As the month of June comes to a close, I thought it might be a great time to share an editorial shoot we did a while back at the Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes with the talented photographer Kathy Thomas.
Kathy partnered with Bernadette Smith of the Gay Wedding Institute to offer certification as a Same-Sex Wedding Specialist. This event was attended by wedding professionals across the region as well as a number who traveled to Orlando from across the country.
Beyond the awesome training on working with same-sex couples, we produced editorial shoots in two very different Ritz Carlton locations with same-sex couples.
The first was outside at the beautiful Whisper Creek Farm, an amazing fruit and vegetable garden alongside an 11,000 square foot outdoor ‘Farm to Fork” event space. Delicious vegetables and fresh citrus from the garden are used right there for events at the Ritz Carlton Grand Lakes.
The space was designed for a luxurious, slightly rustic wedding for two beautiful brides who have been together 17 years. The raw wood gated entrance made a beautiful backdrop for their photos and intimate wedding ceremony. The trellis was swagged with garlands of magnolia leaves and full pink and lavender roses. Wooden boxes flanked the entrance overflowing with wildflowers and roses tying in the design of the archway.
The dining area was set under a canopy of trees; one of my favorite details was the custom menu board that greeted guests. The combination of the industrial metal frame and the brown butcher paper were offset by the beautiful script calligraphy of the menu.
The wooden farmhouse table was draped with a custom monogrammed table runner that was another favorite detail from this shoot. In this unique farm to fork setting, the perfect centerpiece was the blending of flowers and vegetables.
Raw wooden boxes were filled with luxurious antique roses, lavender, and larkspur accented with fresh Brussels sprouts, which added texture and a grounding color.
The final touch to this lush outdoor editorial shoot was the hanging Champagne bar; the wooden shelf holding Champagne flutes was suspended by ropes from the overhanging tree.
On the complete opposite end of the resort was a ballroom wedding reception design for two handsome grooms. Not only was this deign at the other end of the resort but was also a completely different design concept. This design was pure drama, sultry and glamourous.
This lush design in silver with creamy white roses, candelabras, and many candles were set against a backdrop of black linen to create a stunning, dramatic look. Long tables were nestled into a large hollow square. In the center was a small square table draped with a black and silver geometric linen and a beautiful arrangement as a focal point.
A shimmering drape behind the stage and lighted LED dancefloor added another unique element and some sparkle.
I had the best time designing these two editorial shoots including two same-sex couples and some incredible, warm and loving Orlando wedding professionals.
Thanks so much to these great professionals for being part of this event.
Rose gold because of its pinkish color is known as the metal of romance. While white gold represents friendship and yellow gold means fidelity, rose gold represents love.
In addition, much like the beautiful blending of these two amazing families, copper added to gold actually makes it stronger and gives the gold its rose color.
The blending of these two families actually began at the rehearsal dinner.
Rob grew up all over the world and had one prized possession, and this prized possession moved with him and the family as they traversed the world: this fun, well-loved stuffed animal. In a very touching moment at the rehearsal dinner, Rob’s mother shared this gift with Alexa.
On her wedding day Alexa chose a stunning couture wedding gown by Galia Lahav. This gown inspired by Italian tile was a blending of antique rose lace and a shimmering ivory lace and paired perfectly with her rose gold wedding shoes with a crystal-banded heel.
Alexa carried a beautiful hand tied bridal bouquet of a very unique calla lily in a soft coppery color; in perfect contrast to her wedding party who wore soft shadowy grey gowns, carrying white bouquets with soft touches of Dusty Miller.
Rob chose a classic custom tailored, European inspired tuxedo with a satin shawl collar, accented with a simple calla lily from Alexa’s bridal bouquet.
Alexa and Rob exchanged their wedding vows, surrounded by family and friends, under a breathtaking cascade of cream and blush colored flowers and soft billowing fabric.
Their luxurious wedding reception in the Ritz Carlton’s ballroom continued to blend family and friends. Soft accent lighting reflected off flowing cream colored draping produced a shimmering glow throughout the room.
Guests dined under crystal chandeliers and an awe-inspiring floral chandelier was the focal point in the center of the room. Long guest tables, designed for interaction, were adorned with mirrored panels, soft gold toned glass vases overflowing with soft white hydrangea and blush roses, and floating candles.
Layering the tables with textured blush dupioni silk linen, gold-rimmed glass charger plates and round, custom designed menu cards completed this warm, romantic design.
Thank you to all of the amazing wedding vendors who assisted in making this wedding a huge success:
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!
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