April 27, 2013 | Orlando, FL
Well, I just finished watching Nik Wallenda and his insane Sky Walk over the Grand Canyon. I’m sufficiently anxiety-ridden, and am fairly certain that no amount of alcohol can calm my nerves. So… what better time than now to post one of the most naturally beautiful weddings I’ve ever shot!
A bit of a modge-podge of adventure, Irene (who is Malaysian and Australian), met Anthony during one of her trips to Orlando. I feel like, if I could do half of the things that Anthony and Irene have already done in their lives, I’d either be very richly happy, or very exhausted. I haven’t decided which. From bicycling in Spain, to hiking the volcanoes in Hawaii and surfing in Bali, even swimming the Great Barrier Reef – they’ve done it all! And when you’ve done it all… where do you propose? Of course, on top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia!
The day started off a little sketchy, when our plans to arrive at their hotel were thwarted by a marathon (meaning every downtown road was blocked). So Rachel and I sneaked our cars down a blocked road and ran (I mean, not ran the marathon… but ran to the hotel) :) It was so like them to mention that they wished they were running the marathon rather than getting ready for their wedding!
The “theme” of the wedding was a relaxed, casual, afternoon garden wedding. Bringing in the simplicity of their excitement for each other and their love, their family and friends celebrated with along with them! Their love of travel and adventure was evident in their luggage tag escort cards and guest favors. Their sand ceremony was probably a career-favorite. Instead of colors, Irene brought sand from her home country, Australia, and blended it with sand from Anthony’s home in the US (except we found out that US sand is a little more humid, and therefor doesn’t pour as well). Irene’s bouquets were hand-carved from delicate wood and the boutonnieres were paper with sheet music. Irene’s dress was also an amazing un-traditional option! Her strapless gown had a soft blush tint and watercolor floral pattern. It was beautiful and unique – just like her!
Irene walked down the aisle to a Fun. song played by Christine McPhail on the harp, and their speakers quoted Fun. lyrics during the ceremony. And even when the day wasn’t perfect – it still was. A mid-morning rain shower right after their formals had them jogging through Leu Gardens laughing the whole way!
At the reception, there was an amazing energy complimented by lots of super fun 90’s dance tunes (appropriately “I come from the Land Down Under” and “I Wouldn’t Walk 500 miles” ended up on the playlist!)ย Anthony and Irene never left the dance floor, but first, they had a beautiful Chinese tea ceremony!
Ceremony Venue: Leu Gardens
Reception Venue: Tap Room at Dubsdread
Hair and Makeup: LeJeune Artistry
Cake Artist: Sweet! by Good Golly Miss Holly
DJ: Just Dance Entertainment
Ceremony Musician: Christine MacPhail
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal at Millenia
Rentals: A Chair Affair
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Men’s Suits: Vera Wang
Photobooth: Funny Faces Photobooth
Their first-look, near the marathon runners on Lake Eola, was sweet and perfect.
Anthony loved Irene’s gown and said he was expecting her to pick something non-traditional
The bridesmaids got to pick their own bridesmaids dresses to compliment Irene’s! Definitely one of my favorite combinations!
All the bouquets were hand-carved from delicate wood
Couldn’t get over this little guy’s eyes!!
Their sand ceremony blended sand from each of their home countries. We found out that US sand doesn’t pour as well as Aussie sand.
If you’ll notice… no sand is coming out of Anthony’s jar.ย
Anthony got a friendship necklace from his groomsman! You know, the half heart that says Best Friends? Awesome!
Um, sorry Patricia, but yes, Irene did put her hair in a ponytail during the reception. lol
