Floridian Weddings

Friday Fresh Squeeze

Desiree — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:26:22 +0000

Good morning y'all! Hopefully you have some fun and relaxing plans for the long weekend. I plan on catching some rays poolside and enjoying some cold adult beverages. Bring it on Summer!

WHAT WE'RE LOVING THIS WEEK

Photography by Set Free Photography

We saw that Set Free Photography was featured in the Summer 2013 Florida edition of Occasions Magazine and just had to share this romantic wedding with you! Brooke and Daniel chose to get married under some very enchanting trees and the whole theme of their wedding was whimsical and drenched is the history of love.

I've worked with Shutter Life Productions; that said I adore their work, especially this gorgeous Indian wedding!

Loving all of the natural and DIY elements from this Rubber Boots Photography wedding.

Did you see this incredible Vintage Backyard affair from our Fave Sugar(ed) Occasions?!

Two of our Faves are getting some love on ELD: Denise of Dogwood Blossom Stationery and Wesleyann from Dear Wesleyann Photography!

A great read on having an Unplugged Wedding. Let your photographer and videographer do the job you've hired them to do and ask your guests to just enjoy!

Maybe I'm just reminiscing of my days growing up in Texas, but this desert inspiration shoot has me swooning with all the soft greys, pinks, and greens.

Orange you glad you live in Florida? I am! And this shoot could easily translate into a fab orange grove wedding in our Sunshine State.

Hey Florida Wedding Pros! Are you charging enough for your services?

MORE FRESH SQUEEZE

For a little more of the talented work from Along Came Stephanie and Isn't She Lovely Floral, take a look at Set Free's blog post or pick up a copy of Occasions Magazine! Enjoy a few more fresh images from Brooke and Daniel's lovely day!

Photography by Set Free Photography

Navy Engagement: Olivia & Jeremy at Tree Tops Park

Desiree — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:44:55 +0000

Continuing our salute this week, we have the adorable Olivia and Jeremy whose love of the outdoors brought them together. Dainty Blue Photography captured the pride that Olivia has for her groom-to-be and we're so happy to share this e-sesh with you all!

Photography by Dainty Blue Photography

The unusual start to their relationship is quite cute. I'll let Olivia tell you, "Jeremy and I met at a Miami Dolphins game on my birthday! Needless to say, sparks didn't fly. We actually didn't even speak to each other much. I started running with training group on Saturdays and these people became my best friends! Jeremy had it out for me and teased me all the time since I was the youngest one in our group and I of course gave it right back! We became best friends and eventually lovers."

Photography by Dainty Blue Photography

Jeremy has been in the Navy for almost 17 years now and it's safe to say it's been a huge part of his life. He has accomplished so much in his career, and he is only 3 years away from early retirement. He has never pursued a serious relationship with a woman due to his constant relocation so it came as a shock to his family and himself when he decided to settle down with this lucky lady! His uniform is so significant of all his accomplishments thus far, not to mention he looks smolderingly handsome in it!

Photography by Dainty Blue Photography

I wanted to get our photos done for so long and when we got engaged I saw the perfect opportunity. Jeremy and I are super outdoorsy people so the opportunity to do the shoot outside in the natural light and scenery was ideal. Jeremy always says I have a feisty side to me so the red lipstick was a must. And against his pristine white uniform it went perfect!

Photography by Dainty Blue Photography

The overall look for this shoot is so sweet. I love Olivia's style and yes, Jeremy looks super handsome in his dress uniform. Once again, thank you Jeremy and to all of the service men and women who've dedicated their lives to our country's freedom.

LOCATION/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Location: Tree Tops Park | Photography: Dainty Blue Photography | Submission: Two Bright Lights

Military Engagement: Tara & Richard in Pensacola

Desiree — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:50:38 +0000

When I saw these joy-filled images from Aislinn Kate Photography I got so excited that I literally squealed! Richard looks so handsome in his Navy blues and his bride-to-be, Tara, is as cute as a button. These two are gearing up for a life of adventure, and their images are a great start to this upcoming holiday weekend!

Photography by Aislinn Kate Photography

From Tara: Richard joined the Navy about 6 months ago, so he is currently in Pensacola, Florida and that is where the proposal happened! The funniest thing is that he was barely in Pensacola for 3 weeks and wasn't familiar that much with the area, so he had no idea where he would do it at! So, when I came I found a great restaurant called McGuires! He decided to go again to same restaurant the day after! The funniest thing is that he was allowed to finally wear "civilian" clothes, but that day he decided to show up in his dress blues! So I had a weird feeling something was up! He excused himself to the bathroom and when he came back he had a friend with a video camera recording and him getting on one knee! It was so cute seeing him nervous!

