Carina and Steve met at Arizona State University during a music therapy course. The couple married December 4, 2015. Music was an integral part of the ceremony as was the Disney theme that ran throughout.
As the ceremony started, the couple’s dog walked down the aisle dressed in his own bow tie. The bride’s great uncle oversaw the wedding ceremony, which included a reading from Shakespeare and Plato. The couple exchanged personalized vows. Part of the ceremony included lighting a unity candle that sat in a ceramic pumpkin carriage candle-holder while the two individual candles rested in ceramic white horse candle-holders.
Carina’s custom wedding dress was designed by Robin Jillian and came from John’s Bridal in Tampa, Florida. Her gown shimmered like a princess’ with a satin skirt with pick-ups a beaded bodice and a diamond tiara from which her veil hung. The bride carried a bouquet of dark red roses dotted with crystals that matched her deep red lipstick. Her bridesmaids wore black gowns with gold detailing and also carried red rose bouquets. Steve chose a classic movie star look with a white tuxedo jacket, black vest, black pants and a bow-tie. His groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedos with black vests and white bow-ties. All had red roses in their lapels. After the ceremony, the photographer captured the groom fitting ‘Cinderella’s’ shoe onto her foot.
The couple’s first dance was to So This Is Love from Cinderella followed by the father and daughter dance to Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and the mother and son dance to Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder.
Signature drinks were served at the reception and included the Ingana-tini and the Carina-tini. Kids were remembered with a coloring and game book that had kids finding the hidden Mickeys around the Villa. Speeches included the father of the bride recounting how his friend urged him to sign up for Facebook because Carina was posting pictures of herself with some guy. The guy turned out to be Steve. Carina later met Steve’s family through Facetime.
Fun for the guests included an anniversary dance where the winners were awarded a sparkly bottle of champagne.
The wedding cake was made by the bride’s grandmother and was decorated in white, gold and black with deep red bacarra roses. The cake topper was a silhouette of a bride and groom kissing. A special groom’s cake was served for Steve and was designed like a New York Giant’s football. The cake was followed by an even sweeter treat, Italian wedding cookies that were given as favors.
The night ended with a signature sparkler farewell. Congratulations Carina and Steve. May your wedding day be just the beginning of your fairy tale lives together.
Photography by: Jillian Ryan Photography (http://www.jillianryanphotography.com/)
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