Stacey & Andrew’s Black Tie Wedding

First Congregational Church of Winter Park & Country Club of Orlando Wedding

Stacey and Andrew tied the knot during their First Congregational Church wedding ceremony in Winter Park and danced the night away at the Country Club of Orlando.  The two envisioned elegance as their wedding day vibe, filled with gorgeous pastel pinks, gold, champagne, and ivory hues.

How They Met

Four years ago, Stacey and Andrew first met through working together at Orlando Regional Medical Center by chance.  Andrew was assigned to Stacey’s floor for a short time to check in on a patient that they were both in charge of care for.  It was definitely instant attraction for both, but with both on to their next assignment their connection was lost.

Fast forward a year later, the two ran into one another downtown while out with friends.  Stacey almost didn’t ask, but was curious why, Andrew didn’t reach out to her after they both felt a connection a year prior.  Andrew was in complete shock as he actually had reached out to Stacey through Facebook messenger, but for some reason Stacey did not see the message.  Andrew made it a point to make sure his messages weren’t missed again though and asked her out on a date, which led to many more and a beautiful, flourishing relationship.  Ironically enough, while Stacey didn’t quite believe Andrew’s story at first about the missed Facebook message, she had to reach out to him several months later very late at night and to not wake him did so via Facebook.  As soon as she sent her message, his prior one popped up!  Laughing to herself, she of course told Andrew the next day that she finally received his message!

The Proposal

Sharing many common interests, one of their favorite passions is traveling together and exploring the world.  Planning a getaway cruise, Stacey noticed a slight oddity in the way Andrew was packing for their vacation by being very meticulous in how items were packed and also bringing a backpack along.  Not thinking too much into it, the two prepared for their time away together and headed out to the ship.

While on board, another odd behavior occurred with Andrew – he kept disappearing!  For 30 minutes at a time or so, he would have to take off and return shortly after.  Andrew was quick to cover his tracks, but Stacey was definitely still confused on why he had to go back to the room for so long, or talk to the front desk, etc.

During a beautiful night out at dinner on the ship, the two ventured to the dining room where almost as soon as arriving Andrew had to venture off.  Little did Stacey know that he was checking on what was to come along with working with working with the captain of the ship to prepare for his big moment.

While waiting for her beau, Stacey noticed that “Will you marry me?” by Jason Derulo came on the sound system.  One of the servers on the ship walked over to Stacey and handed her Andrew’s phone, which was playing the very same song above.  He motioned for Stacey to follow him, and when she walked outside to find a hall lined with love notes and Andrew at the end began to cry realizing what was about to happen.

Running to Andrew, Stacey said, “yes” through the tears of sheer joy!

Wedding Day

That same joy and beautiful bliss of absolute love would be the two emotions that I would use to describe Stacey and Andrew’s wedding day.  Filled with so many loved ones and so much emotion, it was clear as day how meant for each other my sweethearts are for one another.

Our day started off with capturing Stacey and her girls getting ready at her childhood home.  From champagne toasts with her bridal party to time with her niece, and also the cutest flower girl ever, I love capturing all of the moments of excitement leading up to the big moment.

After getting ready was wrapped up, we headed off to the First Congregational Church in Winter Park.  My oh my let me just tell you how stunning this church is!  White pillars, white walls, a balcony overhang, and row upon row of gorgeous pews and candles lined the way for Stacey to walk down the aisle.

Their ceremony was led by Reverend David Welday, who is both their Reverend and family friend.  A candle lighting ceremony by Stacey and Andrew’s mothers opened the ceremony and closed it with our bride and groom lighting the unity candle together.  With a first kiss shared, they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

Following their ceremony, we captured many beautiful formal portraits inside and outside of the church before heading over to the Country Club of Orlando.  A member’s only club, weddings are limited to members and sponsored couples by members.  In turn, it was such a treat to be able to capture such a gorgeous wedding at such a beautiful course.

Newlywed photos of course took place at both the church and golf course, before we headed inside for their reception entrance.  I already told Sherri, Stacey’s mom, but by far she rocked the best entrance I have ever had for a mom with a song that was literally created for her (well I think so!) – “Staceys Mom” by Fountains of Wayne.  The entire crowd of guests broke out into cheers as to how perfect it was!  Andrew’s parents also nailed their reception entrance with adorable dancing followed by our stunning wedding party.

Press Play Entertainment kept the dance floor hot all the way up to the end of the night.  While guests filtered out for a sparkler send off, Stacey and Andrew spent a moment alone for one last dance.  Truly the second moment they had alone together on their special day, in addition to newlywed portraits, where they were able to cherish time with just the two of them – the perfect end to a perfect day!

Wishing my newlyweds an amazing life together filled with adventure, travel, and most importantly the love they have shared since the beginning!

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: First Congregational Church of Winter Park

Reception Venue & Caterer: Country Club of Orlando

Makeup: Eye Do Make-up

Floral: Atmospheres Floral and Decor

Cake: Soffelle Cake Artistry

DJ & Uplighting: Press Play Entertainment

Officiant: Reverand David Welday

Stationary: Elegant Wedding Invites

Dress Shop: Lily’s Bridal

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero

Shoe: Alex Marie Collection

Men’s Attire: Macy’s

Ring Shop: International Diamond Center