Elissa & Ryan
Photographed by Samantha
Elissa and Ryan tied the knot during their beautiful wedding at the Lake Mary Events Center on September 18th. The two envisioned their special day as “one big party” among friends and family to celebrate the start of their lives together. Upon arriving I headed over to the grooms suite to capture the guys in action as they cheered to the beginning of the festivities and started getting ready. Ryan’s best man and cousin Will was quite a character with his generous words of wisdom on marriage. After nonstop comedy of hanging with the groom, I headed over to the bride’s suite to capturing her and her girls getting ready.
Elissa’s dress from Debra’s Bridal on the Avenues was fit perfectly for her and even had a custom sweetheart neck. Her maid of honor Amanda and bridesmaids Erena, Kailee, and Lauren looked beautiful in Elissa’s favorite color of orchid purple. The girls told me that Elissa’s wedding theme of purple hues, bling, glitter, and gold were the perfect representation of Elissa.
First glances, or first looks, are a beautiful moment shared between the bride and groom right before the ceremony. Under the white walkway gazebo, Elissa walked up to her husband to be with the biggest smile on her face. Ryan’s nervousness, excitement, and sheer joy built with every step Elissa made closer to him. When it was finally time to turn around, he was in complete awe of his future wife. The first time the couple sees one another is just so special. I love allowing them uninterrupted time to take it all in and reflect on what is to come.
After our first look, we were on to bridal portraits and finally the ceremony! Two pillars with two large and beautiful purple bouquets from Weddings by DPC beckoned the bride and groom forward. Ryan’s aww of his bride didn’t wane from the first look to seeing her for the first time coming down the aisle. One of my favorite photos during their ceremony is a beautiful black and white with a starburst shining high above the couple. With rings exchanged, “I Do’s” said, and a first kiss shared we were off to formal portraits with the family.
Formal portraits throughout their big day were very important to Elissa and Ryan. Ensuring every family member had a photo alone with the bride and groom was their thank you token for attending. Bridal party portraits were also a blast as the group was ready to party. From silly faces to big smiles, the group was a blast to photograph. After family and bridal portraits, it was time for newlywed shots against Crystal Lake while the sun was setting.
Reception time was a blast filled with great food from 4 Rivers and the latest music from Footloose Entertainment. Purple lighting filled the ballroom while guests danced the night away. Elissa and Ryan’s big day came to a close with the final passing of a sacred candle among her sorority sisters. A big congratulations to this beautiful couple!
Venue: Lake Mary Events Center
Design: Weddings by DPC
Dress Shop: Bridal Shop Avenues
Shoes: Steve Madden
Caterer: 4Rivers Smokehouse
Rentals: Fenice Events
Officiant: Mike Hevener
Transportation: Hi-Class Limousine, LLC.
Love the bridal party peeking through the window 🙂
