From the moment we met Kristen and Andrew, we knew that their relationship was special. So special that we asked them if we could share their story (and beautiful wedding pictures)! The couple said “I do” on January 12th at the Four Seasons in Orlando. They opted for a first look before the ceremony and Kristen looked absolutely stunning in an ivory gown with a lace bodice as she walked down the stairs. Waiting patiently, Andrew was excited and both of their reactions gave us goosebumps! The moment couldn’t be more beautifully captured. 

The couple met two weeks into their first year of medical school at USF after making the same group of mutual friends. “I like it better when he tells the story because he says he spotted me on day one and knew he had to meet me,” Kristen said. The couple had their first non-date at a local bar after their friends bailed out on them. They ended up playing darts together all night (FYI Kristen beat Andrew by over 200 points!). 

“From that point forward I described him as the funniest guy I’d ever met and when my best friend, Danielle, repeatedly told me I had a crush on Andrew, I always denied it,” Kristen said. 

Five years and two medical degrees later, Kristen and Andrew stood beneath an arch made of two manzanita trees suspended with orchid rain as newlyweds while the same amazing friends stood by them. 

The bridesmaids carried white and ivory bouquets accented with hints of dusty miller and silver brunia berries to complement their wedge wood blue dresses. Kristen’s bouquet was also all white and ivory blooms but with no foliage and Andrew had an elegant white orchid boutonniere. The groomsmen complimented the bridesmaids with boutonnieres made of white ranunculus and dusty miller. 

The celebration then moved to the Four Season’s Atrium for the cocktail hour where tables were decorated with silver mercury glass and candles. Guests picked up their escort cards from a table decorated with a stunning silver manzanita tree with a base of white hydrangea and foliage and hanging orchid blooms. The couple’s goal was to evoke the slight feel of winter. “When Zoë asked us what we pictured, we told her wintery, but not Christmas and no fake snow,” the couple said. 

The reception was also winter inspired with some low table arrangements made of white and ivory blooms and hints of greenery placed in low glass vases. The rest of the table arrangements were tall and decorated with silver manzanita trees and suspended orchids to mimic the design of the escort card table. Let’s not forget the stunning cake with cascading Phalaenopsis orchids!

“From getting ready with my girls, sitting around sipping on mimosas, to doing first looks with my two grandpas and my father, to doing a sneak peek of our reception space before all of our guests entered - the whole night was magical and peaceful and incredible beyond my wildest expectations. Plus, I got to share it with THE most amazing guy,” Kristen said. She also advises all couples to share the load of planning a wedding between the bride and groom to make it less stressful and very enjoyable.

We truly loved working with this amazing couple to make sure that their vision came to life perfectly! Of course we had to ask them what their favorite part of the Botanica experience was and we couldn’t be any happier with their answer. Kristen said seeing the final result was their favorite part. “That's probably a cheat answer, but it's the truth! The centerpieces were to die for. The beautiful manzanita trees with flowers draping off their branches. Thick floral bouquets on the tables, candles twinkling everywhere. Gosh, it was just breathtaking! Their creativity literally blew us away and I'm so incredibly thankful to have worked with such amazingly talented people!” 

Thank you to all the vendors that worked with us on this amazing wedding!

Photographer:  Anastasiia Photography  | Venue/Catering:  Four Seasons Orlando Resort | Planner: Rebekah Rosado | Beauty: Michele Renee The Studio