Montverde, Florida Wedding at Bella Collina by Kristen Weaver Photography

After a proposal including sand, fireworks, and sky lanterns, high school sweethearts Ellie and Sam knew they wanted the same magic and romance present at their wedding. Their destination of choice? Orlando wedding venue Bella Collina. To keep with the warmth and grandeur of this Tuscan inspired venue, a rich color pair of gold and navy was used throughout the affair, softened by the pale beauty of white floral arrangements. Rose petals and brass stands of baby’s breath lined the aisle as the bride, garbed in a breathtaking lace gown from Madrid, was escorted to her true love. Following the exchange of vows before over a hundred of their dearest friends and relations, the couple posed for photos in the glow of the sunset while their guests traveled indoors to savor classic vinaigrette salad, pasta, and veggies before helping themselves to a slice of cake. As the celebration drew to an end, all in attendance were gifted a bottle of grape juice from the couple’s home state of Michigan before seeing the newlyweds off to their Paris honeymoon in a glow of sparklers! This marvelous affaire is captured for you by Orlando wedding photographer Kristen Weaver Photography!

Now for the proposal…details!
July 3rd, 2012, Sam took me to Holland, Michigan, a cute little lake town. After dinner and watching the Fourth of July fireworks, Sam took me to the beach to light up one of those white sky lanterns. When I lit mine up, it lit up with the words “Will you marry me?” He got on one knee, and the rest history.

Tell us about your wedding gown and what your wedding party wore.
My gown was an all lace Pronovias Diango dress with a Pronovias rhinestone belt and beautiful lace veil. I had tried on about 70 dresses before choosing this on a trip to Madrid, Spain. The wedding dress shopping experience in Spain was so different and refreshing. You would sit at a computer and pick the dresses you wanted to try on and they would bring them out for you also what was nice was that they would custom make your dress based on your measurements and do any alteration at no additional cost. Also, in addition to my gown I wore beautiful Swarovski crystal encrusted shoes by Benjamin Adams London and my navy lace garter was ordered from Mykonos Greece. My bridesmaids wore a classy long navy dress with lace cap sleeves and golden shoes. The men wore classic black Vera Wang tuxes.

Did you DIY any of the details?
Yes, all wedding signs were done by the groom as well as the programs.

What was the most memorable moment?
When the Pastor pronounced us husband and wife and when I was able to see all of my wedding ideas come to life!

Was there a specific theme or style?
Romantic, charming, eclectic. Beautiful shabby chic decor with lots of DYI projects.

Smartest savings…
I collected brass and weeping gold vases from various antique stores for about a year, and because the vases added such a charming, antique look I did not have to splurge on super intricate floral designs. Someone fell so in love with the gold vases from our wedding that she bought all 100 vases for her upcoming wedding.

Tell us how you met. Was it love at first sight, blind date, friends forever?
Sam and I met in 6th grade and dated briefly in 8th grade. We truly started dating towards the end of high school and have been inseparable ever since. We are high school sweethearts.

If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?
It went so fast! I would tried to make it last longer.

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