Universal Studios Orlando Wedding
Kara and Keisuke tied the knot during their Portofino Bay Hotel wedding and celebrated by traveling throughout the parks to capture newlywed portraits at Universal Studios. An adventurous couple, the two travelled from Canada with their friends and family to celebrate their love, along with having an amazing time at the parks!
From Canada to the US
To think, while they both lived in Canada, they actually first met in Seattle. Back in 2008, the two traveled to Seattle for an Anime Convention called Sakuracon. While walking around the convention center, they both noticed one another right away as they were dressed as characters from the same series. As a small mob gathered around Kara to take photos, she grabbed Keis to join her. Chatting that day and exchanging numbers, they would have never guessed that it took traveling outside of Canada to find love back in Canada.
Over the past years, Kara has fallen in love with Keis’ “willingness to try things that are outside of his comfort zone” to make Kara happy. His ability to make her smile at any time, along with how she feels she can just be herself around him, truly are the ties that bind Kara’s love for Keis.
For Keis, he loves how Kara has opened a whole new world to him of experiencing things he would never have gotten do do on his own. From small things, like riding roller coasters, to larger scale travel abroad, she always pushes Keis to look beyond the horizon as they make memories together. Keis also explains that, “I love how she never judges me and goes out of her way to make my day better.”
The Portofino Proposal
Finding love in Kara and knowing she was the one, Keis proposed to Kara while they were vacationing at the Portofino on October 13th of 2014. A special date, the two decided when planning their wedding that they would come back to the very spot where their forever together began – and even better, on October 13th too!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Wedding Ceremony
With the vision of “fun, casual, and all about spending a vacation with family and friends” in mind, Kara and Keis planned a beautiful wedding day that incorporated these key items. Meeting in the lobby upon our arrival, we joined our couple on an adventure through the Portofino in finding hidden gems for backdrops and secret hallways. As guests began to arrive, we headed out to the Piazza Centrale, the center atrium of the Portofino, where their ceremony would be taking place. As daylight flooded in, so did the love between Kara and Keis as they officially tied the knot!
After formal portraits in the beautiful Tuscany inspired space, we headed off with our couple into Universal Studios. I must say – it was an absolute blast! Once in the park, we immediately headed over to Bruce – a staple character for Jaws – who for Kara had been a must picture every time she visits. With Bruce checked off our list, we left the rather terrifying shark for another terrifying spot – Knockturn Alley.
A Little Magic on Knockturn Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Kara and Keis must have thought I was crazy, because it was literally pitch black inside when we stopped to take photos. Having a flash with me though, we made some pretty amazing magic happen for some very eery (but of course loving) Knockturn Alley shots!
Jumping on our imaginary broomsticks, we flew through Diagon Alley, stopping for pictures at the sweet shop, wand shop, and to 12 Grimmauld Place. With family and friends heading over by boat to NBC Sports Grille for a celebratory lunch, on our last flight we hit up the iconic Universal globe.
Wishing my darlings a beautiful life together – whether it be in Canada, Orlando, or quite possibly Hogwarts…
Ceremony Venue: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Reception Venue: NBC Sports Grill & Brew
Newlywed Portrait Venue: Universal Studios Orlando
Coordinator: Just Marry
Makeup & Hair: Once Upon A Beauty Hair & Makeup
Officiant: Ceremonies by Catherine Pick
Shoes: Never Never Shoes on Etsy
Ring Shop & Designer: Earth Art Gem & Jewelry
