Venue? Black Diamond Ranch, Lecanto, FL
Guest count? 175
What inspired you in planning the wedding?
Our wedding was very traditional, but two things were an absolute must: things had to be pretty and fun.
Why did you pick your venue?
I took one step inside the venue and knew this is where the reception had to be. It’s about 40 minutes my home town, Ocala, but well worth the drive. The homey atmosphere is what I loved the most.
What were your favorite moments, traditions, surprises during the day?
It was important for me to incorporate filipino traditions into the ceremony. The cord represents Zach and I coming together as husband and wife; the veil represents building a home together, and the coins represents sharing of wealth. The ceremony was all about having fun, so the “Shoe Game” was my favorite part of the night.
Dress designer, shoes, accessories, bridesmaids’ dresses, groom’s attire, etc?
My dress designer is Paloma Blanca (purchased at The Collection Bridal in Winter Park, FL), accessories by Sara Gabriel. Shoes were Grace. The bridesmaids wore Bari Jay, and the groomsmen’s tuxedos were from Joseph A. Bank. We found the flower girl dress at the cutest children’s boutique in Windermere, FL called Tweenies.
Any DIY elements?
Anyone that knows me knows that I am the least crafty person on earth. I knew what I wanted, and hardly any of it was DIY. The only things that were hand made were the wedding ceremony programs, which my bridesmaids did for me. They came out beautifully, if I had made them, it would have been a disaster.
Music?
The ceremony music was very traditional, so the wedding party walked down the aisle to “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel, and I walked down to “Bridal Chorus” by Richard Wagner. Our first dance at the reception was “Thank God For You” by Sawyer Brown. This song was probably the most nontraditional part of the wedding. Zach and I had the hardest time finding a song to dance to. So one day we were driving around town and heard the song and both said out loud “We should dance to this song” at the same time, so it stuck. And of course, any party my mother attends HAS to play “Dancing Queen” by ABBA!
Wedding Planner, Stationer, Floral Designer, Rentals, Music, Videographer, Photographer lighting, etc.
We didn’t use a wedding planner, but the venue coordinator, Meredith Rossetti at Black Diamond did an amazing job, and gave me exactly what I dreamed. The flowers were by Heritage Flowers in Ocala. Our DJ was Chuck Johnson with Classic DJs in Orlando.
Menu, Drinks, Dessert, Caterer, Baker, etc.
Our cocktail hour was all about our favorite kid-foods like mini-pizzas and pigs in a blanket, among other things. Dinner was an Italian-themed buffet, with all things delicious. Our cake was made by Publix in Ocala and the favors were done by Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Winter Park.
Favorite Blogs or Magazines used in planning the wedding:
I was on the Knot almost every day looking for ideas and tips. When I learned of Pinterest, I jumped on that too. I bought all types of wedding magazines, and also tried to be a little creative myself.
What mood/ambiance did you want to convey to your guests at the wedding?
The wedding was all about having FUN! Zach and I are fairly young, and having close friends from college and high school there really helped set the tone. Our DJ, Chuck, had everyone dancing all night.
Advice that you’d give to other Brides? Advice for grooms?
Brides: Find one or two things that are REALLY REALLY important to you (mine was the dress and photographer) and SPLURGE on it. Grooms: Let your fiance do what she wants, it just makes everything easier.
Thanks goes out to…
EVERYONE, friends and family especially. Thank you to Shipra for taking gorgeous pictures of everyone and everything; Meredith at Black Diamond who reassured me and kept me calm through all the planning details; Chuck Johnson of Classic DJs for being the person who truly made the wedding amazing, fun, and so memorable. And of course my husband who kept me in line throughout the whole process.
by shipra
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