The Truth about Wedding Gown Samples

If you have never set foot in a bridal shop you don’t know what to expect on your first visit unless someone tells you. Most brides trying on wedding gowns for the first time think that it’s like going to your favorite shop at the mall, trying on a dress in your size, and taking it home. Some bridal shops work this way but most will have you try on samples and measure you to order the size closest to your own. How does this work, you ask? Let us tell you how!

Size

Bridal shops order sizes 8 and up so that they can fit more brides into their samples. Example: You are a size 4 in wedding gowns. You can fit into a size 10 wedding dress but a size 10 bride cannot fit into a size 4. While a size 10 is a few sizes bigger, bridal stores have tricks to make that size 10 wedding gown fit almost like a perfect size 4. This will give you an idea of how it would look in your size. Wedding dress sizes vary by bridal shop and designer. Wonderland Bridal carries wedding gown samples ranging from a size 6 to 26 and our wedding gowns can be ordered from size 2-34.

Color

A question we are asked most often is, “why are none of your sample dresses white?” There has been a decline in the interest of brides ordering true white wedding dresses in recent years. There are several reasons for this. The most common reasons brides are not ordering white is that the color is so bright she would need to have her teeth whitened, it can often wash out many skin tones, and it can appear dirty very quickly. That being said, many wedding gowns still do come with white as a color option for the traditional bride.

Our selection of wedding gown samples are variations of white including ivory which is also called bridal white. This is a softer version of white that isn’t always that yellow ivory color. We also have wedding dress samples in hues of pink or champagne that make lace appliques and embroidery pop. Since Ivory is the most popular color for wedding gowns, all of our wedding dress samples can be ordered in this color.

Length

Wedding gown samples in bridal shops are usually a standard length which can be very long for some brides. As with sizing, this is to accommodate a range of heights. Wedding dresses are made to fit brides who are 5’8″ and shorter. If you have ever wondered why bridal shops have pedestals, this is why. When a bride steps on a pedestal in a wedding gown, it gives her the appearance of being taller. This makes the wedding dress look like it is closer to the perfect length or appears that she is wearing high shoes.

When a new dress is ordered there are a few ways to make sure you are not tripping down the aisle. You can order a wedding gown with a custom length. This means that you can order your wedding dress to the desired length and have the dress arrive this way. This also means that you will have to have your shoes before you place your wedding gown order. Another option is to have a seamstress shorten the hem when you do your alterations (which are almost always necessary). At the very least you will need a bustle. Which brings us to our final subject…

Trains

Everyone loves a long train. A bustle is the collection of the train after the ceremony with loops and buttons. This prevents your train from being damaged. Wedding dress samples are not bustled. The reason for this is that your wedding gown must be the perfect length before your bustle is measured otherwise your train will still be too long or so short you will see underneath your wedding gown.. Since there are several styles of bustles, you can have your seamstress choose the one you like the most at the time of your fitting.

It is just as fun shopping shopping for wedding dress samples for us as it is for you to shop for your’s. Let us be the shop to help you find the perfect wedding gown for your special day. Schedule your appointment with us today!

Love Story: Christina & Steven

We sat down with another beautiful Wonderland bride to get her love story. Meet Christina and Steven, who were married on April 15th at Deer Creek Country Club.

When and how did you meet?

We met in High School around 2001 or 2002. He was one of my closest friends until we officially started dating in 2008. However, he was my high school senior prom date in 2003 (we went as really good friends – although I’m sure he asked me because he had a crush on me during that time).

How long did you date before he popped the question?

7 years !!!! Then we were engaged for 2 yrs and 4 months (this December will be our 10 year dating anniversary).

How did he propose?

