pointers for the big day.  The lessons obviously paid off!  See all the vibrant flowers and the rest of the pretty, pretty details in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…When Josh and I first started dating we found ourselves creating a new tradition. We called it the Sunday Barbecue Tour.  Every Sunday we would venture out and try a new barbecue joint around town.  As it turns out this little tradition of ours ended up being the inspiration for our entire wedding.

4 Rivers Smokehouse won first place in our BBQ competition and therefore won the vote for our wedding caterer.  Having chosen a caterer outside the known catering companies and hotels, along with already having a date set, we unintentionally narrowed down the list of reception sites.  The Winter Park Farmers Market is the old train station in the heart of downtown Winter Park, FL. It has a southern rustic feel to it when you walk in, with brick walls, concrete floors and an exposed ceiling strung with twinkle lights.  It matched our Barbecue inspired wedding perfectly. We then chose the Maitland Art Center for the ceremony site. Getting married next to a natural fountain under the shade of tall oak trees made it feel all the more romantic.

After booking the food and the venues everything else fell into place.  The theme of the day was “April Showers Bring May Flowers” meets “Let Love Bloom.”  We stumbled on a cache of watering cans on sale, which held the girl’s bouquets and the centerpieces.  Planning a wedding on a modest budget is quite a task and you have to forgo the all the nonessentials.  To get the flowers I wanted I was going to have to do them myself.  I bought the flowers wholesale and then hosted a flower arranging party with my bridesmaids at a local florist.  I supplied the flowers and she supplied the lesson along with a good time.  We made everything ourselves and the flowers turned out stunning, which made them all the more special. We rented a variety of china patterns and used mason jars for to give the night a more vintage yet elegant feel.

We opted out of the traditional wedding cake and went with something we both thought to be truly irresistible. Italian ice with frozen custard along with my mothers’ homemade Italian biscotti and pizzelles were our desserts of the night.  The line was out the door; literally they had an ice cream truck parked outside.  To top it off we hired a live band instead of a DJ to really make the party come alive.  We all danced the night way.Out of all the planning and money we spent on our perfect day, it was writing our own vows that left the biggest impact on us.  We talked all night about our beautiful words to each other. Putting the love and devotion we have for one another into our own words made the day all the more intimate and heartfelt.  In the end it is all about you and the person you love beginning your life together.

Wedding Photography: Binaryflips Photography / Ceremony Venue: Maitland Art Center / Reception: Winter Park Farmer’s Market / Catering: 4Rivers Smokehouse / Entertainment: Alex Seier Band / Barista: Kathy’s Bertotti Coffee / Dessert: Ritter’s Frozen Custard + R & G Italian Bakery / Rentals: Vintage Vines + Rent a Land / Day of Coordinator: Breanna Porter / Flowers + Watering Cans: The Bride + Bridesmaids.

If there is one thing all of us over here at SMP love without question – it’s the peony. Even better, a bouquet overflowing with the pretty as can be flower. Pair that bouquet with a darling bride and a sweet as can be soirée, and we are just in love. Case and point, this happy go lucky Winter Park wedding by Lori Barbely Photography – it’s a precious, peony-filled party, and there is even more to fall in love with in the full gallery on images.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…We both grew up in gorgeous Winter Park, Florida, so we knew right away that we wanted to get married in our hometown and at a venue that was an accurate reflection of the city. Nothing could have been more perfect then Casa Feliz, which is a historic Spanish style farmhouse located right in the heart of downtown Winter Park. The house has a rich history and genuine charm, we knew immediately when we stepped inside of it that it would be the location for our wedding reception. We decided to have our wedding ceremony at the church that Justin grew up in, Aloma United Methodist.

For the theme and style of the wedding, we went for a sweet and lovely feel, nothing too modern or sophisticated, but something that reflected our playful and happy-go-lucky style. Justin and I are both vegans, so naturally we had an entirely vegan buffet with yellow coconut curry, red bell pepper pesto penne, and a vegan pizza for the kids! Our cake was also vegan and organic, made from Rhapsodic, an amazing vegan bakery in Orlando. We tried to be as eco-friendly as possible, as the place-cards and table names were printed on gorgeous seeded paper that could be planted after the event and grow into wildflowers. We chose table names with inspiring words, such as Bliss, Happiness, Unity, Peace, Laughter, and Love.

