A verdant, tropical paradise inside a Downtown Orlando modern arts center? Yes, please! Charlotte and Craig’s wedding was so much fun to bring to life! It was equal parts colorful, lush, and oh so joyful.
This beautiful wedding was originally planned for August of 2020 but as with so many things during the pandemic– it had to be rescheduled. However, that did not stop Charlotte and Craig from marrying as planned. They arranged an intimate civil ceremony on their original date and pushed the big celebration to January 8th, 2021. Charlotte often said during this time, “the show must go on!” and I feel this perfectly captures her positive, can-do sensibility.
The Design
When the time finally came for their proper celebration with all their family and friends, we did not hold back! Charlotte and Craig love the theater and from the start knew they wanted to have their wedding at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Downtown Orlando. Charlotte’s initial references for the design of the wedding were the Vanderpump restaurants in Las Vegas, which feature tons of greenery and florals from floor-to-ceiling. She wanted it to look and feel like a magical garden.
Together with Lana from Fairbanks Florist, we created a plan to hang plants in a lush canopy over the reception space. Charlotte’s natural effervescence and love of color was translated into the floral design, which featured a huge variety of vibrant flowers, including pink hibiscus, red roses, purple anemones.
Citrus and ferns were incorporated to represent Craig’s strong family ties to both plants and small Cardinals were tucked into various ferns to honor those who have passed.
The mood was set early on, with custom stationery by Two Peas Paper Co which incorporated the flowers that would be used in the wedding design.
The First Look
On their wedding day, January 8th, 2022, Charlotte and Craig began by getting ready in their respective locations, then meeting for a very sweet First Look outside the venue. Of course, their darling dog Duke simply had to join in for the big reveal!
The Ceremony
Meanwhile, inside the Dr. Phillip’s Center, the scene was set for Charlotte and Craig’s ceremony…
Black drapery with pin lights shining through created a starlight motif to contrast with the bold floral arrangements. They were an explosion of color with red, magenta, and purple flowers and would set the tone for the florals of the entire day. Charlotte was not afraid to go bold and it certainly paid off!
Guests gathered and took their seats for the couple’s nuptials. Charlotte was walked down the aisle by her father to meet her beloved Craig at the altar.
Just before their vows, Duke made his own trip down the aisle to join his paw-rents at the altar and look on as they said, “I do!”
My favorite moment: You may now kiss the bride!
After the ceremony, guests were ushered to the rooftop for a cocktail hour while Charlotte, Craig, and both families took portraits together.
The Reception
As Charlotte and Craig split their time between New York and Orlando, many of the wedding details paid homage to Manhattan, including the entryway flower cart which featured bouquets for guests to take home with them. The custom artwork on the dance floor was created by Two Peas Paper Co and was designed to emulate the bistro tables on Fifth Avenue.
Inside, the reception design was in place which meant it was time for one of my personal favorite moments… Revealing the reception space to my couples!
Trees, potted plants, vines, and bold floral arrangements combined with string lights, crystal chandeliers, and candlelight to create a truly immersive experience. Mirrored tabletops beneath the canopy brought the experience full circle and the addition of vine-covered swings made for the perfect photo op and touch of whimsy!
After the private reveal, guests were welcomed into reception space to dine beneath the canopy before speeches, the couple’s first dance, and family dances.
Following dinner, guests lingered to chat over candlelit tables and danced the night away on the custom dance floor.
I believe it is safe to say, a good time was had by all and Charlotte and Craig’s love for each other radiated all evening long. They lived happily ever after, indeed!
Credits
Wedding Planning and Design: Lisa Lyons Events
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Dr. Phillip’s Center for the Performing Arts
Hair and Makeup: Kristy’s Artistry Design Team
Florals: Fairbanks Florist
Photography: KV Photography
Videography: KEJ Productions
Rentals: Gala Rental
Chandeliers: Get Lit Productions
Linen: Over the Top Rental Linens
Stationery and Dance Floor Design: Two Peas Paper Co
Entertainment: In Pulse Entertainment
