There was a day over a year ago when I was sweating my tush off as I worked out in the flower fields. Jason had been working off somewhere, too, but he came to find me because he was complaining about how the mail services/ delivery services could not seem to figure out where to leave things for us. We also needed to let our mail carrier know that the couple who previously lived there had not been there for 5 years and yet we were still getting mail for them. Suddenly, there was our mail truck pulling away from our neighbors mailbox and I took off running after it so that I could speak with the driver. Picture this: a dirt covered, sweaty lady running with arms flapping wildly, chasing after a fast moving mail truck with a car coming towards her. She waves and smiles but continues to keep running (and eventually she is able to deliver her message to the mail carrier.) This was me. We weren’t expecting anyone because if we had been, we usually take time to stop and clean up for our tours so that we appear to be presentable. (Listen, I learned quickly as a child that a lot of the time, the way that we appear on the outside isn’t usually the way that we feel on the inside. But that if we present ourselves well, we can learn to believe in ourselves more and at the very least, the person we are talking to has no idea just the mess that we are.)

So after speaking with the mail lady, Susan, I head back- a little winded- to the building because the car that I had waved at had stopped somewhere near the entrance. A woman and her daughter begin to ask me about our venue and explain that Emma, her other daughter,  was going to be getting engaged soon and that Fernando had made an appointment with us for a tour, but that they were in the area and just decided to drive by. Despite them trying to insist that they shouldn’t and that they didn’t want to bother me, I pretty much forced them to come in to see our space. 

I don’t completely remember where we stood in regards to the details of the building, but I remember really enjoying meeting with Emma’s mom and little sis, and we looked forward to meeting Fernando and Emma. When they came for their visit, Emma was quiet and sweet while Fern seemed to be the one taking on the details and planning and his love for Emma was literally written all over his face during their tour. Needless to say they booked with us and had their wedding here July 13, 2024 and so I would like to share some of the moments from their beautiful day here.

Emma is sharing a toast with her beautiful mom, sister and sister in-law on our daybed in the bridal suite. I popped in early to be sure that they had all that they needed and I teared up when I saw Emma and her mom with their feet tucked underneath them as they sat chatting on the daybed. I won’t ever forget that feeling of seeing them enjoying this place that we have poured so much love into.

girls getting ready for wedding with champagne in bridal suite

All photographs featured in this blog are taken by Kirnos Photography

After Emma was in her dress, her brother came in to see her with a beautiful bouquet of red roses.

More moments captured.

Can we please talk about these flowers??? Sarandipity did such a fabulous job.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the building Fernando is looking dapper himself!

brother in law and best man in groomsmen suits

Emma and Fern decided to have a first look. Here are a few of my favorite photo from this moment.

In the meantime, the way that the floral is set and the tables are ready was absolutely stunning. I had been waiting for those ring of lights to have floral and it did not disappoint!

table decor, chargers with gold ware, floating candles and eucalyptus

Forgive me but I just feel like these flowers need another moment.

beautiful floral bouquet from Florida florist decorating the ceremonial arch, Saint Cloud wedding venue

And so do the beautiful mommas. They have raised such kind humans.

mother of the groom with mother of the bride in wedding venue during Florida sunset

I am realizing that I could go on and on and add about 100 more photos so I am going to cut myself off by adding just a few more here. The day was a lovely one; the love and kindness of the families and friends gathered here was truly palpable. We feel so honored to have been able to have these special people be among the first of weddings here. Wishing Emma + Fern all the love and happiness that they truly deserve.

Thanks for popping by my blog! I really do appreciate you following along here; if you are a new, you will see that I love to include links to other locally owned venues because I believe in supporting other small businesses along their journey.

Hanover Reserve

Heartland Farms Events Center

Lake Front Acres

The 1860 Schulhaus

The Hidden Abbey

XO

Shelley

Wedding Advice

Lakeside July Wedding

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  1. Lucy says:

    We had an amazing experience with you and your husband, the way you run your business is so professional and made us feel comfortable, we were sure everything was going to turn out perfect,! Thanks for dedicating this page to my son and daughter in law, thanks for being so special, approachable and sweet, you made their most important day even more memorable, wishing you the best!
    Hugs, Lucy

    • Jason Martin says:

      Thank you so much for these kind words, Lucy! Families like yours are our WHY for this journey. Big hugs to you all and we will continue to stay in touch through Instagram, I am sure. 🙂

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