From different states to the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek; Melissa and Ben grew from skeptics of online dating to recipients of a successful, true love story! From the moment these two met, they were instantly captivated with one another and realized they were meant to be.
Getting Ready For The ‘Big Day’
On the day of their wedding, Melissa and Ben began getting ready with their respective parties. Melissa had her hair and makeup done in a bridal suite with her gal pals, and Ben got ready with his boys– complete with beer and shots!
Melissa and her gals sported matching PJs and celebrated the day with mimosas and laughter. Once Melissa’s hair and makeup were finished, she slipped into her mermaid lace couture bridal gown by Mori Lee, from the Bridal Gallery. Her veil was cathedral length and was absolutely stunning! She kept her accessories simple and donned a pair of glitter Keds. We love a bride who values glitz and comfort!
Melissa’s bouquet contained flowers in hues of burgundy, red, and plum- accented by lots of loose, flowing greenery. It was such a fun moment to see Melissa’s expression when her florist, RJ Glamour, presented her the bouquet. She was over the moon!
To complete Melissa’s bridal look, she included a prayer book previously owned by her grandmother, as her “something old.” Her “something borrowed” was a vintage pearl clutch- courtesy of her bridesmaid’s grandmother. Speaking of bridesmaids… Melissa’s bride tribe wore an ensemble of full-length gowns by Vera Wang from David’s Bridal.
Of course, we’d be remiss if we failed to mention how dapper Ben looked in his navy blue suit from Men’s Warehouse. Along with his navy suit, he wore a white button-up shirt and navy bow-tie. Ben’s groomsmen sported the same look, also from Men’s Warehouse, and looked absolutely handsome.
A Sense Of Peace
Sadly, the couple’s grandparents have since passed with the exception of Ben’s grandmother. The church in which the ceremony was held, offered to live stream the ceremony so that Ben’s grandmother and other family members who weren’t able to attend could watch and share in the moment. This service provided by Holy Family Catholic Church gave Melissa & Ben a sense of peace, and they were so thankful. Being parishioners of the church already, it was a no-brainer to have their ceremony held at the church. Having roots in the Dr. Phillips area, they felt this was the perfect location and are looking forward to raising their children in the same area.
“Puppy Love!”
Melissa was escorted down the aisle by her father, and she radiated pure joy as she made her way to the altar when Ben was waiting. Ben stood giddily, with his eyes locked on Melissa. After sealing the deal with a kiss, the couple was celebrated by their wedding party with no-mess streamers. And we can’t forget: they made time to snap a few special pictures with their adorable miniature Schnauzer, Raena. Talk about “puppy love!”
Wet Your Whistle With A Signature Drink
The couple arrived at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek in a stretch limo where they proceeded to take their bridal portraits. The Wyndham Bonnet Creek provided many scenic backdrops for their portraits!
In the meantime, guests were treated to a fabulous cocktail hour. A saxophonist got the crowd jazzed; Hor D’oeuvres were passed and Melissa & Ben had signature cocktails available. Ben crafted a “Caipirinha,” which had been recently introduced to him by friends- he said it felt unique and was tasty enough to be a crowd favorite. Melissa crafted a “Glitter Champagne Drink,” which was characteristically simple and tasty- with a creative touch. Bonus: if it spilled, you wouldn’t stain your dress, according to the Bride herself! Along with sampling the signature cocktails, guests were urged to snap a polaroid and place it in the couple’s guestbook.
#itsShowtime
Like the cocktail hour, the reception was hosted in Wyndham’s ballroom, which was perfect for Melissa and Ben’s intimate & elegant wedding. The couple’s wedding hashtag, #itsShowtime, predicted the pace for the night. The ballroom came to life and truly reflected the couple’s vision. Their sweetheart table was made acrylic and beautifully reflected the couple’s floral centerpiece, gold charger plates, burgundy napkins, and geometric accents.
The guests’ tables were decorated with burgundy linens, a mix of acrylic infinity chairs & clear Chiavari chairs, gold-painted chargers, ivory satin napkins, and a mix of high & low centerpieces. The couple’s three-tier cake was adorned with vibrant floral and set atop a cocktail table covered in Blush Rosette Linen. Candles were sprinkled across each table, and the couple even had custom-made scented candles for guests to take home with them.
After dinner, the Bay Kings Band lit up the room with their music keeping the dance floor packed all night long. As the evening came to a close, the couple and their guests were able to enjoy a view of the fireworks from EPCOT; Melissa and Ben were so excited because they both love fireworks.
Melissa and Ben’s wedding day gave us all the feels- from start to finish. We loved their choice of wedding colors, as they made for a beautiful design. Both Melissa and Ben looked stunning and glowed with marital bliss.
Congratulations Melissa & Ben! We wish you endless years of happiness, adventure, and fireworks. #foreverShowalter
xoxo #peacocksquad
Vendors:
Ceremony: Holy Family Catholic Church
Reception: Wyndham Bonnet Creek
Planner: Pavone Events
Stationery: Minted
Hair & Makeup: Hairstyles & Makeup by Jackie / 911 Stylist
Bridal Gown: Mori Lee / Bridal Gallery
Suits: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Sprinkles Custom Cakes
Photographer: Steven Miller Photography
Floral/ Rentals: RJ Glamour & Innovation
Rentals: A Chair Affair
Band: Bay Kings Band
Photobooth: Sound Sensation Entertainment
Lighting: Get Lit Productions
Dance Floor: Letz Dance On It
Transportation: VIP Wedding Transportation