Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your special day. It is a profound expression of the love you share and where it all began. Your ceremony is the kick-off for your entire wedding. For many couples, this is a sacred moment filled with symbolism and traditions, and on the other hand, it is a profession of love and commitment. Most importantly, this is the beginning of your life together and the continuation of your epic love story.
As you begin searching for your vendors, you realize there is a large variety of officiant services out there. All have varied backgrounds, training, styles, and experience to offer for your wedding. You may ask yourself, what exactly is a wedding officiant? Simply stated, a person who legally performs your wedding ceremony – aka the one who makes it officially official! Whether you’re saying “I Do” in a church, on the beach, or under a canopy of string lights in your backyard, your officiant is the one leading the moment that seals the deal.
Your officiant is more than just a formality, they set the ton for your ceremony. They help guide the flow, share your love story, and ensure all the legal vow and paperwork are done right. Some officiants are religious leaders, while others are non-denominational professionals. You also have the opportunity to have a family member or close friend (who must be ordained) be your officiant.
Pro Tip: Choose someone who gets you. The right officiant will personalize the ceremony, reflect your values, and make your wedding feel like it was made just for you – because it is.
Your ceremony should be as unique as your love story. Personalize your big day by ditching the cookie-cutter script and create a moment that truly reflects who you are as a couple. From the vows you write to the rituals you include, every detail becomes a powerful expression of your journey together. Check out some of the unique ways you can incorporate traditions and personalization into your ceremony.
While traditional vows have their charm and elegance, writing your own promises allow you to convey feelings authentically. Start by sharing your personal anecdotes and commitments to each other. Furthermore, make the moment deeply intimate for both you and your guests. It can be a whispered promise or a bold declaration; this is meant for you and your partner.
Unity ceremonies symbolize the joining of two lives. Modern couples are embracing unique rituals like planting a tree together, blending different wines, or creating a piece of art during their ceremony. These acts not only represent your union but also leave you with a lasting keepsake. Our very own I Said Yes FL team member included the Celtic hand fasting ceremony to reflect her husband’s Irish roots.
Engage your family and friends by inviting them to participate actively. This can happen in various ways, including readings, musical performances, or shared blessings. This involvement adds a layer of meaning and showcases the support and love surrounding your relationship.
The song(s) you use in your wedding ceremony have the ability to resonate with your journey together. Whether it’s a live performance of “your song” or instrumental versions of favorites, music sets the emotional tone and reflects your shared tastes. Many local wedding DJs and live entertainment artists have the ability to personalize your music.
You don’t have to stick with tradition. Rethink your ceremony layout and try something unique that sparks your curiosity or excitement. Arrange your seating in a circular formation around you to create an intimate atmosphere. Alternatively, try ditching the traditional rows and go full-on cozy with lounge-style seating. Think vintage sofas, chic loveseats, poufs, and rattan chairs arranged in clusters or semi-circles. It’s perfect for creating a laid-back, intimate vibe that feels more like a stylish garden party than a formal affair.
Ultimately, this is your journey and love story being told to family and friends. Personalize every aspect or stick to tradition; your wedding ceremony should reflect you. With your local wedding vendors, you have the opportunity to create something magical.
Collage photos collection from I Said Yes! FL.
Old, new, borrowed, and blue is the theme that resonated throughout this real wedding in Tampa, FL. No doubt family is extremely valuable to Heather and Hunter. In fact, their families came down from Missouri to celebrate the couple’s union. Unquestionably this intimate destination wedding created priceless memories for everyone involved.
Admittedly our favorite part of this real wedding is the sentimental wedding jewelry. In this situation, Heather’s something borrowed included her grandmother’s ring. Likewise it was also her something old and something blue. Similarly she wore earrings borrowed from her mother and sister. In addition, Hunter’s wedding day gift to Heather was a new bracelet.
Again focusing on the importance of family. Both Heather and Hunter involved their parents in the pre-wedding preparations. As well as their closet friends. Singularly sharing the love and celebration of this intimate destination wedding.
