Watermark's Wedding Guide 2022

Watermark’s Wedding Guide

Jeremy Williams

It has been seven years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges, bringing marriage equality to same-sex couples across the country. Since that first year, Watermark has been publishing this annual guide highlighting all things to do with love and marriage in the LGBTQ community.

In those seven years, there have been thousands upon thousands of couples within the LGBTQ community who have stood before their family, iends and gods to profess their love for each other. ere have also been thousands upon thousands of voices, both for and against marriage equality, providing reasons why LGBTQ couples should or shouldn’t be able to marry, which is why publications like this one are so important. Not only does it provide LGBTQiendly vendors for those happy couples to reach out to, but it also lets us share in your happiness and joy, and lets you know that you are not alone in celebrating that love is love.

In this year’s guide, along with that LGBTQ- iendly vendor list that can be found on page 30, we o er up a few helpful tips on how to make your wedding day special, memorable and uniquely yours.

First, we gathered together a few trends experts say are sure to be “in” this coming year — hello costume changes — and a few they say will be totally "out" — sorry bu et dinners.

We also chat with Anthony Meiring of Simple Weddings to layout a general timeline of when you should start your wedding planning. He o ers up a few tips to make life less stressful as you plan for the big day. A few of our favorite suggestions? Don’t skimp on the wedding planner, they can be a lifesaver, and if you are looking to save on your budget think outside of the typical weekend wedding.

“Weekdays are becoming more popular,” Meiring says. “ e nice thing about getting married on a weekday is there’s o en savings to be had. Some venues o er discounted prices, so if someone is on a budget, they can stretch their dollar by doing something

on a weekday.” If you’re doing a destination wedding, Meiring points out that you’re on vacation so every day is a Saturday. Why not save some money and get married on a Tuesday?

Speaking of saving money, Deborah Bostock-Kelley looks at ways you can D-I-Y on your big day that will save you big bucks.

Finally, have you ever wanted to get married dressed as a superhero, Jedi or princess? Ryan Williams-Jent looks at ways you can incorporate your favorite fandom, time period or holiday into an outof-this-world themed wedding. For what is marriage if not a shared love in pop culture persevering.

So whether you are looking for a more traditional wedding day or something sure to keep the new in-laws talking, we hope you have the most magical day ever and enjoy a lifetime of love and happiness together.

Say “I Do” at CityArts

Downtown Orlando’s Historic and Creative Event Venue. From vibrant and ornate to intimate and serene, CityArts Orlando is a venue that provides a unique, delightful, and inspiring experience for its visitors. Visit downtownartsdistrict.com/venue-rentals for more information. For questions, please email events@dadorlando.com or call (407) 648-7060.

S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

The Ins & Outs

Jeremy Williams

fter a shaky few years, more and more couples are starting to get back on track with planning their wedding day. According to Brides.com, nearly 70% of engaged couples they spoke with said that they postponed their wedding celebrations specifically due to the pandemic. The couples that did move forward did so with socially distanced or micro weddings, or just eloped with a few witnesses.

Now as things get “back to normal” (sorry, we know that phrase is so overused), experts in the industry are seeing some surprising trends pop up, including a few pandemic-related changes that couples liked and seem to be keeping around.

After reviewing some of the top wedding trade magazines, we gathered together a few ins and outs that you might see in many upcoming weddings that may help you plan your big day.

Th e In’s

On with the show. Couples are now looking to give their reception that “wow factor.” So instead of the traditional tossing of the wedding bouquet and garter and having multiple toasts to stop the party, they are planning a live show in the middle of the reception.

“ ere’s been a big rise to these out-of-the-box performances and a push toward o ering people something fun and breathtaking,”

said Amy Shey Jacobs, owner of Chandelier Events, to the New York Times.

ese shows can include typical performances such as local bands, singers and dancers to less common wedding entertainment like drag queens, magicians, belly dancers, fire eaters; whatever you find entertaining.

“ ese are goose-bump moments om seeing something new,” Jacobs said. “At the same time, there’s a subculture of performance artists

who are finding weddings as a platform for their art in a broader, mainstream way.”