It was the weekend of my 30^th birthday. He had planned a “surprise” party that day which turned out not to be a surprise because he ended up spilling the beans a few weeks prior. I love the Morakimi Japanese Gardens, especially the Zen Garden, it is one of my favorite places. Steven told me that we were going to the Morikami earlier that day to have lunch with our friend and his girlfriend. The Morikami has a restaurant on property. He said that our friend really wanted to take me to a birthday lunch (this of course made no sense to me, as I knew that we would be seeing said friend later that night for the “surprise” party). When we arrived at the restaurant he said that our friend and his girlfriend were walking around the garden and we should join them because it was such a lovely day. I fought him on this at first and insisted that we just wait for a table but eventually I acquiesced. When we entered the Zen garden I saw our friend and his girlfriend. I was too busy greeting them to realize that the Bruno Mars song “Marry Me” had began playing in the background. I heard Steven say, “she is too busy saying hi to realize what’s happening” (I watched this many times on video : ) ). At that moment, I turned around and realized what was happening. The rest is history.

Where were you married and how did you pick the place?

Deer Creek Golf Club. It was the perfect blend of what we were both looking for. Immediately upon walking into Deer Creek, we both fell in love with the beautiful ballroom (I feel in love with the chandeliers ) and the outside ceremony space. We wanted something that was both romantic and  “gardeny” (our theme was Romance in the Garden).

What theme and/or colors have you chosen for your wedding and why?

Blush Pink, Ivory and a “touch” of Gold. Pink Roses are my favorite. The color combination reminds me of a nice spring day.

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

Italy (Rome, Tuscany Region, Florence and Venice).

Why did you chose Wonderland Bridal for your dream dress?

Because Wonderland is amazing!!! I truly fell in love with Patti and Alicyn. I visited two or three other dress shops prior to Wonderland. The one thing that stood out about Wonderland is that the consultants really cared about finding me the perfect dress to celebrate such a huge milestone. While other shops hosted friendly consultants that were polite, Wonderland made me feel as though I was dress shopping with my closest girlfriends who were just as excited as I was! It was genuine and I truly cherished the experience.

Share your experience about your time with Wonderland Bridal.

Wonderland stuck with me from the beginning to the end. All of the ladies were very professional and accommodating. They are knowledgeable in their field and were always available to answer questions. They kept me informed about my dress and my veil from the day I placed my order until the day I picked them up.  Wonderland went above and beyond to help me find the perfect dress to wear to marry my best friend.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

There were so many moments ! The entire day was spectacular but if I had to pick one, I would say it was our first look. There was something just truly magical about that moment that I cannot quite put into words.

Any advice to future couples currently planning a wedding?

Never lose sight of the reason you are planning a wedding. It is easy to get lost in the stress and anxiety of planning but enjoy the experience (with your significant other). When the day arrives, many things will likely not go as planned, no matter how much you planned but it will still be the best day ever (or at least one of the best days ever)!

Wedding Photos by Epic Media – Lee Davis

1. Wedding Gown: Stella York from Wonderland Bridal Couture
2. Flowers:  Gladys Flowers Inc
3. Cake:  Elite Cake Creations
4. Catering: Deer Creek Golf Club
5. Entertainment:  DJ EL Cumacho owner of Moor Productions LLC
6. Invitations:  Elegant Wedding Invites
7. Wedding Planner: Steven and I 🙂
8. Hair: Jean Johnson of Platinum Cuts (Bride) and Gem Makeup Artistry & Hair (Bridal Party)
9. Make Up:  Gem Makeup Artistry & Hair
10. Photographer: Epic Media – Lee Davis
11. Videographer: Epic Media – Carlyle Brown

Love Story: Merissa & Luis

We sat down with another beautiful Wonderland bride to get her love story. Meet Merissa & Luis, who were married March 24th, 2018.

When and how did you meet?

We met in person for the first time in April 25, 2014 at Hooters, but it was three months before that when we met online and began to chat.

How long did you date before he popped the question?

From the first night, we never left each others side and began dating in late April 2014. He asked me to marry him Nov. 22,2016

How did he propose?

