Anna & Houston’s Wedding

Houston and Anna met in college at Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama through Anna’s brother Michael!  Towards the end of Anna’s Freshman year, Houston and Anna started to become interested in one another. They talked over the summer but it wasn’t until the beginning of Anna’s sophomore and Houston’s senior year that Houston asked Michael’s permission to take her on their first date. Being the protective big brother, Michael responded, “Of course I’d love for you to take her out, but if you don’t think it’s going to be anything serious I’d rather you not take her out the first time. But you’re one of my best friends and I’d love for you to take her out!” That weekend they had their first date and have been together ever since.

Since Houston was two years older than Anna, he moved back to Atlanta when he graduated. They continued their relationship long distance but made it a priority to see each other as often as possible. Long distance was hard but it made them fall even more in love with each other.  In April of Anna’s Senior year, Houston proposed and then Anna moved to Atlanta after graduation.  Houston and Anna have fun doing anything as long as they are together. Their goofy personalities were made for each other!

Their wedding inspiration came from a variety of places. Houston and Anna knew they wanted it to be a formal, southern wedding that also reflected their fun personalities. They pulled ideas from weddings of their close friends. Their florist, Lee James, came up with the vision for the ceremony at First Baptist Orlando’s Henry Chapel. Brandee Gaar, their wedding planner, threw a Knot Party at Reunion Resort and they were able to use many elements they loved from that event toward their own reception. Their mothers contributed countless suggestions and it all came together to create the the most beautiful wedding their could have ever imagined.

 

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support or our families and friends, our amazing wedding planner Brandee Gaar, our Dream Team of vendors and the overly accommodating staff at Reunion Resort! Thank you to everyone who made our day so incredibly special and more than we ever dreamed!” – Anna & Houston

Event Coordination: Brandee Gaar, Blush by Brandee Gaar
Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Orlando
Reception: Grande Ballroom at Reunion Resort
Photographer: Kristen Weaver Photography
Videographer: Imprint Cinema
Floral: Lee James Floral Design
Hair/Makeup: M3 Hair and Makeup
Chivari Chairs, Chargers & Flatware: A Chair Affair
Draping: Swag Decor
Lighting: Kaleidoscope Event Lighting
Linen: Over the Top
Cake: Party Flavors
Band: Leonard Brothers

To Plate or Not to Plate: Brunch Wedding Receptions

To Plate or Not to Plate: a review of food and beverage experiences for your wedding reception. Before we jump into Brunch, have you seen the other two posts in the series? We started with Plated Receptions and explored Buffet Receptions.

Photos by Rhodes Studios

Our final look at reception culinary festivities is a toast to Brunch! What we think makes brunch so much fun is the mix of breakfast and lunch fare. Can’t decide if you want French Toast or Antipasti Display? Go for both! It is a perfect combination of stations and buffet that is customizable to any style you can imagine. Similar to dinner buffets, guests are dismissed by table to make their own plates. Brunch can be a very interactive experience with Chefs preparing omelettes made to the guests’ preferences or inspired combinations of potatoes with mix-ins at the Mashed Potato Martini Bar.

Photos by Rhodes Studios (top, bottom left and bottom right lower) and Soltren Photography (bottom right upper)

Brunch is perfect for the couple who is looking for a grand experience but is more price conscious. Enjoying a daytime ceremony and brunch reception provides you some savings because you are holding your wedding at a less requested time and breakfast/lunch fare are traditional less expensive. Like all of our reception dining experiences, we love to collaborate with the couple to develop a menu that is personal, creative and delectable.

Photos by Chic Shot Studio (top left) and Rhodes Studios (top right and bottom)

What are your thoughts? Which reception style peaks your interest?

To Plate or Not to Plate: Buffet Wedding Receptions

To Plate or Not to Plate: an important questions for many couples.  We started with Plated Wedding Receptions.  We are now going to take a look at Buffet or Station Wedding Receptions.

