Crystal & Matt

Crystal and Matthew tied the knot during their 1920’s lawn party wedding at the Woman’s Club of Winter Park this past week. The two actually met through mutual friends over 16 years ago and after being close friends for eight years, their friendship turned into a romance.

Recently moving to Florida, the two previously lived in the big apple. After getting off of work, Matt asked Crystal to meet him out at Central Park. Crystal just adores snow falling in Central Park and with it being Valentine’s Day, Matt truly couldn’t have picked a better location for what was to come. Crystal was also excited that they were celebrating the day of love. Both being chefs and having to work the holidays, she was excited to “be ‘that’ couple and do something nice and romantic.”

While walking through the park, Matt brought Crystal to a sweet wooden bench. Little did she know he scouted out the location for hours beforehand! When the two sat down, Matt reached in his pocket to give Crystal her gift for Valentine’s Day. To her surprise it was two tickets to Iceland! Matt knew how much she wanted to go there and Crystal was over the moon with excitement. As she was looking at the tickets, Matt slowly inched off the bench without Crystal noticing, got down onto one knee, pulled out a little green box and said “and there’s this, I am hoping you will wear this ring on our trip and for the rest of your life. Will you marry me?” At this point Crystal was at a loss for words and could only nod over and over in excitement yes before she was finally able to say yes! Following Crystal saying yes, they went out for champagne and snacks. Realizing they didn’t have a single picture, they went back to the bench Matt scoped out and took a bunch of selfies to remember the moment.

Matt truly loves how Crystal gives him structure and pushes him to be a better person, while Crystal loves how much he makes her laugh and pushes her to be more adventurous in life. As Crystal puts it, “We are completely opposite people and really have very little in common. We balance each other out very well.” Matt sweetly referred to the famous Jack Nicolson quote in the movie ‘As Good as it Gets,’ where he states “You make me want to be a better man.”

I loved the theme of my couple’s wedding, which was a 1920’s lawn party. The historic Woman’s Club of Winter Park was the absolute perfect setting. The venue’s well-manicured lawn made for a beautiful spot for croquet and a free style photo booth, but most of all an intimate and gorgeous ceremony – but we will get to that very soon!

Our day started off capturing Matt’s details. Matt preferred the focus of getting ready shots be solely on his beautiful bride to be Crystal. Crystal had the most stunning pieces of jewelry from a family heirloom to a stunningly unique engagement ring. Her wedding gown from Free People fit perfectly with the 1920s theme. Before the ceremony began and right after my couple were done getting ready, we headed off to Kraft Azalea Gardens for a first look. While I drove Matt, Crystal followed close behind with my second shooter Amanda. Before seeing his soon to be Mrs., Matt opened a special pre-wedding gift from Crystal. To his surprise it was a stunning new watch that Crystal even had resized!

Their first look was just as intimate as their wedding. The two took time to have a moment alone before we began capturing newlywed portraits in the garden. Love was truly all around us from our sweet couple sharing a first look to mating ospreys above in the grand cypress trees.

After a beautiful first look, we headed back to the Woman’s Club of Winter Park. Matt gave me the heads up that he had an extra special surprise waiting on the bride’s room. A whimsical bonsai awaited Crystal with a pre-wedding note from her hubby to be. Tears overflowed Crystal as I ran to grab Matt to share another sweet moment together before their ceremony.

Right on the lawn, the two said their “I Do’s” among family and friends. I just adored the gorgeous bench adorned with moss and flowers. After their ceremony, guests headed to cocktail hour on the steps, while family headed over to the quieter side of the venue.

Their reception was a mix of sit down dining and mingling. Matt and Crystal wanted guests to enjoy a dinner filled with organic veggies and conscious farmed meats. The spread was just too good to be true!

After dinner guests enjoyed a night of dancing, as DJ MJ with Junction 88 kept the beats going. The night ended quietly with hugs and kisses before the two headed off to the beautiful Alfond Inn.

Wishing these two a fantastic honeymoon and beautiful life together!

Venue: Woman’s Club of Winter Park

Caterer: Hinckley’s Fancy Meats

Dessert Station: Arthur’s Catering and Events

Coordinator: Blue Ribbon Wedding & Event Design

Hair: Blo Blow Dry Bar

Florist: Lee James Floral Designs

Cake: John Martinez, Executive Pastry Chef of the The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

DJ: Junction 88 Productions

Dress Designer: Free People

Men’s Attire: Brooks Brothers

Rentals: A Chair Affair

Hotel: The Alfond Inn