Love Stories: Weddings

Date: December 12, 2020 Venue: The Alfond Inn Coordination: Michele Butler, Michele Butler Events Photography: Victoria Angela Photography Videography: Perfect Sky Wedding Films Floral: Lee Forrest Design Invitations: Paper Goat Post Dress: The Bridal Finery Hair: Arlene Webber, Salon Ciseaux Makeup: Leslie Christin, Studio Cara Groom’s attire: Leonardo 5th Avenue tux Cake: Sprinkles Cake Rentals: A Chair Affair Entertainment: Bay Kings Band

Their story: Boy walks into bar, sees girl, and asks if he can buy her a drink. “We met on a Saturday at The Porch in Winter Park. We went on our first date that following Wednesday, then again Friday and Sunday. We knew instantly that this connection was something special and a few months later Craig said, ‘I love you’ at a Marcus King Band concert during the song ‘Homesick,’ which was our first dance song,” Carina explains. The proposal: Craig planned an elaborate surprise engagement at The Alfond Inn with 50 of their friends and family looking on. “When I walked out to the courtyard, he was standing there with our two dogs, surrounded by roses. He got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I said YES and while kissing him, I heard clapping and cheering from all our friends and family who were inside. It was the most amazing night and still gives me chills thinking about it,” Carina says.

Ceremony and reception: “We were married on December 12, 2020, at The Alfond Inn. Like many couples planning a wedding in 2020 we had to change our plans due to COVID. We decided on a more intimate day with our closest friends and family. The ceremony was held in the stunning rotunda, officiated by Mayor Buddy Dyer, with a luncheon reception in the courtyard. We wanted the day to be filled with laughter, dancing, good food and drinks. The weather was perfect, the décor was flawless, and the band had us out of our seats the whole time, in addition to some of the hotel patrons!” Carina shares. Personal thoughts: Carina “Planning a wedding during COVID certainly had its challenges, but despite all those obstacles we could not have been happier with how the day turned out. We were able to fully enjoy the weekend because all our guests had been tested for COVID. We both remember walking downstairs for our first look and feeling such a sense of calm. We were able to celebrate our union with most of our family and friends, and a smaller wedding allowed for us to really engage and enjoy the day with everyone.” Where they are now: Carina is a Financial Advisor with Merrill in Orlando and Craig works for the City of Orlando as Deputy Chief Venues Officer. They recently just bought a new home in Orlando and are looking forward to enjoying their new pool with family and friends and traveling this summer. They had originally planned a honeymoon in Italy and Spain and hope to travel there soon.

Date: February 12, 2021 Ceremony: Orlando City Hall Reception: Private residence of Mayanne Downs Photography: Norma Molina Floral: Lee Forrest Design Dress: Temperly London Rings: Almut Belote Jewelry and Adams Jewelry Makeup: Marjorie Robinson Hair: Brooke Kehoe, Lambs Eat Ivy Music: Michelle Jones, Violectric Catering: Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine Cake: Se7en Bites

Their story: In 2012, the Economic Development Council visited Susie’s hometown of Austin, Texas, on a best practices trip. Through a lobby relationship with Kelly Cohen, Susie was invited to attend some of the delegation’s events where she was introduced to many Central Floridians — one of which was Buddy. “This was the first year that my alma mater, Texas A&M, was in the SEC. The Aggies were scheduled to play their very first SEC game in a few weeks and it would be against Florida. Buddy and I made a bet on the game. Unfortunately, the Aggies ran out of time, so I was the one who had to pay up,” she explains.

“Fast forward many years. Buddy made a return trip to Austin to present on a mayors’ panel at SXSW. He and his staff invited me to join them for dinner, we struck up a friendship, and the rest is as they say, history,” she adds. The proposal: Fittingly, Buddy proposed last October at a Florida versus Texas A&M football game. “This time the Aggies and I both came out as winners!” Susie says. Ceremony and reception: Mayanne Downs married the couple in a small ceremony on the balcony of City Hall on February 12. Buddy’s sons, mother, and their dog Sammie, along with a few friends were in attendance, while Susie’s family was present via Zoom. “Afterward, Mayanne hosted the wedding party in her home for dinner, which she had catered by Cuisiniers. Her backyard provided the incredible backdrop for our wedding photos,” Susie says.