Photos by MegPhoto.com (top) and Rhodes Studios (bottom left & right)

For Brides looking to offer a variety of foods, buffet is the perfect option. Guests are released by table to make their plates with an assortment of delicious options. One advantage of buffets is less work for you prior to the wedding! You will not need to worry about collecting counts for steak or chicken, since guests can get whatever they’d like during your reception.  Do you have guests with allergies or special diet requests? These days, you can offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options along with all your favorites. A simple request in advance to your Catering Manager to notate these options is all it takes. Buffets and Stations can have a little higher price point because the Culinary Team prepares enough of all the items for your guests to have a sampling of each however, you are offering your guests more variety.

Photos by Soltren Photography (top left and bottom right) and MegPhoto.com (top right and bottom left)

Another positive for buffets is that it makes your reception a little more interactive. One of our previous weddings dismissed tables based on trivia about the bride and groom; a fun option instead of by table number. You can also enhance the food stations with an action chef.  Who doesn’t enjoy having their pasta made to their specifications right in front of them or selecting the perfect piece of carved steak.  Some may say that buffets and stations are less formal because you are serving yourself but others enjoy having the opportunity to make their own selections.

 

Kayla & Joshian’s Wedding

Kayla and Joshian met in 2008 while at Valencia College.  Their relationship started as friendship then turned into love. Kayla and Joshian both work at Universal Studios Orlando.  With friends and family close by they thought Reunion Resort was the perfect place to celebrate their wedding.

Congratulations to Kayla and Joshian!

The great team who helped with their big day!
Event Coordination: Alison from Blush by Brandee Gaar
Ceremony Location: Grande Ballroom, Reunion Resort
Reception Location: Grande Ballroom, Reunion Resort
Officiant: Pastor John Cavazos
Photographer: Andi Mans Photography
Florist: Amy Lambert, Blossoms Orlando
Cake: Party Flavors Custom Cakes
DJ: Live Fusion Entertainment
Hair/Make-up: Stella Luca Salon in Winter Park
Altar Decor: Swag Decor

To Plate or Not to Plate: Plated Wedding Receptions

To Plate or Not to Plate- for some brides, that is the question.  The food and beverage experience has definitely been put in the forefront for a successful wedding reception. A large consideration on what type of food service you present depends on the atmosphere you are looking to create. In our blog, we’ll explore different options and look at the pros and cons of each.

Photo by Revelo Studios
Oven Roasted Statler Breast of Chicken, Mango Papaya Chutney, Rum Guava Reduction with Roasted Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables

The traditional go to for most weddings is a plated dinner; and nothing’s wrong with sticking to tradition! This type of dinner provides for tableside service of portioned meals for your guests.  The atmosphere leans more towards a formal affair with soft background music and the hum of your guests talking at their assigned tables about how fabulous you looked in your dress and how cute little Susie was throwing rose petals.

Photo by Rhodes Studios
Filet Mignon with Wild Mushroom Demi and Lemon Scented Sea Scallops, Celeriac Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Haricot Verts and Roasted Red Peppers

One advantage to this option is a lower price point per guest. Believe it or not this is the most affordable option since the meals are portioned and the culinary staff knows what everyone wants to eat prior to the wedding day. This option, as touched on before, also allows your guests to relax at their tables while food is served right to them. The one main disadvantage to consider is it requires a little more work on your part. If you are planning on offering your guests a choice of entrée (chicken or beef, for example) you’ll need to keep count and also provide a way for the wait staff to know who is eating what. This is typically handled with putting some sort of “marker” on the place cards. Some brides place different colored gems denoting who is eating chicken, beef, vegetarian, etc. Other brides take this opportunity to get creative and come up with theme inspired denotation.

Photos by Rhodes Studios (top) , La Dolce Vita Studios (bottom right) and Julie Brewer Photographer (bottom left)

Inspiring Decor from the Reunion Resort Boutique Bridal Showcase

On Sunday, March 2, 2014 we hosted our Boutique Bridal Showcase. With the help from our fabulous vendors, our top wedding locations were transformed into stunning ceremony and receptions ready for the big day. Thanks to the Rhodes Studios team, we were able to capture and share the amazing designs.

