Florida Weddings

Welcome back to yet another fabulous week here at SMP Florida. We’ve got quite a pretty, little gem for all of you today and the best part is that it’s mostly DIY which means you can infuse your day with sweet details just like the ones you see here! This bride and groom were on a budget and knew that meant lots and lots of DIY projects. They made everything from the signs to the sweet-as-can-be stationary, to the cupcake bar and the favor boxes! Oh, and they even did the fabulous florals with soft touches of cotton! K and K Photography was on hand to capture all the pretty details and as always, there’s so much more in the gallery!

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From the bride…We met in Colorado and got married last fall in Winter Park, Fl just outside Orlando. The ceremony and reception took place in this beautiful venue inspired by the Spanish missions. I fell in love with the place because its is not a typical Florida venue. It was a very small and intimate wedding, about 30 of our closest friends and family members. it was definitely a DIY wedding, we paid for the wedding ourselves (both my parents are deceased), so we were on a tight budget. But at the end we had everything we wanted in our wedding for less than $20,000. My husband made all the wooden signs, I made all the stationary, bouquets and flower arrangements, cupcake bar, candies for favor boxes. We had a ceremony outdoors, then a cocktail hour and a dinner and dancing reception. We served an Italian menu, family style, mini ice cream cones and for a late night snack, french fries.

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.

Black and white and FABULOUS all over, this wedding by Jenn Hopkins Photography is classic with a modern twist – which makes this little blogger pleased as punch. And how much do you just LOVE the fact that this stylish pair hosted their reception at The Abbey and The Mezz – a cabaret-style theater? Because I just think that is just the icing on this very pretty wedding cake (speaking of cake, how amazing is theirs?). So much to gush over and so little time, so be sure to check out the full gallery of images for even more!

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From the Bride…Although I’m more classic and traditional, I’m still not the cookie-cutter bride.  My husband and I are a really fun-loving couple and we don’t take ourselves too seriously; we like to be silly. We definitely wanted our wedding to incorporate that aspect of our personalities.  I wanted the wedding to be pretty and elegant, but I was not afraid to have a little fun and venture away from traditional with some of the details.  Still, while my husband would have enjoyed an intimate and casual beach wedding or an impulsive trip to the courthouse, I preferred a size-able and traditional church ceremony with a conventional ballroom reception.  We met somewhere in the middle, and that somewhere turned out even better than I could have imagined.

Our first planning goal was to find a “hip” reception site that would accommodate our 180 guests, and we were able to find exactly that at a new venue in downtown Orlando near beautiful Lake Eola.  Downstairs at “THE ABBEY,” a cabaret-style theater, we were able to provide our guests hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment from an acoustic guitarist.  From there, guests made their way upstairs for a dinner reception and dancing at “THE MEZZ,” a brand new urban event space, with an metropolitan/contemporary feel. We knew that The MEZZ was the perfect setting for our fun-loving, high-spirited, and lively group and would be a great backdrop for a classy, but unforgettable party.  A general theme had taken shape, simply based on the fabulous urban décor of THE ABBEY and THE MEZZ. Our goal was to merge the simple with the stylish, the classic with the modern, and the formal with the fun. Through all of our décor, we stuck to a fairly neutral palate of black, white/cream, and hints of silver.

We began our wedding day with a traditional Christian wedding ceremony in my family’s church, and I wore a fairly conventional ivory wedding dress, but not a ball gown.  I like to describe my wardrobe that day as the Modern Princess.  My traditional dress was updated with a statement-making crystal belt, large crystal and pearl earrings, a show-stopping crystal bracelet, and a cathedral-length veil.  One of my favorite memories was seeing my grandmother’s wedding dress, my mother’s dress, and my dress all displayed together beforehand – three generations of beautiful dresses and happy marriages.  After the ceremony, I transitioned for the modern reception and swapped the veil for a large embellished flower, and made my dress strapless.  I was ready to party and our DJ definitely kept the dance floor packed all night.

Wedding Photography: Jenn Hopkins Photography / Second Photographer: Abbey Saxton Guffey / Flowers: Dream Designs Florist / Ice Cream Catering: Pure Magic Ice Cream / Event Design + Planning: An Affair to Remember / Ceremony Location: St. Lukes Lutheran Church / Reception Location: The Abbey and The Mezz / DJ: Our DJ Rocks

Is there anything better on the planet than a gorgeous Florida wedding? After spotting this pretty day captured by Jessica Bennett Photography, we think not. A lovely bride and groom, the most perfect vintage elements woven throughout and an abundance of scrumptious flowers crafted by Colonial Florist – these are just a few of the yummy details to make an appearance at this Highland Manor soirée and we are over the moon with each and every single piece. See the full wedding here!

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And before we bid adieu, get comfy and lay your eyes on the prettiest little wedding video crafted by Michael Dalton of Tall Like Trees…

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From Jessica Bennett Photography: Tom and Marissa Nixon, by far one of the best couples I have worked with and had an amazing wedding party. They were married at the Highland Manor in Orlando, FL on March 21, 2011, their 7 year anniversary. Marissa had every detail planned out and they together with the help of groomsmen and bridesmaids made most of the decor themselves. One of my favorite details was where Marissa used the lace from her mothers wedding dress on her shoes, around the bouquets and on the bridesmaids dresses.

