Modern, minimalistic and organic details filled this unique space - Winter Park Events Center.
When I first met with Siobhan and Christian I could tell they were going to be so unique and so much fun to work with.
On our initial call, one of their main requests was to do things a bit non traditional and that they just wanted to throw an amazing party for themselves and their 200 guests, but also with some unique and modern wedding details!
The Space
It didn't take long to find Siobhan and Christian a wedding venue. They knew they wanted it to be in Winter Park or the surrounding areas, it had to compliment their modern wedding visions and accommodate their high guest count. Which is why once we toured Winter Park Events Center, there was no questions asked why this wasn't the perfect space for them.
Described by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye as a ”21st century prototype of a multi-purpose knowledge campus in the public realm,” the 55,000-sq-ft Winter Park Library and Events Center features multiple interactive areas, 120-seat performance and education space and grand ballroom that can seat 250 people at tables or 316 theater-style, according to Engineering News-Record.
The weddings and events can be hosted outside on the Belvedere or the picturesque Tiedtke Amphitheater, upstairs on the Roof Top terrace and in the 4700 square foot Grand Ballroom that features soaring ceilings and unsurpassed views, making it the perfect venue for a wedding reception.
This unique space is a work of architecture and art and check all of the boxes for Siobhan and Christian's modern wedding vision.
The Vision
Once of the first discussions we have with our clients is their vision for their wedding day. What colors are they loving? What metals, textures and designs have they saved to their inspiration photos? What flowers do they want included? What elements best represent them as both individuals and as a couple?
When speaking with Siobhan and Christian, I knew they wanted to keep things simple...yet, elevated and unique at the same time. While the details and decor were important to them, it was the experience that mattered the most.
As a couple, they have been to many events and weddings together so they had a few do's and don'ts for me right off the bat. Siobhan and Christian wanted to nix a lot of the "wedding traditions" you often see and focus on the good drinks, food and social atmosphere of their day with their guests. While their details were absolutely stunning, they didn't want them to take too much away from the space, so we stuck to what was needed and kept decor very minimal. Which in this case, less was definitely more!
The Ceremony
We can't say that every wedding day goes to plan which is why we always discuss back up plans for bad weather or any other surprises that could occur.
Originally, Siobhan and Christian's ceremony was planned to be outside on the Belvedere Terrace, however, the September rain got the best of us that day. Fortunately, Winter Park Events Center has wonderful indoor back up plans, so we made an indoor ceremony happen in the middle of the grand ballroom.
We took her two beautiful floral installations from Gather and Grace Designs and set them up against the textured wall in the ballroom. These were filled with tons of lush white blooms and baby's breath, to go along with Siobhan's bouquet. The floral installations were the original backdrop, so there wasn't much change here.
We then set up the velvet black chairs in the middle of the room for the ceremony. Sometimes, when doing the ceremony in the same place as the reception we'll recommend to have guests sit at their tables or stand, but I really wanted to make an aisle for Siobhan and Christian to walk down. With the help of our team, WPEC's team and Arthur's Catering we made this happen.
Siobhan wore a Made With Love Bridal gown that opened in the back and paired perfectly with Tulle Wings. She walked down the aisle to Christian who was in a custom light brown checkered suit from Indochino. The two wanted to stand up at their ceremony alone and have their wedding party sit after walking down the aisle.
See below for a ceremony that seemed like it was supposed to be "Plan A" all along 🙂
The Reception
Following the ceremony, all of the guests headed to the hall where for cocktail hour where delicious cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres by Arthur's Catering were served.
We then flipped the reception room in no time.
Again, Siobhan and Christian wanted to keep things modern, minimal and little eclectic, so their round guest tables were set with fresh white linens, and centerpieces alternated tables with repurposed bridesmaids bouquets, long bud vases with taper candles, black geometric hurricane tables and minimalistic bud vase arrangements. Since there were so many tables, we thought switching the design throughout would be a unique touch.
All table settings had a neutral napkin, black matte flatware and a menu card.
The floral installations from the ceremony were also repurposed as the sweetheart's table backdrop.
Since Siobhan and Christian wanted to keep things non traditional, the food was served stations style throughout dinner following a family style salad that was served first at the tables.
The also chose to forego a wedding cake and bring in an ice cream cart from Kelly's Ice Cream for everyone instead.
Following dinner, a few formalities took place, but ultimately FireFly Productions put on a party for the rest of the evening. Dance floor props were brought out, and Siobhan and Christian danced the night away with their favorite people.
We can't thank Siobhan and Christian enough for trusting Envy with planning their big day, it was truly an honor to be apart of such a beautiful celebration.
Vendor Team:
Planning & Design: Envy Lifestyle and Event Design
Venue: Winter Park Events Center
Catering & Bar: Arthur's Catering
Floral Design: Gather & Grace Designs
Rentals: Event Works
Photography: Kartsie Photography
Dessert: Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream
Hair: Moonstone Artistry
Make Up: Ever Glow Jax
Dress: Made With Love Bridal
Suit: Indochino
Table of Contents