The wedding day was so incredible. Everyone was so happy and we could literally feel love and joy swirling around the room. I was surprisingly calm before I walked down the aisle. Justin said that as soon as he saw me all of his nerves went away. When we were up at the alter, all we could do was smile at each other. We made it a point to be very present throughout the day. We decided to go against the grain and seat parents, siblings, and our best friends at our head table with us, which was a nice touch. Because of my awesome vendors everything went perfectly (and if something didn’t, then I wasn’t aware)! But even more then the gorgeous flowers, the amazing dress or the delicious food, the important people in our lives that were all there having a great time and our love for each other made the day surreal.

Wedding Photography: Lori Barbely Photography / Floral Design: Lee Forrest Design / Event Planning: Kristy Rapp Events / Ceremony Location: Aloma United Methodist Church / Reception Location: Casa Feliz / Place Cards + Table Cards: TreeSpace Studio / Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca / Catering: Arthur’s Catering / Wedding Cake: Rhapsodic Bakery

We are completely gaga over Parisian-inspired weddings around here.  If you missed yesterday’s Paris photo shoot on Style Me Pretty destination you really owe it to yourself to jetset on over there and check it out.  For some inspiration a little closer to home, we have this darling Winter Park fête full of sweet French details by Lori Barbely Photography.  I love the brilliant chalkboard signs that totally tie everything together with the gorgeous flourishy font.  And “Keep Calm + Party On” might just need to become my new motto.  Rendezvous in the full gallery to see even more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Lori Barbely Photography…Sasha loves all things French (she and Mike are planning a belated Parisian honeymoon) and incorporated it into all the details of their reception at Winter Park’s Casa Feliz. Fun chalk board signs like “Keep calm and party on” and a gorgeous dessert table set the tone for a fun evening.

Wedding Coordination: Jane Layne Events / Ceremony Location: Annunciation Catholic Church / Reception Location: Casa Feliz / Catering: Arthur’s Catering / Desserts: Cupcake Delights / Additional Photo Locations: Sassafrass Sweet Shoppe + Croissant Gourmet / Calligraphy: Sarah Hanna Calligraphy / Wedding Photography: Lori Barbely Photography

We have a delightfully marvelous wedding for you this morning by Lori Barbely Photography.  A little bit J Crew mixed with a little Anthropologie and a whole lot of love equals a whimsical, modern affair full of fun little details.  I am completely smitten with the giant paper flowers that fill the milk glass centerpieces.  Such a fun and unexpected touch!  Click here to see even more sweet details in the full gallery!

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It was a love of the outdoors that connected the bride and groom when they first met and after becoming engaged on the top of a mountain in North Carolina, they were determined to find the perfect outdoor setting for their wedding day. They found their ideal location on the dock and in the gardens of Enzo’s Italian Restaurant on the water in Longwood, FL.

The bride and groom wanted a vintage-meets modern themed wedding that was elegant yet relaxed and most of all, fun! The look could be described as J.Crew meets Anthropologie and the color scheme was yellow and navy. The bride spent 6 months collecting antique, hobnail vases for the centerpieces. Paper flowers filled the vases inside, while the outside garden and dock were adorned in craspedia, chamomile, baby’s breath, forsythia and daises.

A highlight of the wedding ceremony was the bride’s niece and flower girl, pulling her two twin nephews and ring-bearers in a vintage radio flyer filled with yellow rose petals.

After the ceremony, the wedding guests enjoyed cocktails on the dock followed by dinner inside. A candy bar was set with Navy M&M’s, Yellow Whirly pops, Lemon Drops and an assortment of mini cupcakes. In lieu of traditional favors, a donation was made to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the wedding guests.

A sign with the couple’s initials was made of navy and yellow fabric flower pins. As the night wore on, guests were encouraged to dismantle the sign and wear these pops of color. As the sun set over the water, hanging vintage lanterns and twinkling lights outlined the deck area for dancing under the stars.

