Many warm wishes to "The Mr. and Mrs." Jennifer and Mike (both of Channel 4) were such a delightful couple to work with over the last month. Their courtship has spanned over six years, as they met while working at a tv station in Michigan. Their families traveled from all over (12 states in total) to be a part of their special day, and to get a glimpse of the "sunshine state". While the weather was less than cooperative, the wedding was such an amazing event- one of those really special occasions where you can see two families weaving into one right before your eyes.
The week began with a welcome party at the couple's residence on Thursday. The festivities continued with a Rehearsal Dinner at The Sawgrass Marriott, hosted by the Cabana Club. While the showers forced the party indoors, the staff at the Cabana Club did such a wonderful job accomodating the large group (nearly 180) on such short notice. The Champions Ballroom was transformed into a tropical paradise, complete with cabana umbrellas, Mai Tai, and music via Steel In Motion. Festive beach balls, sunglasses, sand pails, and welcome bags greeted guests.
The ceremony was held at Holy Family Catholic Church, where Father Dan moved the entire congregation to tears with his touching homily. The bride was escorted by both her parents and her adorable grandparents offered the gifts. The entire mass was so very personal and indicative of their strong family ties.
While the monsoon poured outside, guests were escorted to the Sawgrass Marriott via limos courtesy T & T East Coast Limousine. Phyllis did such a wonderful job of keeping our bride dry and our groomsmen on time!
During the cocktail hour, guests were invited to find their seat via sand dollar escorts, beautifully penned via Calligraphy by Joy. Jen and Mike had such fun with the table numbers, opting to do years that were of importance in their lives- giving a brief description and then fun facts of other events occurring that same year. It was a lovely conversation starter for their destination guests who were not be familiar with one another.
Guests were then ushered into the Masters Ballroom, where a beautiful palette of ice blue and subtle shades of lavender were laid by Rose of Sharon, Jax Stage Lighting, and Aloha Interior Plants. Each of these vendors did their part to really make that ballroom amazing! After a wonderful plated dinner, guests put on their dancing shoes to the sounds of KTG. As always, KTG delivered an amazing performance.
The entire night was captured through the lense of the ever-so-talented Leah Powell, with a superstar second shooter (Darice Michelle). --- pictures to follow shortly----
To round off the weekend's celebration, guests were gathered for one last hoorah brunch on the Cascades Deck, perhaps the first rays of sunshine all weekend.
It was such a pleasure to work with this couple, as they were so organized and sincere. Their love was ever aparent with the never-fading smiles on each of their faces. It further touched me to meet the lovely families that Jen and Mike are so fortunate to have... and the fact that 180 of their 250 guests traveled from nearly 12 states is testiment of the impact that they have of each person that they meet. Mike actually had guests representing every year of schooling since preschool AND every job that he has ever had... how impressive.
