THE ULIANA ESTATE
Photo by Davonte and Vanessa Anderson
Sunrise To Sunset, Be Sun Smart!
36 THE ULIANA ESTATE
Whimsical weddings are trending upward, and so is a recently opened venue that leans into the natural beauty of the area and offers something for everyone.
53 TABLESCAPING
The party doesn’t start until the table is set just right—or at least that’s how some hosts feel. Be inspired by some stunning table decorations by a local events planner.
70 REAL LAKELAND WEDDINGS
Couples share their favorite moments from their celebrations and local photographers help us showcase some of the most beautiful local weddings from the past year.
88 WEDDING PLANNER
It might be cliché to dream of a “perfect” wedding day, but through Perfect Day Productions Lora Gardner works diligently to help brides and grooms get as close to that as possible.
PUBLISHER
Curt Patterson
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Jason Jacobs VP, FINANCE
Deb Patterson
BOOKKEEPER
Bechard Bookkeeping
CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Jason Jacobs DISTRIBUTION
David Heideman
GENERAL COUNSEL
Ted W. Weeks IV
ISSUE 111
WEDDINGS
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449
ADVERTISING SALES
Sharon Blackburn | 813.789.4361
LAKELANDER CREATIVE SERVICES
Jason Jacobs | 803.960.0030
EDITOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST
RJ Walters
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Allie Brinton
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER
Jordan Randall
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN Maddy LaRock
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL
Victoria Bardega
Katy Lister
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Davonte Anderson
Vanessa Anderson
Madi Elizabeth
The Lakelander is published 12 times annually by Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
CONTACT
Lakelander Media, 1505 Florida Ave. S, Lakeland, FL 33803
Customer Service: 863.701.2707 TheLakelander.com
CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE
“I do.”
And so do many of you. Lakeland isn’t just a city of dreamers, it’s a city of doers.
Five years ago if you were a Lakelander planning a wedding you probably had day trips to Orlando and Tampa on your schedule.
Today, you might head to one of the metros just to take in some of the trends and have an excuse for a fun day out, but if you stay in Polk County you won’t be missing out on much.
This isn’t a sweet soliloquy to the city I love, it’s something I am seeing come to fruition one talented vendor and one happy couple at a time.
Take our own Allie Brinton, for example. The Lakelander’s graphic designer recently became engaged to her college sweetheart, Jack Portune. They graduated last year from Florida Southern College, and Allie’s family resides in north Florida, while Jack’s family lives in Ohio. From the beginning of their engagement, they knew what they wanted for their wedding, but weren’t certain of the where. Allie initially dismissed the idea of a wedding in Lakeland because none of their family lives here and by the time they get married in 2026 many of their college friends will have likely moved on from the Swan City. The couple checked out destination venues in North Carolina, found options close to Allie’s grandparents several hours east of here and even did some virtual tours. They found some good options, but not the one they were ready to sign a contract for.
Then, in part because of the convenience, they decided to check out a new local venue, Uliana Estate. Allie appreciated the natural beauty, the elevated spaces like a well-appointed bridal suite and the fact that the venue was accommodating to weddings of a variety of price points. What ultimately sold her on it though was the attentiveness and kindness of owner Julie Czernek who spoke to the bride-to-be more like a friend and less like a salesperson. It’s
no coincidence that Julie’s business has been growing rapidly thanks to word-of-mouth and social media affirmations from couples whose ideal wedding days all were a little bit different from each other.
That same customer-first approach and personalized touch seems to be what has Lakelanders looking from the inside-out instead of the other way around for great events.
Enjoy getting to know the rockstars of Graingertainment in this issue, appreciate the expert eye for design of Christian Lee Events and imagine how Lora Gardner could orchestrate a future event for you with Perfect Day Productions.
And of course, Real Lakeland Weddings is back to make you smile, reminisce, and maybe even roll your eyes—as well as to prove that memorable celebrations are a specialty of Lakelanders, more than ever.
RJ Walters EDITOR
CONTRIBUTORS
DAVONTE AND VANESSA ANDERSON
At Drip In Grace, creative services are rooted in authenticity. Davonte and Vanessa create space for people to show up as they are, encounter God’s grace and feel empowered to tell their story. Since 2020, they’ve used their gifts to serve the community through weddings, small businesses, nonprofits, couples and families—always leading with purpose, creativity, and care.
Davonte, originally from California, and Vanessa, a Lakeland native, both share a deep passion for holding space for people to feel seen, known and loved. When they’re not creating, you’ll find them enjoying local coffee shops, staying active and spending time with friends and family.
KATY LISTER
Katy was born and raised in South Bend, Ind., but she has been living in Lakeland for the past three years while attending Southeastern University. She is pursuing a degree in communication and is passionate about studying mass communication media–film, television, magazines, and social media–and how it affects humanity. In the future, Katy hopes to have a job that allows her to use her creativity in some capacity.
