Cowboys Wed: Whitney & David | Outdoor Florida Weddings

When Oklahoma State Alumni, Whitney and David, wed this October at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida, their “Cowboy” roots showed through (see the bridesmaids’ boots).   With relatives visiting Fort Myers from across the country and wedding photos of their grandparents’ weddings displayed, this autumn wedding was mostly about family.

Click on photos to enlarge:

David and his posse pose for a photo before David sees his bride.

Cowboy boots in hand, the bridesmaids rush to Whitney’s side for last minute touch ups.

A bouquet of orange and yellow flowers ringed in autumn leaves is perfect for this October wedding.

Before the ceremony begins, Whitney & David have a “first glimpse” of each other in the Moonlight Garden.

Wedding photos from grandparents adorn the table with baskets of programs and fans.

Custom fans with Whitney & David’s engagement photos were given to guests.

Whitney & David exchanged vows in the Royal Palm Allee in front of an organza covered arch adorned with pussywillow branches.

The entire bridal party gathers for a dramatic photo in the lofty fig tree on Edison’s front gardens.

Is there anything more epic than a photo in the roots of the Mysore Fig Tree?

Whitney & David getaway via the Rum Runner boat to their reception at Rum Runners in Cape Coral.

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

Wedding Photography: Audrey Snow Photography / 239.334.7669 / www.audreysnowphotography.com / audrey@audreysnowphotography.com

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

Flowers: Cape Coral Floral Designs / 239.772.3377 / www.capeflorist.com

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The First Glimpse: Katie & Rick | Fort Myers Wedding Venue

With so many wedding photos to take, many couples are deciding to pose for their bridal party portraits before the ceremony, allowing them more time to spend with their guests at the reception.  Rick and Katie didn’t want their guests to have to wait on them but they also didn’t want to miss the magical moment of seeing each other for the first time.   So, Naples photographer Ashley Brockinton of Ashley Brockinton Photography, suggested a “First Glimpse”. 

The morning of their wedding, Rick arrived at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers first and waited in the Moonlight Garden for his bride to arrive.  The photographers were able to catch the moment on film when Rick got his first glimpse of Katie in her wedding gown. 

 The two exchanged gifts to one another in the garden before inviting their bridal party to join them for pictures.  With plenty of time before the ceremony, their photographer was able to get beautiful shots throughout the Estates.  “When it was time to walk down the aisle, I felt so much more relaxed,” said Katie when asked about seeing her groom before the wedding.

Click photos to enlarge:

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

Wedding Photography: Ashley Brockinton Photography / 239.676.9540 / www.ashleybrockinton.com / ashleybrockinton@mac.com

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Fort Myers Wedding Venue | Riverside Romance: Nika & Scott | Waterfront Florida Weddings

Nika and Scott got married at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  in Fort Myers Florida in December of 2008, but the ceremony was too beautiful not to share.  With a ceremony so late in the year, the temperature was comfortable and the light was heavenly. 

Nika and Scott’s wedding incorporated two religions, Christianity and Baha’i, making this a unique and personal experience for both of them.  The photos below were taken by Images Wedding Photography.

Click photos to enlarge:

The white buttercream wedding cake rested upon a silver pedastool on a table of flowers and rose petals.

Nika & Scott’s reception was held at the newly remodeled Royal Palm Yacht Club. Guests dined at long family style tables.

There was just enough of a breeze to catch Nika’s veil on this beautiful December evening.

No wedding is complete at the Estates without the Moonlight Garden photo.

The wedding party had two flower girls, both decked out in white satin with precious pink rosettes.

The wedding aisle was adorned with gauzy lavendar fabric and lush arrangements of roses and orchids.

With a mulit-faith ceremony, programs allowed guests to follow along.

Nika and Scott married on the riverside lawn of Henry Ford just behind the majestic Mysore Fig Tree.

Nika carried a cascading bouquet of pink roses and white orchids.