Mismatched wedding parties. is trend has specifically taken hold thanks to same-sex weddings and has found its way into traditional straight wedding parties as well. It is no longer necessary to have your wedding parties split “girls on the bride’s side and boys on the groom’s side.” Each side of

Wedding trends you can expect to see in the upcoming year

the wedding party is a beautiful spectrum of all genders with each member of the couple having individuals closest to them on their side regardless of how they identi .

Mismatched wedding parties don’t only go for who stands with you, it also applies to apparel and the number of people in your party.

Just because one side has six individuals doesn’t mean the other side needs six. e main reason couples try to have an even number, says MarthaStewart.com, is because each person needs someone to walk down the aisle with. But there is nothing that says you can’t have them walk down in threes or as singles.

As for who wears what: Do you have a bridesmaid who wants to wear pants? Great! A best man who wants to wear a skirt? Do it! Couples are now letting their wedding parties wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and authentic. Most couples will still have a few rules, i.e., outfits need to still be in the wedding colors, but couples want their wedding party to get out there and be themselves!

Sustainable weddings. Couples are becoming more and more concerned about the environment and are finding ways to make their weddings more eco- iendly every

A few Wedding Guides ago, we wrote about “green weddings” — not that we started the trend, but maybe we had a hand in it — and one of the biggest takeaways om that piece was something we all learned in school about being ecoiendly: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

ink of the three R's when you are planning every step of your celebration.

From the start, expect to see more digital save-the-dates and invitations. Not only are you saving trees by utilizing less paper, but it will be easier on your guests to reply to an email rather than mailing their RSVP in.

During the ceremony, couples are opting for venues that have builtin décor. Natural backdrops found at greenhouses, botanical gardens and wineries can not only give you a beautiful, natural setting but can also save you money on not having to purchase decorations.

Another area couples are “going green” is with the reception meal. Couples want caterers that focus on local, sustainable and seasonal dishes. Erica Jill Razze, owner of Capiche Custom Events, tells Brides. com you can expect to see a lot more fully vegetarian receptions as plant-based meals consume fewer resources.

e name in the upcoming trend game is rent. “Single-use anything is not good for the environment, so check out websites geared toward

Razze says to Brides.com.

Costume changes. Renting gowns is becoming more common these days, in part because of another trend — costume changes. You’re not wearing the ceremony outfits for a day anymore, you are wearing them for a few hours, tops. Couples are ditching the big dress and tuxedo a er the ceremony for a more fun outfit at the reception. Mini dresses, rompers or just a casual, dressed down appearance are in style.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to do something really fun and unexpected with color or silhouette,” explains Gabrielle Hurwitz, owner of Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling, to Brides. com.

Couples are opting for as little as two di erent outfits to as many as six or seven costume changes throughout the day, depending on what events are planned. Along with the ceremony and reception, you may have an a erparty, a cocktail hour or a brunch, if your wedding takes place earlier in the day.

Costume changes add a sense of glamour and celebrity to your day.

Th e Out’s

Family-style or buffet receptions. Nobody wants to stand in line for dinner anymore so sit down dinners where the guests are served multiple courses are back.

is, in part, goes back to couples wanting to be more eco- iendly as family style and bu et style tend to cause more food waste than a sit-down, plated dinner. A sit-down dinner also adds a sense of elegance to the event.

“Leave this sloppy casual supper for summer BBQs,” said Rebecca Gardner of House & Parties to Vogue. “Our clients want formality, ritual and elegance.”

While a sit-down dinner is certain to cost more than a bu et or family-style dinner, it does o er reassurance in other areas. Going with a bu et or large plates of shared food on the tables will require more attention to food safety, especially in a post-COVID world, since many people will be serving themselves om the same dishes. It will also make it easier to accommodate guests with food allergies or who are vegan since you will have the food served directly to them. "While you can certainly provide alternate dishes … it may feel a bit isolating to have their food displayed away om the rest," Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards said to MarthaStewart.com.