When she’s not writing and researching for The Lakelander, you can find Katy walking backwards on campus (hey, she’s a tour guide) or helping lead SEU’s Unpland Improv team. Katy loves exploring local antique shops and getting iced coffee at Pressed.
MADDY LAROCK
Maddy was born and raised in Lee, Mass., but has since moved to Lakeland three years ago and is attending Florida Southern College. She is currently pursuing degrees in both graphic design and marketing. Maddy hopes to find a job in the future that allows her to use her digital artistry and creativity.
Outside of graphic design both for the Lakelander and in school, you can find her at the downtown farmers market or enjoying a coffee at Black and Brew.
How
Heart and Hustle Define a Local Entertainment Empire
BY GRAINGERTAINMENT DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GRAINGERTAINMENT
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL AND PROVIDED
Agood musical prelude is just the warmup for a powerful chorus that leaves people bobbing their heads and wanting more.
For Chris Grainger the prelude looked like this: DJ gigs he picked up from Craigslist for wedding receptions in gymnasiums where KFC was the main course. In fact, the first wedding he provided entertainment for back in 2009 he DJ’ed for free, and the tip for a job well done was a Ponderosa gift card.
He remembers being a guest at parties where DJs would inflate blow-up guitars for entertainment and there was a high “cheesiness” factor present. Deep down, he knew there was a market for reliable, skillful entertainers who would connect with people, so he started taking on more gigs, honing his craft and putting in the effort while working a full-time job to pay the bills.
The hustle that helped the Sonrise Christian School and Polk State College graduate go from Red Lobster bartender to the owner of a Polk County entertainment empire is alive and well. You’ll still see that if you catch the 39-year-old flashing a genuine grin in his trademark round John-Lennon style shades at midnight as another event winds down—but his hustle is now matched by expertise and a customer-centric approach that has catapulted Graingertainment to the top of the billboards, so to speak.
The affable and approachable owner loves talking about using cold sparklers to light up a grand entrance or exit, and he still gets excited every time he turns a dance floor into a full-on fog room by blasting a CO2 cannon. Yet his measuring stick for success remains quite simple: was the celebration everything the couple dreamed it would be?
“Our mission is to give
you the best day of your life,” he says. “At the end of the night, I want you to look at me and give me a hug and just be like, ‘Our wedding would’ve sucked without you.’”
Humble beginnings often lead to humble acknowledgments of success, and Grainger is quick to thank God for every accolade earned by his company that now employs roughly 15 DJs at any given time and serves Polk County, Tampa, Sarasota and beyond.
When sitting down with Chris at Hillcrest Coffee, his quasi-office and preferred daily pick-me-up provider, you quickly learn it’s about so much more than having hot playlists and fun mixes to spin to establish and maintain a brand that boasts a 5-star rating on Google, Wedding Wire and The Knot, to name a few.
A customer’s perfect event begins when they answer questions in a client portal that sets the stage for everything from the right songs at the right time to incorporating toasts and special announcements for the celebration.
Part of Graingertainment’s recipe for success is its wide array of talented DJs who offer their own distinctive style to hit just the right mark for each wedding, corporate event or party.
“DJ Dylan,” aka Dylan Sechrest, prides himself on bringing equal parts “professionalism and party” to each gig, and he’s up for everything from country line dancing to mixing 80s hits to Lil Wayne and Drake. Sechrest, who is the head coach of the Winter Haven High School girls volleyball team, has been DJ’ing with Graingertainment for more than 10 years, and he’s always pushing the envelope to go bigger and better for clients.
Graingertainment is always leading the way for clients with new options, including a hybrid music experience that adds live musicians to the mix alongside the DJ. Team photos by Evoke Photo and Film. Photo of saxophonist by Stephanie Lanni Photography.
“Probably three years ago, Dylan was like, ‘Man, we are losing money by not having cold sparks,’” Chris recalls, sitting next to Sechrest, clearly one of his best friends.
Dylan finishes the story emphatically, saying: “So I told Chris, ‘I have to be honest with you, I already sold someone on the sparks, so we’re going to have to buy a machine because they’re counting on us!’”
Cold sparklers, pyrotechnic devices that create a fountain of bright sparks without intense heat or safety concerns, are just one of the trends they offer to keep moments modern and memorable. An affordable upgrade that can enhance many elements of an event are uplights, including color changing kits that can adapt and create different vibes throughout the night. CO2 cannons infuse energy and atmosphere into a space, and Chris said the old tried and true photobooth is as popular as ever—both digital and print versions.
One addition to their collection of 100,000 songs that blast through premium speakers that has been increasingly popular is the option of adding live music to the mix.
“Our hybrid package is where we bring in a live saxophonist and a live drummer to play with the DJ,” Sechrest said. “...a violinist or keys at the ceremony, we’ve got that. If you want a sax at your cocktail hour, we’ve got that. If you want a hybrid during a dance set—not just Stevie Wonder, but someone playing a sax along to Lil Jon—that’s something we offer.”
