Julie and David's wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes , captured by Kristen Weaver Photography , is proof that you can have it all on your wedding day. The two filled their celebration with fun, hints of geekery, meaningful bits and big "wow" moments while still keeping it elegant, formal and classy. And I don't think we've ever seen a ceremony this amazing - you won't want to miss it!
The two met four years ago, while working in a restaurant in Altamonte Springs. Three months into their relationship, David was offered a promotion to sous chef in Jacksonville; Julie took the leap and made the move with him. Two years later, he popped the question during the 4th of July fireworks display... and she said yes, of course! They are still living in Jacksonville and both working as chefs - he as the Executive Chef at Seasons 52, and she as a Sous Chef for The Capital Grille.
Says Julie, "The thing I love about David is that at a moment's notice he will turn on one of his favorite songs and, no matter what I might be doing, make me dance with him in the living room. We are goofy together and no matter how mad he is I can always make him crack a smile. We aren't perfect, but we are happy and always looking forward to what is next for us."
“ The thing that made me fall in love with Julie is when I asked her what her favorite thing to do was, she said, 'Smile.' ”
Inspired by weddings they'd attended over the years, David and Julie set out to incorporate what they loved from each one while making it their own. (Perfect plan, guys!) Their main guidelines: non-traditional, memorable, and (most of all) fun. They chose the Ritz-Carlton Orlando because of its beautiful outdoor area; the gazebo by the pond was exactly what they had envisioned for their ceremony under the stars, says Julie: "Between the twinkling lights wrapped around the gazebo, the chandelier, and the twilight, it made the ceremony so much more breathtaking than we had ever dreamed."
And the fireworks display - an homage to the 4th of July proposal, and a surprise for their guests - that was timed to start just after their first kiss? Ridiculously epic. It was the couple's favorite moment of the day.
The two were a little overwhelmed by their ideas and all the options at their fingertips, but their planners Kristin and Brandee helped them navigate all the decision making and keep the design cohesive. The reception was set up to feel a little like an outdoor cafe - with tree-like centerpieces and string lights across the dance floor - and the band kept the party going into the night. They rounded off dinner with an elegant silver and white cake and a fun candy/dessert bar.
Another favorite moment of theirs: a flash mob during the reception to the song "Happy" by Pharrell. Julie's bridesmaids started it, and her whole family jumped in: "I have never been more in awe of my friends and family and how much work they must have put into that for us. It was an amazing surprise." And how fun are all the signs and photo heads?
Congratulations, guys! It looks like amazingly fun times are in store for the two of you.
