Love Stories: Weddings

To Have and To Hold

While a bride’s gown is a one-day wear, her wedding day accessories — if thoughtfully procured — can be worn beyond, true treasures to last a lifetime. Local jewelers share some suggestions and special pieces custom made for brides.

This 18k yellow gold blue sapphire Mum ring was made for a bride to wear on her wedding day (and beyond). These blue sapphires were pulled from her grandmother’s ring that was given to her by her mother. She was very close with her grandmother and asked me if I could repurpose the stones into something new that could be her “something blue.” She loved my diamond Mum ring in our collection, so we made her this custom version.

– Lauren Sigman, Lauren Sigman Collection

I made these moonstone and pink sapphire Sarah Lily earrings for a bride. She wanted long earrings to wear with her wedding dress that wasn’t the typical pearl. I found these rainbow moonstones and wrapped them in 14k yellow gold. We added a little pop of color with the pink sapphire Sarah Lilies that added a bit of whimsy and complemented the pink flowers she was carrying down the aisle.

– Lauren Sigman, Lauren Sigman Collection

An irresistible blue sapphire to wear for your “something blue” on your wedding day.

Goldsmith and jewelry designer Almut Belote created this elegant ring that features a stunning blue sapphire. This ring is a rare treasure and is available in the Thornton Park studio

where all of Almut’s jewelry is handcrafted.

Superbly elegant with its hidden hinge and snap closure, these white gold or platinum cuff bracelets can be customized with sapphires, diamonds or other precious gemstones.

Almut Belote Jewelry | 520 E. Church St., Suite 105 | Orlando 32801 | almutbelotejewelry.com

The Kwiat “Starry Night” necklace is the perfect wedding day jewel. The unique setting makes the diamonds appear to float on the skin and it really packs the sparkle. Diamond studs are also a traditional wedding day staple. If the bride’s dress is more intricate, diamond studs are complementary without competing. Kwiat Diamonds are available

exclusively at Be On Park in Winter Park.

The Oliva earrings ($299 SRP) feature a multifaceted halo drop style that allows movement between the layers of stones creating a fierce sparkle that can be admired from afar. They are the perfect finishing touch to a wedding gown. View the collection exclusively at The Wedding Ring Store by Bay Hill Jewelers in Winter Park.

Be On Park | 152 S. Park Ave. | Winter Park beonpark.com The Wedding Ring Store by Bay Hill Jewelers 329 N. Park Ave., Suite 101A | Winter Park bayhilljewelers.com

Beautifully Bespoke: Weddings by The Glass Knife

The Glass Knife, the wonderfully whimsical café in Winter Park specializing in delectable baked goods — both savory and sweet — gourmet coffees, sandwiches and salads, and a curated array of wines and beer, has added an absolutely suitable addition to its repertoire with custom wedding cakes.

The Glass Knife uses the freshest and highest quality ingredients, because they want to make sure each cake tastes as beautiful as it looks. Some of the delicious flavors include: Almond Cake/White Chocolate Mousse & Apricot Jam Filling; Vanilla Cake/Vanilla Mousse Filling; Red Velvet Cake/Cream Cheese Filling; Lemon Lavender Cake/Blueberry Buttercream Filling; Vanilla Cake/Strawberry Jam & Custard Filling; Chocolate Cake/Chocolate Mousse Filling; and Chocolate Cake/ Salted Caramel Buttercream Filling.

They also specialize in personalized service that starts with a tasting, however, before you arrive, they suggest that you bring an inspiration package that may include: stationery, fabric swatches, pictures of floral arrangements, attire, and centerpieces, and any other elements that reflect your style so they can share your design vision.

The tasting is approximately 45 minutes for two guests. During that time, you are introduced to your culinary team, taste three of the most popular flavor profiles, and start to collaborate on your bespoke creation. Champagne, coffee and/or tea service are also offered. Afterward you receive a sketch of your cake, and the process begins.

The team recommends ordering a minimum of four months and a maximum of 18 months in advance of your wedding date. Although, they may be able to accommodate requests of less than four months.

As part of their exceptional service, they insist on delivery (included within a 20-mile radius) to protect and perfectly set up your cake. In addition to cakes, Weddings By The Glass Knife also offers rehearsal dinner desserts, “sweet & savory” boxes for family and friends as they prepare for the big , and exquisite dessert tables.

THE GLASS KNIFE

276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 32789 TheGlassKnife.com/Weddings

The Wedding of Mary McCallen Moser andPratik Thakral

Photography by Jensen Larson Photography

HINDU CEREMONY Date: Friday, October 14, 2022 Coordination: Pave Weddings Venue: Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek Photography: Jensen Larson Photography Videography: Key Moments Films Hair & Makeup: Kristy’s Artistry Design Team Décor: Nikun Events Entertainment: Awaaz Entertainment Dance Floor: Dream Dance Floors Catering: Saffron CHRISTIAN CEREMONY Date: Saturday, October 15, 2022 Coordination: Lisa Lyons Events & Etiquette Venue: Four Seasons Resort Orlando Photography: Jensen Larson Photography Videography: Key Moments Films Hair & Make Up: Kristy’s Artistry Design Team Floral: Raining Roses Productions Lighting & Effects: FyerFly Productions Entertainment: The Headliners Band Dance Floor: Letz Dance On It Linen: Over The Top Rental Linens Rentals: Gala Rental & Event Effects Stationery: Eleven Note Transportation: Destination MCO Children’s Entertainment: Tootles Event Sit-

ters Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier

Their story: We met at the start of our first year of business school while attending Duke’s Fuqua School of Business in Durham, NC. We quickly became friends, and it only took Pratik a few months to muster up the courage to ask me out. We hit it off quickly despite coming from very different backgrounds and cultures. After dating two years in business school and moving to Dallas for new jobs, we were coming up on our 3-year anniversary when we decided to take a road trip on the East Coast, hopping between friends’ weddings. We made a stop in Durham along the way and Pratik proposed at one of our favorite spots from our time in school, the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. We couldn’t have been happier to get engaged at the place where it all began! Ceremony and reception: Friday:

The celebrations started Friday at Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek with a traditional Indian wedding event, the Baraat, a dancing procession consisting of the groom’s family and friends. Pratik entered on a horse as he came to meet my family and celebrate the start of the wedding. We then hosted a Hindu wedding ceremony under a traditional Mandap. The priest led us through several religious customs with our families. Later that evening, we celebrated with a Sangeet (Musical Party). This night was filled with several dance performances and speeches from friends and family. Saturday: Our Christian ceremony took place at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, where I grew up attending with my family. Following the ceremony, we moved to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando for an outdoor cocktail hour filled with market lights, and a view of the sunset. Our approach to Saturday’s décor was glamorous Florida-chic, leaning into greenery, palm fronds, white florals, with pops of gold throughout the evening. The reception was brought to life with supper club tables, a custom designed stage for the band, a monogrammed dancefloor, and an array of floral. An after party followed on the adjoining terrace featuring late-night snacks, a photobooth, and more. Personal thoughts: We couldn’t have been more excited! Given our unique blending of cultures, there were so many elements of the wedding we were looking forward to, so we were just thrilled to see it all come to life. Once the weekend arrived, we were ready to get the party started and celebrate this monumental moment with family and friends!

Where they are now: We now live in

Dallas, TX. I work as a Marketing Manager for Doritos at Frito-Lay and Pratik is at EYParthenon as a Director in the Strategy & Transactions service line.

The Wedding of

Emma Hayes and Martin Smith

Photography by Joanna Moore Photography

Date: September 21, 2022 Coordination: Brian Joyce, Flourish Productions Photography: Joanna Moore Photography Officiant: Harry Rubi, Sensational Ceremonies Catering: Arthur’s Catering & Events Cake: It’s Tasty Too! Band: Tom Sartori Band/The Florida Wedding Band Floral and Décor: Richard Streitler, Flourish Productionsr Hair & Makeup: Kiss This Makeup

Their story: We met in March 2019 through a dating website. Neither of us was looking for a marriage but we knew that we were life partners and soulmates. In less than a year, brought about by a global pandemic, we decided to live under one roof and that sealed our fate. In the first weekend we could stay away overnight, Martin whisked me off to a beautiful English hotel and popped the question. Ceremony and reception: We wanted a small, intimate wedding with our closest family and friends, and with Martin’s love for theme parks chose a beautiful villa at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee. Planning and working with the team at Flourish Productions, we developed a super glamorous theme focusing on the use of draping, crystals, blossom trees and candles — transforming the internal architecture of the villa. Personal thoughts: It was overwhelming, seeing the villa transformed into a magical, glamorous space, which only added to the romance and emotion on the day. Having just 26 witness our vows increased the intensity of our ceremony and despite both being highly emotional, the moment of saying ‘I do’ was by far the most powerful moment of our relationship. Where they are now: We’ve just purchased a beautiful home in Staffordshire, England, which we’re about to spend a year redeveloping. In the meantime, life remains busy running our respective businesses and looking after our children. Travel is a big part of our life and we recently spent two weeks in Antigua. We have a second home in Spain, so no doubt with our housing project in full swing, we’ll get to spend lots of time enjoying the Spanish sunshine.

The Wedding of Stefanie Householder and Travis Harms

Photography by Damon Tucci Photography

Date: June 4, 2022 Coordination: Michele Butler, Michele Butler Events Ceremony: First Congregational Church of Winter Park Reception: The Alfond Inn Floral: Fairbanks Florist Band & Second Line: The Hit Factory Dance Floor: Dream Dance Floors Photography: Damon Tucci Photography Videography: Jeffery Stoner Videography Rentals: EventWorks Rentals; Over The Top Rental Linens; OceanHawk Rentals; A Chair Affair Photobooth: Party Shots Orlando Cake: Morgan Hunter Desserts Cookies/ Wedding Favors: Jessie B’s Custom Cookies Invitations & Stationery: Maureen H. Hall Stationery & Invitations Dance Lessons: Brain Brocato at All About Ballroom Aisle Runner: Artistic Aisle Runners String Quartet: Beautiful Music Hair & Makeup: M3 Beauty

Their story: Travis and I met the old fashioned way… Match.com. We initially went out on just four dates, but I was often traveling for work and Travis was in the process of moving. Life got in the way and the potential of a relationship just wasn’t there. Two years later we reconnected through the magic of Facebook’s “Friend Recommendation” algorithm and the rest is history. Timing really is everything! Ceremony and reception: We mar-

ried at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park and held the reception just across the street at The Alfond Inn. It was important to me for the weeding to be timeless and classic with some fun touches here and there. We opted for a black and white look with a big band feel. Personal thoughts: I felt somewhat

stressed but relieved as the day carried on. I’m a Type A person who loves to host gatherings. That typically means I am executing the details myself but that’s almost impossible to do on your wedding day. I was initially concerned that some details would not come to fruition. I quickly realized that concern was an absolute waste of time with Michele Butler, Fairbanks Florist, and The Alfond Inn handling the day. They did not miss one single thing! Where they are now: We live in St.

Augustine, and plan to stay here until my stepdaughter graduates high school. At that point, we are considering a relocation to New York City. We are soaking in all the benefits of our suburban lifestyle while we can, but look forward to seeing where life takes us.