When Grainger is asked to get serious for a moment and reflect on the challenges of building a successful business, he goes straight to people to illustrate his point.
“Hiring employees is an ultimate decision, and it’s definitely the hardest one because it can backfire [if they don’t represent the company well.]”
Thankfully his track record is pretty strong as a hiring manager. His lineup of DJs is diverse and represents a broad range of cultural influences, and as he positions Graingertainment for future growth he is especially pleased with two more recent hires who don’t make a living behind soundboards but are helping fine tune the company.
Chris hired Office Manager Carrie Rodgers several years ago to “offer a softer approach when a bride reaches out” and to manage the consistent flow of inquiries from digital platforms, email and phone calls more effectively. He estimates that business has nearly tripled since bringing her on board.
Last year he hired Kaf Nelson (Southeastern University Alum) as Director of Marketing Operations in hopes of utilizing her extensive event planning and development experience to help guide the company’s growth.
Kaf has enjoyed immersing herself in the Graingertainment culture, and noted how one of Chris’s strengths is his desire to hire people with giftings and thought processes different from his own.
“He knows who he is. He’s very relaxed and really he’s pretty old school, but he’ll hire someone who challenges him,” she said.
When it comes to challenging the status quo, Chris, Dylan and company are hungry to establish a reputation that sets the bar so high for entertainment in Central Florida that people don’t want to look anywhere else.
“I see myself being one of the biggest DJs in Central Florida…and see us all keep improving and growing,” Sechrest said about the future. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know? But we can keep scaling this and go as high as possible.”
Chris is prepared to invest in the technology and people necessary, and stay at the forefront of industry trends, as long as it aligns with exactly what his customers want.
“For all of our DJs, the best moment is when the bride or groom comes up to you and tells you, ‘You killed it tonight! Seriously thank you so much,’” he reflects. “It doesn’t matter what happened—they could have put drinks on my speakers at one point (a big no-no)—but if we’re part of the reason you have such a good time, that’s what it’s all about.”
When considering keepsakes, try to choose ones they won’t want to leave behind
WRITTEN BY KATY LISTER
PHOTO BY JORDAN RANDALL
WATERCOLOR PORTRAITS PROVIDED BY KEEPSAKE STUDIO CHOCOLATES PROVIDED BY ANDREW LOGANS CHOCOLATES
Wedding trends come and go quickly. This season’s most popular colors, songs and trends will likely be overdone and out of fashion by the end of the year, and most people think that the traditions our parents incorporated into their weddings are utterly outdated today. One tradition that has become a ‘hot topic’ in the wedding planning community lately is giving out favors to guests. Some couples consider favors a waste of money, especially when many of them get left behind at the end of the wedding anyway, while others want to find the perfect favor for their friends and family that is both unique and practical. After speaking with Lora Gardner, an expert wedding coordinator and owner of Perfect Day Productions, we’ve compiled a list of some unique wedding favors that guests won’t be leaving behind, as well as a few that aren’t so functional.
For the art lovers:
- Watercolor portraits of your guests from Keepsake Studio, a Central Florida based company that does the art live at the reception so guests can always remember how well they were dressed at your wedding.
For the amateur food critics:
- Order custom sugar cookies with your initials, wedding colors, or pets on them.
- Andrew Logans Artisan Chocolates and Confections has customizable options so you can choose your wedding colors and design a unique logo to be printed onto the chocolates.
For the environmentally conscious couple:
- Thrift mismatched drinkware for guests to take home at the end of the night.
- Custom printed to-go boxes allow guests to take their leftover dinner and cake home with them.
For the DIY lovers who have been adding to their wedding Pinterest Board since they were 13:
- Personalized matchboxes or mint tins. Break out the Cricut to customize these small, useful gifts that guests will be happy to throw in their purse or desk at home.
Consider skipping these wedding favors:
- According to Lora Gardner, coozies, ornaments and bags of seeds are often left behind at a wedding.
- Home decor items, like picture frames, with the couple’s name or date on them are also impractical.
- T-Shirts and tote bags are not likely to be reused, so buying hundreds of these for your guests can be a waste of money.
The Making of a Magical Wedding Destination in
South Lakeland
APRIL 3, 2025
WRITTEN BY VICTORIA BARDEGA
PHOTOS BY DAVONTE AND VANESSA ANDERSON
FROM THE WEDDING OF DIANA AND ANDY ROBERTS
Lakeland thrives on its natural beauty and laidback, romantic atmosphere. It’s a place where love and nature blend seamlessly, making it the perfect backdrop for couples seeking a wedding that’s as enchanting as it is unforgettable. Among the vibrant gardens, rolling fields and historic venues, one location has recently captured the hearts of many: Uliana Estate. This hidden gem, transformed from a humble property into a dream-like celebration space, offers a sanctuary where luxury and garden-inspired weddings come to life.