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

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

Wedding Flowers: Planned Perfection / 239.939.7765 / www.plannedperfectioninc.com

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

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

Wedding Cake: Publix Bakery / www.publix.com

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In Fine Feather: Sara & Steven’s Peacock Wedding | Southwest Florida Wedding Location

After meeting fashion-forward hair stylist, Sara, I knew right away that her wedding would be fabulous!  With bright blues and golds on her wedding color palette and accents with regal peacock feathers, she certainly did not disappoint.  Sara and Steven were wed on a beautiful April evening at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.  Jesse Netsch Photography captured the details.

Click photos to enlarge:

Several centerpieces were comprised of foam balls covered in peacock feathers paired with orchids.

After the ceremony, the bridesmaids bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, and peacock feathers doubled as reception centerpieces.

Each guest was given a single peacock feather as a momento. Feather’s doubled as table decor as they were tucked into gold satin napkins at the place settings.

The wedding cake was a classic white fondant with a monogramed cake topper and a single elegant feather.

I think many will agree that we get some of the most beautiful sunsets here in Southwest Florida.

The amber glow of the setting sun made everything feel romantic.

The bougainvillea in the Moonlight Garden was in full bloom this April.

The groomsmen nearly carry the beautiful bride away!

Rather than throw rice, guests were given paper cones filled with yellow rose petals to toss as the newlyweds made their getaway.

Sara & Steven tied the knot in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic riverfront property of Henry Ford.

Sara carried a classic white bouquet of calla lilies and hydrangeas.

The bride gazes out of her hotel window over downtown Fort Myers while also showing off the dramatic back of her wedding dress and her feather hair accessory.

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

Photography: Jesse Netsch Photography / 239.691.6719 / www.jessenetschphotography.com / jnetschphoto@hotmail.com

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

Wedding Cake:  Publix Bakery / www.publix.com

Table Linens:  Connie Duglin Specialty Linen / 239.593.0389 / www.connieduglinlinen.com / naplesdiv3@connieduglinlinen.com

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Fort Myers Waterfront Wedding Venue | La Vie En Rose: Virginia & Cameron’s Wedding

When looking through the photos of Virginia and Cameron’s March wedding in the Coconut Grove at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, “Pretty In Pink” is what comes to mind.  There are elements that hint at an “Old Florida” theme and there are even a few references to birds, a play on Cameron’s last name, Byrd.  But the theme most important to the couple when planning their big day was “Fun.” 

Fun is definitely what they got when they hired wedding planners Kristi Edwards and Julie Johnson of Happily Ever After to make their dreams become reality.   Below is the proof  in photos taken by Luminaire Foto.

Click photos to enlarge:

What could be more fun at a wedding reception than a photo booth?

What started off as a sweet slow dance to “Isn’t She Lovely” quickly morphed into a hilarious ensemble including “Walk Like An Egyptian” and “Cotton Eye Joe” (seen here).

Virginia and her dad secretly took dance lessons and performed a choreographed routine to a medley of various tunes.

Mason’s Bakery created a classic white wedding cake adorned with pink roses.

The reception was pretty in pink with orchids, roses, and hydrangea centerpieces topped with jewel draped branches. The brown chivari chairs donned pink sashes and the tables were named after Florida birds.

Virginia and Cameron were whisked away in a 1926 Model T getaway car.

Cameron sweeps Virginia off her feet in front of the Mysore Fig Tree on Henry Ford’s Riverside Lawn.

The Moonlight Garden is especially beautiful in March as the bougainvillea is in full bloom.

Taking advantage of the exotic and oh-so-photogenic trees that populate the Estates, the bridal party is artfully arranged in the Lofty Fig.

Cameron’s groomsmen looked especially dapper with their navy vests and baby blue ties. Their boutonnieres were white roses.

Virginia’s bridesmaids wore strapless knee length dresses in baby blue with ivory sashes. Their bouquets were bright pink and white roses.

Virginia and Cameron chose Edison’s Coconut Grove overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and Thomas Edison’s Pier for their ceremony location.

A throwback to the laid back lifestyle of the old south, the rings were carried in on bamboo cane fishing poles.

White hydrangeas and pink roses were tied to the chairs and the aisle was lined on either side with rose petals.

