Emma and Christie's Romantic Florida Wedding

After two years of long-distance dating, Emma and Christie were thrilled that their families were willing to travel for their elegant April wedding in central Florida.

“The opportunity to see friends and family that we haven’t seen in five to six or more years was a gift,” Christie says. “The fact that they traveled from across the country to share in our day was just amazing.” Some of the couple’s favorite things about the big day were the vows (“and trying not to cry”), dancing with their fathers, and having fun learning the choreography for their first dance. Taking inspiration from the venue’s classic décor, Christie and Emma went with a blue-and-white color scheme for their personal flowers and tabletop designs. Emma’s brother’s girlfriend hand-painted their welcome sign and guest book, a “tree of life” that gave guests the chance to sign the leaves.

Christie recommends that couples use a day-of coordinator to help the rehearsal, wedding and reception run smoothly. “And don’t forget to take time for each other,” she adds, “especially as you get to those last few weeks before the wedding.”

• Classic Photographers

  Photographer

  http://classicphotographers.com/

• Laurel Manor Recreation Center

  Venue

  http://www.thevillages.com/recreation/

• Events by Miss Daisy

  Planning/Flowers/Decor

  https://www.facebook.com/EventsbyMissDaisy/

• La Hacienda

  Caterer

  https://lahaciendacatering.com/

• DJ Scooter

  DJ

  https://www.scooterthedj.com/villages/

• Cal’s Barber and Beauty

  Hair and Makeup

  https://www.facebook.com/calsbrownwood/

• Brides for a Cause

  Wedding Dresses

  http://bridesforacause.com/locations/portland-boutique/