THE VISION BEHIND ULIANA ESTATE
Julie Czernek and her mother, Maria Mironchuk, have served the Central Florida community over the last seven years offering everything from luxurious florals, charcuterie spreads, balloon arches, and, most recently, hosting events— from their original South Florida Avenue studio.
As demand outgrew their initial space, the Czernek family saw an opportunity to take a leap of faith and transform a local wedding venue into their own.
Uliana Estate’s transformation has been a true labor of love. Julie and Tim Czernek saw the potential in this property that was previously home to Oak-K Farm long before it reached its current level of beauty and elegance. Originally a wedding venue that had been in operation for more than 30 years, the grounds had already stood the test of time. But under the Czernek family’s care, the venue has been elevated to new heights.
Julie and her multi-talented family have infused the estate with their artistic vision and attention to detail. This unique space complements the luxury garden theme popular in today’s wedding design. What started as a personal vision has blossomed into a family project with Julie’s brother, Arthur Mironchuk, designing the estate’s iconic arches for the altar, and her father-in-law, Lubos Czernek, contributing to many of the property’s upgraded features.
THE PERFECT SETTING FOR GARDEN-INSPIRED WEDDINGS
Bohemian and garden-inspired weddings have gained popularity for their relaxed yet intimate ambiance, and Uliana Estate offers a canvas for these themes and more. Surrounded by vibrant landscaping, towering oak trees and blooming flowers, the venue offers a variety of spaces that can be personalized to suit any couple’s vision. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the serene garden or dancing under the stars in an open-air pavilion, every corner of the Uliana Estate feels romantic.
Julie’s focus on creating an indoor/outdoor experience allows couples to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of elegant indoor spaces. The estate flows naturally from one space to the next with charming gardens, pretty pathways, and a bridal suite that serves as a luxurious haven for the bride before her big moment.
A key element of boho and garden-inspired weddings is the use of natural elements, and no one understands this better than Julie and her team. As a florist for her sister company Uli & Co., her eye for design and love for florals shine through. “If you want a garden vibe, you need to invest in florals,” she points out.
DETAILS THAT SET THE STAGE FOR MAGIC
From the picture-worthy staircase to the versatile seating areas, the details at Uliana Estate make it truly memorable. Setup touches like modern-style chairs, minimalistic tables, and other style add-ons can be incorporated into your wedding decor, setting the tone for a laid-back, yet stunning celebration. The soft flutter of the estate’s chandeliers and lit oak trees twinkling in the evening sky make for a whimsical atmosphere.
From the little details to the big spaces, Uliana Estates has a lot to offer. The linens by Linen and Letter are a nice touch, and an expansive bridal suite accommodates brides on the big day.
CREATING A PERSONAL, WHIMSICAL EXPERIENCE
Julie works closely with each couple to plan out distinctive details for their wedding that reflect their unique love story. “When I do a walkthrough, I ask them about their vision, the season they’re getting married in, and what they want the experience to be,” she says.
When it comes to the property’s versatility, people fall in love with the open spaces (perfect for a little food truck plug-in). From florals and custom rentals to day-of coordination and additional unique add-ons, they bring all of what a bride could want at her fingertips.
No wedding is complete without the help of talented vendors, and Lakeland offers a variety of local artisans who can help make your outdoor or indoor wedding even more magical. From florists to photographers, these experts know how to capture your love story. Through Uli & Co., Julie and Maria are known for their stunning wildflower arrangements that perfectly complement an outdoor or garden wedding. Their expertise in creating unique bouquets and floral installations will make your wedding day bloom with beauty.
When it comes to photography, Davonte and Vanessa Anderson, also known as Drip in Grace Photography, specialize in capturing the candid, authentic moments that make weddings so special. The proof is in the photos accompanying this article. From the details to the intimate portraits, their photography style will preserve the romance of your day for years to come. They are just one of many talented local wedding photographers Lakelanders have to choose from.
A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND LEGACY
“During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we had the honor of hosting a bride whose Anna Maria Island venue got destroyed. When they did the tour, the bride realized her mom had gotten married at this same venue [under previous ownership] 20+ years ago,” shares Julie.
That was a full-circle moment for Julie and her family in some ways, as they had to immerse themselves in a full re-model and bring everything up to code to be able to open before bracing for the uncertainty and danger of an active hurricane season.
“Whenever you buy a property, especially 7.5 acres, I feel like you don’t know all the problems until you start rebuilding, remodeling and fixing things, and then you run from one problem to another,” she says.
Being able to serve a bride and groom well after Helene drastically altered the couple’s plans is the type of moment that continues to fuel the family-operation to create an elevated wedding experience for all who book with the Uliana Estate.
