As we step into the whimsical world of Tiana and Holden’s enchanting garden party wedding, it’s impossible not to be swept away by the magic that unfolded on February 23rd, 2019 at The Acre in Orlando, Florida. The loving couple exchanged vows amidst a stunning flower arch, surrounded by their closest friends and family in an unplugged ceremony that was nothing short of romantic. The soothing melodies of a harpist added to the ambiance, making the moment truly unforgettable. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued under a beautifully decorated marquee, where lush greenery and golden accents created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Amidst the joyful chaos, we find special moments such as the first look, which always yields breathtaking photographs, as well as the dramatic sparkler exit that lit up the evening sky. In between these perfect moments, there are delightful touches like succulent favors, charming signs, and a show-stopping semi-naked cake against a doughnut wall that added to the celebration’s whimsy. Tiana and Holden, along with their wedding party, looked absolutely stunning in their attire, exuding style and sophistication. A huge thank you goes out to Dani Nichol Photography for sharing these breathtaking images, which perfectly capture the romance and joy of this unforgettable day.
The Proposal
Our proposal story has a delightful twist. As someone who’s notoriously finicky, Holden and I visited Tiffany’s together to pick out the perfect ring. I fell in love with the very first one I saw, but had no idea if or when Holden would actually propose. We’d planned a quick getaway to Disney for the weekend, and I never suspected that this is where he’d pop the question – not because of the magic of the place itself, but because it was the last place I expected it. After spending the day park-hopping, we returned to Magic Kingdom for the evening’s spectacular fireworks display. That’s when Holden got down on one knee in the midst of a bustling crowd and revealed my dream ring. To say I was taken aback would be an understatement – I loved how he managed to surprise me despite knowing exactly what ring I wanted.
The Vision
Envisioning an idyllic gathering, I had always dreamed of hosting a whimsical and free-spirited celebration amidst lush greenery, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred. The notion of a bohemian garden party conjured up images of vibrant flowers, twinkling string lights, and the gentle rustle of leaves as loved ones mingled beneath the sun-kissed sky.
The Planning Process
When it came to planning our special day, I began by securing a venue and building my plan around that decision. It wasn’t always a straightforward process, as it coincided with other significant events in my life, including purchasing a home out of state and balancing my schedule with Holden’s Navy commitments. Despite the chaos, one constant companion was the Knot App, which provided a comprehensive checklist and budgeting tool to keep me organized and focused.
I also discovered that Instagram proved to be an invaluable resource for finding our vendors. By searching for hashtags related to our venue and browsing through tagged photos, I was able to connect with potential partners and start building a network of talented professionals who could help bring our vision to life.
The Venue
Your Outfits & Accessories
The bride’s attire was a perfect blend of elegance and sophistication, with her dress courtesy of Willowby Watters. Her shoes were Badgely Mishka, adding a touch of refinement to her overall look. The jewelry was a thoughtful combination of pieces from Tiffany & Company, including the Soleste Diamond Studs, Grace Diamond Tennis Bracelet, and the Circlet necklace featuring a sapphire at its center (her something blue). Of course, no wedding look would be complete without her engagement ring, which was set with a Tiffany Pear Soleste stone and accompanied by a beautiful metro diamond band for her wedding day. On the groom’s side, he opted for a classic tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse, which he paired with a stylish tie from Dazi. A boutonnière from Bloominous added a charming touch to his ensemble, while his wedding band was a stunning platinum creation from Tiffany & Co.
The Details & Décor
When it comes to setting the tone for a memorable celebration, attention to detail is key. In our case, we opted for a unique blend of rentals and DIY endeavors to bring our vision to life. Dishie Rentals provided us with an array of table settings that perfectly complemented our overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, Ikea, TJMaxx, and Amazon were our go-to sources for affordable yet stylish tabletop décor. To add an extra layer of whimsy, we incorporated the stunning Wedding Arch from ohkawaiidreams. Of course, no wedding would be complete without a healthy dose of hard work and creativity – I’m proud to say that many aspects of our special day were the result of DIY efforts. And to those who helped make it all possible, I offer my sincerest gratitude. Lora Ritzie Wardman, in particular, deserves a special shout-out for her tireless support and guidance. She truly is an angel sent from above.
The Readings & Music
To kick off our special evening, we were delighted to have acclaimed harpist Catherine Way treat our guests to a enchanting performance during both the guest arrival, ceremony, and subsequent cocktail hour. Her soulful melodies set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Bridesmaids
When it came to selecting their formal attire, my trusted bridesmaids opted for a unified look by choosing elegant Dusty Rose-hued gowns from the esteemed online retailer Azazie.
Groomsmen
For the special occasion, a stylish ensemble was curated featuring a rented suit from Men’s Wearhouse. The tie of choice was a sophisticated Dazi, while a charming boutonnière courtesy of Bloominous added a touch of elegance to the overall look.
Your Photographer
The Flowers
Your Filmmaker
The Cake
The scrumptious Coconut flavored cake that caught our attention was courtesy of the renowned My Baker’s Cottage Cakes, a brand known for its delectable creations.
The Honeymoon
Our honeymoon experience was nothing short of enchanting. We chose to reside at an Airbnb on an island in the 4th arrondissement, conveniently situated just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Each day began with the sunrise and ended with the twinkling city lights, as we wandered the charming streets of Paris. To commemorate our special occasion, we hired a photographer to capture the magic of the moment at two of the city’s most beloved landmarks – the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
Memorable Moments
One of the most cherished memories from our special day is the mischievous moment when I playfully teased my husband, catching him off guard as he searched for my garter. His innocent expression and my own sly grin still bring a smile to my face whenever I think back on it.
Advice For Other Couples
Savor the collaborative planning experience, focusing more on the journey than the minor details. Remember that perfection is subjective, and only you are likely to spot any imperfections. Embrace the natural flow of events as they unfold, trusting that everything will ultimately come together seamlessly.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
For their special day, Tiana and Holden opted for an intimate and rustic celebration at The Acre. Dani Nichol Photography captured the joyous moments, while Willowby Watters’ elegant attire adorned the bride’s figure. Her shoes, designed by Badgely Mishka, added a touch of sophistication to her overall look. Tiffany’s exquisite jewellery pieces complemented her dress perfectly. The groom looked dashing in his tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse, paired with a tie from Dazi that matched the rustic charm of the venue. Azazie created stunning bridesmaid dresses that added to the overall aesthetic. A harpist from HarpStrings Inc provided soothing melodies, while Bloominous designed breathtaking flowers for the occasion. The delectable cake was crafted by My Bakers Cottage Cakes, and Devoted Films ensured the memorable moments were captured on film. Dishie Rentals took care of the table settings, while ohkawaiidreams created a beautiful wedding arch that served as a stunning backdrop. Lora Ritzie Wardman, their trusted wedding planner, ensured everything ran smoothly. To commemorate their honeymoon, Through The Glass was commissioned to take romantic photoshoots. For those considering an unplugged wedding, we have plenty of tips and advice available on our website.