Large guest lists. A carryover om the pandemic that couples appreciate, look for wedding parties to stay scaled down. No more guest lists of 200 attending the wedding. Instead, look for weddings that keep the guest count closer to 3050 people — if not less — with an online, streaming option for those not invited to the in-person ceremony. Smaller guest lists also allow for more events to be added in. Fewer people with more events allows the couple to spend some quality time with each person they have invited.

Smaller guest lists are allowing couples to have their dream

wedding that might not fit into the traditional ceremony at the church and reception at a hall. Couples are keeping invites low so they can have destination weddings to a place they have always wanted to visit.

ey are also taking advantage of the smaller guest list to stretch their wedding into an extended weekend vacation.

You can take the money you are saving on buying dinner for hundreds of guests and spend three or four days with your inner circle having multiple events that, along with the ceremony and a dinner, could include activities that show your interests such as a trip to a local museum, a hike in the mountains or special character meet-and-greet at your favorite theme park. It’s your wedding, do what makes you happy.

No more blenders on the wedding registry. Something else the pandemic impacted when it comes to weddings is couples don’t want physical items as wedding gi s. COVID has made them reprioritize what is important.

"During the pandemic when everyone was stuck at home, they invested in things to make their living spaces more comfortable," Rachel Jo Silver, founder and CEO of Love Stories TV, said to Insider. "Couples aren't looking for items for their kitchen, bedroom, yard, etc. — that's where they spent their own money last year."

On upcoming registries, instead of the traditional gi s of kitchenware, appliances and

furniture, expect to see things that impact the couple’s quality of life, either mentally, emotionally or spiritually. More couples these days will have recommended charities that they work with or support for their guests to donate to.

Another popular option for online gi registries, is providing links to contribution-based items such as honeymoon trips or funds for your first house. Something that you are also seeing more of, is couples straight up requesting cash on the registry. is isn’t seen as a faux pas as much as it once was, writes Brides.com, but be sure to follow a few steps if you do this.

Never ask for cash on the wedding invitation. In fact, do not include your registry information on the invitation at all. Brides.com says instead include a link to your wedding website and put links to your registry on the site.

Also, you should be specific about what the cash is being used for. e concern for most guests is cash feels impersonal and letting them know what the money will be used for helps guests feel more connected.

“If you're in the middle of a big project, like renovating your home or moving across the country, let guests know about it on your wedding website,” Brides.com suggests. “Adding a more personal touch with the story … will both make your guests feel more connected to your lives and also serve as a plea for help that they'll be more inclined to answer.”

Photography in your best light!

When to Start

Jeremy Williams

Making sure your dream wedding goes o without a hitch involves careful planning and giving yourself plenty of time, but where do you start? And more importantly, when do you start?

We spoke with Anthony Meiring of Simple Weddings – a wedding planning company located in Treasure Island that specializes in outdoor weddings – and asked what time periods couples should keep in mind when planning their special day.

“It depends on the size and scope of yourwedding,” Meiring says. “If you’re planning on 200 guests, then you are looking at atwo-year timeline. If this is 10 people, you’re going out on the beach and then to a local restaurant for dinner, you could be looking at3 months.”

So keep in mind that the following timeline is a general rule based on an average weddingof 100 guests. “ e longer you can giveyourself, the less stress there will be,” Meiringadds.

Want to see how Simple Weddings can help give you the wedding of your dreams? Go to SimpleWeddingsFlorida.com to see what kind of packages they have to o er or call them at 727-537-9331.

18 MONTHS OUT

-Pick a date and choose a reception venue. “ ose two items are the very first step,” Meiring says, “and you’ll have to prioritize which of those things is more important to you. If the date is more important, you may need to be more flexible with the venues that are available. If you must get married at a certain venue, then you may have to be flexible with the date. e longer you give yourself to plan, the more likely you are to get both the venue and the date that you want.

-Find a wedding planner. “ e planner is going to help with all of the details — vendors, a timeline, etc.,” Meiring says. “What I would recommend is immediately a er picking a date and a venue, pick a planner. I have never had a couple ever, ever, ever say they regret hiring a planner.”