Certainly you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. But Safety Harbor Resort and Spa offers an indoor-outdoor solution to the Florida heat. In this situation, they have a climate-controlled tent. As you can see, it is beautifully draped in white from ceiling to floor. Subsequently creating a view of a lush Florida landscape while in the comfort of air conditioning. As well as a ceremony location that looks more luxurious than tent like.
Heather’s bridal bouquet was complete with blush and white roses. Coupled with eucalyptus greenery. Identically the arch was decorated with blush and white florals. Further coordinating with the bouquets and soft blush dresses of the bridesmaids.
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa has a vast landscape. Correspondingly offering a variety of gorgeous photo backdrops. So, following their vows, it was time for some outdoor portraits of the newlyweds.
Although not part of the actual wedding activities, the couple’s dogs did get dressed up for the photos. Indeed wearing coordinating tuxedo and floral collars.
From beginning to end, this real wedding was filled with love and sentiment. Assuredly honoring the importance of family with their old new borrowed and blue. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness for Heather and Hunter.
Get inspired to plan your wedding with more Real Wedding inspiration on the I Said Yes! Wedding Blog.
Thank you to the wedding vendors that made Heather and Hunters perfect wedding day:
Venue: Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
Florist: All About the Vase by Dana Dineen
Cake: The Artistic Whisk
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates, Inc
Linens: Fancy That Linens
Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography
Ending this real wedding blog with a photo of this lovely 2 tier wedding cake created by The Artistic Whisk. No doubt a sweet ending to this dream wedding.
I Said Yes! FL wants you to show off your bling!
We love when our couples decide to share with us their engagement ring photos.
We’ve had brides send us actual surprise Florida proposals. They have taken place at locations like Leu Gardens and Bok Towers. We had a proposal on the water in Miami as well as a Florida Keys proposal on the beach.
One constant we’ve noticed is that many Florida brides like to show off their bling by the water. Whether it’s the pool, the ocean or just palm trees. Florida brides take advantage of the sun while showing that he/she put a ring on it.
We’ve had several engagement ring photos shared with us that were taken by professional photographers as well. And all kinds of couples sending in their ring photos!
We even had one Florida bride and groom who we blogged about their wedding send us their engagement ring photos from their Parisian engagement photoshoot in Paris. Congratulations to your 1st anniversary as husband and wife, Jessica + Jose, who were married here in Central Florida, in Howey-in -the -Hills at The Howey Mansion!
In order from left to right; Josie Brooks Photography, French Grey Photography, Christy Digian Photography
The rings themselves are just as unique as the women wearing them (and Florida Grooms we want to see your engagement bands too)!
For example, we’ve seen diamond shaped stones, marquis, cushion cut, princess cut and eternity bands. One band even had the name of her fiancé engraved on the top. The stones themselves have ranged from stunning turquoise tourmaline and ruby red to round traditional diamonds.
Are you recently engaged? Then show off your bling!
Send us your engagement ring photos on Facebook messenger, DM us on Instagram or send them by email. We’ll give you a shoutout on social media. And possibly feature you in our next Florida engagement rings blog post six months from now.
Congratulations to all of our engaged couples!
Love is like wine, it gets better with age. And this winery themed styled shoot proves that to be true.
Typically, wedding planners organize wedding styled shoots. However, as a Central Florida wedding photographer, Kristine with Honeywood Photography was inspired to produce a styled shoot after visiting Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens.
Wineries and vineyards are not common in the Central Florida area. Therefore, Kristine wanted to spotlight this winery’s uniqueness as a Central Florida wedding venue. Her goal was to incorporate deep wine colors and hues within the cake, florals and styling in general.
“With any styled shoot, you have to gather together the right vendors to create the specific look and feel you’re going for. I wanted to put together a group of wedding experts that would incorporate that rich feeling of the winery,” said Kristine.