“To honor tradition, my ‘something old’ was a necklace Buddy had previously given me; my dress was new; I borrowed an heirloom bracelet from Kelly Cohen; and my ‘something blue’ was a pair of earrings my daughter had sent me just for the occasion. My daughter also gave me a six pence which I wore in my boot,” she adds. Other insights: Susie “We decided three weeks prior to the 12th that we would get married on that date. So, we had a very short time to make everything happen! The big day came together beautifully with the help of a few friends and some incredible Orlando businesses.

Lee Forrest provided all the beautiful flowers. I met with Lee for the first time about two weeks before the wedding. I had no idea what I was wearing, what colors I wanted, or even what flowers. I just asked him to use his magic. As you can see in the pictures, the dress, rugs and flowers somehow ended up complementing each other perfectly.”

Date: April 24, 2021 Venue: Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Celebrant: Most Reverand Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah Photography: Damon Tucci Photography, Orlando Videography: Perfect Sky Productions, Orlando Coordination: Michele Butler, Michele Butler Events, Orlando Hair and Makeup: Kari Larsen and Gina Schmidt, About Face Design Team, Orlando; Royal Makeup & Hair, Savannah Dress: One & Only Bridal, Orlando Catering: Mansion on Forsyth Park Invitations: Maureen H. Hall Stationery & Invitations, Winter Park Cake: Nicki Mueller, Savannah DJ: All About You Entertainment, Savannah Rehearsal Dinner: Repeal 33, Savannah Transportation: Callan’s Classics and Kelly Tours, Savannah

Their story: Brian and Nikki met working in the same shopping center in Lake Mary in January 2016. Brian worked at Benjamin Moore and Nikki worked at Continuum boutique right next door. “He would pop in daily to chat and to walk me to get the mail and take out the garbage. We went out one night in downtown Orlando separately and, of course, ended up together. Since that night we have been inseparable, and I knew I had met my soulmate,” Nikki says.

The proposal: Brian planned a surprise trip for the couple to visit the Biltmore. “It was January 26, 2020, a day I will never forget. He managed to make me think it was just the two of us and little did I know, he arranged for our family and friends to be there. We were taking a picture with the Biltmore behind us and as soon as I turned around, he was on one knee. As I said yes, everyone came running out! It was magical,” Nikki explains.

Ceremony and reception: Their wedding

was held on April 24, 2021, in Savannah, Georgia, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a reception following at Mansion on Forsyth Park. “It was spectacular. Bishop Stephen Parkes, my childhood priest, was our presider. Our faith is especially important to us, so this absolutely made our day. The Mansion was beautiful, and everything was all we had ever dreamed of and more. Our vibe was romantic elegant, and the ballroom reflected it perfectly,” Nikki says.

Personal thoughts: Nikki “To sum it up

in one word, thankful is how we both felt. It poured all day, and it still was the best day of our lives. We both felt a little nervous but a huge sense of excitement. I got to marry my best friend with all our loved ones there. It meant everything to us. It was almost electric the second we laid eyes on each other.”

Where they are now: The newlyweds live in Lake Mary. Brian owns a company, Wireless Data Collections, along with his brother, and Nikki is a corporate flight attendant and sales executive for KEM Express. “We are excited to see where our future goes and beyond blessed to have found each other,” Nikki says.

Date: February 14, 2021 Catering and Venue: Ocean Breeze Tiki Bar and Grill Cake: Mon Delice French Bakery Photography: Aponte Studios Hair: Ashley Tuten, Capelli Loft Makeup: Thea Rogers Dress: David’s Bridal Rings: Bay Hill Jewelers

Their Story: The couple met on the Bumble dating app in May 2017. Christina swiped right and they had their first date at Rusteak in College Park. “I thought I wasn’t ready for a relationship, but Ben came into my life at exactly the right time when I needed him the most. He was a calming force in my chaotic world and always made me feel like a princess!” Christina says. The proposal: Ben planned a surprise proposal on September 26, 2020, with 12 of their close friends, their COVID-19 social bubble, during a scenic boat tour of the Winter Park chain of lakes. “He asked me to stand, got on one knee, and said the most beautiful words,” Christina says. The boat ride was followed by an intimate dinner at Chez Vincent, Winter Park. “Everyone played a part and they pulled it off. I was so surprised! Every detail was just perfect,” she adds.

