Lauren and Chris invited their loved ones to a very special location for their wedding – Lauren’s childhood home in an orange grove! They set up their ceremony site in front of a massive oak tree and marked the beginning of the aisle with a beautiful wooden doorway. Under an archway of branches and white flowers, Lauren and Chris became husband and wife!
After the ceremony, the two of them set out into the grove for portraits with their bridal party. The bridesmaids’ mint green dresses looked great next to the groomsmen’s blue-gray suits, and the straight rows of trees created gorgeous photo backdrops! The reception area, a white tent complete with drapery and a floral chandelier, was ready for a party. A mix of round and rectangular tables were set with wooden chairs and decorated with candles and greenery. Guests each received jars of orange blossom honey, and flip flops were available for more comfortable dancing. Dessert looked delicious – a row of bundt cakes dripping in icing!
Lauren and Chris’ big day was filled with meaningful details – find out more from the bride herself below!
How did you two meet? How did he propose? One of my very best friends, who was also one of my bridesmaids, decided to play matchmaker! Her scheming worked! Chris did an amazing job with the proposal! I had dropped some hints that when/if he proposed he needed to make sure that I had a “fresh” manicure, that I wanted someone there to take pictures, and that I wanted my parents to be there. In my mind, that was a much easier request than it actually was!
At our house we have the most amazing sunsets – we live on top of a hill – one of Chris’ friends had asked us about taking family pictures at our house at sunset. About a week before their family pictures, Chris asked if I wanted to take advantage of the photographer being there to get some pictures of us. We are awful about pictures so we had very few of the two of us together. I of course agreed, because how cute that he wanted to do that?!
Little did I know, our friends were not coming! Chris proposed a mid-photo session so we have pictures of my total shock and complete excitement. A few minutes later, I look up and my parents were coming down the driveway with all of his family. He ALSO planned a small “party” to celebrate our engagement. He thought of it all – even got my favorite peanut butter pie! And yes…my nails were perfectly manicured!
Is there anything that you wish you would have done for your wedding? I wish I would have done a first look with my dad, I know that would have been a memory I would cherish forever. I also wish I would have just gone ahead and spent the money to have either the photographer or videographer stay until the very end. Looking back we don’t have any images captured of us leaving. An air-conditioned tent would have been nice too!
What advice would you give other couples about the wedding planning process?
In looking at your wedding budget, it can be so overwhelming and daunting. Prioritize your budget! We knew we wanted to spend the biggest chunk on food and our photographer/videographer. Because: Food – after almost every wedding we have been to, that is the first thing we talk about “the food at that wedding was amazing” or “I can’t believe they served cold steak”. Food for us was always the make or break it element. Good food always meant a good wedding!
Videographer – we were on the fence about hiring a videographer. After spending hours watching strangers’ wedding videos online, I knew I had to do it! I would have been sorely disappointed if we didn’t. We love watching our video and it is so fun to rewatch because you always see something that you missed at the wedding!
Photographer – the wedding day is such a whirlwind, there is no way to remember everything. Luckily, we had an amazing photographer who captured the best memories!! Our album is the centerpiece of our coffee table and I often catch myself looking through it reliving the best day ever!
Is there any advice that you would give engaged couples about married life? As cliche as it sounds, you have to compromise! Don’t keep score – marriage is truly 50-50.
Participating Vendors:
Venue: Private Residence
Photography: Sivan Photography
Wedding Planner: An Affair to Remember
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cake
Makeup: Luma Bridal MakeUp
Videography: Lucky Lemon Films
Florist: Lee Forrest Designs
DJ: DJ Scooter
Linen/Drapes/Lighting/Tent: Party Time Rentals
Valet: VIP Services of Orlando
Bathrooms: Royal Restrooms