I know I talk a lot about details here, but if you are here and participating in this medium, I am pretty sure you’ll understand where I am coming from…
Weddings are more than “colors” and “themes.” Weddings are a communion, a reverent celebration, a story, (your love story!) and an experience for not only you, but for your family and friends to savor and remember for a lifetime.
The fact that this was Brittany’s sensibility when she met with me for the first time told me everything I needed to know and offered me the perfect charge! She and Barret had been on what I call the “wedding circuit.” So many of their friends and peers are getting married and it seemed as if they were going to a wedding every other month! Through these weddings she and Barret attended, she had seen, heard and tasted what seemed to be everything, and she wanted hers and Barret’s wedding to be signature, just like them! *wink.
First things first; starting the day relaxed and confident is the perfect approach to experiencing all of the beautiful moments that are ahead of you as the day unfolds.
This space here is to give you ample warning (and time to grab some tissues!) as to quite possibly the most emotional Daddy reveal I have ever seen. Now tell me these are not images that will turn into forever mementos!
Recovered yet? Shall I give you a moment? Here’s a sweet Bridesmaids reveal as you gain your composure!
How about a stunning look at Brittany’s processional, a sharp wedding party and some portraits of Brittany and Barret to look at while you take care of that pesky thing in your eye… *wink!
Brittany’s white, lush and romantic bouquet consisted of white garden roses peonies and, my favorite, ranunculus (seriously, I try to sneak them in every wedding that I am able!) against light touches of greenery. The trailing ribbons were soft, feminine and I loved how the bouquet moved with her in that striking Ines DiSanto gown.
I love that these portraits here are the perfect transition from the garden aesthetic from just outside Knowles Chapel to what we created inside the ballroom at The Alfond Inn!
So what sets this wedding apart from the others? Cue the details!
Designing a wedding reception in a ballroom needs particular attention to details that offer those 4 walls life. We opted for these tall centerpieces with cascading greenery and candles on top to offer a romantic and dreamy glow as guests dined.
I loved how the seating directory turned out thanks to Andi Mejia Calligraphy!
This wedding cake was very well deserving of it’s very own backdrop!
I had four custom trellis panels constructed where vines and greenery were interwoven throughout with touches of white florals creating a 10-12 foot canopy over our bars and cake. It was magical!
These chic, marble chargers with gold flatware and the vellum menu card with gold foil, were perfect, minimal, yet chic details-
First Dance, Daddy-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance; give me alllll the dances!!
Brittany and Barret, this is one I shall never soon forget! Your confidence and trust made my “job” so worthwhile, and I loved watching this beautiful day unfold for you!
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.
Lauren and Justin came to Lisa Stoner Events from New York and were high school sweethearts.
Lauren is very thoughtful and tenderhearted, she was always thinking of her guest’s journey for the wedding and their overall experience during the Orlando wedding weekend.
Lauren has been a life-long Disney LOVER! (seriously, how do these girls know and find me? I am guessing Like attracts Like!) Justin is truly a prince and he would follow her to the end of the earth and what I remember about him was how truly devoted he is to her.
The rehearsal dinner was at Disney’s California Grill located at the top of the Contemporary Resort. The welcome reception and a casual farewell brunch were held at The Summerhouse at the Grand Floridian. The majority of her portraits were taken at The Grand Floridian as well!
Lauren looked stunning in her A Line satin gown with sweetheart neckline; accented with crystal embellishments, chapel length gown and beautiful white Badgley Mischka open toe pumps with crystal bow. Lauren carried a full, round, hand tied bridal bouquet of soft pink roses wrapped in pearls and accented with lockets filled with family photos.
Their traditional Greek Orthodox wedding was held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Maitland and she arrived in a classic white Rolls Royce.
This ornate space was accented with an aisle runner, some simple white pew arrangements and full white arrangements on gold candelabras on the altar.
I suggested The Ritz Carlton Orlando for her wedding reception because it offered the flexibility she needed. The resort had all of the same luxe appointments that she was looking for, and I knew the service would be exemplary.
After the ceremony at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, guests made their way back to the Ritz Carlton’s Davinci Lawn. We were able to design a very gracious, elegant and grown-up “Beauty and the Beast” vibe.
Long luxurious guest tables with lush low floral pieces of full white hydrangea and soft pink roses were adorned with shimmering votive candles in gold glass and tall golden candelabras. The elegant tabletop design with simple white chargers, dupioni silk napkins and custom menu cards was complimented with gold chivari chairs.
