When it came to planning their dream wedding, Mari knew she wanted a venue that captured both elegance and romance. After searching for the perfect spot, she discovered Lake Mary Events Center for their wedding—and this was it! Think of all the wedding photos you could take here!
“I chose Lake Mary Events Center because the venue was absolutely beautiful!” Mari said. “The Rotunda, where I had my ceremony, had these incredible tall windows with a stunning view of the lake. I was looking for a place with an elegant and romantic vibe, and this venue nailed it.”
From the moment she visited the venue, Mari felt a connection. “I was given a small magazine with a list of vendors, which was a tremendous help since I didn’t have a wedding planner. Sherly, the assistant manager, was kind, professional, and well-organized. She was always available for questions and responded promptly. When I did my tour, I was taken aback by the beauty of the center. I knew that day I had found my venue.”
The combination of the stunning architecture, serene lake views, and exceptional service sealed the deal. For Mari and Eddie, it was important to have a venue that felt special and unique, somewhere that could be both a beautiful backdrop and a warm, welcoming space for their loved ones. “There was something about the Rotunda’s tall windows, the way the light streamed in, and the view of the lake that made everything feel so magical,” she explained. “I wanted our guests to feel that magic, too.”
The Planning Process: Tips from the Couple
Planning a wedding without a planner can be a lot sometimes, but Mari embraced it. She said, “I learned so much along the way, and there are a few things I would recommend to other brides planning their own weddings.”
First, Mari suggested being prepared when it comes to accessories and essentials. “Make sure to have all your jewelry ready at the venue or wherever you’re getting dressed. I had my hair and makeup done at a hotel and then got dressed at the venue, but I left all my jewelry in my hotel room! Thankfully, I had my ring, but I ended up wearing my sister’s pearl earrings, and I never wear pearls!” she laughed.
She also emphasizes the importance of soaking up every minute. “Everything goes by so fast—I even walked too quickly down the aisle because I was so nervous! I wish someone had reminded me to slow down and enjoy every step of that walk. Remember, pictures are being taken, and it’s a beautiful moment to take in.”
Eddie chimed in with a valuable tip for other couples: “Read the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It helps couples understand how their partners express and experience love. It’s a great read before the big day because it really helps you connect on a deeper level.”
A Favorite Moment to Remember
When asked about her favorite part of the day, Mari didn’t have to think too hard. “Our last dance was my absolute favorite moment,” she said with a smile. “In that moment, I felt like we did it! We slow danced to ‘At Your Worst’ by Calum Scott. All the memories of our family and friends’ love were swirling around us as we danced. It was a beautiful, intimate moment that made everything else fade away. Just the two of us, soaking in the joy of our day, feeling every emotion, every ounce of love—it was perfect.”
The song choice had a special meaning for the couple. “We chose ‘At Your Worst’ because it perfectly encapsulates our journey together,” Mari explained. “The lyrics talk about loving someone even in their most challenging moments, and that’s something we both hold dear in our relationship. Dancing to that song, with all our loved ones surrounding us—it was like time stood still, and we were wrapped in this beautiful cocoon of love.”
The dance a great moment to process the big day. “It was like a calm after the whirlwind of the day,” Mari said. “We had shared so many laughs, a few tears, and lots of joy with everyone, but that last dance was just ours. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness.”
A Vision of Elegance and Simplicity
When it came to decor, Mari wanted the wedding to feel both elegant and simple, with beauty that would resonate with all her guests. “I wanted my decor to make a statement—but not a loud or overpowering one. I wanted our guests to feel the romance in the room, surrounded by beautiful flowers that represented our love for each other.”
She carefully selected a color palette that was soft and romantic, using shades of blush, ivory, and greenery to complement the venue’s natural beauty. “We chose florals that felt lush but still delicate, with roses, eucalyptus, and some wildflowers. I wanted everything to feel cohesive with the natural surroundings, and the flowers did just that.”
Even though she didn’t dive into any DIY projects herself, Mari had a clear vision for how she wanted the space to feel. “I wish I were crafty enough to do some DIY decor,” she joked, “but I left it to the professionals, and they did an incredible job.”
Finding the Right Vendors
One of the key aspects of making her vision come to life was finding the right vendors. Thankfully, the magazine provided by Lake Mary Events Center made the search a little easier. “All of my vendors were listed in the magazine, which was a great starting point,” she said. “My tip for searching for vendors is to have your vision ready and find vendors that best represent that vision. Reading reviews and talking with your vendors will give you a good idea if they are the right fit for you.”
She found it especially helpful to meet vendors in person and discuss her ideas. “I felt more confident in my choices after having a real conversation with them. They understood what I wanted and were genuinely excited to help make it happen.”
Capturing the Joy
We were so happy to capture all the joy, love, and killer dance moves of the wedding day. From the beautiful ceremony in the Rotunda to that cute private last dance filled with happiness, it was so lovely.
Mari and Eddie left us the nicest review on google too! They are so lovely – “I want to start by saying what an absolute pleasure it was working with Kellie and Lindsay❤️ . They work so well together as a team and had such wonderful energy throughout our entire wedding. Kellie + Lindsay were patient, friendly, professional, kind and overall great photographers. The two of them made me feel beautiful. My pictures we sent to me in record time. I would highly recommend Kellie and Lindsay for any special event ❤️.”
A Final Word of Advice
For Mari and Eddie, their wedding was everything they had hoped for—romantic, elegant, and filled with love. Their final piece of advice for future couples? “Stay true to yourselves and what you want for your day. Don’t get caught up in what others think, but at the end of the day, it’s about celebrating your love story, your way.”
Congratulations to Mari and Eddie! Your wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, and we wish you all the best.
Vendors List:
Cakes by Queata – Cake
Sweet Miss V’s – Dessert Bar
