1. Real Weddings

A Travel-Inspired Vintage Wedding at Bella Collina in Montverde, Florida

Lora McCray (25, a pharmacist) and Michael Kerr (26, a United States marine) first met in middle school but didn't start dating until Lora’s sixteenth

Lora McCray (25, a pharmacist) and Michael Kerr (26, a United States marine) first met in middle school but didn't start dating until Lora’s sixteenth birthday. “His kiss was the best gift I received,” she says. Michael proposed on a trip to Arizona after Lora graduated from pharmacy school. They were sitting on a rock, overlooking the grand canyon when he pulled out the ring. “It glittered in the Arizona sun and painted a smile on my face from ear to ear,” says Lora. Over the next ten months, the couple planned their travel-inspired wedding at Bella Collina filled with personal touches and vintage accents. The venue’s atrium, complete with a Tuscan inspired archway and chandelier served as the main decor for Lora and Michael's intimate ceremony. Rows of white chiavari chairs lined with light flower petals and floating candles at three different heights were the only additions. The couple and their 50 guests then moved inside for a vintage accented reception and cocktail hour. “Since Michael's last name is Kerr, for a rustic touch I ordered Kerr mason jars online. They served the dual purpose of vases and a fitting cup for our signature drink,” says Lora. Each family-style table was lined with a lace runner, a few low floral arrangements, globes and creative touches. Metal airplanes, metal bikes, luggage and compasses found by the bride were placed on each table. Star Wars elements were also included in the festivities. “As a photo prop, we purchased several toy light sabers and these became a source of entertainment for our guests as well,” says Lora. The couple entertained their guests with a DJ and photo booth. An embossed luggage tag was given to each guest as a wedding favor and place card.

Lora chose and ivory Allure ball gown, style 8955, with romantic ruffle detailing for her wedding. It was accented with lace on the bodice and an added Swarovski sash.
Lora chose peach and white rose bouquet accented with pink and white peonies. It was wrapped with ivory ribbon and a small blue ribbon pin.
While she had originally envisioned wearing flats on her wedding day, lora chose a pair of rhinestone accented ivory heels she found while shopping with Michael. “Michael, who is never one to comment on fashion, noted that the shoes were gorgeous and I felt compelled to buy them and wear them for our wedding,” says Lora.
“Michael is a huge Star Wars fan, and I wanted to integrate this into our wedding without making it too cheesy,” says Lora. Star Wars theme songs were included in the bridal party’s processional as well as the couple’s recessional.
Lora and Michael’s First Kiss
Each bridesmaid wore a blush floor-length dress from David’s Bridal in different styles for the wedding. The groomsmen wore gray suits from Men's Warehouse with white shirts and suspenders.
Different Style Blush David's Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses
Bella Collina Tuscan Inspired Fountain
Vintage Card Table and Fireplace Backdrop
The couple chose two styles for their reception decor. “I wanted to combine romance and travel and I did this by combining floral arrangements with travel inspired center pieces,” says Lora.
The couple served miniature cheesecakes as well as a traditional wedding cake for dessert. The three-tiered buttercream frosted confection included red velvet, chocolate and vanilla cake with Italian rum or hazelnut cream filling between each layer. Lora personally added gum paste flowers colored with peach, pink and green edible dusting powder, she says.
Lora found the couple’s globe, luggage, compass and metal reception accents at various locations, including Ross, T.J. Maxx and Hobby Lobby, she says.
The couple took their first dance surrounded by 50 friends and family members.