The pink and orange invitation suite featured tropical frangipani flowers.

It was hard to resist references to our winged friends when the couple’s last name is Byrd.

Virginia’s gifts to her bridesmaids included pink satin robes with the girls initials embroidered, matching flip flops, funky sunglasses, and pearl necklaces.

The girls had a great time goofing off while getting ready at Virginia’s parents’ home.

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

Flowers: Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 / www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

Wedding Planning: Happily Ever After / 239.433.4625 / www.happilyeverafter4u.com / happilyeverafter4u@comcast.net

Photography: Luminaire Foto / 239.848.8926 / www.luminairefoto.com / karl@luminairefoto.com

Reception Location: The Edison Restaurant / 239.936.9348 / www.edisonfl.com / liana@edisonfl.com

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

Invitations: The Paper Mill / 239.437.2252 / www.thepapermill-florida.net / loveis@thepapermill-florida.net

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Florida Wedding Venue | Sunset Wedding at the Fig Tree: Geremy & Troy

Geremy and Troy are one of those couples that remind you of sunshine.  Everytime I run into these two, I can’t help but have a good time.  The details of their March wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  in Fort Myers, Florida truly reflected both their sense of style and their sense of humor.  The cermony took place at sunset under the great Mysore Fig Tree whose leaves were just beginning to sprout after a long Florida winter. 

“We chose The Edison & Ford Winter Estates because we were going for the historic look of Fort Myers.  You can’t get more historic than getting married at The Edison & Ford Winter Estates!  We had our reception at The Edison Restaurant to complete the historic feel.  We didn’t want to do the typical Florida beach wedding.  We loved the grounds at the Estates because of the scenery and just the overall beauty of the grounds.  We absolutely loved getting married in front of the big fig tree.  Just the way the sun was coming through the branches made it feel unbelievable!” says Troy. 

We agree!  Take a look at these magical photographs captured by Jamie Lee Photography and see if you feel the same way (click photos to enlarge):

The Bride, the Groom, the Maid of Honor, and the Best Man spell out LOVE in sparklers at the reception.

Before the end of the night, Geremy put on her Chuck Taylor’s and danced the night away with hubby, Troy at The Edison Restaurant.

The Groom’s cake was a silver and blue Harley Davidson gas tank.

This incredible black and white wedding cake was created by Vicki’s Sweet Things. Also, note the rhinestone encrusted servingware!

Fitting the black and white theme of the wedding, the couple gave favors of snow caps in little clear jelly jars.

The centerpieces on the reception tables were simple but elegant arrangements of white and purple flowers on a black and white linen surrounded by votive candles.

The Mysore Fig Tree is full of magic and wonder!

This photo really shows off the tropical paradise that is the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Jamie Lee Photography did a spectacular job catching the sunlight in these photos.

The sun sets on the Caloosahatchee River as Geremy & Troy enjoy the view from Edison’s porch.

The moonlight garden is too romantic to miss a photo opp!

Geremy & Troy take some time to enjoy the blooming bougainvillea in the Moonlight Garden.

The bridesmaids got their chance to tease Troy. It takes a lot of trust to let six women carry you!

Before the ceremony, Geremy & Troy wrote letters describing all the things they love about each other. During their wedding, officiant David Thompson of BareFoot We Wed, had them place their letters into a small box containing a single bottle of wine. “Keep this bottle in plain sight in your home. Should your marriage ever hit a rough spot, before you make any rash decisions, open the bottle of wine, pour each other a glass, and read your letters,” he said. This wine ceremony had everyone tearing up!

This was such a fun group of people! The groomsmen couldn’t resist the urge to joke about the cathedral length veil Geremy wore.

The leaves were just beginning to sprout on the great Mysore Fig Tree on Ford’s Riverside Lawn. The light peering through the branches set the romantic ambience of the event.

Whimsical tunes from the Hammered Dulcimer and Flute filled the air at this unique ceremony.

Signature Florals designed these beautiful flower “nests” that hung so beautifully from shepards hooks down the aisle.

Each of the groomsmen (and even the ringbearer) wore Converse Chuck Taylors as part of their wedding day attire.

