NOW Weddings Magazine February 2021

NOW

real wedding

Lynsey Sylvas & Brian Winchester, Jr. OCTOBER 10, 2020

“DANCING ON CLOUD 9” WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke | PHOTOGRAPHER: Modern Glow Photography

LYNSEY AND BRIAN WERE INTRODUCED BY FRIENDS ON FEBRUARY 6, 2016 and “never missed a day talking to each other” since. Three and a half years later, Brian planned a surprise birthday party for Lynsey. Little did she know that there was an even bigger surprise in store for her that day. Lynsey opened all her gifts and Brian saved the best for last. As she opened his gift, he got on his knees and asked if I would marry him,” shares Lynsey. “Of course, I said yes!” Lynsey loved that the ring featured a blue sapphire, the color of her birthstone.

The couple chose October 10, 2020 as their wedding date and began planning.

“I chose a Hollywood Theme for my wedding,” says Lynsey “and the Crystal Palace Ballroom reminded me of royalty.”

“We knew my future Mother-in-Law would handle the flowers and decorations because she is the owner of Blooming Flowers and Events,” shares Lynsey. “I can’t thank her enough for all she did to make our day a success.”

Lynsey saw several dresses she liked, “but the dress I tried on at The Bridal Boutique By MaeMe was the dress I knew I had to say yes [to]...the full, scallop

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lace hemline is created with horsehair to help create a true floating look.” After finding the perfect gown, it was the bridesmaids’ turn and they chose stunning lavender, off-the-shoulder gowns from Pearl’s Place.

The week of the wedding, Hurricane Delta was in the Gulf. The storm forced a change of plans to the events leading up to the wedding but on the wedding day, “the weather was beautiful and the sun was shining,” shares Lynsey. “After all our trials and tribulations in 2020, I knew it was God; He answered our prayers. I was able to have my dream wedding with this perfect weather and our loved ones. My heart was full.”

The first dance was magical; as the couple danced to “Love All Over Me” by Monica, special fog effects spread across the dance floor that made them look as if they were dancing on clouds. A video of the first dance went viral on social media with over 4 million views!

Lynsey’s advice to newly engaged couples is “start planning early and don’t let anybody tell you what you want for YOUR day. Things may not go according to the way you planned, but stay the course and keep moving forward.”