“It sounds cliche, but it’s so true: don’t stress about planning. Take your time and remember to enjoy your day!”

When Cynthia Ellapen looks back at her wedding to Nicolus and the planning surrounding it, this is the piece of advice she wishes to share most with couples. As one of the most beautiful days of their lives, she says, “Before you know it, the night will come to an end, so make sure to pause every once in a while and take it all in.”

Such precious advice from a bride whose wedding was chic, sophisticated and simply…stunning. That’s why we’re so delighted to share with you Cynthia and Nick’s wedding at Reunion Resort as inspiration for your own planning!

Searching for a venue that blended refinement with romance, Cynthia and Nick wished for their guests to feel as special as they would on the wedding day. The venue and food being most important to the couple, they selected a garden ceremony followed by a rooftop reception at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

As they began planning, they knew that their color scheme would play an important role in the feel they wanted to convey – an upscale vintage inspired style. We adored their selection of navy, blush, and ivory, with just the right pops of gold, lending to quite a luxurious look.

One of the most memorable moments of their day (and of ours!), was the reveal of their first look. We find many couples debate over whether to see each other for the first time at the altar or before. If you’ve ever questioned to have your first look privately, before walking down the aisle, these pictures may just provide you your answer.

We love the intimacy of this moment between just them (well, and the photographer!), and the raw emotion that was captured. Cynthia remembers, “It was a moment we both truly felt blessed and grateful for each other.”

To make their ceremony even more meaningful and unforgettable, Cynthia and Nick had a Warming of the Rings tradition performed. During this part of the ceremony, the wedding bands were passed among each of the guests for blessings and well wishes. We found it absolutely beautiful that every guest was able to participate in the ceremony, invoking importance and love upon their friends and family.

One of the best decisions that Cynthia and Nick say they made was to have a small guest list. They kept their guest count to close friends and family that they felt would be truly happy for them.  It also allowed for gorgeous roman table seating in the venue for an intimate family gathering feel.

One thing Cynthia wishes she would have done differently? Ate! Even though she received much advice about remembering to eat, she barely ate a bite throughout the day and most of her dinner was left untouched. So remember brides…make a note to enjoy your menu!

Working with Cynthia and Nick was truly a pleasure for our team. Not only was their wedding visually brilliant, but their unique touches intertwined with the love felt amongst themselves and their guests is something WE will never forget.

Are you planning a wedding in Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park, or Central Florida?  Are you looking for creative, customized ideas for YOUR real wedding feature?  Contact me at michele@michelebutlerevents.com and we can discuss how you can have a blog worthy wedding within your budget as well!

Photography by http://lorarodgers.com/.  Décor by http://leeforrestdesign.com/.