12-16

MONTHS OUT

-Pick your vendors. “Photography, o ciant, catering, cake, florist, videography, entertainment; decide which are more important to you, prioritize them and budget your time accordingly,” Meiring says. “Get them nailed down very quickly. e earlier you start, the better chance you have at getting the vendors you want. You want to have them all done a year out minimum.”

6-9 MONTHS OUT

-Wedding apparel should be picked out. ere may be some alterations that need to be done a month or so before the big day, but you should know what you are wearing at least six months before.

-Select wedding rings. You want to make sure you are giving yourself plenty of time to pick the rings out, get them sized and back om the jeweler.

1-3 MONTHS OUT

-Send formal wedding invitations 60-90 days before the wedding. “Feel ee to send Save e Dates ahead of time so people can start planning, especially if you are doing a destination wedding or inviting a lot of people om out of town,” Meiring says. “You can send those out 9-12 months before the wedding.”

-Make sure all vendors are paid. Most vendors who provide wedding services will require a deposit when you first book them and will want final payment to be made 30-60 days before the day of your wedding.

-Apply for your marriage license. “In the state of Florida, you have a 60-day window to get that done,” Meiring says. “For those with a Florida residence, there is a threeday waiting period, so you have a window of 3-60 days prior to the wedding to do that.”

-Assign tasks to the wedding party. About a month or two before your wedding, let each member of your wedding party know what specific tasks you’ll need their help with on the day. “ at’s why you have a wedding party,” Meiring says. “ ey are there to make the day easier on you.”

1-3 DAYS BEFORE

-Pick up tux rentals. If you have tuxedos that are being worn in your wedding party, then pick those up a few days ahead of time.

-Have a rehearsal, if applicable. “Wedding rehearsals aren’t particularly necessary if you have a wedding planner,” Meiring says. “But if you have a large wedding party or if you have an o ciant where this is their first wedding, then a rehearsal is highly recommended.”

LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS

Save the Date In the Family

A new mother-in-law shares tips for D-I-Ying your big day

Deborah Bostock-Kelley

ADIY wedding to-do list can cause anxiety, but you can do it without excessive cost or stress. As a new mother-in-law, I recently learned that firsthand. My daughter was lucky enough to meet the love of her life in high school. Ten years later, when her girlfriend proposed in July 2022, the engagement was just a few weeks. The ceremony was less of a focus than the party celebrating their marriage afterwards, leaving us moms to help plan a sizeable DIY wedding reception celebration. Thankfully, my daughter is an artist and designed her own invitations. For those that lack the skill but want something unique to them, reach out to local graphic designers for a more affordable twist on the standard invite.

Another option is to send a custom save-the-date postcard rather than a folded invitation and envelope.

e follow-up RSVP can also be a postcard with a QR code linked to a wedding website that o ers accommodations information and more. Alternatively, you can use the QR code to connect to a Google form. You provide the information that the guests complete.

When doing it yourself, especially if you’ve set a limited budget, one of the best places to find a ordable wedding ideas, favors and décor is in Facebook wedding groups.

Instead of investing money in buying new items that you will only use for your big day, you have the opportunity to save by purchasing new-to-you items om a past wedding celebration or a wedding that did not happen.

Local photographers, videographers, graphic designers, venues, DJs and other wedding service professionals are also found in these groups, along with recommendations om past brides and grooms. Groups dedicated to weddings in your area can be found by inputting terms like “Tampa Bay Weddings,” “Central Florida

Weddings” and more in the group search. Other options, of course, include eBay, Etsy and Amazon.

If biological family isn't supportive of or planning to attend your wedding, there are also LGBTQ allies and members of the community ready to fill in. Join groups on Facebook like “Stand In Pride Southeast.” It was created to connect members of the LGBTQ community and allies to provide emotional support.

While some couples may opt to put some money towards a wedding

planner, with a Gmail account, you can also utilize Google's ee products. Open a Google sheet and share it with those involved in your planning. Add columns of information and who is responsible, and you may not need to invest in a wedding planner as long as you understand you and the tribe you select to help you are responsible for organizing every single detail.

