On a late Spring day in May, Alicia and David exchanged their heartfelt, handwritten wedding vows under a large oak tree at The Highland Manor in Apopka, FL. The couple used the venue as their inspiration for their wedding color palette. The pretty light blue shade of the venue’s exterior, paired with hues of purple and silver accents created a foundation for an elegant wedding design, which included stunning florals that bride Alicia stated was one of her favorite parts of the design.
For the couple, including and celebrating with their family and friends who traveled near and far was the highlight of their wedding. They even had David’s uncle officiate the ceremony and DJ the reception, which made the day even more special.
See more from Alicia and David’s wedding and wedding planning advice from the bride below!
From Bride, Alicia:
What was the best part of your wedding?
“We loved the whole event! Getting to see everyone who came from near and far from us to support our love and union was incredible. We loved dancing and chatting with family and friends. The food was also amazing, so big kudos to Dubstread Catering. I think the ceremony itself was also very special. It was very hot before I started walking down the aisle, but right as the bridesmaids walked out, the wind picked up and everything cooled down. I loved getting to share the vows we wrote to each other—it was an amazing moment I’ll never forget!”
From Bride, Alicia:
Is there anything that you wish you would have done differently or had that you didn’t for your wedding?
“It stormed during our reception, which cut a little bit of our time for outside pictures, but Rachel still handled everything so well, making sure we got all the family pictures we needed. We had also planned to try to send paper lanterns into the sky, but the weather kept us from doing that. Honestly, though, there wasn’t anything I would have planned differently, there are just some things you can’t 100% plan for, like the weather! We’re just grateful the rain waited until we finished the ceremony since we got married under a huge oak tree. People said the rain waited just for us!”
From Bride, Alicia:
What advice would you give couples about the wedding planning process?
“Have fun with the process! I would give yourself enough time to not feel stressed, and don’t wait until the last minute for the important things, but my best advice is to spread things out so you’re not feeling overwhelmed all at once. My mom and I got together twice a week to do a little planning together, and it was a great way to spread things out. Also, if you have some plans outdoors, my advice is to be prepared for anything the weather might throw at you! It’s always good to have backup plans just in case.”
Is there any advice that you would give engaged couples about married life?
“Live in the moment and enjoy your time together. Make time regularly to spend together where you aren’t wedding planning. And then even after you’re married, always make time for each other and be empathetic to each other’s needs and wants. For us, married life isn’t much different from before, but we always strive to remind each other how much we love each other and do little things to show we care.”
Participating Vendors:
Venue: The Highland Manor
Planner: Michelle from The Highland Manor
Photographer: Rachel Doyle Photography
Florist: Atmospheres Floral
Cake: Sugar Sugar Cake Boutique
Catering: Dubsdread Catering
Drapery: W Drapings
DJ: DJ E Entertainment
Officiant: Emilio Thorpe
Dress: Something New Bridal Boutique
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal