There is such a remarkably strong sense of family and tradition in this Orlando wedding by Sarah Bray Photography. Traditional in the sense that so many aspects of the ceremonious affair were done in honor of these two specific families and their loved ones. I have such admiration for a couple that incorporates so much heart and personal symbolism into their vows. I love that they took their patriotism and incorporated into the decor with a vintage, Americana flair. The cracker jack favors and vintage can labels are perfection. Click here to see even more!









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From Sarah Bray Photography… The wedding was in Baldwin Park, the same neighborhood where the couple was engaged, now lives and where they plan to start their family. The bride and her family are partiotic and it was important to include this in the big day. The couple placed seven small American flags in the ground to surround them while they took their vows. Each flag represented a perished loved one who had served as great patriots in their lives and our country. The couple recessed to a live performance of The Battle Hymn of The Republic, while guests waved small American flags. The story of the song and its significance to the uniting of the North and South, as well as it’s strong Christian ties was written in the program.
Rather than the traditional unity candle, the couple opted to have a Unity Prayer – where the immediate family members encircled the couple while the pastor prayed for the joining of these 2 families. Rather than a bridal party dance, the couple had “the family dance” which paired grandmothers and their grandsons, siblings with their spouses, and the new couple dancing to “You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.
The Bride wore a traditional mantilla veil for the ceremony, which was handmade by her Mother using components from her own veil from 40 years ago. She carried her Mother’s silver rosary and her white hanky which she also carried on her wedding day 40 years prior. The hanky now bares the initials of all of her children and their wedding dates (Danielle and Lucas’ initials were the last to be added). Her “Something Blue” was a turquoise ring Lucas had made for her for this day, it was originally a piece of turquoise his grandmother had set in silver and made into a bolo necktie for his grandpa many year ago when the family was living in Texas. Danielle wore a different head piece for the reception, which she made, also using pieces from her Mother’s 40 year old veil. Lucas wore his Grandfather’s custom made cowboy boots (made in Texas), which had been handed down to him. He wore a western style inspired tuxedo and an American flag lapel pin.
Danielle had a very specific vision for the flowers and their was only one floral designer she’d entrust with her vision, her Mother! Table arrangements were all unique, eclectic and colorful. The bride’s mother did all of them. Arrangements consisted of vintage milk glass vases, mason jars and flower boxes. Each of these pieces was hand selected from antique stores, Grandparent’s treasures, or local shops by the bride, her Mother, and her sister. Some unique pieces included George and Martha Washington goblets for the couple’s toast and a metal scrapple pan. (Scrapple is a Pennsylvania Dutch meat dish. The bride is from PA.) They used vegetable cans and relabeled all of the cans using vintage label overruns which the bride purchased online.
The couple stayed in their new house together for the first time that night – Sarah Bray Photography followed the couple home and got a pic of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold!
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Wedding Photography: Sarah Bray Photography / Venue: Grace Hopper Hall of Baldwin Park / Wedding Program: Molly Simonson Design / Makeup: Makeup by Bella / Catering: Big City Catering / Wedding Cake: Cut the Cake / DJ: Elegant Entertainment / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Flower Girl Dresses: Nancy August / Bride’s Shoes: J.Jill / Bridesmaid Shoes: Unforgettable Moments / Wedding Cake Topper: Ruby Lane / Floral Design: Mother of the Bride
Danielle's flowers were beautiful so I guess she left them in good motherly hands. The exit picture was so perfect happiness and freedom.
Absolutely stunning!! This story made me tear up. The love they have for each other can be seen in these photos. Not to mention family, to incorporate lost ones in their wedding, that did it for me! The photos were gorgeous and you did a great job in the photos by telling their story <3
Thank you for featuring Lucas and Danielle's wedding! It really was as special as it looks. I even got totally teary-eyed during the ceremony and the family prayer circle, it gave me chills. They are such an awesome couple and deserve so much happiness. I'm so thrilled that their wedding could be shared and help inspire other couples!
Thank you SMP for featuring our wedding, and for your daily inspiration during our wedding planning! I LOVE your site and have followed it regularly, so really a dream come true!!
Sarah Bray did an amazing job capturing the spirit of our wedding day! From our first meeting, she really understood the importance of family in our lives and the traditional vision we had for the day. Of course, a special thanks to my Mother for all of her hard work in realizing my floral vision! : )
The most incredible moment was getting out of the car with my Father, at the park, and seeing all of the family and friends who had gathered to witness this milestone.
As my Father and I walked down to meet my handsome groom, our talented musicians, Casey Powers and Joey Bradshaw of The Silver Fleece, (www.facebook.com/pages/The-Silver-Fleece/186002576596 ) played a beautiful rendition of, ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.’ Just as my Father and I arrived next to Lucas, they sang the words, “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” … SO TRUE!!! :)
Thank you to all of our talented family and friends (and friends we've met along the way) who made this day possible!
Love,
Danielle + Lucas
Such a beautiful wedding. Where did you find the vintage style cracker jacks? I have been searching for them.
I called Frito Lay (parent company) and they informed me know that Cracker Barrel is the only retailer/wholesaler who carries the vintage edition. You can get them via their on line store, but I would suggest calling your local Cracker Barrel and asking the manager if you can order them through the store and pick them up at their location. (They will be happy to get the revenue in their store and you will save on shipping!!) Good luck!
beautiful wedding with the flags
What a charming wedding! Love the photos, the details, and I bet I would have loved their band :)
that cake is just perfect.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!!!!!
great wedding! love the flowers!!! love all of the pics!!!!!
Such a fan of mantilla veils. It looks stunning on her dark hair.
beautiful cake & i love the simple details like the flags...
you had me at pomanders though!
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