“We love this community so much. We’ll never forget after the craziness of the hurricanes, how everyone came together to help us clean up in just two days before our first on-site wedding,” Julie reflects. Inspired by her family’s strong work ethic and the unwavering support of her husband, Julie continues to have drive and tenacity for all that the Uliana Estate can bring to our tight-knit community.
The Lakeland community seems to have embraced the Czernek’s as much as Tim and Julie’s families have made this home. Tim’s given name is Timotej. He was born in the Czech Republic, and his family have been in Lakeland for 25 years. Julie is proud of her Ukrainian heritage, and her given name of Uliana is the namesake for the companies she owns. She was born in Seattle, Wash. and her family moved to Lakeland 35 years ago.
For this visionary family, Uliana Estate is not just about creating a stunning venue — it’s about fostering a place where couples can begin their forever surrounded by beauty, love, friends and family.
Decorative Design That Takes Celebrations to the Next Level
BY
BY
TABLESCAPES DESIGNED BY CHRISTIAN LEE, DEANNA BUTLER AND KAYLA DAVIS OF CHRISTIAN LEE EVENTS
DINNERWARE AND FLATWARE PROVIDED BY GAINES JEWELERS
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS PREPARED BY DEANNA BUTLER
FLOWERS FROM PERMACREEK FARM | PLANTS FROM THE GREEN HOUSE GARDEN SHOPPE
WRITTEN
RJ WALTERS
PHOTOS
JORDAN RANDALL
In a distracted, digital age where life often feels frenetic, and even lonely, a great party fosters authentic face-to-face conversation and can be the catalyst for memorable moments that can only happen when people are fully present. But people aren’t lining up or raising their hands to host dinner parties because they are stressful, often require a lot of housework, and may even feel unattainable because of the creativity and materials needed.
Enter Christian Lee Events. Suddenly party hosts have the opportunity to be guests at their own gatherings and a world of beautiful intentional design opens up.
Lakeland resident Christian Lee has long been a highly sought after interior designer and decorator, and now she’s curating special moments for family and friends.
Christian Lee Events offers a charming 2,200 ranch-style Florida home near downtown Lakeland as a venue and provides varying tiers of party packages that start at $1,000 and include themed decor, tableware, flatware and floral arrangements, as well as the option for a charcuterie board, dessert, mocktails and more. Hosts can also hire Christian and her team to plan for and put on an event at a venue of their choice.
Whether it’s a bridal shower, evening with the gals, couples event or baby shower, Christian Lee has a look to fit most any vibe. Enjoy this lookbook of distinctive, high-end tablescapes they put together exclusively for us to help you envision a festive celebration people will be reminiscing about for ages.
Works for beach weddings and intimate events going for a low-country feel
Floral arrangement includes orchids, freesia, ranunculus and firestick cacti
Neutral colors with a little bit of yellow and purple that pops
“Coastal means textures with neutrals to us. This works in Central Florida because it’s all the things, with the exception of coral, that you can find right here.”
Whimsical / Boho
Floral arrangement includes a generous amount of orange, pink and white freesia paired with ranunculus and adorned with cress and foxglove
Herend handpainted dinnerware is produced in Hungary, and the salad plates are crafted by annieglass, a West Coast brand known for its innovative glass forming process
The flatware is Juliska, a French-inspired American brand
Classic
Floral arrangement includes a lot of white freesia, some statice and ranunculus and cress
Herend handpainted dinner produced in Hungary adds a touch of color and elevates the elegance
Juliska, an American flatware brand, brings French-inspired details to the table
THE ART OF TABLESCAPING, PRESENTED BY THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREATER LAKELAND
What is “tablescaping” you might be asking yourself? It’s the art of creatively arranging flatware, dinnerware, floral, plants, decorations, etc. on a tabletop to convey a distinctive theme, mood or experience. We showcased the gorgeous designs by Christian Lee Events in the previous feature, an example of a growing and thriving market for party hosts and planners.
The popular world of tablescaping descended on Lakeland in March thanks to The Art of Tablescaping event hosted by The Junior League of Greater Lakeland to celebrate the artistry of table design while raising money to support vital community programs.
There were head-turning tablescapes designed by more than a dozen local companies such as Gaines Jewelers, Patricia Meyer Events, WBS Interiors and more that VIP attendees could see while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and that were available for the general public to see the following day.
The Junior League also brought in internationally acclaimed entertainer and tablescape designer Lydia Menzies in as a guest speaker at The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art to discuss the art of hosting.
Her book “The Supper Club” helps people see how their party dreams can be brought to life with just the right business, products and special touches.
Proceeds from the event benefited the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s signature initiatives including Reading is Fundamental, World of Reading, and Clothe the Community—programs that provide literacy resources and clothing security for children in need.
PHOTOS BY MADI ELIZABETH
WRITTEN BY RJ WALTERS
DESIGNED BY MADDY LAROCK AND ALLIE BRINTON
24, 2024
AsBrian Ray embraced his bride, Rowena Barnett Ray, in the middle of Massachusetts Ave., they were in the midst of a magical moment that almost didn’t happen.
