July 22, 2012 | Bella Collina, Montverde FL Although the day started off windy and rainy it did not put a damper on Manuela and Richard’s beautiful wedding.  Rachel, Amy and I arrived to trees blowing over and decor falling from tables during Mother Nature’s chaos; but the mood in the bridal suite couldn’t have…

July 22, 2012 | Bella Collina, Montverde FL

Although the day started off windy and rainy it did not put a damper on Manuela and Richard’s beautiful wedding.  Rachel, Amy and I arrived to trees blowing over and decor falling from tables during Mother Nature’s chaos; but the mood in the bridal suite couldn’t have been farther from chaotic. The bridesmaids were happily preparing, Manuela was calm and collected – and everyone was so excited for this beautiful day! Their wedding was so incredibly unique because it melded together 2 entirely different cultures! Manuela and her family are from Columbia, and Richard and his family are from the UK. It was actually Richard’s sister who found me all the way over in England. After Googling “Unique Orlando Wedding Photographers,” she came across my website. She gave Manuela my information and the rest is history!  The ceremony was very emotional and sweet, and it even included and surprise song from the groom that he had written for his bride!  Since most of Manuela’s family speaks Spanish, the ceremony was conducted by her Father and then translated to English.

There were so many personal DIY touches through the reception. The “wall”  seating chart, painted table numbers, and even a DIY photo wall. The purple flowers with just a hint of yellow fit perfectly inside Bella Collina, and their cake, provided by Sugar Suite, was the perfect centerpiece to the room. After dinner, there were many heartfelt and humorous speeches (translated for all of us) from the bridal party and family members.

The night ended with an amazing dance party, lots of music, great ambiance and the joy of these 2 families celebrating Manuela and Rich!

Venue: Bella Collina, Montverde, FL
Florist: Blossoms Arrangements of Distinction
Hair & Make Up: Ana Paula Celis Perez
Cake: The Sugar Suite
Videographer: Adrian Gamba
DJ: Ron Del Trio

 

 Obsessed with Manuela’s perfume bottle. It was the perfect backdrop for her earrings, too!

 These guys were a riot! Between the jokes, accents and helping hands – I think Rich has a pretty amazing group of friends to stand by his side!

 Pretty much in love with Rich’s striped socks.

 The rain kept us inside before the ceremony, but the girls kept it fun!

 Manuela’s sister started the ceremony with a beautiful collection of songs

 Rich had written and shared a song for Manuela during the ceremony.
I love when my couples add unique touches that highlight who they are as individuals and as a couple!

 The ceremony wouldn’t have been complete without a blessing from Rich’s mom and dad

 Although we didn’t have a ton of time for formals, Manuela and Rich were so easy to work with!
Their passion for each other was evident throughout the day, and it was my only hope that I could catch it as simply as it presented itself.

 I couldn’t resist this shot of Rich’s face! He really knows how to make Manuela laugh :)

 I adored their guest book! A simple polaroid with a note from their guests. Perfectly simple and so much fun!

 The reception is up next. Now, don’t worry if you can’t find the bridesmaids. They actually did a formal gown change!

 After dinner and toasts, Manuela and Rich shared their first dance in the atrium, under a wash of blue and purple lighting