June 2, 2013 | Apopka, Fl
I’m not even sure where to start with Courtney and Matt’s Highland Manor wedding. With the recent passing of Courtney’s father, she incorporated so many emotional details to her wedding day so his memory and spirit could be as much a part of the day as possible. There were so many sweet moments, that I decided I’d rather talk about them as the day progresses in the blog, rather than just list them here. However, one of my favorite parts of the day was during the traditional father/daughter dance. Courtney had asked that all of the men who had been there for her each take a moment and dance with her, to honor the way they had all been there for her.
We couldn’t have been luckier with the weather either. Dark storms rolled in just before the ceremony and stayed away long enough for us to get everyone to the reception. I have no idea how it worked out so perfectly – lightning and thunder couldn’t have been closer, yet not a single drop of rain fell. It stormed so heavily during the evening that the entire reception lost power on a few occasions, but absolutely nothing could deter this amazing crowd of dancers!
Thank you to Courtney and Matt for sharing such a beautiful day with me, and thank you for allowing me to share it with everyone!
Venue: Highland Manor, Apopka FL
Catering: Dubsdread
Hair and Makeup: Shannon Miller
Florist: Lee Forrest Design
Cake Artist: The Flour Shop
DJ: Scott Murphy, The Party Express
Officiant: Jamie Mackey
Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas
Bridal Shoes: Keds
Bridesmaids Gowns: Alfred Angelo
Men’s Suits: Perry Ellis
Photobooth: Orlando Photobooth
Favors: Popcorn Haven
Courtney decided to get ready for her wedding wearing her dad’s favorite blue dress shirt.
She chose a small piece of blue fabric and cut it from the shirt into a heart that she wore on her gown.
This small piece of cotton was a beautiful nod to having her father with her through the entire day.
Courtney had saved roses from her entire relationship with Matt.
These dried petals were used by the flower girls to line the aisle as she made her way to marry him.
The girls asked if they could “guess” what pose the guys would choose as their “fun” one. This is what they guessed!
(Wait until you see what the guys thought the girls would do!)
So someone did their research and they perfectly selected the “bear hug” pose that’s a staple for all of my bridesmaids! Well done, boys!
Courtney’s mom walked down the aisle with a favorite tie of Courtney’s dad. It sat on the first chair, in honor of him.
True story… I never cry at weddings. I’ve gotten teary-eyed once or twice, and this was definitely one of those times!
Not many dry eyes were in the audience when Courtney chose to walk herself down the aisle.
As she came up to the aisle, Matt left the front and walked half-way to meet her – so they could make the trip together.
Courtney and Matt LIVE in white Keds. Always.
I promise I never thought I’d be writing “Keds” under the Bridal Shoes section of my vendors :)
Courtney’s father had sold this gorgeous Thunderbird awhile back.
After fully restoring it, the new owner brought it to the wedding so Courtney and Matt could drive away in it.
Amanda told me a great story about Courtney not wanting to drive the car when she turned 16 because it didn’t have seat-belts,
but it looks pretty good these days!