We were on a trip to New York with my family for my cousins wedding. When we arrived, we went to the central park zoo and you could tell that he was nervous or anxious about something.He was very uptight and his hands were sweaty. He just couldn’t sit still.We walked down the stairs to the bear enclosure and my dad turns to us and says stand in front of it and Luis you kneel down. Well of course my stubborn self, I said well why is he going to kneel down and Im going to stand, so I proceeded to kneel with him. My dad snaps the picture and I stand up, but Luis didn’t move. He opened up a box and there was my ring. I said yes before he could even ask. My sister had signs and fake flowers that she pulled out of her backpack. It was definitely memorable.

Where were you married and how did you pick the place?

We got married at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton , Florida. We knew we wanted a country club and have been here many times and thought the ambience and the food were incredible. My mom and I literally went to 3 places and knew this was the one. The staff was incredible and Bee Alexis my wedding planner was the absolute best. I cannot say enough about the team here.

What theme and/or colors have you chosen for your wedding and why?

It was vintage theme with champagnes, golds, and white. I really wanted something clean looking, simple, yet elegant.

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

We have not yet, but are planning a trip to Cuba.

Why did you chose Wonderland Bridal for your dream dress?

Why Wonderland? The answer is simple, they are the most amazing team of women. They truly cared about my perfect day. I wasn’t a number or a money sign to them, I was a woman walking through their door and they had the most important mission to find the perfect dress for the best day of my life. A day I will always remember. A dress that made me feel beautiful.

Share your experience about your time with Wonderland Bridal.

From the day I walked in, I knew this was the place. It’s actually kind of funny, instead of finding the dress I loved and not worrying about the place I bought it from,  I was going to make a dress that they carried work, but that wasn’t the case at all. Wonderland had a large selection of dresses and one more beautiful than the next. I thought I knew what I wanted, I couldn’t have been more wrong. The one thing I thought I didn’t want (tulle), I ended with. They just knew what would look the best on my body type. They showed me dresses that I picked out and waited till the end to say “please try this on” and as I pulled it up over my hips, I looked at Amber and said “ This is the dress”. At that moment, I said yes to the dress.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Marrying my best friend, my soulmate, the love of my life surrounded by the people who mean the most to us. Bonus: Having our son be there to witness the love of his mom and dad. Having him apart of this day truly meant the world to us.

Any advice to future couples currently planning a wedding?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. There are going to be hiccups, disagreements, and drama let it go. Always remember that this day is for the two of you. It is YOUR perfect day, no-one else’s. You CANNOT make everyone happy, but you can make yourselves. Music, food, and of course YOUR DRESS is the most important. This is what people will remember.

1. Wedding Gown: Wonderland Bridal Couture | Stella York
2. Flowers: Beautiful Kreations
3. Cake: Boca Pointe
4. Entertainment: Vinny Vendatto 
5. Wedding Planner: Bee Alexis
6. Hair: Jenny Berger
7. Make Up: Nicole Dilallo

 

Designer Spotlight| Fall 2018

It’s almost Fall which means a new bridal season is upon us. This collection of Stella York wedding dresses is one of our favorites by far. These wedding gowns are the perfect balance of classic and modern. Here are just some of the details that you can expect to see and be inspired by.

Lace, Lace, and more Lace

There was a time where lace wedding dresses were a dated look; but this isn’t your grandma’s lace.

 

The beautiful weather we are lucky to have in Florida makes for gorgeous outdoor weddings. We love this garden-inspired wedding dress which is lace and tulle over regency organza. The lattice pattern of the lace appliques gives the skirt movement and brings to mind a flowing garden feel.

This gorgeous A-line wedding gown has a beautifully detailed illusion back and is delicately finished with buttons under a zipper closure.

 

Another of our favorite lace dresses is this simple boho wedding dress with French tulle. This is the perfect wedding gown to compliment your beach wedding. The cotton style lace of the bodice gives this wedding dress an effortless style with a v-neck and open keyhole back. The modern bride looks for comfort and this flowy skirt will definitely make walking on the sand and dancing the night away an absolute breeze.

 

Dramatic Skirts

 

A bride doesn’t want to walk down the aisle and everyone say that her dress made her look cute. She wants jaws to drop when she makes her grand entrance. This beaded trumpet style wedding gown will turn heads and breakneck speed. The sexy silhouette of this wedding dress is fitted through the bodice and hip and flares with a full tulle skirt.