This very open outdoor design in a u-shape not only created a chic space for dinner to accommodate 100 guests but also offered plenty of room for Greek dancing.
Thank you to all of the wedding professionals who brought this fairytale to life.
Angela and David came to Lisa Stoner Events from New York. They met through their work; Angela is a professional A cappella singer and David is an entrepreneur and sound engineer.
Angela seemed almost exasperated at a design meeting and was struggling to identify her wedding style. She exclaimed “I don’t really know how to articulate what I want to see in the design of my wedding, all I know is that my favorite color is red and my favorite movie is ‘Tangled!’ ”
You see, Angela has a legitimate (and relatable) obsession with Disney, and that was all I needed!!! I think we have our design elements, Rapunzel would be jealous.
Angela chose a beautiful white satin gown with a sweetheart neckline and shimmering gold and crystal embellishments.
The gown was complimented by her full, cascading bridal bouquet of white roses, phalaenopsis and cymbidium orchids and a pop of color with her stunning red pumps.
Her bridesmaids wore knee length red gowns paired with bright red bouquets to infuse more of the red into the design.
David and Angela enjoyed a First Look and some time alone in the beautiful Ritz Carlton gardens, before exchanging their vows.
As the wedding ceremony began David waited for Angela’s arrival with an ear to ear smile on his face.
The aisle to the Wedding Gazebo was lined with large antique lanterns and touches of red and white flowers. The gazebo was draped in a soft grey, sheer fabric allowing the stunning floral chandelier to be a focal point behind the couple.
The Florida sunset behind their outdoor ceremony could not have created a more beautiful backdrop.
Guests enjoyed a relaxing cocktail reception on the resort’s Tuscany Terrace.
The ballroom was ready for an exciting reveal and was draped in twinkling lights on the ceiling. In the center was a communal head table that formed a square that seated nearly thirty people. A tree with cascading orchids and over one hundred pillar candles filled the space in the center of the tables.
The guest tables were set along the softly draped walls and also had trees in the center filled with flowers and flickering candles. A formal place setting with a gold rimmed charger and custom menu card in red lettering completed the tablescapes.
Angela and David’s smooth, white butter cream, five-tiered wedding cake was adorned with cream, blush and pink roses that flowed down the cake and was set against a wall of lights.
The band kept the dancefloor filled the entire evening and they enjoyed some sweet treats and fun snacks while they danced the night away.
Thank you to all of the vendors who brought this fairytale wedding to life!
Allie and Andy had originally considered getting married on a cruise but decided not to so that more family and friends could attend the wedding.
Our Lisa Stoner Events team worked on a few design concepts with Allie and Andy and eventually landed on the perfect fit. Andy comes from a Greek family and incorporating a classic olive branch theme throughout the wedding was just the right touch.
Allie chose a beautiful lace ballgown with a cap sleeve and a full chapel length train cascading from a crystal hair band. She chose bright flowers including peonies and roses with touches of greenery for the bouquets.
Andy wore a classic black vested tuxedo with a white rose boutonnière and a pocket square.
The entrance to their ballroom wedding ceremony started with oversized arrangements of brightly colored flowers atop wrought iron columns. The aisle of white chivari chairs framed rows of petals and a custom monogrammed aisle runner, bringing in the olive branch motif.
A luxurious wedding arch of foliage and brightly colored flowers, flanked by lighted trees stood out against a background of soft grey draping.
Andy’s smile was ear to ear as he waited for his bride’s arrival; the two exchanged their vows and sealed them with a kiss.
Allie and Andy took a sneak peek at the reception design while guests enjoyed the cocktail reception. To say that they were overwhelmed might be an understatement.
The space for dinner was separated from the dance floor with a crisscrossed draping and soft lighting. A communal table large enough to accommodate the couples’ immediate family of 46 anchored the reception space.
Clear chivari chairs and warm grey tone linen allowed the tabletop design and wedding cake to pop against the backdrop. The brightly colored floral centerpieces, pillar and votive candles in metallic containers filled the tables.
Charger plates layered with grey napkins and custom menu cards with olive branches completed the look.
Allie and Andy’s first dance to ‘Fall Away’ by Bobby Lord, Allie’s grandfather, was just the beginning of a wonderful night of dancing.
Thank you to all of the wedding vendors who helped create this dream wedding.
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