For hair and makeup, Kristine secured Tatiana Rivera of Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry. Having worked with GAD Artistry many times in the past Kristine knew that Tatiana could put together the look for the bride she wanted.
Lubelle’s Cakes was chosen for her amazing drip cake skills and stunning butter cream. A traditional 2-tiered cake that was slightly “naked” on top allowed for rich decorative copper drip detailing. Finally it was topped with blackberries and The Flower Studios’ roses and flowers. It beautifully mimicked the wine vibe of this shoot.
The Flower Studio created a gorgeous lush bouquet with wine inspired hued ribbons. Additionally they provided a floral piece for the wooden honeycomb ceremony arch. It had the perfect balance of pink and wine roses with plenty of greenery.
Luxe Wedding Wear dressed the bride in a spaghetti strap, lace and tulle wedding gown. So light and airy, it was ideal for this Florida winery wedding venue.
Kristine told us that her favorite part of the Island Grove styled shoot was photographing the models within the actual vineyards themselves.
“I know it sounds silly, but there were actual grapes on the vines! I’m not sure what I was expecting,” said Kristine.
The rows of vines lent themselves perfectly to wedding portraits. And what a treat it was to just have the option of being in a true vineyard in Central Florida. All of the details, from the arch, to the jewelry and flowers were chosen to play off of the winery feel. However, set in Florida, it feels very different from wineries up north and out west.
If you are currently looking for your wedding venue, spend the day at the Island Grove Winery. Make a reservation to eat their delicious food and set up a wine tasting. Their wines are delicious! Kristine admitted that she may have bought several bottles of their house wines on her way out.
We completely agree with Kristine, love is like wine. Cheers!
Venue: Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens
Photographer: Honeywood Photography
Hair/Makeup: Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry
Floral: The Flower Studio
Dress/Accessories: Luxe Wedding Wear
Cake: Lubelle’s Cakes
Tux: Any Tux 45 Bucks
Styled shoots are a big part of the Florida wedding industry. As a result, creative vendors team up and put their expertise to work. That’s why we’re so excited to share this Modern Day Marie Antoinette Styled Shoot.
The shoot was set at the Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. This 20-room European-style mansion was the perfect location. Likewise, it mirrored the days when Marie Antoinette and her ladies in waiting spent their time lounging about, just being beautiful.
Jolie Colon of i do events and party rentals was inspired by the series “Versailles.” She fell in love with the fashion and lifestyle. As a result, Colon wanted to showcase this era, updating the look for modern day couples.
First came hair and makeup by the team at Laura Reynolds Artistry. They recreated the beautiful up-dos of the era. Also, the team added pale face makeup and beauty marks. After that, jewelry, headpieces and jeweled masks were provided by Panther’s Gallery, a Orlando-based artist and jewelry designer.
“Creating the ballroom scene was fun. It brought out the creativity of our wedding vendors,” said Colon.
Le Fleur Atelier hung a vintage frame with greenery over the fireplace. Then they spread flowers throughout the space. In addition, Bakers Cottage Cakes covered the table setup with decadent sweets.
Meanwhile, the beautiful models were fitted with gorgeous ball gowns by Isabella Talya. After that, they lounged on a vintage loveseat by Xclusive Rentals.
Finally, the day ended with a masquerade ball. Each lady wore custom designed jeweled masks. It was a perfect ending to this modern day Marie Antoinette styled shoot.
Photography: Captured by Elle
Videography: Elmwood Forest Production
Venue: The Howey Mansion
Planning/Table Top Rentals: i do events and party rentals
Floral: Le Fleur Atelier
Cakes and Goodies: Bakers Cottage Cakes
Dresses: Something New Bridal Boutique
Hair and Makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry
Furniture Rental: Xclusive Rentals
Stationary/Calligraphy: Two Peas Design
Jewelry: Panther’s Gallery
Designer Paper Cones – @doloresylolitaus
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter filled with helpful articles, local wedding pro events and exclusive I Said Yes! opportunities.
