cristina & rick | the orlo ceremony and wedding reception | south tampa wedding photographer

…insights from cristina…

how would you describe your wedding to someone who was not there? what were some of your inspirations? how did you envision the wedding prior to your special day?

Magical. It was romantic and rustic and chic and classic all at the same time. It was so intimate while also being SO incredibly fun. The food, the flowers, the music, and the venue, all made for the PERFECT night.  I searched Pinterest high and low for ideas. We knew we wanted to get married in the fall/winter so I based the colors around that. The different shades of maroon and burgundy, with hints of golds, blush, and navy were (in my opinion) perfect for a December wedding in Florida, and went perfectly with the non-traditional color of my dress.

is there anything you wish you had done differently when planning your wedding?

Honestly, no. We planned it based on how we wanted the best night of our lives to be. We didn’t sweat the small stuff. And everything happened the way it was supposed to. We have wonderful parents and I have an amazing sister who helped put everything together, and it really turned out to be a dream come true. 

which three vendors were most important to you when planning your wedding?

THREE?? How do you only pick three?

Puff N’ Stuff Catering (Sarah and Lauren)- They were a package deal with our original venue choice but we also knew they were fantastic from other weddings we had been to. However, they proved to be more than we ever expected. At the last minute they came together and showed us not only what incredible planners they are, but what incredible PEOPLE they are. We really owe it all to them. (OH! And the food! AMAZING. You know it’s good when people talk about it for weeks after the wedding!)

Sharon at the Potting Shed- I’ve seen her work and have always been impressed. She shared my vision and designed the MOST beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets. And she helped us redesign at a new venue just 3 days before the wedding.

Darin with A Peachy Life Productions- He was SO COOL from day one, and was so awesome to work with. I had submitted online inquiries to multiple videography companies, and he was the ONLY one to respond in a personal, non-automated, FRIENDLY way. And he just seemed so excited! There was no question after that! 

Marissa Moss- My sister pretty much TOLD us that I was using you as our photographer. I trusted her, and then seeing your pictures sealed the deal! From what I’ve seen so far of OUR pictures, you truly are one of the best. 

what was your biggest wedding day splurge?

Oh gosh- it’s a tie between a few. 

The band. Having a band as opposed to a DJ just gives it a more personal touch. We wanted people to DANCE and SING and have fun all night and Josh Walther and the Phase 5 Band made that happen. They were worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY.

The Photographer and the Videographer. Don’t cut back here! The pictures and the video are FOREVER. We will be able to look back on these for the rest of our lives. 

what was the best advice you received when planning your wedding? 

Plan it the way YOU want it and not how you think other people want it. It’s YOUR day. And ENJOY every second of it. 

was there anything encountered during wedding planning that was unexpected?

YES. The Monday night before our wedding, after making lots of calls to track down someone from our venue, they called us to inform us the renovations would not be complete by our wedding day. I cried my eyes out. But I was only allowed to be upset that night.The next day, we rallied together, toured last minute venue options, and came across The Orlo. Then Wednesday (just 3 days before our wedding) we got together with our vendors and re-planned everything. In THREE DAYS. And yet it was BETTER than I could have ever expected. 

was there a moment during your wedding day that surprised you?

I wouldn’t say anything surprised me, but before the ceremony I started getting nervous and jittery (as to be expected). My sister told me that all would be fine as soon as I started walking down the aisle, and I had a hard time believing her! But it was true. I thought I was going to throw up (lovely I know), but as soon as the doors opened and I saw Rick, a sense of calm came over me! From then on out I was just HAPPY!

what was your favorite moment, or favorite part, of your wedding day?

Our favorite moment was locking eyes on each other from the other end of the aisle. Seeing each other for the first time that day. Then getting to say “I do.” And then having the night of our dreams with our families and all of our closest friends. I mean really the whole night was one big “favorite moment.”

when you look back on your wedding day in 50 years, what do you think you’ll remember most?

The magic. I know I keep using that word but I can’t say it enough. It was truly magical. I’ll remember it as the most incredible and happiest day of our lives. 

… how it all came together…