Tori and Courtney tied the knot during their Power Crosley Estate wedding in Sarasota, Florida. The two knew right away that the venue was the perfect fit from the massive lawn to the beautiful, historic architecture.
Courtney knew from the laying eyes on Tori that she was convinced she would be marrying her one day. The two kept in touch over the Summer, as Courtney made a commitment to her convictions by driving to Orlando every week to spend time with Tori. Shrimp scampi dinners and hanging out in Orlando together turned into officially dating when Tori moved back to Tampa.
As we know from their beginning, Courtney fell head over heels for Tori the moment she laid eyes on her, but truly, her favorite thing is the “way she can find the good in everything.” As Courtney explains their love, Tori “inspires me to be the best version of myself possible and believes I can achieve anything I put my mind to.”
Tori’s love for Courtney began through seeing Courtney’s dedication to her and their relationship. As she explains Courtney’s dedication to her and others, Courtney is “also one of the most caring and passionate people I know, but in a quiet way, she really cares about the people in her life.” Oh and of course, I could not forget to mention Tori’s favorite trait of Courtney, her humor. I must say that Courtney had Tori laughing the entire engagement.
As their love grew for one another over their ten-year span of dating, Courtney knew it was the right time to pop the question. When chatting about their double-digit anniversary, Tori brought up the idea of doing a cruise getaway, but Courtney told Tori that she wanted to plan their celebration instead. Looking back, Tori noted, “I realize now that should have been my first clue, as I plan all our vacations, so as skeptical as I was, I agreed. Best. Decision. Ever.”
June 11th came around quickly, but Courtney was ready and prepared. Dressed up and ready to head out, Courtney brought Tori to Tampa’s downtown Riverwalk for a surprise boat ride. Riding around in the boat, admiring the scenery around them and skyline of the city, Courtney pulled out the ring from her pocket and asked Tori to marry her. As Tori reminisces, “I couldn’t believe it; I think I asked if it was all a joke about 100 times before saying yes! We are both Tampa natives and love it here, so being out in the middle of the city was really the perfect proposal location.”
While Tori though the surprises were over, they had just begun. Pulling up in the boat to Jackson’s Bistro for dinner, the two began to hear cheering from a huge group outside. Looking over to see what the commotion was all about, Tori realized that the group was over their closest family and friends – yet another fun surprise Courtney had planned. Tori began joyfully crying, completely blown away by Courtney’s thoughtfulness and how she was able to keep it all a secret!
Their wedding day felt just as romantic as Courtney’s proposal. Starting out while waiting for Courtney to arrive, we captured Tori’s details and finishing touches of getting into her dress. Courtney arrived just in time to have a couple portraits with her side of the wedding party before it was time for their first look. With the bright sun slowly setting, I found the sweetest little walkway on the side that was shaded perfectly for their first look and formal portraits. Courtney’s excitement was definitely contagious as Tori rounded the corner and tapped her the shoulder to turn around. Both of their eyes lit up seeing one another for the first time and it was clear as day how meant to be they are for one another.
Formal portraits soon followed before we were ready to hide our sweethearts away as guests entered for the ceremony. Taking place overlooking the lake, their ceremony was beautifully timed with the sunset behind them. After exchanging rings, saying their “I do’s,” and sharing a first kiss, our couple walked hand in hand down the aisle, officially Mrs. and Mrs.
Their reception was an absolute blast from dancing on the outside dance floor to cake cutting inside the central hall. Our night ended with a bubble send off and back inside for one last dance! Wishing our darlings a beautiful life together, filled with love and happiness!
Venue: Powel Crosley Estate
Men’s/Women’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Dress Designer: Allure Bridal
Dress Shop: CC’s Boutique in Tampa
Florist: Elegant Designs Floral Art Studio in Sarasota
DJ: HPS Entertainment
Makeup: Carissa Mosley
Catering: Milan Catering
Shoes: Naturalizer
Comments
I want to purchase some pictures from Tori and Courtney’s wedding. Is it too late?
Kim Di Federico
Not at all! Please reach out to Tori to let her know which ones you would like to order and we would be happy to upload them to a gallery she can share with you.