St. Augustine Lighthouse Proposal & Wedding at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Maria & Michael

Hey past, current and future couples! Today, we have an super sweet love story to share with you - one that's filled with romance, wedding planning excitement and some insight.

Maria and Michael Castillo are a couple who have been together for an incredible 12 years. Let's dive into their journey and the details of their romantic story, venue hunt and planning experience.

The Beginning of Forever

Maria and Michael met in their freshman year of college. Maria joined the Cuban club (although she’s not Cuban, haha!) where Michael was already a member. Maria was sitting on the couch editing pictures from a recent trip to Italy when she saw Michael from across the room.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando - Maria and Michael

Thinking his name was William, she shouted out his (wrong) name from across the room to hand over her lunch box. Michael said “Me? I’m Michael.” All that was left was for Michael to sit next to her and the rest is history!

A Lighthouse Proposal

Michael knew of Maria's love for lighthouses, so on their trip to St. Augustine, Florida they went to visit one. It was quite hot out and this was right in the midst of COVID. Maria and Michael were not too excited about walking up the 14 flights of stairs with all of that to consider.

Michael convinced Maria to climb the lighthouse, anyways. Little did she know it was totally worth it! After asking Maria which spot was best for a photo, it was up to a perfect stranger to capture the moment. Michael kneeled and popped the question!

This moment is extra special because Michael also asked Maria to be his girlfriend at a lighthouse. On the very infamous date of 11/11/11. We love cute and romantic details like this <3

"Sophia is such an amazing wedding planner!" - Maria & Michael

The Perfect Venue: The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Maria Alejandra and Michael fell in love with the Four Seasons Orlando for several reasons. The entry chandelier, ballroom chandelier and believe it or not, the carpet! Maria noted that the carpet stood out in comparison to other ballrooms they visited. She felt that it tied the entire room together, rather than adding a distraction that was unavoidable.

"She understood everything I wanted and made my dream wedding become a reality." - Maria & Michael

Maria and Michael loved that the ballroom was separate from the main resort area, allowing their guests to be fully immersed into the day.

The stunning landscapes made it possible for some really wonderful photos to be captured. With the green bridesmaids dresses, the venue gave that full circle feel and complemented the overall vision perfectly.

Choosing Celebrations! Weddings & Events to Coordinate the Wedding

Maria and Michael worked with our CEO, Sophia, and Event Manager, Norma, for their wedding. They booked the Wedding Coordination Package to ensure that all the details they worked so hard would come to live as smoothly as possible.

They were especially grateful for their Celebrations! Team when it came to understanding their needs and providing recommendations. The DJ was extremely important to them and Sophia and Norma sent them to one of their favorites - IRock Your Party! IRock Your Party was able to capture all of their entertainment needs and really give them and their guests the night of their lives!

"She gave me the best recommendations for other vendors."- Maria & Michael

Maria and Michael appreciated the time and attention they received from their planning team prior to and on wedding day. Maria felt like a princess throughout the day - this was possible because all of our packages include a “Couple’s Assistant”. This assistant is scheduled to take care of the couple throughout the wedding day. Whether they need to be reminded to have a snack, take hair ties off the wedding parties wrist, or even carry your makeup touch up kit, they are there to ensure you’re not worried about the small (but important) details <3

"I had really high expectations and a lot of things to pack into a tight schedule!" - Maira & Michael

Maria and Michael's journey is a testament to the makings of a true love match, the special qualities of finding the perfect venue, and the beauty of hiring a wedding planner to finalize the details for your wedding day. Every story is so unique, but the love is always so evident!