Photography by Aislinn Kate Photography

Richard and I met in high school when he was only 15 years old and we have been together since then. I think the interesting thing is that he asked me out over Myspace! Now, this seems so outdated and corny! ha. We both went to the same high school, but I was 2 years older than him (which in high school is a big deal) so, we never really noticed each other before. Our first date was at on Christmas day at my parent's house watching movies on my laptop! And it took off since then.

Photography by Aislinn Kate Photography

We unfortunately live across the country from each other (I live in Los Angeles) but, we make it work and I try to see him at least every month. The theme for our wedding is nautical... of course because of the Navy! So the colors are white, navy, and silver! I have already been working on the wedding, found a venue in Pasadena, got my dress, etc. The only problem with the military, is that it's difficult to set an exact date! But we are hoping around November or December (fingers crossed!).

Photography by Aislinn Kate Photography

Tara and Richard's birthdays are separated only by nine days and although they are both Aquarius signs, Tara says they couldn't be more opposite. She is shy and he has an outgoing personality and is very sociable. In her own words, "I think opposites do attract and it makes our relationship much more interesting!"

Photography by Aislinn Kate Photography

They're so cute! Special thanks to Aislinn for sharing these patriotic images and to Richard, for his new role and service to our country. Thank you.

LOCATION/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Location: Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL | Photography: Aislinn Kate Photography | Submission: Two Bright Lights

Golf Course Engagement: Amy & Ryan in Palm Beach

Laura — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:01:54 +0000

We love, love, LOVE hearing from brides and grooms, especially when they send us their adorable engagement sessions! Amy and Ryan spent a fun day with their photographer, Alexi Shields, on a gorgeous Palm Beach golf course... and here are the sunny, happy results.

Photography by Alexi Shields Photography

With Ryan being a writer for the Golf Channel, golf is a huge part of his and Amy's life together; they've even had to schedule their wedding plans around the PGA tour season! Amy grew up at the beach, so the Palm Beach Par 3 - a beautiful golf course right on the ocean - seemed the perfect fit for both their personalities. Bright, fun and airy photos were the goal, and they got exactly what they hoped for.

Photography by Alexi Shields Photography

Amy and Ryan met as undergrads attending the University of Georgia; they were friends for about three years before Ryan "nervously" asked Amy on a date. After that date, says Amy, "We never looked back."

Photography by Alexi Shields Photography

I ADORE the sweet story of their engagement, as told by the bride-to-be (and edited by the writer groom):
Ryan took me to this event called the Taste of Winter Park. We both love food and wine, so this was a can't-miss event. I was having an amazing time, eating and drinking almost everything in sight. But Ryan didn't eat very much. If you know him, that's odd. Very odd. He's a human garbage disposal. But I didn't think much of it; after all, I was too busy enjoying myself! After I was completely full, Ryan walked me over to a rose garden, not far from where the event was going on. He told me that he had gotten me dessert, and that I should wait there so he could bring it to me. I thought, "Dessert? I'm completely full!" Sure enough, a few moments later, he brought over a box of cupcakes that spelled out "Will You Marry Me?" with a gorgeous ring inside!

Photography by Alexi Shields Photography

I asked Amy to share what she loves about her man: "I love everything about Ryan. His ability to make me laugh in any situation, his talent, his drive, his love for me and my family, and his willingness to watch HGTV even when the Braves are on."

Photography by Alexi Shields Photography

And what Ryan loves about his lady: "I love that she's a perfect complement, an eminently compatible partner. Funny, smart, beautiful, ambitious, crafty, kind, adventurous, caring, warm. A better half, truly."
(Yup, these always make me weepy!)

Photography by Alexi Shields Photography

The two will be tying the knot at the Delray Beach Club this November; Amy tells us that they've having a blast planning all their fun details. Congrats, you two! We can't wait to see how it turns out!

LOCATION/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Location: Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course | Photography: Alexi Shields Photography

Vintage Backyard Wedding: Valerie & Alan in Plantation

Laura — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:03:36 +0000

I fell for this couple pretty much immediately: Florida girl falls in love with Alaska and moves there; meets Alaska boy and falls head over heels for him. A few years later, they come back to the sunshine state for an intimate, vintage-inspired backyard wedding... captured by Elevation 9 Photography and planned to perfection by one of our Faves, Sugar(ed) Event Design and Planning. What's not to love?