Geremy’s junior bridesmaid wore a sweet white corsage and her flower girl carried an adorable white flower ball.

The six bridesmaids all wore knee length black dresses in different styles and carried simple white bouquets.

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

Officiant: BareFoot We Wed / 239.699.0426 / www.barefootwewed.com / info@barefootwewed.com

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

Flowers: Signature Florals / 239.454.0653 / www.signature-florals.com / susan@signature-florals.com

Music: Richard Blasich Hammered Dulcimer / 989.370.3056 / rblasich@gmail.com

Reception: The Edison Restaurant / 239.936.9348 / www.edisonfl.com / liana@edisonfl.com

Wedding Cake: Vicki’s Sweet Things Ice Cream & Cakery / 239.462.8537

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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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Timeless Wedding at Historic Home: Haley & David

Haley and David made it official this December.  Their wedding ceremony took place in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic riverside property of Henry Ford at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.  There were so many perfect little details that made this dream wedding a magical one.

The couple’s happiness is reflected in the pool at the Moonlight Garden.

A special moment is captured in the Model T’s side mirror.

The couple pose next to their getaway car.

The couple steal away in an authentic 1926 Model T.

The newlywed couple takes a minute to wave goodbye before taking off in their antique getaway.

David and Haley walk down the Royal Palm Allee, newly wed.

The couple chose a sand ceremony with purple & black sand to symbolize their union.

The brides bouquet of hydrangeas, roses, and calla lilies was adorned with a long string of pearls.

The flower girl raced the bagpiper down the aisle!

Roses, lilies, and hydrangeas decorated the ceremony space.

Hydrangea balls on shepherds hooks decked the aisle between the palms in the Royal Palm Allee.

The groomsmen wore long coats and wide purple ties, reflecting the era of the historic Estates.

Bridesmaids wore beautiful, long purple gowns – each a little different than the other.

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

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

Chairs & Columns: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.786.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Cape Coral Floral Design / 239.772.3377 / www.capeflorist.com / info@capeflorist.com

Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

Music: Hugh the Bagpiper / 239.440.7257 / www.hughthebagpiper.com / info@hughthebagpiper.com

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Vintage Inspired Engagement Photos: Sarah & Brian

Sarah & Brian are getting married next summer in Upstate New York but are residents of Fort Myers.  Audrey Snow did an incredible job photographing these two lovebirds last month at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  Click on the photos to enlarge

Photography: Audrey Snow Photography / 239.334.7669 / www.audreysnowphotography.com / audrey@audreysnowphotography.com

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

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Tropical Wedding in the Coconut Grove: Mary Lee & Larry

Mary Lee & Larry, a cheerful Chicago couple, said, “ I do” this October at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The ceremony took place in Edison’s tropical Coconut Grove on the Caloosahatchee River.  Click on the images to enlarge:

The ceremony took place late afternoon in Edison’s Coconut Grove under a tropical arbor decorated with roses, lilies, hydrangeas, and palms.

Mary Lee & Larry poured colored sand into a glass keepsake container to symbolize their union.

The ring bearer carried the wedding bands tied to ribbons in a large shell.

The wedding party poses for photos in the Mysore Fig Tree on the Ford Riverside Lawn.

Mary Lee & Larry share a moment in Mina Edison’s Moonlight Garden.

The newlyweds take in the beautiful sunset over the Caloosahatchee River with Edison’s Pier in the background.

The happy couple holds up a JUST MARRIED sign as they are delivered by Golf Cart to their reception at the Royal Palm Yacht Club.

Sand dollars in a treasure chest act as escort cards.

Wedding guests sign names and well wishes on a matted photo of the couple.

The tropical seashell cake is accompanied at the reception by the unity sand.

No detail was overlooked, even the cake knives sported orchids.

The tables were named after islands in Southwest Florida.

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

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

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

All Flowers, Arbor, & Centerpieces: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarmail.com

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events / 239.786.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Table Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen / 239.784.9733 / www.connieduglinlinen.com / naplesdiv3@connieduglinlinen.com

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

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