Perfect Wedding Guide: Registration
Blush by Brandee Gaar: Planning Services

Grande Ballroom

Soundwave Entertainment: DJ and Lighting
Lee James Floral Designs: Full Table Décor
Party Flavors: Cake
Swag Décor: Draping behind head table and crystal curtain for cake
Kirby Rentals: Linen, Chargers and Chairs
Chic Event Furniture: Furniture Groupings

Grande Falls Pavilion

Our DJ Rocks: DJ
Carly Ane’s: Centerpieces
Over The Top: Linen
Origami Owl: Personalized Charm Jewelry
Orlando Wedding and Party Rental: Chargers and Acrylic Table

Linear Park

Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations: Full Ceremony Decor
Sensational Ceremonies: Officiant Services
Christine MacPhail: Harpist

What is your favorite look or location?  Let us know what you think!

Reunion’s Boutique Bridal Showcase on March 2, 2014

Photo by Brian Pepper & Associates

Reunion Resort is pleased to invite you to our Boutique Bridal Showcase Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 11:00am – 2:00pm. The Resort will be showcasing our top wedding locations for prospective brides to tour and see all we have to offer to make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of. With help from some of our favorite seasoned vendors you’ll be able to see ceremony and reception locations come to life with trending décor options.

Linear Park Ceremony
Tour our intimate garden setting located at Linear Park for your ceremony. The space boasts seasonal blooms, trickling stone fountains and stone pathways through lush foliage.

Featured Vendors for this area include:
– Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations
– Orlando Harpist Christine MacPhail

Grande Falls Pavilion
The Grande Falls Pavilion is a wonderful option for ceremony or reception, but we’ve decided to showcase this as a reception location. Surrounded by golf course views, a stone waterfall and lava rock fire pit, this permanently tented outdoor venue is a prime location for brides who want the outdoor atmosphere.

Featured Vendors for this area include:
– Carly Ane’s Floral Studio
– Orlando Wedding and Party Rental
– Our DJ Rocks
– Rhodes Studios Photography and Videography
– Origami Owl

Grande Ballroom
When it comes to ballroom options, Reunion Resort definitely has one of the best in Central Florida. This elegant space offers crystal chandeliers, soft hues and 20ft ceilings.

Featured Vendors for this area include:
– Lee James Floral Designs
– Party Flavors
– Kirby Rental
– Chic! Furniture Rental
– Soundwave Entertainment

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne and the ladies from Perfect Wedding Guide at Registration in the lobby. Blush by Brandee Gaar will also be on site to talk with you about their coordinating and full plan services.  And of course, Reunion’s catering staff will also be there to talk with you about each location, the resort’s expansive services, and to provide you with tasty samplings from our culinary team. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Francesca & Matthew’s Wedding

Frankie and Matt first met while attending classes in college in Ft. Myers, Florida. Though they had noticed each other in class it wasn’t until they began to spend time out of school that they realized they had something special. Both now Certified Public Accountants, they wanted to make their wedding day not only memorable for themselves but for their guests as well. They decided on Reunion for their big day as the Resort provided the bride the elegance she desired and the groom the opportunity to enjoy both of his passions, his bride and golf.

The Bride looked spectacular in her wedding gown with a beaded bodice and matching tiara. Her bridesmaids wore the signature purple color with matching teardrop earrings and side swept up-dos. The men sported classic black tuxedos and the groom stood out with a white vest and bowtie.

The bride and groom’s vision for the evening was “simple elegance”. They achieved this by choosing design and décor that complimented the existing ambiance. At the ceremony in Linear Park, Frankie and Matt decided upon a white colonnade with fresh flowers. Aisle markers in the same signature colors and custom programs added those special details.

Cocktail Hour left nothing to be desired. With much of the family coming from New York, it was important to Frankie and Matt to include some of “home” for them by offering a fabulous cocktail hour. In addition to the passed hors d’oeuvres offered, stations to include pasta, sliders and shrimp were also on the menu.

At the reception, the elegance continued with gorgeous table settings in the Grande Ballroom. Purple linen paired with silver chaivari chairs, glass beaded chargers and silver napkins complimented the beautiful centerpieces perfectly. As a special touch, beaded napkin rings were used to make the napkins settings in to bows. Frankie and Matt included many special touches to include a photo booth, barista station and even the guests escort cards presented in Mikasa frames as their favors.

Congratulations to Frankie and Matt; we wish you all the best in life, love and happiness!

