Holley and Bryan tied the knot during their Lakeside Inn wedding in Mount Dora, Florida. The two envisioned a ceremony overlooking the water with vintage aspects found throughout the historic hotel.
You may remember my sweethearts from their summer love engagement at New Smyrna Beach. Their engagement session took place on their two year anniversary, which was so incredibly sentimental. Their story began though while Holley was completing a shorebird internship in Sanibel, Florida. Bryan’s two roommates happen to be completing the same internship, and while visiting the two to work on projects, Holley would inadvertently run into Bryan all of the time. After becoming friends, they realized that their mutual interests went far beyond just a friendship.
From their love of animals to hanging out at the beach, their friendship took new heights as the two transitioned to dating. Ying and yang, the two pair so well together. Holley is very extroverted, and as she explains it “incredibly loud” at times, while Bryan is more “laid-back.” Their natural balance with one another cannot be denied and has been the foundation that they have built their love on. As Holley explains their love in the most simplistic and beautiful way, “I really love the way he loves me.”
After a year of dating, Bryan knew it was time to propose to the girl of his dreams. Bryan surprised Holley with a day trip back to Sanibel, where he took Holley for a long walk along to see the lighthouse, mangroves, and shoreline. Hidden among the mangroves, a little opening allowed the two to sit down in the shade so they could admire the beauty before them. Out of nowhere (okay Bryan’s backpack), Bryan pulled out a photo album that he created for Holley, which he supposedly forgot to give her the night before when they celebrated their one year anniversary with a fancy dinner. Holley explained that “the photo album had pictures of all of our firsts: first photo together, first road trip, first date, first Christmas… then there was a photo of an engagement ring.” Under the image of the beautiful ring, a little caption read “The day we got engaged, Sanibel, FL, May 8, 2015.” Holley was in completed shock and I mean complete shock as Bryan dropped to one knee. It was almost like a blur of love feeling as though time has stopped. Bryan asked for her hand in marriage and while bawling her eyes out she said “yes!”
Just like their proposal on the water, their wedding day took place on the water as well. Situated along Lake Dora, the Lakeside Inn historic hotel caters to beautiful vintage weddings and a lovely place to stay while enjoying the little town of Mount Dora. Our day started off with capturing Holley and her girls having their hair and makeup done by the absolutely wonderful Laura Reynolds. Looking beautiful as ever, we captured our bride’s bridal portraits and her and her girls getting in their dresses.
After finishing up with Holley, we headed over to the groom’s suite to capture Bryan and his groomsmen suiting up. My favorite moment came shortly after with a first look right outside their reception ballroom in the garden. Walking up to Bryan, Holley’s excitement was absolutely contagious. When Bryan finally turned around, it was an emotional and beautiful first look. You could just feel the love between the two. Taking a moment alone, the two enjoyed their first look before we moved on to capturing wedding party and family photos so that our couple could participate in cocktail hour later on in the night.
Their ceremony soon followed underneath the oak trees lining the aisle and overlooking Lake Dora. After reading their vows and sharing a first kiss, the two walked down the aisle to a bubble processional send off. Cocktail hour followed along with their reception filled with a ton of dancing by Our DJ Rocks. Truly the night was wonderful from start to finish and we enjoyed capturing every celebratory moment of our darlings. Wishing my sweethearts a beautiful life together filled with many beach trips!
Venue: Lakeside Inn
Hair & Makeup: Laura Reynolds Hair & Makeup Artistry:
DJ: Our DJ Rocks
