REAL WEDDINGS: ERICA AND SHAWN AT THE RITZ CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES, TAKE 2!

I've been looking forward to sharing just a fraction of the beautiful imagery from Root Photography for Erica and Shawn's wedding for some time now.

I mentioned it's been bittersweet to cull images and reminisce, but I've put on my big girl stilettos, and have decided that  I am all the better for having two incredible opportunities to work with such a loving and supportive family. They can't get rid of me just quite yet!

Perhaps I'll start with the end.  This is my favorite image, and certainly not because it's the best photo I've ever posed for, but because it was one of the last songs of the evening, and the Landis/Landau/Sickel ladies pulled me aside for this moment.  This was 3 + years in the making and I loved every meeting, every phone call, every text and email.

Nothing but love.

I know, I know, you've stopped by to look at the "pretty."  Well, I've got pretty for you, alright!

Let's start with Erica's dress by Kenneth Pool: I was at Solutions Bridal when we had Kate, {mom} Vicky {Sister} and a slew of fun bridesmaids.  We all agreed Erica could have worn wear a burlap sack and still look smashing, nit when she stepped out in this??  Let's just say tears were shed. I wasn't alone! *wink

From dress, to veil to the delivery of her delicate, lush bouquet, the pretty just kept coming. Kinda' like a one-two "style punch!"

I love these sisters.

Grooms look dapper, and have fun while getting ready too! At least Shawn did!

Bride+Getting Ready+Lisa Stoner+E Events Design+Root Photography.jpg

When designing a wedding in a larger hotel, I always like to claim my space and carve my niche on our designated side.  I think we let everyone know that this area was especially for Erica, Shawn, their families and treasured wedding guests with the application of this dramatic and elegant draping by Swag Décor.  Below, is the entrance to the foyer that led guests to the ceremony and reception spaces.

Ceremony time!  THAT CHUPPAH!  How many ribbons?? I couldn't even guess!

Proud parents.  This makes me so happy!

Just married, and just breathtaking.

On to the reception!  Guests enjoyed finding their ombré hues escort cards on this custom built display.

Reception details for the win!

Party, party, party!  And wedding streamers for life!

Love was certainly in the air! Clint Wiley and his lead female vocalist are now getting married!

Erica had so many girlfriends at the wedding she had hoped would catch the bouquet.  I didn't have the heart to just have one "win," so we made twelve! We had happy and surprised girls just after this award-winning toss!

Finally, a sweet and signature send off for guests as they made their way back to their guest rooms and/or valet. Dunkin Donuts!  Kate is a legendary, life-long and loyal patron!

I hope you had as much fun being a virtual guest at Erica and Shawn's wedding, as I did reminiscing, love bugs!

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Bridal Gown, Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids Gowns: Solutions Bridal

Venue: The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Photography: Root Photography | Nathan and Jensey Root

Video: Jeffrey Stoner Video

Floral Design and Chuppah: Lee Forrest Design

Wedding Stationery: 2u Creative

Lighting: Get Lit Productions

Band: Clint Wiley and the None Other Band

Drape: Swag Decor

Real Weddings: Erica and Shawn at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

I have been meaning for some time to share this gem of a wedding, and in many ways, I think that in doing so, I would be saying goodbye to this experience and this family forever. [SAD FACE]

You see, I did The Landis' first daughter, Vicky's wedding exactly 3 years [Mother's Day Weekend] prior and everything about planning with mom Kate, Vicky and ultimately meeting Erica, and her then beau Shawn was GOLD.

I held out hope to someday have the opportunity to plan Erica's wedding, and my wish came true!

Erica's personality is effervescent, joyous and whimsical, just as her wedding day turned out to be!

I cannot wait to share the beautiful images from Root Photography with you next week, but I thought you could start the weekend off right with a whole lotta' family love and one heck of a party with their highlight video!

Landis family, I LOVE YOU!  [to bits and bits!]

xx, LS

Fun Facts:

Photography: Root Photography [and long live #stoneroo!]

Video: The Mister!/Jeffrey Stoner Video

Farm Wedding | One Love at The Ritz Carlton's Whisper Creek Farm

When I was approached by the sales and marketing team at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to style a newly renovated ballroom and their working farm, Whisper Creek to showcase two beautifully styled weddings for their new print and digital collateral, I was flattered to say the least!

As much as I love to sink my teeth into a ballroom design, I was eager to flex some design muscles at the farm in particular.  Outdoor events has it's own challenges, of course,  but half of the work is done for you compliments of mother nature. I wanted this to be rustic, relaxed, yet refined, and I think you will agree that the design team and I checked all of the boxes there!

I loved the use of magnolia leaf garlands from right here in sunny Florida with complimenting hues of soft, smoky purples, including fresh lavender which smelled divine!

Brussels sprouts and kumquats straight from the farm!

The next honor with this styled shoot was that it dovetailed perfectly with a workshop hosted by Orlando photographer, Kathy Thomas called One Love which taught accredited wedding professionals on same sex weddings. I was honored to partake, and proud to be same sex wedding certified!

Lisa and Jenn were recently married, and I was moved to tears watching them enjoy this day and seeing the love shine from their eyes!

The Rivini gown an jumpsuit from Solutions Bridal was TO. DIE. FOR!

Below image courtesy of Stephanie Dishman:

Whether it's a farm wedding or outdoor entertaining, don't force your environment to look like something it isn't. Use what's available around you, and you will be certain to host an effortless fête!

xx, LS

THE TEAM:

Photographer: Nick Edmundson

Venue: Whisper Creek Farm

Floral Design: Raining Roses Productions

Scroll Menu, Placemats and Table Runner: Kim McFadden | Chalk Shop 

Furniture: AFR Furniture Rental

Hair and Makeup: Kristy Alonzo | Kristy's Artistry Design Team

Wedding Gown and Jumpsuit: Solutions Bridal

Personal Wardrobe Styling: Tammara Kohler | Fused Fashion







Spring Outdoor Entertaining Inspiration

Now that the weather is much more comfortable and agreeable for many, it's time to get outside and entertain in style and with careful attention to detail!

For this shoot, I used the beautiful space at Whisper Creek Farm which has it's own operating garden.

This ideal space was outfitted with market lights for overhead, cozy lighting, a wood table, industrial chairs and, take a look at my floating champagne bar!

I loved the use of Florida's own magnolia leaves for a table garland, and I even put kumquats on the table as an added table detail which was growing on an adjacent tree! The monogrammed runner complimented by the florals and fresh lavender was the sophisticated touch I look for in all table settings.

Have I wet your whistle and given you the entertaining bug for this Spring?! I hope you make a "go" of it!

Bon fête!

xx, LS

Partners:

Photographer: Stephanie Dishman

Venue: Whisper Creek Farm

Floral and Floating Champagne Bar: Raining Roses Productions

Monogrammed Runner: Kim McFadden | Chalk Shop

Table and Chairs: AFR Furniture

Market Lights: Get Lit Productions