The couple, who were both married once previously, had strongly considered eloping, but a conversation Rowena had with her sister made her think again about a more formal celebration.
“She said to me, ‘This is very special. You’ve waited a very long time for this…you want to make it special and memorable,’” Rowena recalled. “And I was like, Yes, you’re right, I really do.’”
Their intimate gathering of 29 people in all, was special and memorable indeed, with the sophisticated and historic Terrace Hotel serving as an ideal venue for the Lakeland native.
The small room at the Terrace, bathed in light and offering views of Lake Mirror, felt both beautiful and deeply personal. Rowena said “God shined on that day” as she recalled the joyful atmosphere that filled the space as families came together.
Their ceremony held several unexpected, special moments.
“One thing I did was I kissed her before (wedding officiant) Stan gave me permission to kiss her,” Brian said with a laugh. “He’s like, ‘Wait a minute, you’re jumping the gun a little bit there!’”
Stan had a surprise of his own to reveal shortly after. He invited everyone at the wedding to come forward to pray for and bless the couple.
The meaningful moments weren’t confined to just that room, though. Outside, bubbles filled the air, creating a whimsical scene for photographs.
The wedding photographer, Nacho, had a flair for the dramatic. He led them across the street for the daring dip amidst traffic on Massachusetts Ave., capturing a moment that felt straight out of a movie. Later, an elevator kiss, perfectly framed, added another layer of cinematic charm.
It was everything Rowena and Brian hoped for, and more, especially with the whirlwind of planning a wedding in just over a month.
“Savannah Stutzman pulled it all together in less than six weeks,” Rowena said of her wedding planner, the owner of J & S Weddings. “She has the energy for this and helped me pull everything together…everything down to even the makeup artist.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: NACHO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
PLANNER: SAVANNAH STUTZMAN WITH J & S WEDDINGS
OFFICIANT: STAN ARNOLD
HAIR AND MAKEUP: MONTGOMERY JAE
CATERER/BAR: TERRACE HOTEL
BAKER: GOURMET GOODIES
FLORIST: TAYLORMADE FLORAL & EVENT
STATIONARY: STATIONARY LOFT
ARCH RENTAL: JAY KOZOFSKY
CHAIR RENTAL: FLORIDA SUNSHINE EVENT RENTALS
APRIL 5, 2025 AT TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND HAUS 820
ometimes when love blooms it makes everything around it more beautiful.
The floral arrangements that adorned almost every space of Zach and Hallie’s wedding day were symbols of what the couple who met at Furman University in 2021 hope people will remember most.
“[Our theme was] soft yellow, uplifting, simple elegance, joyful, community and Gospel focused,” Hallie said. “Zach and I are so blessed to have been surrounded by incredible community our whole lives and we both have the biggest smiles! My favorite color is yellow and with a spring wedding it was a perfect fit.”
Laura Shannon of Ashton Events, and owner of Bloom Shakalaka, designed bouquets, archways and more that ended up in almost every picture from the wedding day.
Leaning into all things lovely and Lakeland, the couple hosted its rehearsal dinner in Hallie’s parent’s backyard, were married at Trinity Presbyterian Church—the church she grew up in—and had its reception at Haus 820.
Hallie said both her family and Zach’s family love hosting events, so having a rehearsal dinner on the back lawn at her parent’s house just made sense.
“I knew a rehearsal dinner in our backyard would be unmatched and I had to have all my girls get ready at the house with me the next morning!”
Zach’s favorite part of the day was experiencing dozens of little details coming together just as they had hoped, and his new bride wholeheartedly agreed.
“My favorite part was seeing everything come together, being surrounded by all my people, the moment before walking down the aisle, and the dance floor!!” she said.
PHOTOGRAPHER: ABBY JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEO: FILMS BY ROSS
COORDINATOR: LAURA SHANNON, ASHTON EVENTS
HAIR AND MAKEUP: ADORE BRIDAL
CATERER: SALTBLOCK CATERING
BAKER: JAIME CAKES
COFFEE BAR: LINEAGE COFFEE ROASTERS
GOWN: THE WHITE MAGNOLIA GREENVILLE
DJ: DJ CORY BARRON
FLORALS: BLOOM SHAKALAKA
CHAIR RENTALS: SOUTHERN CHAIRS
APRIL 5, 2025 AT JUNIOR LEAGUE BUILDING
Ifa party is simply having the best time with all of your favorite people, the Darnell wedding was an unequivocal hit through and through.
The bride’s mom was the cake artist, her dad created all of the custom stationary and signage, and from morning to night it was a swirl of emotions that crescendoed with a beautiful ceremony in downtown Lakeland and a lively party on the dance floor.
The day started with Ansley enjoying a memorable breakfast with her bridesmaids and ended with that collection of women actually trading dresses with each other. Her groom-to-be enjoyed an entertaining car ride and a pre-ceremony lunch at The Joinery with his groomsmen.