The stunning low back has an illusion panel that makes the back appear lower than it is giving the bride a little bit of sexy to this sophisticated look.

 

This next wedding gown is for the bride looking for a romantic ballgown style with plenty of sparkle. The 3-D flowers and sparkle tulle underlay give this wedding gown dimension that demands all the attention in the room. The lightly lined bodice gives this ballgown a relaxed look that has boning for structure but doesn’t make the bride feel suffocated such as a fully lined beaded bodice might.

 

Straps

 

Drama and romance make this next wedding dress an amazing choice for indoor or outdoor nuptials. The see through illusion bodice and full skirt combined with the amazing shape will give the bride wearing this a sweet but sassy look for her wedding day.

 

It’s so hard to be surrounded by beautiful wedding gowns and not have more than one fave. This stunning mermaid wedding dress has everything a girl could want; a sheer peek-a-boo neckline gives the bride that flirtatious look with out sacrificing her shape, an absolutely amazing train scattered with romantic appliques, and of course the sophisticated beaded strap that falls off the shoulder in rows.

If you are still searching for the perfect wedding gown for your special day! Look no further! Set up your appointment with Wonderland Bridal today and let one of our stylists introduce you to the wedding dress of your dreams!

National Bridal Sale Event 7/21-7/28

Big news!!! Wonderland Bridal is having the biggest sale of the year! We are selling some of our best loved designer wedding dress samples as low as $399! How does a sample sale work? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions!

What to expect… 

Our shop is preparing for the new Fall 2018 collection of wedding dresses by making room on our racks. This is great news for any bride-to-be looking for a deal on a designer wedding dress. Sample wedding gowns are specific sizes and colors. Sometimes these wedding dresses are discontinued by the designer, but not always. In some cases if a bride falls in love with a sample during the sample sale it is possible to reorder this wedding gown in another size or color. The only difference is if the wedding dress is being special ordered, then you will not be able to take advantage of the sale price.

What should I do if I love a dress but it doesn’t fit?

During a sample sale you might find a wedding dress you love but it is either a little big or too small. Sometimes you get lucky and find something that is a perfect fit but what do you in the case that it isn’t? Most wedding dresses have a seam allowance of up to 3″. This means that if the wedding dress sample doesn’t quite zip because it is too tight, a seamstress can let it out up to 3″ to make your dream wedding gown fit like a glove. If the wedding dress is too big, the first thing you want to do is look at yourself all clipped up in the dress. Do you like the proportion of the bra cups to your actual bust? Do you love the way the dress looks on your body? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then this is a good indication that you will like the dress once it is altered.  If you are unsure about your decision, let your bridal stylist know your concerns and ask her to make a recommendation.

I love a dress but I’m not ready to buy. What do I do?

If there was ever a time you went wedding dress shopping with an intent to purchase this would be it. Since wedding dress samples are not reordered by the bridal shop, the wedding dresses are up for sale to anyone ready to purchase the dress at that moment. This means that if you love a dress but didn’t come prepared to buy it you could potentially lose out on it to another bride who did. Make sure that everyone you want to bring shopping with you is at your appointment to help you make the decision or accessible by FaceTime including anyone who is paying for your wedding dress.

If you are ready to say yes to an amazing wedding gown at a terrific price, schedule your appointment with us today! The sale runs from Saturday, July 21st through Friday, July 27th. Appointments are booking up fast

 

 

 

Love Story: Jen & Del

We sat down with another beautiful Wonderland bride to get her love story. Meet Jen & Del, who were married at the Sundy House!

When and how did you meet?

We meet online — OKC, to be exact. 

How long did you date before he popped the question?

About 6 months! 

How did he propose?

We took a trip to California together for my 35^th birthday! We traveled to San Francisco and he proposed in Calistoga, California at Venge Vineyards.  He had the entire day planned from start to finish.  He even had photographers who were supposedly there to update photos for Venge’s website.  I thought it would probably happen at some point in California, but his preparation for this day was out of this world!!! An absolute fairytale!