A farewell line of bubble wands adorned with navy and yellow ribbon was the perfect end to a perfect wedding day.

Wedding Photography: Lori Barbely Photography / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Enzo’s on the Lake / Wedding Cake & Catering: Enzo’s on the Lake / Wedding Ceremony Flowers & Bouquets: Kelly Shannon Floral / Wedding Dress: J.Crew / Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage / Bride’s Veil: Borrowed, Sister of the Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Flower Girl Dress: J.Crew / Bridesmaid Dresses & Jewelry: Anthropologie / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Michael Kors / Hair: Lambs Eat Ivy Salon / Poms: EmersonMade / Wedding Reception Paper Flowers, Table Numbers & Place Cards: Gigi Goods / Table Decor: Vintage Hobnail / Cupcakes: Blue Bird Bake Shop / Limousine: Sweetwater Limo / Officiant: Reverend Steve Swan of Sensational Ceremonies / DJ: David Rodruguez of JCS Entertainment / Videographer: Mark Leach of Digita Arts

How much does this Orlando wedding by Studio222 Photography scream good ol’ Southern charm?  I am going all gooey over the elegantly understated details.  And baby’s breath!  Oh, baby’s breath is quickly becoming a favorite must-have for a super sweet wedding with full of classic beauty just like this.  It’s done so perfectly here surrounded by black and white touches paired with little pops of pink.  Click here to see the rest in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From the Bride… My husband and I had been dating since we were 16, so needless to say there was lots of excitement for a day that was over seven years in the making. Our wedding was SO much fun (as your own wedding should be) and was full of sweet charming details, many of which were DIY projects. I am monogramming fiend so I was determined to incorporate monograms throughout our big day. We had lots of monogrammed touches from our cake, to my veil, to moss covered letters on the red church doors.  My mom, mother-in-law and I  even made all the burlap runners for the tables!  I didn’t have a wedding planner or event designer so each detail was most definitely a labor of love.

We wanted the wedding to be very family-oriented, cozy and full of southern charm.  The reception was decked out in milk glass, mason jars, antique books and delicious southern comfort food.  I spent the months leading up to the wedding scouring antique stores, thrift shops and even had my family members on the lookout as well. The menu included shrimp and grits, pulled pork sliders, collard greens and fried green tomatoes.  Our caterers out did themselves and the food was a big hit with us and the guests!

Needless to say, it was fun collecting all the items and working on the DIY projects, but the joy of our friends and family, and finally becoming husband and wife is what really made the day for us!

Wedding Photography: Studio222 Photography / Floral Design: Vintage Vines / Event Design & Planning: The Bride / Wedding Ceremony Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church / Wedding Reception Location: Winter Park Farmer’s Market / Wedding Invitations: Ashley Brooke Designs / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Wedding Dress: Tara Keely / Catering: Arthur’s Catering

I have a confession to make.  The only place in Florida I have ever visited is Disney World and I have a feeling I’m missing something spectacular.  When I imagine the sunshine state, it looks a lot like this dreamy engagement session by Shipra Panosian Photography – hazy, lush, green and wildly romantic.  This also looks a lot like the perfect date – tandem bicycle ride, homemade lemonade and cookies and cooling off with a private canoe ride.  I can’t wait to see what these creative, vintage-loving cuties put together for their wedding!  Click here to enjoy even more!

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Matthew and Briana wanted to evoke the feel of a laid-back summer day in the Sunshine State so what better place to meet for their engagement session than Wekiva Springs?  Wekiva Springs is an natural cool spring in Central Florida that is surrounded by lush greenery and a variety of wild walking trails. Briana found a vintage bikini online and we met a little after sunrise at the Springs so that we could take advantage of some solitude before the crowds arrived.  After some time lazing in a canoe at the mouth of the Spring, we made our way down one of the park’s trails for some photographs with their tandem bike since the bike is their get-away vehicle for after the wedding.  They cooled down with lemonade and Briana baked cookies since they are opting out of a cake for the wedding in favor of her favorite treat… cookies.

Photography: Shipra Panosian Photography / Location: Wekiva Springs, Florida