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

Valerie and Alan set a February date for their wedding, so coming back to Florida's winter weather was an easy decision. According to Valerie, the location was also a way to bring their families closer together: "By having the wedding in Florida, I was able to share a little part of me with Alan's family. I also had family traveling from Colombia, so Florida seemed like a nice 'middle point'. My mom's backyard was the perfect venue because we both wanted something intimate and small. I think the final guest count was around 45. My mother was so excited to be able to have it there too, so I was happy to see HER happy."

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

The two share many interests and hobbies, which sounds pretty key for living in Alaska. As Valerie tells us:
We both enjoy fishing and camping in the summer time and being active together. We also just have a deep love for Alaska... not many people can live up here and stay for the SUPER long winters, but I think we have such a strong bond and relationship that those 8 months are very tolerable without getting cabin fever. I love that he is funny and caring and loves to take care of me. He says he loves the fact that I am learning to be 'Alaskan' and he loves that there are so many things I like doing that he also enjoys doing... it makes those activities even more fun because we are sharing them with each other.

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

We were pretty excited when Valerie told us that she followed Floridian Weddings during her planning! You know we're giving her a huge virtual high five for choosing Sugar(ed) to coordinate every detail. From Valerie: Planning was a breeze with Miranda. I was so worried because we were planning the wedding 5,000 miles away. I felt that with Miranda, I had zero things to worry about. I flew to Florida to go dress shopping back in May of 2012 so Miranda and I met up for the first time. She had appointments with vendors lined up for me while I was down there, which was perfect! I was literally able to book my major vendors while I was down there. We used Pinterest to communicate ideas and put together an inspiration board.

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

Unearthed Vintage supplied all the lovely vintage pieces for the day, and it's pretty obvious that the bride got everything she had dreamed of: It's so difficult to pick one favorite detail because everything was so awesome. I did love the church pews so much during our ceremony (I had to BEG Alan to say yes to them... he was eventually really happy that he said yes to them because he loved them too). I also loooooooved our chandelier over our sweetheart table. The decor was out of this world! It was seriously everything that I had dreamed about. It was cute when Alan said in his speech during the reception "This seriously looks like everything Val had told me about, its incredible!

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

Valerie also shared a few of her favorite moments...

One of my favorite moments was hearing my husband say his vows to me in Spanish so that my family from Colombia could understand him. I loved it so much! I also thought the garter toss was hilarious. Alan came out from the dark with sunglasses on and with "Danger Zone" playing in the background (his favorite movie is Top Gun). I honestly couldn't stop laughing.

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

Dancing with my mom was also on my top best moments of the night. I loved sharing such a special moment with my mom... apparently there wasn't a dry eye in the audience :) But, by far, my favorite moment was dancing with my husband for the first time under the lights. Nothing can ever top that!

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

Val's mother surprised the couples with some seriously hot reception entertainment - fire dancers!

Photography by Elevation 9 Photography

As a special treat, we also have the gorgeous film captured by Michael Burgos...

Valerie wrapped up her story with something I really loved to hear: "Maybe we can inspire a bride out there just as your other brides in the past inspired me!" I think that's a given, Val! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful day with us!

VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Friday Fresh Squeeze

Laura — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:50:47 +0000

Happy Friday, all! I've been (more than) a little under the weather this week, but I'm on the mend just in time for the weekend. Whew! Summer weather has arrived, couples are tying the knot each weekend, and we're seeing SO much lovely from our fab Florida vendors... it doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy the Squeeze!

Photography by Floridian Weddings

I geeked out a little over the DIY backyard wedding we featured this week, and the sweet personality quiz story that Kristin shared with us. (If you haven't seen that sweet wedding yet, make sure to go take a peek!) I thought back to my childhood, when all those silly quizzes were so popular... and got really nostalgic. Wouldn't this be a fun little table activity for your guests during a reception? I'm sharing the how-to after the squeeze!

WHAT WE'RE LOVING THIS WEEK

I'm not sure it gets much prettier than this stunning Key West soiree captured by Jessica Lorren and coordinated by Just Save the Date!

How adorable is this 40's inspired inspiration shoot? Loving the gingham program fans from one of our faves, Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio.

These bright colors and pretty florals are making me so happy.

Vintagey goodness, a beautiful park venue, and so many of our talented guide members! Love.