Attending a local bridal expo is a great way to discover wedding tips, meet vendors, find the perfect color scheme or theme and sample the wares om multiple caterers under one roof. Shows are regularly held throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay.

Whether you envision a formal black-tie a air or going barefoot on the beach, this is another opportunity for couples to meet vendors, get great ideas, participate in ee giveaways and register for fantastic prize packages.

If you don't want to splurge on hair and makeup for your special day, reach out to a iend or family member whose look you admire. ey may be honored to style for your wedding.

While videography and/or photography are essential in capturing your special moments, not everyone can a ord the cost of a professional photographer or videographer. Reach out to your tribe to see if anyone is a hobbyist photographer interested in taking

pictures of your wedding.

You can also DIY by asking your guests to take photos and videos om their cell phones and share them with you. Guests can upload images to a shared Dropbox or Google drive for easy access, or use an original hashtag on social media for easy access.

Your beautiful floral décor takes up another large portion of a wedding and reception DIY budget. Search for small, independent style floral wholesalers with excellent reviews that do not necessarily have a floral shop or warehouse. Look for local online florists that get their flowers directly om a national or international supplier and deliver them to you.

While you will be responsible for assembling the flowers into bouquets and table settings, you will avoid the cost of having a florist do the work. Trader Joe's and similar shops may also have a beautiful array of esh flowers.

When it comes to your venue, you might also consider renting a pavilion at a park. Many state parks are available 365 days a year with nominal prices compared to other venues.

When it comes to music, reach out directly to local DJs and musicians. If you want to avoid hiring musicians altogether, great music is as easy as a Spoti playlist, a portable cell phone charger and a wireless Bluetooth speaker with decent sound quality and volume. Depending on where you

decide to have your wedding and reception, catering may be part of the package; however, couples can also serve gourmet dinners complements of wholesalers like Costco. Even your wedding cake doesn't have to be an exorbitant investment. Look for reviews of local bakers versus anchise bakeries as the prices tend to be better, and o en, they are more willing to work within your budget. A loved one who's great with baking may also be available to help.

But what about the honeymoon? Even DIY wedding and receptions aren't cheap, so couples may opt for digital delivery of wedding presents; donations to an online registry broken down by travel, accommodations and airfare funds to help de ay the honeymoon cost.

Whether planning a lavish DIY wedding and reception or a simple low-key family celebration, the critical thing to remember is that the company you keep and not the "stu " you buy creates the best memories. Happy planning!

Deborah Bostock-Kelley is a brandnew mother-in-law, Watermark freelancer and runs the WriteOne Creative Services. Learn more at TheWriteOneCS.com.

Your Day- Your Way Wedding theme ideas for any couple

Ryan Williams-Jent

One of the beautiful things about weddings is that they can be whatever we want them to be, especially as members of the LGBTQ community. We’re free to make our own traditions and craft our celebrations as only we could, not unlike Young Avengers Hulkling and Wiccan, pictured above courtesy of Marvel Comics.

Almost every wedding has aspects that connect the entire experience from “I do” to “They did.”

Some couples draw the line at wedding colors or patterns, tying things together like décor or the wedding cake, while others might be more inclined to celebrate with a full-fledged theme that extends beyond the basics.

“Choosing a wedding theme or style is one of the best ways to personalize your big day,” wedding website TheKnot.com explains. “A defined aesthetic will help you make important wedding planning decisions, like how you decorate your ceremony and reception and what the overall vibe

of your day feels like."

According to David Tutera, a celebrity wedding planner, it can make the experience more exciting for everyone involved.

"If you want a great wedding that engages guests, it's all about telling a story from the moment they receive the invitation to the last thing they see, which could be the favor,” he told them. “Having a style or a theme helps you choose the story you're going to tell."

Of course, what’s most important to remember is that it’s your big day, so more than anything it’s important to do it your way. For some couples that involves a theme and for others it doesn’t, so to help you figure out which type you are, we’ve gathered some ideas here.

Photo courtesy Marvel Comics

favorite local

your favorite local

caterer since 1995!