Where were you married and how did you pick the place?

We decided on Sundy House in Delray Beach, Florida for our wedding venue.  It was our perfect place.  Beautiful botanical gardens and the most amazing staff and catering ever! It is also a bed and breakfast which made for a perfect bridal ad honeymoon suite.

What theme and/or colors have you chosen for your wedding and why?

We chose a rustic chic theme — colors lavender and grey.

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

We took a trip to northern Vietnam –  Hanoi, Sapa Valley and Ha Long Bay.

Why did you chose Wonderland Bridal for your dream dress?

After reading awesome reviews from Wedding Wire and The Knot, I decided to schedule an appointment with Alicyn. 

Share your experience about your time with Wonderland Bridal.

Alicyn was absolutely incredible! She was so patient and kind.  She eased all my worries and helped me say YES! to my perfect wedding dress! Even after my wedding she assisted me in preserving my dress.  She was the best! She was not pushy – helped me find my style of dress in my price range ☺

What was the best part of your wedding day?

My husband wrote a song for me and played the night of our wedding.  It was nothing short of perfection.

Any advice to future couples currently planning a wedding?

Enjoy your day, smile, breath ☺ This is the day you have been waiting for your entire life.  You’re marrying your best friend.  Someone who will support you, respect you and love you more than you’ve ever imagined.  Enjoy your family and friends.  Expect the unexpected, but it will be your perfect day and you will never forget it. 

Wedding Photos by Candid Moments

1. Flowers:  Honey Bunch
2. Cake:  Johnson’s Cakes
3. Catering: Sundy House
4. Entertainment:  My Weekend Therapy
5. Invitations:  Windmill Paper Boutique
6. Wedding Planner: We planned everything!
7. Hair:  Marianne Gehart
8. Make Up:  Dianis Nieto
9. Photographer: Candid Moments
10. Videographer: Cristina Godshall
11. Decor:   Etsy and us!

Just in! New Bridesmaid Dresses at Wonderland!

We are so excited to show you our latest collection of bridesmaid dresses. More and more brides are choosing to have mix and match bridal parties. Be it different colors or different styles, brides want their bridesmaids to be able to choose what they like and what they would possibly wear again.

This is what we love about Sorella Vita’s latest bridesmaid collection. These are not your typical bridesmaid dresses. With unique styles and fabrics, every bridesmaid is sure to find something they love.

Boho Sleeves

South Florida brides love their outdoor weddings. How can they not when we have such beautiful weather and breathtaking landscapes? Bridesmaids are always looking for breathable fabrics and sexy off the shoulder or cold shoulder options.

Adding to the most gorgeous chiffon bridesmaids dresses we have seen are these two stunning styles….

When bridesmaids think of flowy they don’t exactly imagine a lot of support. This bridesmaid style shown in Forest has an off the shoulder look with all of the support of a halter dress. This is for the bridesmaid who wants to be a little sexy but modest at the same time.

With this sexy number the single bridesmaid at your wedding won’t be for too much longer. This strapless gown shows off the decollete without revealing too much and still has that sensual off the shoulder sleeve. The ruching on this gown also gives the waist a slimmer look making this bridesmaid dress one of our favorites in this collection.

Sassy Straps

Still in line with the boho look, this bridesmaid dress combines the newest trend of sexy straps with the flow of the off the shoulder look. This fashion forward look is perfect for the stylish bridesmaid who wants something on-trend.

You asked for it and Sorella Vita delivered! The nouveau sequin look in a slim silhouette with spaghetti straps will give your bridesmaids that small bit of sparkle you wanted to add to your bridal party. This is also the perfect dress for your maid-of-honor to compliment your other bridesmaids if they are wearing chiffon.

