The Wedding of Leslie Christin and William John Slot Jr.

Date: November 11, 2022 Ceremony: Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Reception: Casa

Monica Resort & Spa Wedding Planning: Susie Weiss Photography: Sheri O’ Neal (Nashville, TN) Florals: Trish’s Orchids Dress: Custom design by Linda Ruiz, Park Place

Vintage, San Jose, CA Hair: London Looks Makeup: Leslie Christin, Studio CARA

Officiant: Norma Ruiz (bride’s cousin) Entertainment: Y Entertainment

Their story: We met in December 2020, while I was doing makeup on one of my dear clients, Padgett McCormick. She asked me if I was single and if I wanted to meet this very nice man. So off I go on my first date, and that date never ended. We fell in love, and the adventures began… we walked the Camino in Spain, we navigated through COVID, and at age 59, I married for the first time!

Ceremony and reception: We wanted a vintage Hollywood vibe for our wedding, so we chose St. Augustine. The wedding was on November 11, 2022, the day after Hurricane Nicole hit St. Augustine. The rehearsal was cancelled as downtown looked more like Venice — the streets flooded, the Casa Monica Hotel without power, and airports closed. Late in the evening, we had an improv gathering at the Casa Monica with no power, no hot water, no hot food, only a few of our family members, lots of wine, almonds and cheese boards, making the best of it. Then our family from California walked in, the lights came on, the waters receded, and alas we were hopeful the wedding would happen.

Our day was perfect in every way. Our family and friends came from around the world to celebrate this moment. The ceremony at the Lightner Museum courtyard was beautiful and during our vows the koi fish from the pond jumped out with joy. The reception at Casa Monica had a spectacular sunset where we danced, we laughed, and we celebrated.

Personal thoughts: We were exactly where we should be with all our loved ones. In the wake of the hurricane, everyone travelled from near and far. We are truly grateful to all that made our day so very special. The next day we jetted off to Paris for our honeymoon.

Where they are now: Leslie is a professional makeup artist and owner of Studio CARA in Maitland, and after doing hundreds of brides’ makeup over the years, it was finally her turn. William “John” Slot is the Chief Innovation Officer for Lynx and the father of a daughter and son, both students at UCF.