Shannon and Giulio

My heart still feels happy when I think back to my first meeting with Shannon and Giulio.  Shannon is so genuine and sweet, and Giulio is the perfect Italian gentleman; it felt like sitting down for dinner with old friends from the start!  Before I let you peek at their gorgeous wedding photos from Brian Pepper I have to share my favorite groom story to date.  After our meeting, Giulio and I talked outside of Panera while Shannon was still inside, and I will never forget the words he shared about his bride to be.  I mentioned how much I loved the things Shannon and I had in common (we both are elementary school teachers 🙂 ) and how sweet she is.  Guilio replied, “Shannon has always been there for me and she’s the best person I know.  She was the best friend, then the best girlfriend, and now the best fiance – I just know she will be the best wife I could ever ask for.”  Umm how adorable are these two!?  I’ll let some of their pictures tell you more.

Shannon and Giulio got married in the gorgeous St. Mary Margaret Catholic Church in Winter Park, then explored the streets of historic Park Ave for photos before heading to the Winter Park Farmer’s Market.  I have a serious obsession with the W.P. Farmer’s Market – I can’t get enough of those garden lights, brick walls, and farm-house doors in this retired train station!

Shannon and Giulio wanted to have a laid-back, beautiful, Italian-inspired party to celebrate with their friends and family (many of whom flew all the way from Italy for the wedding!)- it was so fun to help make that a reality!  Shannon chose yellow and navy to decorate the space, and Oviedo Florist came through with GORGEOUS sunflower and lemon centerpieces.  The bride and groom also put together the large S initial from Italian wine corks – how sweet is that!?  They hand-made all the limoncello favors for guests, and used pictures from their travels to different cities in Italy as table “numbers.”

I was honored to make Shannon and Giulio’s unique Mr. and Mrs. sign alternatives, scripting the words Sposo and Sposa, which are Italian for husband and wife.  I love how they came out!

DJ Jeff Townsend kept the party going all night, and Kristi and I got a taste for what an Italian party is all about – so much fun!

Guests enjoyed some amazing cupcakes from Anna Cakes and danced late into the night.  It was a beautiful day, and we were very thankful to be a part of it!  Congratulations Shannon and Giulio!