Courtney and John tied the knot during their Orlando Science Center wedding in Orlando, Florida. Overlooking the city skyline, the shared their very first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. among friends and family on the veranda and after partied the night away with dinosaurs in the Dino Room.
It feels like time has flown by from the moment I met my sweethearts in downtown Winter Garden for their hometown engagement to capturing their love on their wedding day. Courtney and John have become very dear to my heart, and I feel to incredibly lucky to have been a part of such a special time in their lives.
Their story began at one of the most magical places on earth, Disney! The two worked together at Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel in Magic Kingdom – rather ironic Courtney met her Prince Charming at Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel – where an interest from John in Courtney began. From working together to hanging out with one another outside of the parks, the two fell head over heels for one another.
Courtney just loves how John makes her feel each and every day, while John fell in love with how understanding and caring Courtney is. Finding his forever, John popped the question in another fairytale location, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, where he asked for her hand in marriage under a beautiful 50-year-old oak tree. Tears welled up with joy in Courtney’s eyes as she said, “yes” on that very special day.
Tears also flooded the eyes of guests as everyone was absolutely overjoyed with taking part in the love our sweethearts shared as they said their “I do’s,” but first the start of our day…
Arriving a bit early, we surprised Courtney and her girls at their hotel for getting ready portraits. Courtney, as always, was an absolute ray of sunshine and so completely relaxed. Her calmness was so zen like, which was the perfect match for John’s nerves and excitement of what was to come. After capturing our girls getting dolled up and Courtney buttoned up in her dress, we headed over to a local park near the Orlando Science Center to meet up with our groom for some pre-groom’s party portraits along with pre-bride’s party portraits – of course keeping our two parties separate so that John would not see Courtney – at least quite yet!
Overlooking downtown, the beautiful veranda area on the fourth floor of the science center was a stunning view to take in. One of my favorite parts of Courtney and John’s wedding included the hammering in of nails into their cross symbolizing the strength and religious guidance they would continue to pursue in their marriage.
After sharing a first kiss, our officially now Mr. and Mrs. headed off with their wedding party down the aisle, while guests headed to cocktail hour. Circling back around, we cleared the flowers for formal portraits with their family and wedding party, before bringing tons of floral back in to create a whimsical style of ground coverage for newlywed portraits.
Reception entrances were capped off by the most hilarious toasts, of which I must give it up to Courtney’s Maid of Honor Emily. Singing on her ukulele, which of course was not bride approved, she brought laughter to the room reminiscing of how the two met and their high school days together. One of my favorite verses:
“It was that one day in first grade when I first met you
You had that stupid fossil and I wanted to hit you
Bet you thought the same of me
Now I’m holding your dress when you pee.” -Emily, MOH
Our night ended with tons of dancing and sending our sweethearts off down the walkway of love!
Wishing Courtney and John an amazing life together, filled with the same fairytale love that they had since the moment they met!
Venue: Orlando Science Center
Getting Ready Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown
DJ & Uplighting: Junction 88 Productions, Inc.
Shoes: kate spade new york for Keds
Cake: 4Rivers Smokehouse Catering
Caterer: Cocktails Catering
Florist: Dream Designs Florist & Wedding Boutique
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