Ansley admits the butterflies and nerves hit the closer the time came for the ceremony and celebration to commence, but everything slowed down when saw her best friend waiting for her at the altar.
“What completely calmed me was seeing Rogan at the end of the aisle. He is my peace in the chaos,” Ansley said. “When the time came I felt like I couldn’t get his ring on fast enough.”
Ansley’s maid of honor, Roxanne Whitney, said her best friend’s wedding felt like a fairy tale.
“[It was] as if we had been transported straight into a scene from ‘Bridgerton,’” she said. “From the elegant florals, to the timeless romance, every detail was perfectly curated. The day was truly an unforgettable celebration of love that was as grand and enchanting as a royal affair.”
Royal affairs usually pay homage to the generations who came before, and this was no exception.
Andrea Reed, mother of the bride, said it was so touching to her and her husband, Allen, that Ansley not only thanked them for their support at the reception, she also presented them with a touching tribute.
“She surprised us with a dance—Allen and I never had a first dance at our own wedding 33 years ago, and she gave us that moment,” she said. “It was incredibly special.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: JULIA BEEMER PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEO: HEBER MICHEL
COORDINATOR: HANDLED BY HOLLY EVENTS
CATERER: TLC CATERING BY TERRIE LOBB
BAKER:
SWEET CAKES BY ANDREA REED
BAR: FRANKLY BARTENDING
GOWN: TRULY FOREVER BRIDAL
CUSTOM STATIONARY & SIGNAGE: ALLEN REED, MADE
DJ: CHRIS FROM GRAINGERTAINMENT
FLORALS/RENTALS: FH EVENTS
CEREMONY CHAIRS: A CHAIR AFFAIR
MARCH 22, 2025
AT THE BRIDE’S CHILDHOOD HOME AND LAKE MIRROR LOGGIA
All
it took was touring one wedding venue for Taylor Beck (now Deegan) and her fiance, Matt, to realize the ideal spot for their wedding was actually the place Taylor had spent much of her life.
The couple’s ceremony took place in the front driveway of her parents’ Lake Hollingsworth home, which was previously owned by her grandparents—the seminal moment of a very personalized celebration.
“When we first started the planning process, Matt and I decided we wanted three things for our wedding: for it to feel intentional, be intimate, and be bursting at the seams with love,” Taylor said.
Their wedding weekend kicked off with a Wiffle ball game at Peterson Park, the bride and her mom hand-embroidered napkins for all 154 guests and the seating chart was made up of their favorite photos of each person.
The reception took place at Lake Mirror Loggia on a pristine Central Florida day that had a high temperature of 74 degrees.
Taylor said all of the details of the celebration would never have come together so seamlessly without the expertise of wedding planner Holly Hungerford of Holly Events.
“Holly was with us every single step of the way—from figuring out the logistics of turning a home into an event space to finding the perfect layout for our reception at The Loggia,” she said. “She helped bring our craziest ideas to life and made our day the best of our lives.”
Hungerford said it was a joy to carry out the couple’s vision for a Father of the Bride type of celebration in a beloved local setting.
“The nostalgia of a wedding in the bride’s childhood home, surrounded by their favorite people, and the charged emotions of a wedding day sounded like a dream, and it was!” she said.
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PHOTOGRAPHER: EVAN DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY
PLANNER: HANDLED BY HOLLY EVENTS
CATERER: TLC CATERING BY TERRIE LOBB
HAIR AND MAKEUP: MANDY DOES UP DOS
BAKER: SWEETCAKES BY ANDREA REED
BAND: BE EASY BAND
FLORIST: JILL HEATON DESIGNS
OFFICIANT: JUSTIN BROWNLEE
RENTALS:
OAK AND ASH, PREMIER PARTIES, A CHAIR AFFAIR
PORTA POTTIES: VIP TO GO
VALET: LAKELAND VALET
PRIVATE SECURITY: LPD
BY KATY LISTER
BY
BY
WRITTEN
PHOTOS
JORDAN RANDALL
DESIGNED
MADDY LAROCK
An interview with wedding coordinator Lora Gardner of Perfect Day Productions
Lora Gardner is the founder and lead planner of Perfect Day Productions, a Lakeland-based wedding and event planning company. Lora’s attention to detail and genuine love for the work she does, as well as the support of her team, are the reasons that her clients can say that their day was truly perfect. When she started her company in 2018, with the encouragement of her husband, Brian, she had no idea that her business would grow so quickly. Today, Perfect Day Productions coordinates an average of 40 weddings and events each year and Lora and her team are always open to helping new clients achieve their dream events. Lora’s company just made the transition from Bartow to a new office located on South Florida Ave. With Lora’s office decorated with souvenirs from her favorite Broadway shows and the showroom where plates, napkins and glassware of every color are displayed for clients to rent, this new space is the ideal place for couples to begin planning their upscale, fairytale, rustic or entirely unique wedding.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
THE LAKELANDER
I wanted to start by asking about your journey. How long have you been in the business and what made you realize that you wanted to do this?
