Y'all are going to adore this sweet and intimate wedding from Dustin at Sunglow Photography. He soulfully captured lots of tender moments from Laura and John's special day, and today the bride is sharing their love story that's full of harmony. Enjoy!
Photography by Sunglow Photography
From Laura...My husband John and I met through mutual friends who were very overt in their intentions to set us up. “Sparks flew” one night when we sang karaoke together (a rousing rendition of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to be exact) and from there we both knew that there was something special. John asked me to dinner a few weeks later and I awkwardly told him “Yes, but…” I’d recently gotten out of a relationship and wanted to take things slowly. John was and is such a gentleman. We like to say that we courted and took our time getting to know each other.
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
After several months of dating, John and I both knew that this was something we were committed to. In August of last year, we traveled to Kenya to do some work with young Kenyan entrepreneurs. Our first day there, we were able to go on a safari. We were blown away by the beauty of Kenya: the wildebeest migration from Tanzania, giraffe, elephant, lion, hyena, zebra, and cheetah. It was incredible! To my complete surprise, John proposed at the end of the day. It was sunset and we were overlooking the Maasai Mara plains. Little did I know, he had been planning this for months. Because he’s been working in Kenya for several years, he’s formed some great relationships with several people there. He and I our driver had been working together for months through email to find a Kenyan engagement ring to symbolize the start of our lives together. It was absolutely perfect and when he proposed, I said yes.
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
John and Laura's ceremony was simple and beautiful on the lakeside property at their church, the First United Methodist Church of Winter Park. What a spectacular view for their guests! The couple shared communion with their loved-ones and the music ministry team performed during their ceremony, as well.
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
As Laura tells us, "We very much enjoy playing music together and sing every chance we get. While John has been a songwriter for years, we’re starting to do some songwriting together for the first time, and plan on playing and recording more in the future. We haven’t decided on a name for our music project yet, but we've already got a few gigs booked and are looking forward to sharing our music with others."
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Photography by Sunglow Photography
It was actually one of the coldest nights of the year, but everyone bundled and embraced the weather to celebrate with us. Our friends who had been so instrumental in helping us grow as a couple have a wonderful backyard at their College Park home. So many memories had taken place in their home, so we thought it only fitting that the tradition should continue on there. They graciously opened up their home for the reception and many of our friends worked with them to get the house and backyard ready. From the music (Michael Claytor and Devon Stuart) to the food (Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar B Que) to the home-brewed beer (Real Decent Beer by Andrew Claytor) and all the lighting and decorations; our friend’s generosity and creativity created a wonderful night of celebration.
Photography by Sunglow Photography
Two months in, John and I are enjoying life’s adventures together. He is back in school finishing up a second degree in accounting and serving as the contemporary worship director at our church. I am using my social work background as a therapist for mental health and substance abuse clients. We also have a Great Dane, named Gertrude, who we love!
VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION:
Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church of Winter Park | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Photography: Sunglow Photography | Catering: Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar B Que | Entertainment: Michael Claytor & Devon Stuart | Home Brew: Real Decent Beer by Andrew Claytor | Décor & Lighting: DIY |Submission: Two Bright Lights
Signature Cocktail: Sparkling Rose
Living across the pond is fantastic, with a mix of fun and exciting experiences living in London and planning our British wedding next summer! That being said, with Mother's Day this weekend, I am missing my mom {the future mother of the bride!} and wishing I was in the States to toast to the wonderful woman in my life.
Photography by Kytography - Kylee Yee Photography
Like me, my mom is always in favor of a pretty and delicious cocktail to celebrate any occasion, and celebrating our mothers requires something a little extra special... so let me introduce to you to the Sparkling Rose!
Photography by Kytography - Kylee Yee Photography
I started with making rose flavored simple syrup; sounds fancy, but oh SO easy! Rose water, sugar and water, voila, fancy! To add a little flavor and a little extra pretty to the drink I also made some raspberry ice cubes. Once they melt, they're the extra treat at the bottom of the glass.
Photography by Kytography - Kylee Yee Photography
Pop! Cheers to your mom! Thank you Mom for teaching me that celebrating life every day is important. A cocktail with bubbly adds a little extra special reason to celebrate... every day!
Photography by Kytography - Kylee Yee Photography
Sparkling Rose
1 oz. rose simple syrup {recipe below}
1 raspberry ice cube
Prosecco
Rose Petals
Add 1 oz. of rose simple syrup and one ice cube to champagne coupe.
Top with Prosecco to the rim.
Garnish with a rose petal. Makes one drink.
Rose Simple Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon rose water
Bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and allow to boil, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has dissolved add the rose water. Lower heat and allow to boil for about 2-3 minutes until syrup thickens. Remove from heat and allow to sit, cool and thicken.
Photography by Kytography - Kylee Yee Photography
Photography by Kytography - Kylee Yee Photography
Happy Mother's Day to all of our moms! And to ALL of the women in our lives that deserve a bubbly rose colored day every day: Cheers! xoxo
VENDOR INFORMATION:
Photography: Kytography | Kylee Yee Photography| Mother's Day Card: Berin Made