Interview with the wonderful Amanda + Brad:
HOW DID YOU MEET? We have known each other since 1998 when Brad moved into my neighborhood. Brad and my brother carpooled together and were friends throughout high school. We have a 5 year age difference so we were never close growing up. Our families were always friendly because Brad’s dad was my moms boss for some time. In 2006, my brother came home from the Army and we through a party for him. Brad and I struck up a conversation that night and have been inseparable since.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU THE MOST TO YOUR HUSBAND? Brad is very confident and hilarious.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE? We love the outdoors and doing adventurous things so he took me on a surprise ziplining trip. It was perfect!
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING? We wanted rustic elements throughout a vision of purple hues.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR VENUE: We wanted something unique. The courtroom in the History Center was perfect. It was classy with an old charm.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST PLANNING CHALLENGE? The biggest challenge was being so indecisive. I hate making decisions and with wedding planning there are so many. My biggest advice is to go with your gut with vendors. If you meet them and they have what you like within your budget and you have a good vibe then sign on the dotted line! It wasn’t worth it to me to shop around like crazy to save a few bucks.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT OF YOUR WEDDING? I love all the rustic touches. The handmade wood pedestal for the cake, wood vases for the centerpieces, burlap and lace around the bouquets and the deep purple flowers! Not to mention my gorgeous dress!!
DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY DETAILS? We put the s’mores favors together the day of the wedding while getting our hair and makeup done!
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Amanda: There are so many to list, but the one that sticks out is walking down the aisle and seeing Brad for the first time. Everyone in the audience was a complete blur because I could not take my eyes off of him.
Brad: It was definitely seeing Amanda walk out in her dress for the first time. I had been waiting for her all day.
DESCRIBE YOUR CAKE: Rustic buttercream with fresh flowers. Handmade B that adorned the top. We couldn’t decide on the flavor so we had three (ameretto, red velvet and chocolate with cookies n’ cream)
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER? Super easy! They made us feel relaxed throughout the day. They are super accommodating and fun! They were the first vendor we picked because I fell in love with their photography the moment I saw it a few years ago and knew I wanted them for my wedding! Highly recommend!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AS A COUPLE? Enjoy being married and hopefully traveling this year!
CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR VENDORS:
Cake- Party Flavors
Dress- Long’s Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses- Alfred Angelo
Tuxes- Men’s Wearhouse
DJ- White Rose Entertainment
Ceremony- Orlando Regional History Center
Reception- 310 Lakeside
Flowers- In Bloom Florist

Interview with the amazing, Steph + Ken:
HOW DID YOU MEET? After knowing each other for a few years in the same circle of Florida State friends… we started to chat one evening at Casey’s on Central.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU THE MOST TO YOUR HUSBAND/WIFE? The strong drinks at Casey’s (just kidding, kinda). We were attracted by the other’s sense of humor, love of life and family.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE? Ken told me we were meeting his family for happy hour at Relax Grill on Lake Eola – but that they were still closing out their tab at another restaurant so we had to kill some time. He suggested that we take a stroll around the lake while we waited for them. Once by the Pagoda – he suggested that we sit and wait for them – as they were coming from Wildside and would be passing the Pagoda on their way. After protesting the suggestion – we finally sat. We waited and waited for his inconsiderate family when finally Ken started a dialog that ended with a question of how much I loved him (a common pillow talk question). When I replied “this much” with my fingers spaced an inch. Ken said he didn’t know if that was enough. “Enough for what” I asked. “Enough to spend the rest of your life with me?” he replied while dropping to one knee.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING? Clean, classic, simple, but with variety.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR VENUE: Most of our relationship has revolved around Downtown Orlando and the Lake Eola area. St. James Cathedral is a beautiful venue that allowed us to keep everything centrally located.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST PLANNING CHALLENGE? Selecting a weekend! One that allowed us enough time to plan, allowed the temperature to cool off, and didn’t conflict with a major FSU Football game (sad but true).
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT OF YOUR WEDDING? What’s a design element? Letting our bridesmaids select their own dress and florist to create eclectic centerpieces. The same dress does not look good on every girl.
DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY DETAILS? Nope, etsy was my best friend. My family did gather the glassware for the centerpieces. It allowed us to control the main features of each table and our florist added in some filler vases from her collection.
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING DAY? At our ceremony, we were able to look back at all of our Friends and Family while giving the sign of peace. It is incredible to see everyone all together.