Pretty couple, pretty park, pretty pictures... they had me at 'fireman'.

Green and white are so natural and beautiful together.

Total pink and gold beach gorgeousness.

Beer tasting during your engagement session - why not, right?

Dying to try this pretty painted tablecloth DIY.

And now for something geeky (I can't help myself)!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPONSOR

We're welcoming Terreign into our sponsor family, and I'm pretty excited about it because I know you will love their handmade, natural, globally-inspired jewelry. Make sure to check out the bridal look we put together featuring two of their beautiful, beachy pieces!

AND NOW, THE HOW-TO:

Whether you call it a table game or an ice-breaker, I think it's fun to have something for guests to do in between courses or funky dance moves. You can just pile these little cards up in the middle, supply a few pencils (perhaps in your wedding colors?) and you're done.

Photography by Floridian Weddings

Each question is on the front, with a space below for you to pencil in your response; just flip it over for the interpretation. The topics are all simple and silly, but sure to make people think and discuss with those seated next to them.

Photography by Floridian Weddings

Want these for your reception? I've wrapped up the cards into ready-to-print file for you - just print them, double-sided, onto card stock and cut inside the crop lines.

GET THE RECEPTION QUIZ CARDS

Happy Friday!

Bride Attire: Natural, Globally-Inspired Jewelry from Terreign

Laura — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:50:37 +0000

I have a serious case of wanderlust; I travel whenever and wherever I can, and I obsess over anything with an exotic, international feel. So when Michelle from Terreign introduced me to their new line of breezy, gorgeous, globally-inspired accessories, I couldn't wait to share them with you!

{This post was sponsored by Terreign.}

Drawing inspiration from travels both "abroad and back home", Terreign's pieces are simple, beautiful and earthy-yet-elegant; many are bursting with bright tropical colors and all are made with natural materials like mother-of-pearl, coconut, wood fiber and rivershell.

I love the Hana and Trikora strand necklaces for a destination-style twist on a statement necklace - there are so many gorgeous colors to choose from! And the Hana Bloom Pin would be such a pretty alternative to a mother of the bride corsage, don't you think?

I was really captivated by the gorgeous blue/green hues in many of Terreign's pieces... I know, big surprise (it's one of my favor color combinations). I think they'd be the perfect accessories for a casually elegant Florida wedding with a tropical, natural, global vibe. This look would be so at home by the sea!

Terreign's pieces coordinate so effortlessly with this breezy Saja gown, bringing in the tropical feel with their bright oceany hues... and the silver studs on these gladiator-esque sandals keep them just elegant enough for a wedding on the sand.

(Sources: Saja gown; Hana triple-strand necklace in Surf and Boracay thin bangles in Pool, Seaglass and Starlight from Terreign; Belle by Sigerson Morrison Roma Stud Sandals)

If you're ready to snap up a few pieces for your very own, jet over to Terreign and check out their full line of lovely; as a bonus, shipping is free for orders over $60. They’d make pretty perfect gifts, too... how cute is their travel-inspired packaging? (Hint, hint!)

DIY Backyard Wedding: Kristin & Craig in Central Florida

Laura — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:25:30 +0000

We have a slight obsession for backyard weddings 'round here... but we're even more obsessed with the gorgeous work of Shipra Panosian. When she sent over this sweet DIY affair, described by bride as "crafted with love by the people who know us best", we were sold from the very first look.

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

Kristin and Craig met while working at a restaurant; says Kristin, "He was my boss. (Shhhhhh! It was scandalous!) We had an instant connection. We loved all the same pop culture things - books, movies, music. We would find ourselves staying late at the restaurant, carrying on conversations into the middle of the night."

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

I knew there was something special between us one night when we talked about this little personality quiz. You're supposed to say what your favorite animal is and the qualities of that animal you love. Then you're supposed to say what your second favorite animal is and the qualities of that animal that you love. Supposedly, your favorite animal's qualities represent the qualities you truly like in yourself. And, the second animal's qualities reveal what you are looking for in a mate. My animals were #1 – dog (I ADORE my puppies) and #2 - bear. Craig's favorite animals were #1 - bear, and #2 – dog. It was so serendipitous; it just felt like we were made for one another.

Don't lie... how many of you are dying to try that little quiz with your own partner now?

