Crystal Ballroom at Veranda Wedding | Orlando Wedding Photographer | Courtney & DeAndre

WEDDING AT CRYSTAL BALLROOM AT VERANDA

ORLANDO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | COURTNEY AND DEANDRE

Courtney and Deandre tied the knot at the beautiful Crystal Ballroom at Veranda in Metrowest, Florida. The weather was great. Family and friends gathered together to witness their union. Courtney's cousin flew in from Atlanta to sing a special song as Courtney made her way down the aisle. I met Courtney at a Wedding Expo held at The Crystal Ballroom Veranda, Metrowest. I want my couple's to really take in the UI Experience without forced persuasion, and so I watched her eyes as she looked through each page of the wedding album that I had on display. DeAndre smiled as she continued to look through the album. The room was filled with talented photographers and vendors that I know very well, but she kept returning to my table. I knew they were meant to be a #UICouple and Courtney a #UIBRIDE from the moment she first exchanged her initial greeting towards me.

A few days later we spoke on the phone (after meeting at the Wedding Expo) and that's when she continued to share why she loved my imagery and why she had to have me. Courtney and Deandre joined the UI Wedding Family! That's right - they made it official and I was so excited to have them. We talked about the details of their special day (throughout her planning process), and I also gave her some resources and advice along the way.

How Did They Meet & The Proposal (From The Bride): DeAndre and I met on OK Cupid - a dating site. The proposal took place at Fred's market restaurant. When we arrived all of my family was there. DeAndre made it seem as though we were all having breakfast together. We ate and laughed. It was a great time. During the middle of breakfast DeAndre got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I said, "Yes!"

Wedding Style:

Describe your wedding dress. What was shopping like for you? (From The Bride)

Dress shopping wasn't as hectic as I thought it would be. I went to two dress shops and found the perfect dress at the second shop. I fell in love with my dress. It was so stunning. The sparkling and glistening took my breath away. I completely fell in love with my Ballroom Cinderella dress.

Memories:

What is your best memory from your wedding? (From The Bride):

Seeing my husband for the first time as I walk down the aisle. I'm also excited about the ring exchange between my daughter and husband. I can't wait to see how it all transpires.

Wedding Party Gifts:

Bridesmaid: Robes, Shoes,Totes, Jewelry.

Groomsmen: Flask gift-set.

First Dance Song:

Brian McKnight - Spend My Life

The day started out at The Hyatt - Orlando were I met Courtney and Deandre in their bridal and groom suite. Courtney was surrounded by her bridal wedding party and Deandre by his best-man and groomsmen. Courtney was so calm. She made sure that everyone in her Bridal party was taken care of. She hung her beautiful Casablanca Bridal gown complimented by her beautiful veil in the bridal room. She was ready to take on the day as she watched her sister get her makeup done. I gathered all of the Bridesmaids together to grab a few shots of them before it was time for these beautiful ladies to get dressed. I linked back with DeAndre shortly after taking a few shots of the Bridesmaids in the bridal suite. He was looking dapper in his white vest and pants complimented by his black shirt and black tie. We talked for a few minutes and his best-man made a few jokes about our cameras having wifi (he wanted the pictures right then and there - lol).

The ceremony was highlighted by beautiful uplighting and florals by The Crystal Ballroom at Veranda. They had an unplugged Ceremony (which I advise all couples to do). The wedding party procession began with Courtney's mother and DeAndre's mother lighting candles at the end of the aisle where Courtney and DeAndre would soon be married. With natural light slightly peaking through the windows and the weather being just right this made for the perfect union between DeAndre & Courtney. Deandre danced down the aisle after they were pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Rue! He was the happiest Groom. We couldn't help, but watch in jubilee as they both walked down the ailse.