A Wedding at The Ritz! - Shelby and Parker’s Full Circle Moment

We have an extra special love story to share this week! Shelby and Parker got married on 3/10/23 at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (where they had their first date!). Start getting excited now to learn all the lovey-dovey details about their story and wedding day <3

A Perfect Match

Parker and Shelby's love story began during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic. Shelby had recently moved to Orlando from Pittsburgh when she crossed paths with Parker through a mutual friend (from middle school of all things!). Little did they know that this moment would be the start of a beautiful journey.

The Proposal

Parker's proposal was a moment of pure magic. What started as a simple dinner plan in Winter Park turned into something unforgettable.

As they headed to dinner, Shelby had suggested grabbing a drink first. I imagine Parker was freaking out because his plans were already in place! Instead, he suggested walking through the park where his plans were able to unfold.

As they walked through the park, Parker pulled Shelby aside and asked her to spend forever with him! The emotions must have been through the roof! Not to mention, Parker surprised Shelby by ensuring their favorite photographer, Mackenzie from Riley James Photography, was there the entire time capturing this special moment.

It didn't end there! As they were capturing additional photos, Parker arranged for his mom and sister to decorate their home with candles, twinkle lights and flowers for when they arrived home that evening.

They were aware of how special this moment was. It was especially special to them because they were able to call and text their families and friends after, while still enjoying the night celebrating together!

A Special First Date

As they began planning their wedding, their love story came full circle! They decided to get married in the same spot where they had their first date – The Ritz-Carlton!

Their first date was filled with romance and fun. They took a lounge in the pool, had lunch and drank an aperol spritz while floating in the pool. As they made their way back to the car after the date, they saw a bride walking to her wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Gazebo. 2 years later, this was the same exact spot they had their ceremony.

They had been and continue to revisit The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes often. They love how special it feels to be able to relive the moment they shared there from the moment of their first date to the beginning of forever at their wedding.

Unique Wedding Elements

Shelby and Parker's wedding was filled with unique touches that made their day even more special.

They had a pre-rehearsal photoshoot. How fun is this to get you excited for the wedding day?? These photos gave them the opportunity to create a contrast of cool and moody photos with light and airy ones from their wedding day.

Their ceremony included a touching wine exchange with their parents, making it truly a family affair. Family is so important to both Shelby and Parker - making this one of their favorite wedding memories.

The roaming photo booth, Sugar Pop Productions, at the cocktail hour captured candid moments that added a fun element to the celebration! Guests were able to take a photo booth photo from wherever they were or wanted it to be.

Let's not forget the twinkle lights by Kaleidoscope Event Lighting that set the perfect ambiance for their reception! It was a splurge during planning and Shelby and Parker cannot stop raving about how it was so worth it!

Finally, Shelby and Parker did something not a lot of previous couples had done at The Ritz-Carlton, They had their reception on the Fairways Lawn by the golf course. It was special to them because Shelby’s parents got married on a golf course and Parker’s dad golfs on that exact course every week- It made perfect sense to them!

Planning Priorities and Celebrations! Weddings & Events

What mattered most to Parker and Shelby was that every detail of their wedding felt like "them," filled with their favorite things and unique moments. Ensuring this was possible and executed to excellence, their Wedding Planning team Celebrations! Weddings & Events were there every step of the way leading up to the wedding.

Sophia was their planner and became not just a planner but a friend who navigated every challenge and detail with grace. Thanks to Sophia and her team, their wedding day was seamless and exceeded their expectations.

To other couples planning their wedding, Parker and Shelby offer this heartfelt advice: "It's YOUR day. Make anything and everything all about you as a couple! Enjoy every moment because it really does go by so quickly!"

Special Shout Out!

Shelby and Parker also wanted to recognize the talented Margaret from Do Tell Designs, who crafted their stationery and signage. Margaret's work added a unique and personalized touch to their wedding and truly allowed them to see the wedding vision come to life in the early planning stages.

Parker and Shelby's wedding journey is a testament to the beauty of love and a forever love to look forward to.

If you're ready to start planning the day before forever, reach out to us on our contact form for a complimentary consultation. Let's create magic together!

Stay connected for more love stories and wedding tips by bookmarking our Real Weddings Blog and following us on Instagram!

VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Celebrations! Weddings & Events

Photographer: Riley James Photography

Venue/Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes

Florist: Kayla The Florist

DJ: DJ Danny Garcia

Beauty: Sarai Tirado Beauty | Sarah Pelco Salon

Roaming Photo Booth: Sugar Pop Productions

Lighting: Kaleidoscope Event Lighting

Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies

Stationary: Do Tell Stationary and Designs