1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Vintage Wedding at Bella Collina in Montverde, Florida

After four years of dating, Michael Burgos (29, and a wedding cinematographer) surprised Michelle March (31 and a wedding photographer) by proposing i

After four years of dating, Michael Burgos (29, and a wedding cinematographer) surprised Michelle March (31 and a wedding photographer) by proposing in a park near their home. “I honestly have no idea what he said,” says Michelle. “I couldn’t believe it was happening and when he took out that blue box, I just about passed out.” The couple had a legal ceremony within five months followed by an intimate vintage-inspired wedding at the Bella Collina 17 months from when they became engaged. The couple worked with Peplum Events and Design to assist in the planning process. As a wedding photographer, Michelle fell in love with the venue after shooting a wedding there. But, everything was based on whether or not their Old English sheepdog, Joy, could attend. “She’s so special to us and we couldn’t imagine her not being a part of this,” says Michelle. Her and Michael’s pet was included in the wedding as both their flower girl and partial inspiration for their decor. Juliet Grace Design created a custom invitation suite and family crest for the couple, which included their dog surrounded by a halo of red flowers. A red color scheme was reflected throughout their celebration. Michelle and Michael's ceremony was decorated with a white vintage fireplace mantle, simple exposed wood benches as well as rose petals and eucalyptus spread along the aisle. “We wanted something that was very personal to us, but organic and handmade,” says Michelle. “We wanted it to all look elegant, but comfortable and a bit rustic.” The reception reflected this notion with mixed vintage chairs in different hues, blush chiffon table runners, eye-catching cranberry candle sticks in brass holders and lush floral arrangements. The couple’s centerpieces included king protea, eucalyptus, garden roses and dahlias in shades spanning from blush to cranberry. Michelle and Michael took their first dance to “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Ray Charles. “We wanted a song that felt honest about what being in a relationship is like and still beautiful and heartfelt,” says Michelle. Each guest had a personalized hand-tied box of macaroons and was given the opportunity to have a caricature drawn as their wedding favors.

The couple worked with Juliet Grace Design to create a custom family crest for their invitation suite. Their dog, Joy, was placed at the center, surrounded by the couple’s last name and wedding date. “Joy had the flowers surrounding her. We really used that as the main inspiration for style and colors,” says Michelle.
Bridesmaids Getting Ready under Tuscan Inspired Arch
Red and Pink Garden Rose Arch Decor
Michelle and Michael had an intimate outdoor ceremony complementing the venue’s natural greenery. They decorated with simple wooden benches, a white vintage mantle as well as garden roses, rose petals and eucalyptus. “I chose the tree as a backdrop of the ceremony, because I love how the green of the leaves photographs,” says Michelle.
Michelle’s initial purchase, a Reem Acra ball gown, was not what she wore down the aisle. Craving a more vintage look, she chose an Aspen by Jenny Packham white wedding dress with lace cap sleeves. Her veil was custom made by the owner of Girl With A Serious Dream in Gainesville, Florida. “She is a friend of mine and wanted to create some special pieces for my big day. She also made the black lace robe I wore while I was getting ready,” says Michelle.
The bridesmaids wore gold and rose gold sequin Badgley Mischka sequin dresses for an added vintage feel. “I chose different styles to accommodate the different body types,” says Michelle. “I wanted them to look very glamorous.”
Michelle and Michael’s Flower Petal Recessional
Michelle and Michael’s son, Oliver, had just started to walk when he served as the couple’s ring bearer. Complete with a white shirt and Zara suspenders, he was escorted down the aisle by two of his aunts. The couple’s nephews walked ahead holding “Yay” and “Hooray” stitched flags.
Old English Sheepdog Flower Girl with Eucalyptus
Custom Floral and Dog Crest Tote Design
Michelle carried a bouquet of white and red dahlias, seeded eucalyptus, blush garden roses, dusty miller and scabiosa pods down the aisle . A blush king protea stood out within the arrangement. “I knew I wanted a very large bouquet since my dress was simple,” says Michelle.
Simple White Tuberose Boutonniere with Pink Ribbon
Large Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Bridesmaid Bouquet
Vintage White and Brown Cocktail Hour Seating
Family Style Tables with Different Vintage Chairs
Each was exposed wood table was accented with mixed vintage chairs in various hues and styles, gold flatware, romantic low floral centerpieces and 13 cranberry candlesticks with brass bases. “Another thing we wanted to incorporate was the number 13. We found out I was pregnant on 10/13/12, got legally married on 10/13/13 and had our wedding on 10/13/14,” says Michelle.
Michelle and Michael’s centerpieces complemented her bouquet with a blush king protea, eucalyptus and garden roses in different hues. All were arranged by Peplum Events and Design. “I had shot her wedding a few years back and had seen her work evolve over time. I loved working with her and felt she was the best person for our wedding,” says Michelle.
Simple White China with Red Floral Menu Cards
Blush Chiffon Table Runner with Cranberry Candlesticks
Michelle and Michael’s Caricature Wedding Favors
Three Tiered, Fresh Flower Accented Wedding Cakes
Three-Tier Eucalyptus Accented Wedding Cake
Gigi-Mamma Cakes, owned by one of Michelle’s bridesmaids, baked each confections for their wedding. “ All we asked was that we wanted a guava cake with cream cheese frosting. She ended up making a total of three cakes,” says Michelle. The couple cut the naked guava cake during the reception. It was accented with fresh seeded eucalyptus, garden roses and dahlias.
Michelle and Michael’s Bella Collina Reception Kiss