For exquisite wedding planning, owner Michael Thomas is an LGBT Certified Wedding Planner who understands the nuances of planning the perfect wedding for every couple. He and his team will ensure that your day is expertly coordinated and impeccably executed.

For exquisite wedding planning, owner Michael Thomas is an LGBT Certified Wedding Planner who understands the nuances of planning the perfect wedding for every couple. He and his team will ensure that your day is expertly coordinated and impeccably executed.

For exquisite wedding planning, owner Michael Thomas is an LGBT Certified Wedding Planner who understands the nuances of planning the perfect wedding for every couple. He and his team will ensure that your day is expertly coordinated and impeccably executed.

For scrumptious catering services, choose our award-winning team for cuisine that will fully satisfy your guests and is served with the care and finesse that only we can deliver.

For scrumptious catering services, choose our award-winning team for cuisine that will fully satisfy your guests and is served with the care and finesse that only we can deliver.

For scrumptious catering services, choose our award-winning team for cuisine that will fully satisfy your guests and is served with the care and finesse that only we can deliver.

since 1995!

MICHAEL THOMAS

LGBT CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER

THOMAS

LGBT CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER

MICHAEL THOMAS LGBT CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER

EMBRACING AN ERA

Period weddings are perfect for history bu s. To get started, couples will want to choose not only their time period but also the geographic regionthey wish to emulate. “We've always been fans of era-embracing events: '40s swing celebrations, medieval a airs and Western weddings are all creative anddelightful,” eKnot.com says.

Each era's high-profile looks and dishes of the day are a must. e website reflects on weddings done in Victorian style in particular, which in some ways mirror mainstream weddings of today.

“A er all, it was Queen Victoria who set the trends for white wedding gownsand white floral arrangements,” they note. Other high-profile options includeRoaring ‘20s-style weddings or honoringCivil Rights Movements born in the ‘60s.

FAVORITE FANDOMS

Some couples may want to hold their wedding in a galaxy far, far away, or take a trip to Middle Earth to celebrate their rings. Others may want to assemble like their favorite Young Avengers at thealtar.

Fandoms can develop around any area of interest, o en doing so around thingslike comic books and other forms of literature, or beloved TV series and films. ey're easily incorporated into weddings.

Use fonts to cra announcements or invitations and play your favorite musical themes throughout the ceremony.

Some couples may even ditch carrying flowers for a lightsaber or set theirphasers to stunning. It’s also easy to use your favorite Batman or X-Men action figures as cake toppers, or to incorporate custom Lego minifigures.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

A er you’ve found the perfect prince or princess, you might want to waltz into a fairytale-themed wedding. at can take shape in a lot of enchanting ways, especially when amplified by your choice of venue.

Few locations say “tale as old as time” like Disney, which proudly proclaims love is love at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Disneyland Resort in California, Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii and on the open seas courtesy of the Disney Cruise Line. Disney’s Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons o er outdoor gardens, waterside vistas and castle courtyards to help fully realize the experience.

Of course, creating a magical atmosphere can be done with or without the help of an entertainment juggernaut. Quill and ink sets can be used to create the perfect invitations in the style of classic written tales and used for other decorations throughout your ceremony and reception or be given as gi s.

e ceremony itself can also include music om filmed versions of the fairytales, or their written versions can be read throughout it. So make your way under the sea or book your trip to Wonderland however you see fit.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

If you’re looking for the perfect place to kiss under a mistletoe, your wedding might be it. Some couples opt to hold their wedding during or close to their favorite holiday, a natural theme.

“Having your wedding over a holiday lets you maximize time with your loved ones and gives far-flung guests a bu er day (or two) to travel and recuperate,” eKnot.com says. “Plus, it's perfect for hosting a full weekend of festivities, especially at a resort or in a lively city.”

Valentine’s Day, , Independence Day, Halloween, anksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas and more holidays lend themselves to the idea. Décor, food and receptions are easily planned around them.

