1. Real Weddings

A Romantic Vintage Wedding at the White Orchid at Oasis in Fort Myers, Florida

High school sweethearts Erica Quigley (26, advanced registered nurse practitioner at Halifax Health - Keech Pediatric Clinic) and Cole Streets (27, a

High school sweethearts Erica Quigley (26, advanced registered nurse practitioner at Halifax Health - Keech Pediatric Clinic) and Cole Streets (27, a doctoral student) met for the first time when “cootie shots” and hopscotch were still hot topics. “We actually have a video of an Easter play that we are both in at around 4-years-old,” says Erica. They reconnected in 2007 and became engaged during their last year of college. After horseback riding in Siesta Key, Florida, Cole took Erica aside and got down on one knee. “I of course said yes as there was no one else I could even begin to picture myself with,” says Erica. The couple spent fifteen months of the next three years planning their vintage accented wedding with Kehrin Hassan from Jet set Wed. The White Orchid at Oasis venue was decorated in soft blush, white and green. Vintage furniture, garden roses, seeded eucalyptus and greenery were used throughout the space, creating a garden-like atmosphere. Resembling Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was the goal, says Erica. This theme was woven into their tented reception decor with Italian ruscus covering each pole with baby’s breath garland and spray roses as accents. Rain also added a natural effect to the day - with mud! The couple originally planned to have an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception but had to switch the settings to accommodate on and off rain showers throughout the day. When it came time for the reception, the mud became a part of Erica and Cole’s celebration. “It actually turned out to be a lot of fun! All of our guests, along with Cole and myself, took off our shoes, rolled up their pants and danced all night in the mud!” says Erica. “It was an amazing night and only added to the experience.”

The couple chose woodland accented stationery and invitations from DM Paper Designs. Each piece had a pink floral or deer accent. “The actual wedding invitations were printed on a lace handkerchief with matte white cards for additional information, such as accommodations and RSVP cards. The handkerchief was wrapped around the matte cards and tied with twine,” says Erica.
Raised Princess Cut Diamond Ring on Moss
Erica carried a hand-tied lush bouquet of blush garden roses, white anemone, dusty miller, scabiosa pods and eucalyptus down the aisle. “The bouquet was tied with an ivory satin wrap and my maternal great grandmother’s cameo was pinned to the wrap,” says Erica. “It was very special and sentimental to my mother and myself.”
The bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses in different styles from AfterSix.com. Erica’s Maid of Honor stood out among the green hues with a champagne colored dress. All paired their outfit with an updo hairstyle, wedge shoes and simple jewelry.
Erica had her hair styled in a romantic updo with a simple braid. White orchids and baby’s breath were placed above the bun in lieu of a traditional veil. “For jewelry I wore pearl earrings Cole gave me previously and nothing else. I felt too much would take away from the dress,” she says.
Romantic Blush Garden Rose Accented Wedding Sign
Family and friends watched as well as took part in the couple’s ceremony. Cole’s father and brother crafted a setlist that was performed by Cole’s younger brother as well as a family friend. “The ceremony was very simple but we included prayer and wanted to be promised to each other in front of God to begin our marriage,” says Erica.
Seeded Eucalyptus, Wood and Garden Rose Wreath
The White Orchid at Oasis Wrapped Porch
Each of Erica and Cole’s 119 guests was given seed packets with a small field mouse accent and personal tag as their wedding favor. “We felt there was special symbolism in having a continual reminder of our wedding day and watching something “grow” from it,” says Erica.
Gold Shimmer Cocktail Table with Clear Stools
Vintage White Couch with Textured Pillows
Some family style table had a wooden centerpiece filled with white and green hydrangeas, blush garden roses, white roses and scabiosa pods. Gold candlesticks surrounded the romantic floral decor on each end.
The couple decorated their reception in shades of gold, blue and white. Some of Erica and Cole’s family style tables were decorated with tall arrangements of blush garden roses, white and green hydrangea, pink roses and eucalyptus atop a gold stand. Crystal accents were hung from each arrangement.
Simple White Parasols in Silver Bucket
Erica and Cole chose a simple two-tier buttercream frosted vanilla cake by show Me Love Pops for the reception. It was topped with two gold deer and blush garden roses. Gold berries or a gold rope design was placed at the base of either tier. The cake was surrounded by a grand assortment of desserts and placed atop a white vintage piano.
Whimsical White Vintage Piano Dessert Table
Sweetheart Table Couple with Lace Covered Chairs