LORA GARDNER
Perfect Day Productions just turned seven years old. We started in 2018. And for me, my love language is acts of service, so being in the events industry—acting as a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator—it really feeds into just who I am as a person and getting to serve my couples and my clients. I’ve always said when I grew up, I wanted to be a wedding planner, so it really was a lifelong dream fulfilled when Perfect Day Productions opened.
TL Does working in this business make you want to go back and change anything about your own wedding?
LORA
I think, knowing what I know now, I would absolutely make some changes to our day. And one of the biggest things I would do is incorporate more guest experiences into it, which is definitely a trend that I’m seeing our couples want to incorporate more and more. From cigar lounges to coffee bars to live watercolor painting favors, our couples really are spending a lot of time thinking about the impact their wedding has for their guests and how to make it the best experience for them.
TL Does everyone need a wedding planner?
LORA
Anyone planning an event needs a wedding or event planner. We bring a level of experience and a level of expertise to that planning process. Ultimately, my goal is for our couples to enjoy being engaged, and having an expert on their side really allows them to enjoy the engagement, enjoy planning their wedding, and, more importantly enjoy the wedding day because they have a whole team in Perfect Day Productions that is allowing them to be present for one of the most important days of their lives.
TL What are some current trends that you see happening?
LORA
Blues are definitely an incoming color. The blue color palette is a trend that I think we’re gonna see for a little bit. Let’s see. What else am I seeing? Weekday weddings. Weddings are now happening seven days of the week. They no longer have to be on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. We are finding that, no matter what day of the week, guests are still wanting to come and celebrate with the couple.
TL What are some timeless traditions and trends that you’d like to see more of?
LORA I love when our couples get to share a private last dance at the end of the night. When their guests have exited the reception space, it’s just them. It’s their first private
moment of the night, sometimes. I always tell our couples that the first dance is for their guests and the last dance is for them. And it’s one of my favorite moments of the night, so I always encourage our couples to share that private moment.
TL
What are some ways that you would suggest for a couple to add personal elements to their wedding to showcase their own interests and personalities?
LORA
One really fun way is through their bar signage and the names of their signature cocktails because we get to learn their pet names or maybe a little bit more about the industry that they work in. And I think incorporating moments that are important to them. So if their cultures are really important to them, maybe we bring in food that celebrates their culture, especially when bringing two cultures together.
TL What are some “easily avoidable mistakes” that you’ve seen couples make in regards to their wedding?
LORA
My job as a wedding planner is to educate couples. This is likely their first wedding that they’ve ever planned, so we educate them throughout the process on how to have the best day possible. One mistake couples make is not realizing that things take longer than they think they do. The timing of the day is extremely important and I always want to make sure that our couples don’t feel rushed, so the timeline of the day is very important.
TL
What is the most unique place that you’ve had a wedding?
LORA
We’ve had a wedding at the Florida Aquarium. That’s probably one of the more unique places. They lived nearby, they wanted to incorporate the elements of the ocean into their day…and it was a very cool experience.
TL
Tell me about a special memory that stands out from your time operating Perfect Day Productions.
LORA
As a wedding planner, we are fortunate to be able to be a part of one of the biggest days of our couple’s lives. Sometimes, that means we miss out on big moments in our own lives. Last year, we worked with a couple whose wedding was on the same day as my husband’s and my wedding anniversary. As a surprise to us, the couple found out our first dance song, Happy by Secrets in Stereo and selected that as their first dance and shared the dance floor with my husband and I. It was an incredibly humbling and special experience and shows the deep connection we make with our couples. Certainly, a moment I will never forget.
TL
What are some of the best experiences you’ve seen guests have at a wedding?
LORA
I am an animal lover, so being able to incorporate animals into wedding days is always really exciting. We’ve had beer donkeys. We’ve had alpacas.
TL Wait, beer donkeys?
LORA
The donkey has a pouch with beer in it and the guests can come up to the donkey. It’s amazing. We use the same donkey over and over and his name is Strings. I’ve done an elephant, which is one of my favorite animals. It was an Indian wedding and we had a Clydesdale bring in the groom and an elephant bring in the bride. It’s such a surprise to the guests, you know, because that’s going to be a memory that gets made as opposed to a tangible favor to take with them.
The Sorosis Club on Lake Morton Drive in Lakeland, Florida was designed by noted Lakeland architect Wilbur Talley and completed in late 1927. It replaced the Club’s earlier home at Tennessee Avenue and Orange Street. In 1980 the building was sold to the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, which used it as a senior center. The Sorosis Club Building was purchased by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland in 2005, renovated and rented for wedding receptions, parties and other events.
Courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library Sorosis Building
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