Their Wedding Their Way: Amber & Kyle | Outdoor Florida Wedding Venue

Fort Myers natives, Amber & Kyle, wanted their wedding to be a reflection of themselves, and that’s exactly what they got.  Last weekend, they were married in the Royal Palm Allee at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the event was anything but ordinary.  Matt Steeves blew us away with these incredible photographs.

Amber got ready at her sister’s house.

Our bride waited anxiously for her groom in Edison’s Caretaker’s House.

Before the wedding, Amber and Kyle had a private “first glimpse” of one another in Mina’s Moonlight Garden.

Amber, with her three bridesmaids and two junior bridesmaids, posed for a photo in front of the pergola that bridges Edison’s main house and guest house.

We LOVE this photo with the entire bridal party squeezing in. We especially love the ‘groomsmaid’ on the far right!

One of the romantic touches of their ceremony was when Kyle walked back down the aisle to meet Amber and walk her the rest of the way.

A twist on the wine ceremony – Patron ceremony! After reading the vows they wrote to one another, Amber & Kyle sealed them & placed them into a box of Patron Tequila. The officiant said, “If you ever find your marriage is facing hard times, do the following: open this box, read your vows, and take a shot. If you haven’t opened it by your fifth anniversary, open it to celebrate!”

Once the photos were finished, our couple toasted one another and invited their guests to watch the sunset on the Ford Riverside Lawn before heading over to the reception.

The ‘icing on the cake’ was really the custom made clay cake topper depicting the couple and their three dogs.

The reception was held at the Edison Restaurant’s back patio and bar and more closely resembled the best party ever than a wedding reception.  There were no formal seating arrangements, no sit-down dinner.   Heavy hors d’oeuvres were served, including hand-passed corndogs and hamburger sliders.  Amber & Kyle shared their first dance on the golf course green (Amber was barefoot).  At one point, I heard Amber shouting, “Best wedding EVER!”  I’m not sure there could have been a wedding more perfectly suited for these two. 

Wedding Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Wedding Photography: Matt Steeves Photography / 239.246.1707 / www.mattsteeves.com / mattsteeves@me.com

Wedding Flowers: Fort Myers Florist / 239.931.0506

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Autumn Romance: Becky & Steve | Historic Florida Wedding Location

It was mid-October and fall was just beginning to reach Southwest Florida.  The leaves didn’t change, but love was in the air.  Becky and Steve promised to love each other forever under 75 foot palm trees in Henry Ford’s Royal Palm Allee at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.  Photographer, Krista Kowalczyk, of Impressions Photography was there to take these amazing shots.

It wouldn’t be a fall wedding without candied apple escort cards.

Steve steals a kiss in the Tea House at the Swimming Pool.

The water lily reflecting pool in the Moonlight Garden reflects more than just moonlight.

Mina’s Moonlight Garden is the best place to sneak away to!

The autumn theme was not lost on Becky’s bridesmaids, who wore long brown satin gowns. All ladies carried bouquets of oranges and yellows.

The vine-covered pergola between Edison’s main and guest houses is so perfectly romantic.

What’s more appropriate than a kiss at the Friendship Gate?

Becky & Steve enjoy their fist moments as husband and wife on the stairs inside the Ford House.

Royal Palm Allee

The sound of strings played Becky down the aisle.

Becky & Steve’s daughter couldn’t have been more perfect for the role of flower girl.

Before taking that long walk down the aisle, Becky takes a deep breath and composes herself in the Ford’s dining room.

The mysore fig tree is the perfect symbol of strength and unity, with over 90% of its roots above ground, they must work as a team to keep the tree upright.

The Estates boasts the largest banyan tree in the Continental U.S. – an irresistable photo backdrop!

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Photography: Impressions Photography / 239.437.1838 / www.impress-photo.com / info@impress-photo.com

Flowers: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarqmail.com

Ceremony Music: Vanderbilt Strings / www.vanderbiltstrings.com / janie@vanderbiltstrings.com

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Florida Wedding Venue | Two of a Kind: Ranee and Rene’s Wedding

When you meet your soulmate, you expect to have a lot in common.  Having a common first name is not on that list of expectations.  Though they spell it differently, I couldn’t help but call these two “The Ranees” (or “The Renes” – depending on who you ask). 

The wedding took place on a beautiful November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic Ford Property at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL.  The tropical turquoise and coral decor really popped against the natural greens and browns of the Estates grounds.  The photos below were taken by Meagan Mason Photography.

Click photos to enlarge:

A wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is not complete without a photo in front of the famous Banyan Tree.

Before starting their new lives together, the happy couple take a moment in the Moonlight Garden to reflect on their history together.

Ranee and Rene in the vine covered pergola between Edison’s main house and guest house.

The newly weds share a kiss in Henry Ford’s living room.

The whole gang gathers on the steps of the Ford House.

Rene and his groomsmen find a comfortable place in the sprawling roots of the Mysore Fig Tree.

The bridesmaids wore stunning turquoise dresses with coral colored flowers in their hair.

The ceremony was held in the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.