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

With friends and family living all across the country, the chance to see everyone and have them all celebrate together was a huge priority. Luckily, Craig's sister offered up their beautiful Florida backyard for the festivities. From Kristin: We thought, 'This might be the only time in our lives where we can really get everyone together.' We essentially wound up planning a wedding week, where we had guests arriving as early as the Wednesday before the wedding, and staying as late as Tuesday morning after the wedding. I luckily have the best little sister ever. She managed to keep me calm and on track even when things were stressful or up in the air.

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

We were so lucky because Craig’s sister Monica and her husband Mike offered to host our wedding in their amazing back yard. We chose to have our wedding at their home because we wanted our big day to feel relaxed and personal. We wanted so badly to prioritize our family and friends many of whom would be flying in from out of state; we didn't want to feel pressured to be in and out of a location at certain times. And, it gave us a tremendous amount of freedom as far as vendors and what we could do during our celebration – like set up a bonfire and roast s'mores.

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

The couple, their family and friends handled many of the wedding day details: the flowers were all created by their Aunt Debbie, picked right from her own garden; their Uncle Robert officiated the ceremony; their Uncle Joe gave the blessing. Their friends Michael and Elizabeth planned out the alcoholic beverages (even whipping up a homemade sangria), Kristin's little sister created decorations, and their friend Corey helped Craig out "in every imaginable way". Says Kristin, "Every part of our wedding was crafted with love by the people who know us best. Every piece was like a love letter."

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

I'm kinda obsessed with their band, The Mud Flappers, by just looking at them. Kristin assured me that they were as fun as they appeared: "They were AMAZING!! They made the night feel like such a celebration."

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

I adored the favorite memory that Kristin shared with us: There was a moment during our reception where I just looked around and saw friends roasting s'mores over the bonfire, family tearing it up on the dance floor, and my bridesmaids running around with sparklers, and I thought to myself, this is exactly the wedding I wanted. Everything was perfect.

Photography by Shipra Panosian Photography

Sounds like a total success to me! Congratulations, Kristin and Craig, and thanks as always to Shipra for sharing her talent with us.

VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Cityscape Engagement: Simona & Dave in West Palm Beach

Laura — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:50:14 +0000

It feels pretty special to read about (and see, thanks to Michelle Kristine Photography's beautiful work) two people, from so far away, make their home here in Florida. Simona and Dave met, fell in love, got engaged and were married here in this new home that they love; their engagement session honored both where they came from and who they are now, together.

Photography by Michelle Kristine Photography

Having known Dave and Simona for a few years, Michelle already had the perfect plan in mind when they came to her for their engagement session. Says Michelle, "They love the feel of the city and all the aspects that come with it. The high rise buildings, the modern landscape, the clean lines and chic lifestyle. They both have a serious sense of style, being both classy and modern all at the same time... The different talents they possess collectively is just not even fair."

Photography by Michelle Kristine Photography

Simona, from Latvia, and Dave, from Dubai, were both immigrants from big cities, and they came to the States to study and find a better future. Years later, with degrees and successful jobs in hand (Simona teaching music at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Dave working as a User Experience designer for Levatas), they also found each other.

Photography by Michelle Kristine Photography

It was their musical talents, and their faith, that brought them together. Dave plays guitar for his church in Jupiter, and Simona (who was still at school in Boston at the time) was invited to play with them for a Christmas concert. As Dave tells us, "Simona fell in love with Florida and the people here. After finishing up in Boston, Simona highly considered moving to Florida. After applying for a teaching position in 30 different places, all was denied except Florida! She moved shortly after that."

Photography by Michelle Kristine Photography

Although Simona and Dave had talked about a December engagement, Dave knew he wanted to surprise her. So, he planned it for a few months before that, on her birthday... and I love that we get to hear the story from the groom!

Photography by Michelle Kristine Photography

I thought that her birthday would be the greatest cover up for a proposal. Simona loves the city (we both do). I decided to take her to a rooftop restaurant in downtown West Palm Beach that overlooked the Island of Palm Beach and the pacific ocean called "Top of the Point". We had a nice dinner, exchanged some sweet words and I gave her a watch. After dinner, I asked her to take a stroll with me across the Intracoastal and go to a spot right next to the Flagler Museum called "Big Tree". This spot overlooks the other side of the island (downtown West Palm Beach). The sun was setting and the lights from the skyline were being reflected in the water. I asked her if she would be my wife, then she said yes! I had a surprise party ready for her back in the place she was living at with all our friends and family waiting. It was the birthday that she'll never forget.

Photography by Michelle Kristine Photography

So romantic! The two were married in April, and as Dave tells us, "We ended up having the sweetest wedding one could ever have." Congratulations, guys!

