Nicole & Andy’s Atrium Garden Wedding at Park Plaza Gardens

Nicole and Andy tied the knot on the first of August at the gorgeous Park Plaza Gardens in Winter Park, Florida. The two envisioned a garden wedding with a vintage feel. They knew that the Park Plaza Gardens Restaurant would be the perfect setting due to its “garden inspired atrium” hidden in the back of the venue. Beautiful elements of cascading brick walls, vines arching over latticework, and diamond antique chandeliers all brought together created a charming vintage feel.

J. Michael with Park Plaza Gardens further brought the garden feel to life through creating an intimate dining setting by having a beautiful tapas buffet filled with cheese and fruits, on point service in helping guests, and the most delicious orange juice and cranberry mimosas. Having all of the details covered, Andy and Nicole were able to start off their day getting ready at the Park Plaza Hotel, which adjoins the beautiful restaurant.

I met Nicole early in the morning to capture her and her bridesmaids Jessica and Sara getting ready. Three doors down, Andy and his groomsmen Jack and Vinny were shaving and suiting up to prepare for formal portraits. Nicole surprised her girls with adorable green robes that matched the wedding color scheme perfectly. After capturing some adorable getting ready shots, we headed outside to the terrace for Nicole and Andy’s first look.

First looks are a beautiful way for my couples to take a moment alone together before their big moment. With Andy situated, Nicole came out in her gorgeous BCBG wedding gown. The reaction on Andy’s face seeing her in the gown for the first time was just incredible. He truly could not take his eyes off of her.   I gave the couple a moment alone, while I headed outside for some balcony shots to capture the outdoor ambiance of Park Ave.

After the first look, the bridal party join in for formal portraits inside the Park Plaza hotel. Originally known as the Hamilton Hotel, Peter C. Samwell built the hotel as a more modest complement to the large Seminole Hotel nearby.   Forty years ago, the Spang family purchased the hotel and shortly after completed a major renovation with the focus on keeping the hotel’s vintage elegance intact. We decided to stay inside for formal portraits due to the hotel’s vintage vibe, which paired perfectly with the couple’s garden themed wedding.  Some of my favorite shots include the bridal party playing scrabble to getting cozy on the rustic brown leather couch.

After our formal portraits, it was time for me to head out to Park Plaza Gardens to prepare for the big moment. Andy and his groomsmen entered the ceremony from the restaurant, while Nicole surprised guests by coming through the hotel.  Guests couldn’t help but tear up as Nicole walked in to Griff Moore playing a gorgeous wedding ballad on the piano. After saying their “I do’s” and sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, it was time for family hugs and catching up with friends.

The day ended with a sweet toast from both of their moms as they officially welcomed the each other’s child into the family. The newlyweds said goodbye as guests sent them off with bubbles. Looking forward to seeing their honeymoon pictures from their road trip across the California coastline!

Ps. Check out Nicole and Andy’s engagement at the Cypress Grove Estate House and to learn about how they met by clicking here!

Venue: Park Plaza Gardens

Getting Ready Venue: Park Plaza Hotel

Wedding Dress: BCBG

Pianist: Griff Moore

Wedding Cake: Cheesecake Factory

Shoes: Dyeables from KaraLous Bridal Shop