I think the greatest thing about this job is when you really get to know the couples that you photograph. The kind of relationship that when the wedding ends, you cant wait to plan a night out with cocktails just so you can catch up. That’s how I feel about these two- when they said their vows, I cried. When Rich wiped a tear when looking at Katie, I wiped my own. And when these two made jokes, and laughed with each other, I knew I was lucky enough to be part of their love story.
Their amazing wedding took place at The Ritz in Orlando, which was the perfect backdrop to their spring wedding. The ballroom was done with design by Lisa Stoner at E Event Design, and she worked with Botanica Floral to make one stunning, sparkling, pink heaven. Seriously, when I die, this ballroom is what my heaven looks like- just dont tell Mark, he is not planning for that much pink!
Katie, and Rich- in case you did not know…I love you two! The trust that you placed in me, on your wedding day, and the year up to it, was amazing. Working with you two, and sharing your love story was more fun than I could have imagined. I hope that you two enjoy each and every moment of your beautiful lives together. Love you both!
Their Fabulous team of Vendors
Coordination – Lisa Stoner E Events design Venue – Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes
Reception Music – Impulse Entertainment Design and Floral – Botanica Floral
Vide0 – McElroy Videography Hair and makeup – Kristy Alonzo
Bridal Gown – Monique Lhuillier from Love Rings – Underwood Jewelery
How did you two meet? At work- we had a secret romance
How did he pop the question? By horse and buggy in saint Augustine
How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design? Luckily for me, Rich didn’t care much about the look or feel of the wedding. He trusted that whatever I in visioned would be beautiful. So I wanted romantic but DIFFERENT. I wanted people to walk in and have that “wow” moment but also say, “this is totally Katie”
What was the best moment{s} of your wedding day? The best moment was walking down the aisle, Rich and I chose not to see each other before. So seeing him was my wow moment.
How would you describe your overall wedding experience? It was amazing, I can not think of one thing I would have changed.
What photography related advice would you offer to a couple? Choose a photographer that makes you and you as a couple feel comfortable. Nothing ever felt awkward or staged it felt natural which I’m sure can show in the pictures.
Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one? I got it at “love boutique” in Jacksonville Beach Florida. I wanted something sexy but I also wanted it to fit the feel of the wedding and I did the cliche thing I put it on and SOBBED!!
How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day? Well, I have hired Kelly for every picture related thing in this wedding. So we have known each other for over a year and Rich describes it best “we trust her and know her work”. So we just let her imagination run wild like we did for the engagement pictures and I am sure they will be just as amazing.
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 did not and I am glad we didn’t. It was the one thing that rich really put his foot down on so I respected that.
Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos? Be yourself!
We love to hear about vendors you love. I am obsessed with my wedding planner. Lisa Stoner with EEvents, out of Orlando. Due to the fact I don’t live in Orlando and my job doesn’t allow me to be at every meeting. I gave her my dream and and made it happen. I could not have had that speechless wow moment without her. She really is to thank for everything decor at our wedding.
Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? I am pretty sure etsy will be sending me an email shortly asking where I went. We had personalized champagne name cards that were to die for from meactually on etsy as well as personalized fun fact napkins from Krystaldesigns.
What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome? I sobbed seeing my dad. Which surprised me, but the anticipation of seeing him really threw me over the edge. The poor makeup lady had to redo my makeup.
What do you want to always remember from your wedding day? How much fun we all had. I wanted it to be a party and that’s what we got.
“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day? HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER!!
What kind of food was served at your reception? We had a very formal sit down dinner with braised short rib, truffled mashed potatoes and a cob salad with fried avocado.
What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance? Our first husband and wife dance was Ed Sheeran thinking out loud and the father daughter dance was butterfly kisses.
And where are you going on your honeymoon? We went to Ritz Carlton Aruba and we are going to Ritz Carlton Cancun in two weeks for round 2!!