Ceremony and Reception: Hoping that life would be back to normal, Ben and Christina were set on a destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast on May 18, 2022, the four-year anniversary of the day they met. During the holidays, they thought why wait and planned their wedding in two months. Their new date was set for Valentine’s Day 2021.

The wedding was supposed to take place at sunset overlooking the ocean at their friends’ New Smyrna Beach residence However, inclement weather forced the couple to change their venue two days before the wedding. The storms delayed all deliveries; their flowers, arbor greenery, and 5,000 fresh rose petals all arrived the day after the wedding. Their caterer graciously offered his restaurant, Ocean Breeze Tiki Bar and Grill, for the venue.

Despite the changes, both managed to stay calm and work through it. Ben built a wooden arbor; and Christina and her friends made all the flower arrangements and favors. And the most crucial detail was the bouquet charms with pictures of Christina’s late mom and dad. She felt as if they were walking her down the aisle. “I have to say, we never expected to be married in a tiki bar and despite everything, it was perfect,” she says. Personal thoughts: Christina “My mom met Ben and loved him right away. I knew then that he was the one. Ben demonstrated his love for me through acts of service. We are blessed to have each other.” Where they are now: Ben is the Southeast Construction Manager for East Group Properties and Christina is a partner at MPC Wealth Management and launching a new business, Long Term Concierge. They live in College Park with their dogs, Zoey and Luna.

Date: September 13, 2020 Venue: The Alfond Inn Coordination: Beverly MarshallLuney Photography: Jen Adams Photography Floral: Fairbanks Florist Officiant: Reverend Douglas Barker Violinist: Gary Lovini Vocalist: LaRue Howard Dress: Bridal Gallery Couture Makeup: Marjorie Robinson Hair: Anderia Kowalski Brows and Lashes: Betty Medina Entertainment: DJ Jody Akins

Their story: Jean and Lewis were acquainted through a social organization and Jean’s son, Brian Butler, and Lewis are members of the same fraternal organization. As it turns out, Lewis called him to ask for Jean’s phone number, and the rest is history.

“The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts served as the location of our first date,” Jean explains. “On our first date, Lewis said I reminded him of a college classmate who happens to be my cousin. It turns out that we have a lot in common, and our love for one another quickly deepened and marriage ensued 18 months later.”

The proposal: “Our courtship was basically a long-distance one as Lewis was still residing in Pennsylvania,” Jean says. After many early mornings and late-night phone calls and texts, Jean was invited to meet Lewis in the Bahamas. The proposal happened during a romantic dinner at the Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island.

Ceremony and reception: The original

date for the wedding was July 12, 2020, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed until September 13, 2020. Unfortunately, the couple’s honeymoon to Paris was also postponed. “Even with a scaled-down ceremony, the atmosphere of the wedding was magical. The evening brilliantly captured the grace and elegance we imagined and exceeded our expectations,” Jean says. It was a family affair as Jean’s daughter-in-law, Cathy Brown-Butler, served as matron of honor and daughter, Michele Butler, served as maid of honor. Major General (Ret.) James W. Monroe was the best man, and Jean’s son escorted her down the aisle and her grandsons, Michael James and Andrew Butler, were ushers.

Personal thoughts: Jean “We were excited

and amazed to find love again in our golden years and expectantly look forward to enjoying our shared interests in music, theater and travel. There is a saying that you fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time, and we are positive proof of that.” Where they are now: “Currently, we reside in Windermere as happy retirees,” Jean says. Lewis retired from a successful dental practice in the Philadelphia area, but maintained a second home in Kissimmee since the 1990s. Jean has had a formidable presence in our community for decades, and was the former CEO of JCB Construction, Inc. Lewis is an avid golfer and plays several times a week. The couple enjoys power walking around beautiful sites in the area.