Its always an amazing day when we get to photograph in the fabulous inside of the Lightner Museum. But, its even better when you have a couple as stunningly fabulous as these two!
Cassie and Stephen- Thank you for allowing us to be part of your first day as Husband and Wife. What a fabulous adventure you two have started on! With the support of your friends and family, and the amazing love you two share, I know it will be one amazing journey! Congratulations!
Their Fabulous Team of Vendors
Ceremony The Lightner Museum    Reception The White Room
Florist  Happily Ever After Floral    Cake Sweets by Holly
Reception Music Feedback Entertainment   Hair and Makeup Studio Artistry
Invitations Wedding Paper Divas     Ceremony Music Caleb Hollan
Coordinator The Wedding Authority
How did you two meet? We worked together at Outback Steakhouse while completing our undergraduate degrees at the University of Central Florida.
How did he pop the question? It was Mother’s Day Weekend, and also the NFL draft. We were in New York to celebrate both. Stephen arranged for me to spend the day at a spa with my mom, his mom, my sister, and my sister-in-law under the guise of a Mother’s Day treat for them. Afterwards, we all met up in the Conservatory Gardens of Central Park, where he and my brother were waiting for us before dinner. Stephen took me ahead and we walked through the beautiful gardens before he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him 🙂 It was romantic and beautiful!
How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design? We didn’t necessarily have a “theme,” but we wanted everything to be elegant, simple, and very “St. Augustine,” so that’s kind of what we went with. I liked a clean, light palette so there was a lot of ivory with touches of lilac, gray, and green. Overall, we just wanted everything to look elegant and flow together well from my dress to the venue to the flowers and the cake. It was all beautiful!
What was the best moment{s} of your wedding day? Our first look was incredible. It just felt so good to see each other and relieve some of the nervous feelings before the ceremony. I also loved our last dance alone, after everyone had left. It was so sweet and we both got a little emotional which I don’t think either of us expected.
How would you describe your overall wedding experienece? Amazing! The day was better than we could have hoped for, and it just felt incredible to be with our friends and family, celebrating our love!
What photography related advice would you offer to a couple? Take the time early in the planning process to find a photographer that matches the style of photography you’re looking for and who has a great personality. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this person – make sure you like them! We love Kelly and have from the first time we met with her, and her style of photography is exactly what we were looking for. I would also suggest doing a first look – not only did it relieve the nerves for both of us, but it allowed us to be able to get a lot of the formal shots out of the way early so that we could enjoy the cocktail hour and reception more.
Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one? I bought my dress at a St. Pete bridal shop called CC’s Boutique. It was the 10th dress I tried on in total, and CC’s was the second shop I went to. I knew I wanted lace, but the dress was actually a last minute pull from the consultant because I wanted to “just try one with straps.” As soon as I put it on and caught a glimpse in the mirror, I knew it was the one!
How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day? Amazing! You were great at making sure to get the shots I wanted and keeping everyone on time and on task. You were able to give us direction that was much needed and I just know all of our pictures are going to be so beautiful thanks to you!
Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not! Yes! Best decision ever 🙂
Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos? Eat something as late in the getting ready process as possible, and drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially if you’re doing photos outside. I definitely think doing an engagement shoot helps you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera, as well.
We love to hear about vendors you love. List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Be sure to include the name of the vendor, their profession, city/state, site or Facebook page and how your experience was!
Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? Use this space to talk about favorite shops. You can include where you got your dress, sites you got your veils/décor/accessories, etc.
What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome? I was very nervous about the actual walk down the aisle, because I’m very clumsy, and I was obsessed with the weather in the days and weeks leading up to the wedding because my reception was partially outdoors. Luckily, I didn’t trip, and the weather was absolutely perfect.
Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently?
Any tips on what to bring?
What do you want to always remember from your wedding day? The look on my husband’s face when he saw me in my dress for the first time, the vows we exchanged, and the incredible love we were surrounded by on such a beautiful day!
“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day? Don’t go crazy worrying about all of the little things. No one else but you will know if something goes wrong. The day goes by so fast; spend your time taking it in and really experiencing it!
What kind of food was served at your reception? We had a buffet of salmon, beef sirloin, and pasta with choice of sauce and grilled chicken. We also had roasted potatoes and roasted mixed vegetables. Everything was catered by the White Room.
What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?
Our first dance song was “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. I danced with my brother in tribute to my father, who passed away 5.5 years ago, to “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross. Stephen and his mother danced to an instrumental version of “In My Life” by the Beatles.
And where are you going on your honeymoon?
We are taking a road trip! We are headed to Charleston, SC, and then to Savannah, GA.
