What a time to be planning a wedding, am I right? We're living in the era when almost any location can be turned into a wedding venue. Always dreamt of marrying in a forest? Well you can do that! Museums more your thing? Totally an option. With the many, many locations waiting to host your big day, there's still something eternally refreshing and timeless about a classic ballroom wedding. It's nostalgic and magical and even still, it's capable of being transformed into an event that's all your own. Take Kristina and Mike's wedding for example: stunning ballroom, totally unique.
Aside from the gorgeous backdrop The Treasury on the Plaza provides, I am deeply in love with the colors. As a bride-to-be myself, my fiancé and I have talked a lot about how to make him standout as the groom. Now that I've seen how Mike simply wore a champagne-colored tie to complement the guys in their maroon, I will 100% be suggesting that. Another thing that immediately jumps out about Kristina and Mike's wedding is the expert use of candles. From the ceremony to the reception, their use of candles bring the whole event aesthetic to life. And you didn't think I'd let you dive into this stunning film before talking about that dress, did you? Kristina is a vision and picked the most perfect dress for her stunning venue.
I could go on forever, but I'll just let you dive right in. Life and Love Studio captured their day perfectly. Prepare to fall in love… and take ALL of the notes, then read our Q&A with the bride below:
From The Bride:
How did you and Mike meet and fall in love? Tell us your love story!
So this used to be something I hesitated to answer because I felt slightly embarrassed but I've since gotten over that since clearly, it worked! We met on Match.com. Mike was more of a regular to the online dating world but I had to literally be bribed by a friend to sign up…and then believe it or not, Mike was the 3rd date I went on. So my online dating experience ended pretty quickly and thankfully, very successfully =)
Your dress is ah-mazing. Who is the designer and how did you know it was the dress?
When I tried on my dress at a local boutique here in Gainesville, Fl, I was accompanied by my two best friends and my mom. I walked out of the fitting room and around the corner and I will never forget the looks on their faces, all 3 of them started crying and when I turned toward the mirror, I couldn't believe what a princess I felt like. It was magical. And yes, I cried too…it's true what they say, when it's the right dress, you DO just KNOW.
How did you find your videographer and what made you choose them?
We honestly debated on whether or not to get a videographer…would we watch it often enough to be worth the cost? Did we really need one if we have a good photographer? Will the video just collect dust after we watch it once? But thankfully, our wedding planner recommended Life & Love Studio to us and after watching their videos online and checking out their website, we decided to take the plunge and hire them. It was one of the best decisions we made! I cry every time I watch it and that's not just because I'm pregnant ;)
What was the most unexpected part of your wedding day?
The most unexpected part for me personally was my brother (and Man of Honor) surprising me with a song he wrote as part of his speech. It was an amazing moment for me that I know I'll never forget. But for both Mike and I, I would say how FAST everything went by that day. People warned us that it would fly by but I don't think we really understood until we woke up that morning, blinked, and then it was over. It was somehow the most incredible day ever that seemed to end just minutes after it started.
What was your favorite part of your wedding journey?
In general, I'd say Mike and I were both pretty overwhelmed at times with how many decisions had to be made and just the general chaos that goes into planning such a huge event. But we had a lot of fun coming up with songs that we wanted to hear throughout the big day. We would send each other songs at random times for the cocktail hour, reception, etc. and it really gave us something fun and romantic to enjoy together.
What's your #1 piece of advice for future brides?
I would say to make a point of taking a moment and stepping back with your husband and just looking around the room. Watch your guests, take in the decorations, look at the lighting, admire the planning that went in to creating YOUR perfect day. And know that it will be just that, no matter what small things you think may go wrong (or even if something does go wrong), it will still be your perfect day. Be sure to take a mental picture of it and cherish it.
Anything else our viewers should know?
As long as you have good drinks, fun music, tasty food, and people who love you and enjoy a good party… nothing else matters. The rest is just filler so don't stress and just have fun!
Cake: Creme de la Cocoa
Ceremony Venue: Treasury on the Plaza
Cinematographer: Life and Love Studio
Flowers: Anything with Flowers and Plants
Hair: Studio Bride: Amber
Makeup: Studio Bride: Paige
Music: Beachside Entertainment
Officiant: Friend
Photographer: Munoz Photography
Planner: Katy Turchich: Coastal Coordinating
Reception Venue: Treasury on the Plaza
Watch more ballroom weddings HERE.
- Vanessa M. Buenger, resident bride-to-be and Head of Growth at Love Stories TV