Photography: Jessica Bennett Photography / Cinematography: Michael Dalton of Tall Like Trees / Flowers: Colonial Florist / Event Design and Planning: The Bride / Ceremony and Reception Location: Highland Manor / Invitations: Allie Ruth Designs / Dress: Allure Bridal / Bridesmaids Dresses: Modcloth / Groom and Groomsmen Outfits: J. Crew / DJ: Power Entertainment DJ Service / Hair and Makeup: Lejeune Hair and Make Up Artistry / Make Up for Bridesmaids: Kasey Cheri Snavely

It has been another fun week at the Style Me Pretty Florida blog jam-packed with jaw-dropping weddings and details!  With summer officially here, we are going to be basking in even more gorgeous celebrations from the sunshine state.  Let’s kick of the first weekend of summer with an adorable video from Cinematique Films in Orlando.  As lovely as this wedding is, the shining of star has to be the spunky flower girl who totally brightened up our day!

If you missed any, here are all of our pretty posts from the week:

a beyond breathtaking beauty in Miami Beach
a super fun modern Florida inspiration board winner
an uber-romantic Club Continental affair
an eclectic DIY, rainy day wedding
a vintage-inspired South Beach engagement

Some fabulous links from around the web:

host a movie night with Bash, Please over at Design*Sponge
a cute, modern DIY take on the floral garland on 100 layer cake
how to set a formal table by Mrs. Lillian at the sweetest occasion

Have a glorious weekend and we’ll see you back here on Monday! xoxo.

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!

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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

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

We always love when our readers find inspiration and even vendors for their weddings on Style Me Pretty.  When the result of such findings is a dream of an event like this Orlando celebration by Smitten Photography we could just burst with joy!  A palette of blush and charcoal hues make this a romantic, modern and timeless affair and I’m sure some of our newly engaged Florida readers will find inspiration aplenty here!  Click here to see even more!

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From the Bride… There are so many words to describe what we wanted our wedding day to be like, how we wanted it to feel, and most importantly how we wanted to remember it. I think back to the early days of our engagement, describing how we envisioned our wedding to family, friends, and vendors and the same words always came out of my mouth – personal, timeless, and fun! After a year of planning with my mom, our day came and exceeded our expectations. If I had to describe it in one word (Really one phrase!), I would say it was “Simply magic!”

Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College is beyond gorgeous and was the perfect backdrop for our traditional Catholic mass. It’s nestled in the heart of Winter Park, Florida where I grew up and is a breathe of fresh air, especially since most people think Orlando revolves around Disney!  Walking down the Chapel’s aisle with my dad to Mike is one of my favorite memories of the day.

I’m Filipino and to honor my heritage, we incorporated the symbolic traditions that take place during a Filipino wedding – Sponsors, the blessing and giving of the Arrhae (13 gold coins), and the Veil and Cord ceremony. These traditions have taken place at the weddings in my family for generations, so it was important for me to honor my family and to introduce Mike’s family and our friends to something they have never experienced. We carefully selected the music and readings for our mass – some hymns were childhood favorites and our readings really spoke to the ideals of love and marriage.

We chose the Orlando Museum of Art as our reception venue for a few of reasons. Whenever we travel to a new city, Mike and I make a point to visit the art museum. It’s a special “tradition” for us, so it seemed quite fitting! We wanted a venue that our guests could really enjoy; having the whole museum to ourselves, they were able to walk the grounds and view the exhibits. Finally, we wanted a place that we could come back to, even for years and years to come. We literally utilized the entire Museum for our reception. A refreshment reception took place in the Sculpture Plaza for guests who arrived early. Cocktail hour was in the Grand Gallery, whose focal point is a floor to ceiling Chihuly sculpture. Our dinner and reception took place in the Museum’s Rotunda and meeting rooms.

Many of my favorite elements of our reception were the fun, personal touches. We purchased our invitations and monogram from Betsy White and used our monogram on all of our DIY projects – info frames, seating chart, table numbers, place cards and the dinner menus. It was a great way to tie our guest’s first impression of our wedding and our wedding day.  We had our favorite lawn games, washers and cornhole, laid out in the Sculpture Plaza for guests to enjoy – my brother surprised us by having our monogram made for the cornhole boards.

Obviously another favorite element was my dress! I actually found my dream dress while reading a wedding fashion post on Style Me Pretty. (If that wasn’t luck enough, we hired the event stylist of that photo shoot as our day of coordinator! And we also found our amazing photographer on SMP too!) Just by sight, I knew it was the one and when I finally tried it on, I was in love! My veil was custom made of lace, tulle, pearls and crystal. My mom has a wedding portrait of her parents at home, and my veil is reminiscent of my grandmother’s. My mom lent me her diamond tennis bracelet, given to her by my paternal grandmother, as my something borrowed. To have my veil and to be able to wear that bracelet was so special since both my grandmother’s had passed. It was my little tribute to such great women and was my way of having them present.

When our reception came to a close, we rode off in our trolley with family and friends and I was so grateful for a picture perfect day. No amount of planning could prepare us for how special and how wonderful every second of our day was! I remember when Mike and I gave a small speech to our guests; I said, “Today is a beautiful memory we will have forever. We are so happy that it’s a memory that we can share with you.” It’s such a true statement and we could not be happier that our wedding was perfectly us!

Wedding Photography: Sharon Clark of Smitten Photography / Floral Design: Ken Rosen of Encore Décor / Event Coordinator: Brittany Sobering of Tickled Pink Brides / Floral & Event Design:  Designer Events by Suzanne Nichols / Wedding Ceremony Location: Knowles Memorial Chapel (Rollins College) / Wedding Reception Location: Orlando Museum of Art / Catering: Arthur’s Catering / Cupcakes: Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly / DJ: Soundwave Entertainment Systems / Draping: Quest Drape / Lighting: PTE Productions / Hair & Makeup: LeJeune Hair & Makeup Artistry / Wedding Dress: Marisa / Bride’s Veil: Custom / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka