“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.” – The Notebook

Zenna and Art said I do under the warm Florida sun at the Fountain of youth, just days after Art returned from Iraq. They had already postponed once due to his deployment, so getting everyone together, and sharing their love was extra special for these two. And while the day was warm, these two laughed and danced with their guests, and then kept the party going! With Art only home for a short time, they wanted to make the most of his time off!

Art and Zenna, thank you for allowing Pure Sugar to be a part of your wedding day. I hope that each day of your married lives is as magical as your wedding day! Congratulations!

 

Their Fabulous team of Vendors

Ceremony + Reception  Fountain of Youth      Coordinating Coastal Coordination

Makeup + Hair  Simply Makeup      Floral + Design  Lori Parker Florals

Invitations Zazzle      Reception Music Footloose Entertainment

Bridal Gown Bridals and More     Catering Tasha with By Design Catering

Cake Publix

How did you two meet? Introduced through mutual friends, we met in 2006 at one of Zenna’s infamous parties.  Okay, so maybe they weren’t quite as infamous back then but good times were had and there was plenty of alcohol…afterall, that’s what counts.  After leaving North Carolina and going back to our separate states we remained in touch via Myspace. Yes, Myspace!  On August 8, 2009 we made it official and well, you all know the rest!

How did he pop the question?  It was a random Monday night and we decided to go relax with a few drinks at our favorite Irish Pub downtown.  There is just something about sipping a cold beer on the waters edge that melts all of your concerns away…and apparently your situational awareness along with it.  The fountain across the river was bright pink for some reason and Arturas suggested taking a walk to go check it out.  Zenna was so clueless that she put it off for 3 more rounds!  After finally arriving at the fountain the atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect.
Art-“You know how I tell you that I love you and that I can’t see myself being with anyone else?” (got on one knee) “I want you to know that I will love you forever and want to know if you will marry me?”

Zenna- (in complete shock) “Are you f’ing kidding me?”

Art- “You’re supposed to say ‘Yes’ silly.”

Needless to say she was definitely surprised 🙂

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design?
We chose a Nature/Tree of Life theme for our wedding because of our mutual love of nature. Although, there were peacocks running around everywhere the flower colors were chosen from the deep colors in the middle of a bird of paradise and his love of the Joker.

What was the best moment{s} of your wedding day?
The few, rare moments we were able to stop and take it all in.

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?
Amazing and over way too quickly.

What photography related advice would you offer to a couple?
Trust the photographer and watch out for ants.

Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
After going to several large retail stores I found myself at Bridals and More near Beach Blvd and Kernan Rd.  They were absolutely amazing and as we were leaving so they could close she ran after me asking me to try one more that she had just found.  It was perfect.

How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?
Great 🙂

Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!
We chose to do a first look and are very glad we did.  It gave us a moment together, more time with friends and family and took a lot of pressure off of both of us so that we could enjoy the ceremony.

We love to hear about vendors you love. List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Be sure to include the name of the vendor, their profession, city/state, site or Facebook page and how your experience was!
Katy with Coastal Coordinating was absolutely amazing!

Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? Use this space to talk about favorite shops. You can include where you got your dress, sites you got your veils/décor/accessories, etc.
I spent way too much time and money at Michael’s.

What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?
The weather channel was saying that a big storm moving across Florida was supposed to stall just off shore and become a hurricane.  That 70% chance turned into the perfect sunny day.

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day?
All of our family and friends who came from near and far to be with us that day.  Life is short, never forget to tell them how much they mean to you.

What kind of food was served at your reception?
We chose to do passed appetizers.  I think that for the most part it worked out pretty well but in hind sight I would say that full entrees would have been more cost efficient.  (We did plan our after party at a local pub called Meehans and anyone who was still hungry was able to order more food.)

What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?
Love Song by 311

And where are you going on your honeymoon?
Unfortunately he will be leaving for Iraq again so we will be postponing our honeymoon until this fall when he gets home.