“ ink: A Fourth of July wedding with tasteful Americana accents and a fireworks display, or a wedding the weekend before Christmas with agrant garlands, twinkling lights, eggnog and chrysanthemums,” eKnot.com notes. Seasonal events like concerts, shows and parades can also be utilized to expand on your festivities.

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Whether it’s fall, winter, spring orsummer, creating a wedding themearound your favorite season is easy.

Fall weddings rely on darker colorswhile Winter weddings bring ivories,whites and bright greens. Springincorporates pastels. Lighting canbe utilized to alter the mood of the ceremony and reception for each, ascan other seasonal dishes and drinks. Of course, when it comes to a Summer wedding, Florida really shines.

WHATEVER YOU WANT

Incorporate a little of everything – andmore! ere’s absolutely no reason you can’t have a clean, modern-style weddingwhile incorporating elements om yourfavorite fandom, holiday or season.

“Since wedding aesthetics are all about interpretation, inventing your owntheme or style will allow you to cra your big day around your personalityhowever you want,” eKnot.com stresses.

“A wedding theme is great if it makessense to the couple's perspective on howthey want their wedding to look,” Tuterareiterated to them. “So, if you're obsessed with a certain theme and it makes sense to who you are, it's great to have—butit's not a necessity, especially if a generalstyle resonates more with you.”

Whatever your choice, it’s easier than ever to make it a reality. Just rely on each other – and of course, the incredible vendors found on page 30.

Photo by A Stunning Match Photography

LGBTQ Friendly Vendors

LGBTQ Friendly VendorsLGBTQ Friendly Vendors

ATTORNEY

S.K. Burt Law, P.A. 407-308-2936 SKBurtLaw.com

CATERING / CAKES

John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Catering 407-894-6671 JohnMichaelEvents.com

CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATIONS

Celebration Gardens 407-896-0314

OrlandoCelebrationGardens.com

CityArts – Downtown Arts District 407-648-7060 Events@DADOrlando.com

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 352-394-8627 LakeridgeWinery.com

Orlando Museum of Art 407-896-4231 OMArt.org

Orlando Science Center 407-514-2290 OSC.org/Weddings

St. Petersburg Museum of History 727-894-1052 SPMOH.com

The Capen House at the Polasek 407-636-9317 CapenHouse.com

The Don Cesar 888-883-6173 DonCesar.com

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 407-934-1883

SwanDolphin.com/Weddings

COUPLES COUNSELING

AZupka Counseling 407-986-2888 AZupkaCounseling.com

DANCE LESSONS

Step Out Tampa Bay 727-460-7685 StepOutTampaBay.com

DENTAL CARE & SERVICES

Coast Dental 877-880-1212 CoastDental.com

ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC & LIGHTING

Mad Harp Music, Inc. 801-631-1119 MadHarpMusic.com

Projection Projects VJ Nick Comis 702-203-1883 ProjectionProjects.com

FLORAL & SCENIC

Lee Forrest Design 407-770-0440 LeeForrestDesign.com

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

AVITA AvitaPharmacy.com

Beautiful You Medi Spa 407-702-9179 BeautifulYouMediSpa.com

HOTEL AND RESORTS

The Don Cesar 888-883-6173 DonCesar.com

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin 407-934-183 SwanDolphin.com/Weddings

JEWELER

Gold and Diamond Source 727-573-9351 GoldAndDiamond.com

Monarch Jewelry and Art 407-677-8354

MonarchJewelryAndArt.com

OFFICIANT/WEDDING PLANNER

Humanist Celebrant Orlando 407-608-9242

HumanistCelebrantOrlando.com

Liz's Wedding Service 727-350-6115 LizsWeddingServices.com

RETAIL, GIFTS, ACCESSORIES & FAVORS

City Furniture CityFurniture.com

Gold and Diamond Source 727-573-9351 GoldAndDiamond.com

Monarch Jewelry and Art 407-677-8354 MonarchJewelryAndArt.com

HONEYMOON & TRAVEL

Orlando International Airport 407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.net

Atlas Global Travel, Inc 321-800-6964 AtlasGlobalTravel.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Dylan Todd Photography 727-310-1212 DylanToddPhotography.com