Ranee looked stunning in her strapless wedding gown with turquoise sash.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions// weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Florist: Balloons & Flowers To Go / 239.278.0770 / www.balloonsandflowerstogo.com / balloonsandflowerstogo@yahoo.com

Photography: Meagan Mason Photography / www.myspace.com/megmasonphoto / MasonM620@gmail.com

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Winter Wedding: Adelie and Ben

Beneath the twinkling holiday lights and the crisp December air, Adelie and Ben declared their vows.  With Ben’s family flying in from England for the occasion, the two decided on a sunset wedding two days before Christmas to be held at the festively decorated Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The palm trees were decked in strings of colored lights, but they did not compare to the radient Adelie as she made her way down the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.  Take a peek at these outstanding photos taken by Maria Angela Photography.

The newlyweds stopped to take a photo with Fort Myers’ most beloved sweethearts, Thomas and Mina Edison.

Though the Estates are beginning to bustle with nighttime tours, nothing can break the lovespell in the Moonlight Garden.

Ben and Adelie take a moment to enjoy the spectacular sunset at Mr. Edison’s Pier on the Caloosahatchee River.

The lovebirds find themselves entangled in the roots of the majestic Mysore Fig Tree.

With the Estates already decorated for Holiday Nights, there was little else to do but enjoy.

Adelie can barely contain her excitement as she and Ben are officially announced husband and wife!

Adelie’s brides maids wore long navy satin gowns and carried simple bouquets of hydrangea.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Ceremony Chairs and Arch: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Photography: Maria Angela Photography / 239.348.5065 / www.maria-angela.com / maria@maria-angela.com

Flowers: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarmail.com

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Lovebirds: The Wedding of Rachel & Steve

You may recall earlier this year when we posted Rachel & Steve’s Save-the-Dates and Wedding Invitations.  The two tied the knot last month, and the photos are in.  They are every bit as vibrant as their printed materials promised.  The wedding was held on a perfect November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee on the Historic Ford Property.  The details are spectacular – take a look:

You know your wedding reception is a hit when there are this many guests on the dance floor.

Rachel & Steve enjoyed their first dance as a married couple under colorful paper lanterns at the Royal Palm Yacht Club.

The wedding cake from Mason’s Bakery was as colorful as every other detail. The topper is the chinese symbol for double happiness.

Rachel & Steve had caramel apples as wedding favors and escort cards.

The Eventz, Inc. centerpieces on the reception tables carried the colorful theme through the reception. Also pictured are the matching love bird table cards printed and designed by Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe.

Another peek at the invitations from Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe that set the theme of the wedding.

Sunsets on the Caloosahatchee River are unmatched. Here the newlyweds take it in from the pier at the Royal Palm Yacht Club. In the background is the sillhouette of the Edison Pier.

Jamie from Jamie Lee Photography has a great talent for catching the sunlight at just the right angle to produce images as breathtaking as this one of Rachel & Steve under the canopy of the Banyan Tree.

Rachel & Steve each wrote their own emotional vows to one another.

Color was everywhere in sight during this perfect November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee.

The incredible Royal Palm Allee stretches from the back porch of the Ford House to the Caloosahatchee River, making the perfect wedding aisle.

Rachel’s veil blows in the wind as she is escorted down the aisle by her father.

Rachel & Steve are perched (like birds) atop the winding roots of the Mysore Fig at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Rachel shows off her sassy red shoes hidden beneath her beautiful wedding gown.

Steve steals a kiss as Rachel’s veil blows romantically in the breeze.

The bridal party was dressed in purple bridesmaid dresses, and purple striped groomsmen ties. Here they pose for a group photo in the bamboo at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Rachel’s bouquet was loaded with brightly colored tropical flowers.

Steve’s boutonniere was a bright green orchid paired with a white tie.

The groomsmen donned purple striped ties, and double yellow orchid boutonnieres.

Rachel & Steve get a private moment to see each other before the wedding.

Rachel & Steve decided to take all their photos before the ceremony, but they didn’t want to miss that magic moment where they see each other for the first time. So we gave them the opportunity to have that moment alone in the Moonlight Garden at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Just as The Beatles on the cover of Abbey Road, the groomsmen strolled across McGregor Boulevard. In true John Lennon fashion, the groom took off his shoes.

Six groomsmen pose asa symbol of support behind Steve under the largest Banyan Tree in the continental United States.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Eventz, Inc. / 239.415.2581 / www.eventzinc.com / sales@eventzinc.com

Photography: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Reception Location: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

Invitations, Table Cards, Save-the-Dates: Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe / 321.251.5445 / www.mamas-sauce.com / nick@mamas-sauce.com

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Modern Wedding in the Royal Palm Allee: Mandy and Chris

Last month, Mandy & Chris of Fort Myers got married in the Royal Palm Allee on the riverside of the Ford House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Mandy with her five flower girls walked down an aisle of 75′ royal palms.  Behind them was an arch of bamboo framing the Caloosahatchee River.   The light blue and brown theme was carried throughout the event with program fans and a unity sand ceremony.  Check out these spectacular photographs from Jamie Lee Photography (click to enlarge):

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Photographer: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

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