The wonderful team of vendors who helped make this day special!
Event Coordination: Taren Schwarz, Diamond Receptions
Ceremony Location: Linear Park at Reunion Resort
Cocktail Reception Location: Eleven Restaurant at Reunion Resort
Dinner Reception Location: Grande Ballroom at Reunion Resort
Officiant:  Rev. Bob Myers
Cake: Party Flavors
DJ/Entertainment: White Rose Entertainment
Florist: Lee Forrest Design
Photography & Photo Booth: Rhodes Studios
Ceremony Decor & Chivari Chairs: Orlando Wedding & Party Rentals
Harpist: Christine McPhail
Espresso Bar & Gelato: Espresso Events

Amy & Erik’s Wedding

Amy and Erik first met at the beginning of their college careers at a gathering neither of them even wanted to attend. Though they knew many of the same people they hadn’t met each other before that evening. It seemed that after meeting at the party they kept running in to each other everywhere they went. Erik finally convinced Amy to go on a date and there the real story begins. Together they made it through college and the beginning of their professional careers all while sharing laughs and making memories along the way.

The Bride and Groom decided on a peacock inspired 20’s theme for their wedding. The Bride adorned a bird cage veil and a flirty flowing gown while the groom opted for a charcoal suit and vintage inspired brooch for his boutonniere. The bridal party complimented this bold color palette with peacock blue dresses and light gray suits.

The Groom used his creativity and expertise to customize their stationary from the invitations all the way to the seating chart. Instead of a traditional guest book, the Bride and Groom asked for guests to sign pieces from a Jenga  game showcasing that family and friends are an important piece to building a strong and lasting marriage.

This out-of-the-box couple chose Reunion’s signature Eleven Restaurant for their cocktail hour and reception. With groom-designed centerpieces, they allowed the existing ambiance and décor to shine.

Amy and Erik decided on a station style menu as they wanted to provide many dining options for their guests and still keep the party going. A salad station complete with Caprese and Caesar options, baked brie, the groom’s favorite beef wellington, and lobster tail were among some of their cuisine. This fun couple also decided to have a cupcake wedding cake and incorporated the bold jewel tones down to the icing.

Overlooking the spectacular views of the surrounding areas, guests danced the night away under the stars. Congratulations to Amy and Erik and we wish you all the best in life, love and happiness.

Here are the great vendors that helped make this day fantastic for Amy & Erik!

Event Coordination: Alison, Blush by Brandee Gaar

Ceremony Location: Linear Park at Reunion Resort

Reception Location: Eleven at Reunion Resort

Officiant: Pastor Dan Gilbert

Photographer/Photo Booth: Soltren Photography

DJ/Up-Lighting: Korndoggs

Cake: Party Flavors

Hair/Make-up: Your Wedding Make-up

Ceremony Musicians: Cindy and Dan Wagman

Unique Restaurant Receptions

For the bride looking for something unique, Reunion Resort offers two exceptional restaurant locations offering just that. Our Forte restaurant located on the main floor of the Grande provides an intimate Tuscan atmosphere with rich, earth tones and rustic stone pillars. Ideal for weddings with 70 or less guests, using the existing seating promotes an upscale dinner atmosphere rather than the typical wedding reception. For the more intimate weddings looking to incorporate wedding traditions, cocktail hour can be offered at Forte’s patio area and a dance floor can be accommodated on the existing wood floor in the center of the venue.

Photos by Meg Baisden Photography

Our Eleven restaurant is one of a kind in the Orlando area. Located on the roof of the Grande, this venue offers spectacular views of South Orlando with a modern, South Beach flair. The existing dark wood seating is a stunning contrast to the light and airy décor enhanced with blues and creams. One side of the restaurant is filled with windows and smaller patios while the other side is almost completely glass doors that can be fully opened. For weddings of 100 or less, a station style reception with seating inside and outside is ideal. More traditional receptions can be accommodated for 70 or less guests with an open air dance floor. For our intimate weddings, we offer this venue as a single location for all festivities. The ceremony is beautiful on the patio accented by the columns and fireplace with cocktail hour immediately offered outside. Guests can then be invited inside the restaurant for dinner.

Photo by Andi Mans Photography

As both restaurants are open for dinner service to our resort members and guests, these venues are ideal for brunch or lunch style receptions. Evening receptions can be accommodated with a food and beverage minimum to close the venue for a private soiree.