Orange Appeal Weddings

The Wedding of

Nicole Rego and Bruce Spooner

Date: May 6, 2018 Venue: Reunion Resort/Eleven Restaurant Photography: Kathy Thomas Photography Videography: Brandon Kari Productions Wedding coordination: Everlasting Events Dress: Maggie Sottero gown, Lilly’s Bridal Hair and makeup: Laura Reynolds Entertainment: Leonard Brothers Band Cake: Party Flavors and Sweet by Holly (cupcakes) Linens: Over the Top Rental Linens Furniture rentals: A Chair Affair Honeymoon: Italy (Florence, Umbria, Rome, Amalfi Coast), planned by Art in Voyage

Their story: “We met playing softball and Bruce had been asking to take me out for a few months. One night I was actually on a really bad date and Bruce happened to be at the bar. Needless to say, he saved me, and I finally agreed to a date!” Nicole explains. Unfortunately, one year later his job relocated him to New York City, but the couple dated long distance for five years before he moved back to Orlando.

The proposal: “Bruce planned to propose during a Morrissey concert because we saw him live on our first date, but a few weeks before the show, it was cancelled! He then surprised me with a trip to New York City but said it was for business,” Nicole says. Instead of a business dinner, he took Nicole to a Bon Iver concert, where he proposed during one of their favorite songs.

Ceremony and reception: The couple married at Reunion Resort and held their reception at the resort’s rooftop restaurant, Eleven. “We watched the sun set on the rooftop and had a spectacular view of the Disney fireworks. The reception was incredibly elegant filled with floating orchids, candles and crystals. We are both Italian and hosting an evening that felt like home, filled with good food and laughter, was very important to us and not easy to pull off. Reunion flawlessly managed every detail of our family-style seating and fivecourse meal,” Nicole shares.

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Personal thoughts: “I am a bit of a micro-manager and my bridesmaids and amazing wedding planners constantly reminded me to relax, eat, and enjoy the moment. Our photographer captured some pretty amazing images during the first look when it began to rain on us the moment we were in the middle of a bridge. Just before walking down the aisle, my maid of honor handed me a book filled with song lyrics written in calligraphy that Bruce worked on all year. Each page represented a song that reminded him of our relationship; it was beautiful!”

Where they are now: “We have a home in Windermere, a beautiful daughter and a funloving Shorkie. I own a local marketing agency, Mpact Orlando, and mostly work from home. Bruce is a software engineer for Sailpoint and also works from home,” Nicole says.

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The Wedding of

Gladi Colón and Bill Friedrich

Date: October 22, 2017 Venue: Waldorf Astoria Orlando Photographer: Luvelle Photography Wedding coordination: Andrea Grier, Weddings Unique Dress: Pronovias gown, Calvet Couture Bridal Floral: Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations Catering: Waldorf Astoria Orlando Entertainment/DJ: White Rose Entertainment Chairs: A Chair Affair Rehearsal dinner: La Luce

Their story: The couple met at work as both were employed at the same resort. “We had an instant connection upon meeting for the first time,” Gladi says. “Our first date was at Vines restaurant three weeks after meeting and we became inseparable after that.”

The proposal: The surprise engagement was Gladi’s “prize” for winning her family’s annual gingerbread house competition. “As per tradition, the winner is blindfolded and given a prize, usually something silly like a throw blanket or house slippers. This time when I took my blindfold off, Bill was down on one knee asking for my hand in marriage as my family stood by for support,” she explains.

Ceremony and reception: The wedding was held on October 22, 2017 at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Guests were carted over to the 10th tee box on the golf course. “It was the first time a couple had ever said their vows on the course. However, what made this location extra special to us is the place where we met, Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort, served as the backdrop of our ceremony,” Gladi shares. The reception was held in the Central Park Gardens; an outdoor area at the hotel complete with brick pavers, tent for shade, string lights and pergola with hanging flower bulbs.

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Personal thoughts: “I was having the time of my life on our wedding day. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by so many people that genuinely cared for our well-being and future happiness. It was pouring all day. I had a feeling the ceremony would be moved inside but didn’t want to be involved with the decision. I remember being overwhelmed with joy when the wedding coordinator put me in the golf cart and we were headed toward the golf course.”

Where they are now: Bill and Gladi live in Orlando. She works as assistant director of events and catering at Hilton Bonnet Creek/Waldorf Astoria Orlando and he works as a general manager of a marina.

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The Wedding of

Jeiran Osouli and Ryan Smith

Date: October 6, 2018 Venue: Isleworth Golf & Country Club Photography: Victoria Angela Photography Videography: LUXECINE ´ Wedding coordination: Caitlin Jones, Plan It Event Design & Management Dress: Galia Lahav gown, Bridal Reflections, New York Floral: Raining Roses DJ: FyerFly Productions Musician: Jolie Crapo Hair and makeup: Makeover Station Rentals: A Chair Affair Officiant: Teresa Knox Stationery: Dogwood Blossom Stationery

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Their story: Jeiran and Ryan met each other in San Diego in November of 2016. “On our first date we spent over five hours laughing and talking until the restaurant closed. The staff saw the sparks in our eyes and were kind enough to let the romance continue. We both knew that night we had met our soulmate!” Jeiran shares.

