A Catholic Ceremony and a Reception Full of Love (Ormond Beach, FL)

From the bride :

1. Tell us about your wedding – Jamie and I got engaged on the beach across from where we lived in Ormond by the Sea. We love the beach and the water, so we were looking for a place where we could take pictures by the water. Our reception was at the Anderson-Price Memorial building, which is across the street from the Halifax intercostal waterway. We’ve taken many boat trips up and down that river and just love it. Also, we liked the fact that the building was a historic and part of a piece of history. We hope the building is around for many years to come so we can go back and visit. Sunset was the inspiration for our flowers and colors for the wedding.

2. Décor – We made our own wedding favors. My mom is Greek and it’s tradition to give out Koufeta (Candy almonds). Also, my mom made homemade Greek pastries for each table. We had a wooden wedding anchor made with our wedding initial monogram CHJ and we had a golden buck and doe as our cake topper. We love to spend time fishing on our boat and hunting.

3. Florals (Sunset inspired) – We had flower centerpieces on all the tables, my bouquet, and my groom’s daughter was my bridesmaid and she had a bouquet, as well. Also, my 3 nephews (My brother’s sons), Jamie and my father had boutonnieres.

4. My groom’s cousin was our DJ and did an amazing job. The music was fantastic and he really encouraged everyone to get up and dance and have a good time. The best part of the reception was when Jamie danced with me. He doesn’t dance and had never danced with me in his life. So I really cherished our dances together. Also, I loved it when he carried me all the way from the front door of the reception to our Chevy truck to drive away. It was starting to rain, but we made it in the truck safely just in time before it poured on us. It was like a dream come true. I remember how excited Jamie was to buy that truck and we worked hard so he could realize that dream and then to make driven off on our wedding that in that truck was just the icing on the cake.

5. Fashion – Since it was a Spring wedding and we wanted to use colors that fit. We chose a navy blue custom suit from Jos A Bank in Ormond Beach with dark brown dress shoes, Ivory shirt, coral color tie, and navy blue and white anchor socks for Jamie. I had a satin and lace fit and flare bridal gown from Blush Bridal in Ormond Beach. Also, my veil was purchased at Blush bridal and it was ivory color with a lace trim that matched my ivory dress. We wanted something classic, elegant, and timeless.

6. I graduated from the UF in Gainesville and started working at Wachovia bank in Gainesville. Jamie was a trainer at the gym downtown and I was a member there, which is where we met. We both love to work out and we still go to the gym together now.

7. Special Moments – We both go new crosses on our wedding day. I always admired my mother’s cross, so she had an exact replica made for me out of gold and rubies from my great grandfather. My parents and I bought Jamie a cross and chain and Father Phil blessed it and he wore in on our wedding day. We still wear and plan to wear them every day going forward. It’s a great reminder of the vows we made and to keep God in the center of our lives. Also, seeing Jamie for the first time as I walked down the aisle with my dad, exchanging rings, and saying our vows was so special and exciting. I loved seeing Jamie wear his ring for the first time and how happy he was.

8. Planning advice – Don’t stress it will all come together beautifully in the end! Cherish every moment of the day, because it will go by in a flash. All the work that goes into planning is worth it! Lean on your friends and family for help and remember what’s most important is you are promising to love and cherish your partner for the rest of your life.

Location: Ormond Beach, FL
Event Date:May 26, 2018
Reception Venue: Anderson-Price Memorial Building
Ceremony Location: Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church
Cinema and Video: GotYaPhoto.com
Caterer: Chef Papa’s Catering
Photographer: Our Day Wedding Photography