Victoria & Drew: Bella Collina Wedding

Florida is the “Sunshine State,” but it also is a fickle friend when it comes to weather. And while I can plan your wedding day from start to finish, there is always the chance that Mother Nature throws us a curveball. But when that happens, we pull out all the stops to give our bride and groom the wedding they dreamed about, even with some twists and turns. So, when Victoria and Drew’s Bella Collina wedding was “interrupted” by rain, we created magic.

Outdoor Ceremony

Before the afternoon rain started, we were able to have their wedding ceremony outside in front of the beautiful Bell Tower at Bella Collina. And while the clouds started to roll in, the hazy sky was perfect for photos. The talented Rhodes Studios photo and video captured some gorgeous pictures of the couple as a light rain started to fall. But, it didn’t seem to bother my beautiful bride and her groom.

Ballroom Reception

While we had hoped and planned for a reception under the stars on the Bella Collina lawn, we brought the reception into the ballroom. And as you know, I love my “Grand Reveals” with my couples, and this one was grand. Victoria and Drew were so pleased with how we transformed their vision – with warm amber uplighting around the room and a gorgeous chandelier above their sweetheart table.

Following their introduction into the ballroom, Victoria and Drew took the stage. While the fun Bay Kings Band played, the newlyweds showed off their stellar dance moves. Soon, their friends and family joined them and danced the night away.

One of the things I encourage my brides and grooms is to make their wedding their own. There is not a wrong or right way to have a wedding reception. So, of course I loved that Victoria and Drew wanted an ice cream bar in lieu of a wedding cake! How sweet!!

And speaking of sweet, the rain let up and the newlyweds were able to sneak away for a romantic shoot under the chandelier and twinkle lights that we had originally set up for their outdoor Bella Collins wedding reception. Afterward, their friends and family cheered while they ran under a shower of sparklers. It was a perfect ending to a perfect night!