LOCATION/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Location: Downtown West Palm Beach | Photography: Michelle Kristine Photography

Surprise Wedding: Valerie & Ryan on the Emerald Coast

Laura — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:50:00 +0000

A surprise wedding... can anything be more fun and joyous? From the moment we saw this beauty from Ashley Victoria Photography in our inbox, we couldn't wait to find out every detail of Val and Ryan's story. I think you'll adore it as much as we do!

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Valerie and Ryan met 10 years ago in high school, and Ryan popped the question just this past October while they were visiting Valerie's sister Kendall in Paris. They targeted March for the wedding, when Kendall would be home for a visit. After Valerie read about a surprise wedding (on a blog, of course!) she immediately reached out to her sister, her mom and a good friend to ask, "Do you think I could pull this off?" The answer was a resounding YES, and they all jumped in to make it work. They told everyone they were planning for a fall wedding in North Carolina, but began preparing for an engagement-party-turned-surprise-wedding in two months.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

They started the wedding day by getting dressed for portraits. Val had given her bridesmaids a neutral color palette and asked them to pick out something cute to wear for their 'engagement party'; they found out the night before the wedding that they'd actually picked out their bridesmaid dresses! A fun portrait session all around Baytowne Wharf followed.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

I'm a little obsessed with this elevator first look photo - how sweet and joyful do they look? Val also brought along a gift to give to Ryan: the movie ticket stub she had saved from their first date in 2003. The movie? American Wedding.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

After the photo session, Val changed out of her wedding dress and they headed over to the beautiful Bentley's on the Bay for the party.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Says Valerie, "The first hour or so of our 'engagement party' was pretty normal with appetizers, drinks and lots of talking. I'm sure all of our guests were wondering why we had gone to so much work for just an engagement party. Then my dad made a toast thanking everyone for being there and then announced: 'We've had an engagement party, and now we're going to have a wedding!'"

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Ashley caught the shock and surprise on guests' faces... what a fun moment! Val then changed into her wedding dress, and they had the wedding ceremony on the lawn just 20 minutes later.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Ed and Sue of First Day Entertainment (their officiant and DJ for the day) had the couple prepare their love story; part of it was how each knew the other was 'the one'. A few things Val shared about Ryan: He is trusting, forgiving, very blunt and honest at times, and a man's man. I love that he will find a way to fix anything I give him. He has always been a constant supporter of anything and everything I do (and have done). He doesn't like to plan for tomorrow, yet I can always tell that he thinks about our future together. He takes life as it comes at him and lives in the moment. He takes care of me. He lets me have a cat, even though he says he's allergic. And after 10 years, we are still finding new "firsts" together.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

And Ryan about Val: I like to think I always knew Valerie was the one, there was nothing I could ever do to deserve someone better than this person. She has the sweetest heart, and she doesn't even realize that every day when I see her I think how lucky I am to have her. When we go out to new places and see people I am proud to have her on my arm. I have total trust in her. Whatever is in our future together I can't wait to see. Every time I travel with Val, she reminds me why she is my best and closest friend and there is no one else I'd rather see the world with.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Photography by Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

One of the couple's favorite moments of the day was while they were reading their vows. Valerie read hers first, and when it came time for Ryan to respond he was too emotional to speak; he passed them to his brother and best man, who in turn became too emotional to finish and had to pass them to one of Ryan's best friends! Says Valerie, "It was such a sweet, funny moment for everyone involved and will definitely be remembered and talked about with all of our family and friends." And after the two were announced as husband and wife, their friends rushed them for a group hug. How sweet is that?

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Photography by Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

I asked Valerie to share some info on the planning that went into pulling off the surprise and short timeline: Any vendors or ideas that didn't work out smoothly in the planning process – we didn't use. We found vendors that we related amazingly well with. Even Ed and Sue, our DJ/officiate, had a surprise wedding just like us! I met Ashley, our photographer, at a bridal expo in Pensacola and immediately fell in love with her and her work. The girl who helped me pick out my wedding dress happened to do amazing florist work as a side business and the beautiful venue we used, Bentley's on the Bay, took care of the catering and the cake.

Photography by Ashley Victoria Photography

Val, her mother, and her friend Erica started an event planning company, Southern Affairs, just before the wedding. According to Valerie, the success and fun they had planning the big day were total confirmation of their decision to start the business.

Best of luck in marriage and in business, guys! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION: