Elizabeth and Boyd’s Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Wedding
Elizabeth and Boyd tied the knot this past spring with an utterly magical Fern Gully inspired Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes wedding. The bride grew up in St. Croix and Winter Park, Florida, but she definitely has an affinity for her time spent in St. Croix. As an animal rights attorney, her heart for animals, nature, and everything whimsical doesn’t come off as a surprise. And as if their wedding day wasn’t beautiful enough, her love story with Boyd is like a fairytale in itself. The two love birds actually met as children at a summer camp, and he proposed while hiking in California near a waterfall. (Talk about romantic!) Despite her deep love for water and mermaids, it’s safe to say she loves Boyd more than everything else combined.
When Elizabeth’s mother Connie initially came to me for help, I knew right away that I wanted their big day together to tap into all that she truly loved and cared about. Thus, the design inspiration for this truly magical day came from Elizabeth’s love for the movie Fern Gully. Not only did she love the movie throughout her childhood, but she continues to cherish it (maybe even more!) as an adult.
Their Fern Gully Inspired Design
Needless to say, The Ritz Carlton was almost unrecognizable with the breathtaking transformation of this space. Their enchanting ballroom ceremony resembled the beauty of a mythical rainforest with the help of Lee James Floral. Elizabeth and Boyd’s rainforest ceremony was as whimsical in style as it was luxurious in taste. It was complete with faux grass, the most beautiful luscious backdrop to set the scene, and lanterns giving off softest intimate candle light as an abundance of petals littered the floor.
Meanwhile, their reception complete bountiful trees, overflowing floral, and greenery carried the same feeling of whimsical enchantment. The space featured tree-like centerpieces, overflowing floral accents, and cafe bulbs strung to mimic the stars in the sky. From the seating chart sign to the cake’s detailing and backdrop, there wasn’t a detail not thoughtfully designed of for this couple’s big day. There’s almost not enough words in the world to describe how breathtakingly beautiful their design came to live out in person. If a photo was to speak a thousand words, Elizabeth and Boyd’s wedding gallery could talk for longer than a lifetime.
However, as much as she loved Fern Gully, she loved Boyd even more. Their beginnings at the ‘Camp Mac’ summer camp inspired a fun, unique addition to their reception in the form of a mac and cheese ‘drunchie’. (Because who doesn’t love mac and cheese after a few drinks?!) Nevertheless, not only did her guests end the night with sore feet from packing the dance floor, but they were treated to snacks as fun as the reception.
A Rainy Day
There’s one thing about weddings that will reign true forever. No matter how much you plan, there’s always the chance of something happening beyond your control. In this case, we found ourselves in a battle with the weather for Elizabeth and Boyd’s outdoor ceremony. Lucky enough, we secured a back-up plan ahead of time. Thus, while the rain drove the day indoors, we still managed to maintain the desired aesthetic of the whole event. With how amazing and magical their ballroom looked, you’d never have known that the ceremony was our Plan B! Their rainforest design coupled with the perfect intimate lighting created a space that was effortlessly romantic.
Give me all the Gran Flower Girls!
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!
One of my favorite things about Elizabeth and Boyd’s wedding day was how much it spoke to who they were as people as well as a couple. From the magical, whimsy design to their “drunchie” snacks of mac and cheese, this event was filled with a sense of romance and childlike whimsy that was a perfect match for this couple’s love story. There’s not a single photo from Jensen Larson where they weren’t completely grinning from ear to ear. Elizabeth looked truly enchanting with her prince charming in her Monique L’Hullier gown from The Collection Bridal, and The Ritz Carlton spa gave her a hair and make-up look that made her glow all night long.
Elizabeth and Boyd, I am so honored that you chose me to be a part of your truly magical wedding day. I had such a pleasure and joy getting the opportunity to work with you through this new season in both of your lives, and I hope to have more couples who radiate as much pure love as you in the future. I wish you all the happiness and well wishes in the world as Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!
Thank you to all the vendors who came together to make this day truly unforgettable!
- Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
- Wedding Planner: Lisa Stoner Events
- Photographer: Jensen Larson
- Videographer: Stoner Video
- Floral Design: Lee James Floral
- Lighting: Fyerfly Productions
- Draping and Furniture: Swag Decor
- Linens: Over the Top Linens
- Ceremony Music: Harp Strings Inc.
- Reception Music: Bay Kings Band
- Cake: The Ritz Carlton
- Hair and Make-up: The Ritz Carlton Spa
- Photo Booth: Photobooth Rocks
- Custom Seating Board: Chalk Shop Events
- Chairs/Tables: A Chair Affair