Sophisticated Mikado

These are the dresses we are most excited about. If you are having a formal wedding and want something that will dazzle your guests, this is it! Mikado also called Duchesse Satin is not your typical shiny satin. This is a thicker fabric that wrinkles a lot less and has a clean and sophisticated look. We also love the illusion neckline on this. With a look only recently reserved for wedding gowns, your bridesmaids can now have that dramatic look and still be soft enough to not take the attention away from the bride.

If you love the look of the Mikado but want your bridesmaids to wear more of a classic style, we have you covered! This V-Neck top and slender skirt is the soft but has the structured design you will want for your formal nuptials. This bridesmaid dress is even great for the dual function of an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.

With all of the color and fabric options, Sorella Vita is the bridesmaid collection you want to dress your favorite girls in! Contact us today to schedule your appointment to try on these and our other beautiful bridesmaid styles. We can’t wait to see you!

Summer Wedding Dress 101

What better time to discuss summer wedding dresses than wedding season! Most South Florida brides are already planning their outdoor summer weddings for next year. Many have already decided how they will want to look on their special day. Their Pinterest is full of photos of gorgeous wedding dresses but some fail to consider the heat and how that will affect them. We at Wonderland Bridal are delighted to tell you about of some of the details you can choose for your gown that will make your outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, or pics not just bearable but keep you breezy and comfortable.

Silhouette: Sexy or Boho Flow

The first thing you want to do is think about the fit of your wedding gown. Do you want something sexy that shows off your curves or are you thinking of something that has a little bit of flow to the skirt? Both looks are equally stunning but you don’t have to choose one look over the other to stay cool.

If you choose a fitted silhouette, try a sheath or trumpet skirt with minimal crinoline (the tulle that adds structure to the bottom of your wedding gown). These wedding dresses are usually lightly structured and usually give just enough support that you won’t be required to wear a bra or girdle underneath.  These wedding dresses can have a little sparkle but too much can weigh your wedding gown down and make it heavy.

If you always imagined being a princess on your wedding day, and A-line or column dress can give you that look and be light enough to allow air to blow through the skirt. With a wedding dress like this, there will be no doubt as to who the bride is.

Tantalizing Neckline and Backs

The perfect summer wedding dress doesn’t have to be strapless.  The daring bride can find something with a an illusion plunging neckline or show off a little of her shoulders in her wedding dress. There are so many options for that bride who wants to be as naked as possible in the summer heat but still be classy. The best thing about having some sort of strap is being able to have the support to hold a key hole back or low back detail you can’t find with strapless wedding dresses.

We love this lace sheath wedding gown from Stella York with Spaghetti Straps.

 

If you always imagined yourself with a little more coverage, why not try something with illusion cap sleeves or an illusion back? This gives you a little more support and won’t expose too much skin since it is covered with a breathable mesh with lace appliques.

Whatever season you plan to wed, make Wonderland Bridal your first stop! We can help you find the perfect look for your big day!

 

 

 

 

The ONLY time it is acceptable to settle..

Disclaimer: We do not advocate settling for your wedding dress. This is not the time to have buyer’s remorse. You still want the vision of you in your wedding dress even 30 years later to take your breath away!

There is only one time where a bride will have absolutely no choice and this is ok. We call this the perfect storm where time and budget come in to play.

The average wedding planning time is between 10-12 months. Not everyone wants to wait that long to get married so we are finding that more and more couples are planning their wedding in 6 months or even as low as 3. With a shorter time frame, there is more pressure to find a wedding dress that you love with enough time to have it shipped, altered, and steamed or pressed. Since the average time to have a wedding dress made and delivered is 5-6 months, this can cause a little bit of stress to the bride to be.

In the case of a short time frame, there are options to pay to have a wedding dress shipped with a rush, find a wedding gown that is already in stock with the designer, or you can find something off the rack. Depending on your timeline, all of these options make it easier to find a wedding dress for your big day.