DESCRIBE YOUR CAKE: White, clean, simple.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER? Jason and Sara were not just our photographers; they were members of the wedding party. Sure they told us where to stand, where to look, and scolded Ken if he removed his hands from my waist/dress… but they were the guiding force that allowed Ken and I to enjoy our day b/c we knew they had our best interest (and angles) at heart. When selecting our photographers – we looked at countless websites. All the photographers had photos that we liked. Some even had a 50% approval rating in our book. Concept Photography was the only site that got 100% approval. We are so excited to see how our photos turned out. Here’s to no double chins and skinny arms!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AS A COUPLE? We are in the planning phases of building our dream home. We want to enjoy this first year of marriage and have fun together. The rest will come with time…
CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR VENDORS:
Planner: Weddings in the City – Ashlie Shea Robertson 407 761-7066
Florist: Peddles – Vicki McCullough 407 339-0663
DJ: Junction 88 Productions, Inc – DJ MJ 407 293—2728
Reception: Embassy Suites – Molly Meeker 407 835-6195
Hotel: Embassy Suites – Vanessa Viera/Chloe 407 835-6849
Church: St. James Cathedral – Nancy Moist 407 422-2005

Interview with our GORGEOUS couple, Danielle + Grant:
HOW DID YOU MEET? We met through a mutual friend on St. Patrick’s day 2 years ago at a local Irish Pub in downtown Orlando.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU THE MOST TO YOUR HUSBAND/WIFE?
Danielle-There are so many things that attracted me to Grant however I would say it would have been his witty sense humor and his mesmerizing blue eyes.
Grant- Danielle is a strong intelligent women with a love for life and I was drawn to her from the first time we meet.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE? Grant and I were leaving for a family wedding in Napa. We decided to extend the trip a little and fly into San Francisco to enjoy the city and spend some quality time together. As usual we brought one carry on each and as we were seated on the plane I noticed Grant being very uneasy with how far away our carry on’s were. I paid no attention thinking nothing of it. When our flight landed Grant wanted to take me to a very famous Irish coffee spot called the “Buena Vista”. The sun was setting and we hurried down to the pier in front of Ghirardelli square. The view was Amazing with sights of San Francisco, the golden gate bridge and Alcatraz. I was shocked to turn around to see him on one knee asking me to make him the happiest man alive. It was a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. It could not have been more perfect.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING? Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and old Hollywood glitz and glam.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR VENUE: We looked everywhere. I didn’t want to have the normal hotel or beach wedding. I wanted a venue that people could associate with Grant and I. That’s when we came across the Abby and Mezz. It was perfect it already had the black and white “formal” vibe to it and it was definitely a party location. With all the different locations for the guests to go to it kept the element of surprise consistent. Grant and I are not the kind of people that do things the ordinary way this is why this location was perfect!
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST PLANNING CHALLENGE? To tell you the truth my whole wedding experience was amazing. I would have to say I had no challenges. My vendors and my mother were amazing to work with and helped me along the way. I had a wedding planner the day of however she was there for me when I needed her.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT OF YOUR WEDDING? The thousands of red roses and crystals that filled the chapel, The Abby and The Mezz. They were just so beautiful. I really felt like I was back in time. I also loved the seating chart that my mother had surprised me with. It was a board of old Hollywood movies with Grant and I in front of a movie theatre with everyone’s name on it. My Bouquet was amazing. There’s so much I can’t decide!!!!!
DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY DETAILS? Yes for anyone who knows Grant and I we like to host an awesome party. That being said our wedding favors were bottles of Champaign with labels on it. Everyone loves a little Champaign in their life! We also put together welcome baskets which included a bottle of wine, a 6 pack of Peroni beer, Italian bread, pepperoni, cheese and water. It’s the Italian way to be hospitable to your guests and I can’t tell you how much everyone enjoyed these!
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Danielle- Walking down the aisle with my father to my future husband. I will remember that feeling for the rest of my life.
Grant- Watching my beautiful bride walk down that long isle to me. She looked amazing…
DESCRIBE YOUR CAKE: My cake was a three tiered raspberry cheesecake swirl on one layer and fudge chocolate on the other two. It was wrapped in red roses. Absolutely gorgeous and delicious!
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER? Remarkable, Amazing, Speechless. Jason and Sara have an eye like no other. They are an amazing couple with such passion for photography. We have been comfortable with them since the beginning. Sara and Jason will be our life long photographers! After working with them we have created not only a working relationship but a friendship as well! We just adore them=)
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AS A COUPLE? Were heading to Europe! After Europe we plan on traveling a little more and relaxing until were ready for the next step in our lives..
CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR VENDORS:
Wedding Planner- An Affair To Remember
Photography-Concept Photography
Floral-Atmospheres Floral
Entertainment-Disc Jockeys Audio Entertainment
Catering-Cuisiniers Catering
Transportation-VIP Transportation
Beverages- Bar Fly
Hair and make up- Ricardo Pagen and Carrie Cantor
Ceremony- Knowles Chapel
Venue- The Abbey and The Mezz
The Flip Book People