The proposal: Ryan planned a breathtaking proposal on a romantic hot air balloon ride overlooking the Pacific Ocean at sunset. He swept her off her feet with a beautiful oval ring she had always desired. But the most endearing part to Jeiran was that Ryan arranged for her parents to be there.

Ceremony and reception: “Our outdoor ceremony was held at the most beautiful golf course I have ever seen, Isleworth Golf and Country Club. The view of the lake, sunset and Spanish moss was only among a few magical components of the day,” Jeiran explains. “The reception was held inside the ballroom with chic and luxurious white décor. The ceremony was accompanied by an angelic live performance by Jolie Crapo that made walking down the beautiful aisle so much more dreamy.”

Personal thoughts: “I felt like a true princess who was at her fairytale wedding. The most important part of the day was being able to celebrate it with the most lovable group of friends and family.”

Where they are now: “We are back in Daytona Beach living our happily ever after and reliving our special day by looking back at our photos,” Jeiran says.

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The Wedding of

Christy Wilson Delk and Joe North

Date: November 17, 2018 Venue: The Capen House/Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens Photography: Jenna Michele Photography Wedding coordination: Heather Snively Dress: Monique Lhuillier gown, The Collection Bridal Floral: Kelly Shannon Floral Catering: Chef Scott’s Creative Catering Cake: Sprinkles Hair: Stella Luca Salon Makeup: Kroma Makeup Ceremony musicians: Nik and Reema DJ: Our DJ Rocks Lighting and rentals: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals Invitations: Maureen H. Hall Stationery & Invitations Officiant: Joe Maclaren

Their story: Christy and Joe met in the fall of 2015 when Joe, needing a place to stay in Winter Park, checked into Christy’s Airbnb rental. Ironically, they both went to Winter Park High School, and while knew of each other, did not know one another. Their relationship started slow, as Joe, who works for Boeing Corporation, was living in Houston. By spring, they decided they had something worth investing in and the relationship blossomed.

The proposal: “Joe proposed while we vacationed in Lake Tahoe — December 2017. It was on the slopes and it was a complete surprise,” Christy says.

Ceremony and reception: The ceremony was held at 4pm at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens with a reception following at The Capen House. Christy says she wanted the guests to experience the beauty and cultural elegance of these Winter Park treasures.

“The day felt special from the beginning — the first true change in tempature, a cool, crisp day with energy in the air. The sun was setting by the end of the ceremony and it was quintessential Winter Park with the boat tour riders cheering for us as they passed by the garden,” Christy shares.

The décor was “elegant French country” and the farm tables were adorned with burlap, lace, silver votives, pearls, and exquisite lavender roses, antique hydrangeas and eucalyptus from Kelly Shannon Floral. The dinner was served, as Christy says, hybrid family-style — with salads and first course on the table while the entrées were presented and served by the wait staff.

Personal thoughts: “The entire event felt magical and I was beaming with excitement for my new life (single for 20 years!) and the love that was shown by all of those who were there.”

Where they are now: Joe continues working for Boeing from the couple’s Winter Park home and Christy teaches business courses at Rollins College.

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WeddingTrends

“Travel Chic” Engagement Sessions

by Victoria Angela, Victoria Angela Photography

Victoria Angela is a lifestyle and wedding photographer (and fashionista) with more than two decades of experience. She often travels nationally and internationally to photograph some of the most special times her clients’ lives. Here she shares some advice regarding engagement portrait sessions, which could also be sound advice for all portrait sessions.

Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time inyour life together and the planning processshould be memorable and fun.

It is often that you will see an engagementsession offered with a wedding photographypackage. Now is the time to makethe most out of your wedding planningprocess, considering you probably neverhave had professional portraits done.

The professional photographer you invest in should assist you with tips on what to wear, how you should have your hair and makeup, and also the best time of day and location for the photo session. Research your desired locations to find out if they have specific hours of operation or if you need to acquire permission, permits or any entry fees.

If you are unsure what type of location

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WeddingTrends

you want, consider incorporating how you met, how he/she proposed, and what hobbies you share together. Ask your photographer if they are willing to travel and what fees would be associated with it. Sometimes it is only a quick day trip with a fee for mileage or the location may require airfare and lodging to be covered.

While it may seem appealing to hire a photographer in an area for the engagement session and another for the wedding day, it is not advised. Your experience with your photographer starts with your engagement session. It is important to build a relationship and maintain consistency in quality and service.

Are you outdoorsy? How about a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Do you two love spending time in New York City? You can’t go wrong in Central Park. It is hard to capture the change of seasons in Florida, so why not go where you can document

all those beautiful colors?

And don’t forget about your attire! What you wear is an important part of your session — for both your confidence and the result of the finished images.

Never wear anything with large logos or writing on it. Accessories can add a great element to your portraits, but we don’t recommend a chunky necklace paired with large statement earrings. Less

is more in that area. Look into renting a gown for an ultra-glam look. It’s great to have a variety with your portraits, so consider a semi-casual outfit as one look and a more formal one as a second option.

The most important rule when it comes to taking your engagement photos is to have fun and relax. You will enjoy these images forever and they will be cherished for generations.

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