 

The trouble arises when the bride can’t find anything she loves and is pressed for time with a limited budget. In this case, this is what we recommend:

• Give yourself a deadline. If your wedding is a month out and you still don’t have a wedding dress, designate a day to go shopping where your goal is to have one by the end of the day.
• Spend some time before you begin shopping to research designers you like and styles of wedding dresses you think you may want to try on and make appointments where they carry these designers.
• Before setting an appointment ask the shop you are calling if they have what you are looking for in your price range and time frame. Keep in mind that the more intricate detail you want, the more it is going to cost.
• Try on several silhouettes and ask for stylist recommendations
• Broaden your search. If you are having a hard time finding something with  beading, lace, long sleeves, and a low back maybe eliminate one or two of these things to give yourself more options of things to try on.
• Ask yourself these questions: do I feel beautiful? Can I see myself getting married in this?
• If there is a wedding dress that checks all of your boxes, get it! You don’t want to miss your opportunity to get the perfect dress because you were looking for something else.

 

We at Wonderland Bridal are all about making dreams come true. If you are still looking for your wedding dress and are pressed for time, we can certainly help with that. We also have sample wedding dresses that we are able to sell off the rack. Schedule your appointment with us today so we can help you find the perfect one!

Love Story: Jennifer & Jeremy

We sat down with another beautiful Wonderland bride to get her love story. Meet Jennifer & Jeremy, who were married March 10th, 2018.

When and how did you meet?

Jeremy and I both attended FAU and had mutual friends, but we met and became friends while working at Olive Garden in 2008.

How long did you date before he popped the question?

7 years!

How did he propose?

We were on a hiking trip for our 7 year anniversary. When we reached the summit of Cowrock Mountain, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I sat on a rock to meditate and soak in the beauty. I turned to Jeremy and said, “When we decide to get married, I’d love for you to propose somewhere like this!” I swear…and was so embarrassed when he turned around, slightly pale faced, and got down on one knee! I was looking around in disbelief and kept asking if he’s serious. He was of course, very serious, and it was a magical moment that we shared alone. We had no cell phone service and a he had hidden a bottle of champagne is his backpack. We hiked into the forest, hung our hammocks up, and celebrated!

Where were you married and how did you pick the place?

We were married in Live Oak, Florida, at Heritage Park & Gardens. We, along with our family and friends, camped at nearby Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Jeremy’s family lives in Live Oak and the Suwannee River holds a special place in our hearts. One afternoon a few years ago, we came upon HPG while driving around town and decided to hike the pines behind it. We snacked on wild blackberries and found a field to practice some yoga. After the engagement, we knew we wanted to get married in nature. We remembered the Live Oak park and set an appointment to visit. We toured the historical house and gardens once and knew it’d be the perfect venue space! We had a house to get ready in, but the wedding events could be outside, in nature.

What theme and/or colors have you chosen for your wedding and why?

We wanted our wedding to exemplify our bohemian style. It was a floral, nature inspired theme with many colors! I could not decide on set colors… I love them all!

Where did you go for your honeymoon?

Nicaragua for 2 weeks and it was beautiful!!

Share your experience about your time with Wonderland Bridal.

The staff was friendly and worked with my budget. They helped me envision our day and pick a dress that was perfect for me.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Listening to the speeches from my Dad, MOH and Best Man. Sitting there, listening, allowed me to be present and grateful for my friends and family. 

Any advice to future couples currently planning a wedding?

You have the choice to allow stress into your planning experience and on your wedding day. Choose to be present and grateful. Your union is what matters, not the centerpieces. HAVE FUN!

Photos by Stephanie W. Photography.

 

• Cake: Publix assorted – including our favorite, Carrot Cake
• Catering: “Two Cuban Guys” food truck
• Entertainment: Amplify Events – DJ Drew
• Invitations: Homemade by Jennifer
• Wedding Planner: Natalia Pappadia – Delightful Bash
• Hair: Retro Red’s Beauty Shop, Ft. Lauderdale – Annie Macko
• Make Up: Retro Red’s Beauty Shop, Ft. Lauderdale – Annie Macko
• Photographer: Stephanie W. Photography
• Videographer: N/A
• Decor: DIY – my WONDERFUL bridesmaids
• Other: Service Staff – J.R. Events – http://www.jreventsinc.com