Pink & Grey Wedding: Ashlee & Russell | Garden Wedding Venues

You might recognize Ashlee from the photos of Mara & Scott’s Wedding.  That’s because she was the good friend that officiated the ceremony.  The funny thing is, Ashlee got married at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates first.  Back in October of 2010, Ashlee & Russ got married in the Royal Palm Allee.

While Mara’s wedding was as intimate as they come, Ashlee & Russ had a much larger and more traditional (though very modern) approach.  With beautiful pink garden roses and grey bridesmaid dresses, there was no doubt that these two had style.

Even though, they were married months ago, the photos and memories of this special day are still fresh (click images to enlarge).

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

Wedding Photography: Annie Agarwal Photography / 813.846.1683 / www.annieagarwal.com

Wedding Florist: Patty’s Flower Shop / 239.549.5985 / www.pattysflowershop.com / pattysflowershop@comcast.net

Wedding Cake: Publix / 239.939.1771 / www.publix.com

Bridal Hair: Racheal @ Studio RK / 239.489.4144 / www.studiorksalon.com

Tuxedos: Black Tie Tuxedos / 239.481.2238 / www.blacktietuxedosfl.com

Wedding Reception Venue: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com

Read Full Post »

Spring Love: Samantha & Andrew | Florida Historic Wedding Venue

Samantha & Andrew, better known as Sam & Drew, were so much fun to work with.  It’s always great to work with laid back, easy going people like these two.

The sun was high that March afternoon, but Sam & Drew kept their cool.  Nothing was going to deter them from having the wedding of their dreams in the Royal Palm Allee at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.

Take a peak at the beautiful photos taken by Nautilus Photography (click images to enlarge):

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

Wedding Photographers: Nautilus Photography / 239.275.7427 / www.nautilusphotography.com / nautilusphotography@gmail.com / http://www.nautilusweddings.com/blog/index.php?active_btn=1&id=11 

Read Full Post »

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

Read Full Post »

Destination Florida: Amanda & Scott’s Wedding | Destination Weddings Venue

Colorado couple, Amanda and Scott, opted for a destination wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers this past August.  With only one bridesmaid, one groomsman, and two guests, the event was as intimate as they come.

In an effort to dodge the afternoon storms that are so prevalent during the Florida summer, the wedding ceremony was held at 11am in the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.  Though the wedding was small, the details were almost as beautiful as the bride.  After vows were made, rings exchanged, and photos taken, the group of six went out for wedding brunch!  Amanda and Scott spent their time in Florida exploring the Everglades and the Florida Keys.  Now that’s a destination wedding done right!

Below are some photos taken by Jamie Lee Photography of the wedding day (click photos to enlarge):

Amanda & Scott enjoy a few minutes looking out over the Caloosahatchee River before the midday summer storm rolls in.

The Coconut Grove is a choice location for a clear view of Edison’s Pier and the Caloosahatchee River.

The Roxburgh Fig tree provides a little shade for our love birds on an August afternoon.

Photographer, Jamie Lee did a wonderful color alteration on this photo that gives you a sense of time-gone-by.

Amanda & Scott take cover from the August sun under the vine covered Pergola.

The Edison Guest House is a romantic backdrop in this photo. With 14 ft wrap around verandas and spanish moss hanging overhead, it is the epitome of Old Florida Style.

You can’t have a wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and miss the opportunity to climb into the Mysore Fig tree!

I am always impressed by the beauty and simplicity of the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.

The intimate wedding ceremony took place under 75 foot colossal trees in the Royal Palm Allee on the Ford Property.

Amanda walked solo (and gracefully, too) from the Ford Home, between two rows of Royal Palms, to meet her future husband, Scott at the end of the aisle.

Before the ceremony begins, Scott and his Best Man chill out on the roots of the Mysore Fig Tree.

Amanda’s maid of honor does the final touches in the Edison Caretaker’s House.

Clockwise from top left: Amanda’s wedding dress, white satin wedding shoes, bridal updo, orange lily boutonniere, matching yellow socks with marlins depicted on the Groom & Best Man, Amanda’s bouquet of orange and yellow calla lilies with seashell detail on the ribbon.

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

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

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

Officiant: Greg Sander of Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 /www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Read Full Post »

A Do-It-Yourself Wedding: Rhonda & Arthur | Fort Myers Wedding Venue

Last month, Fort Myers locals, Rhonda and Arthur celebrated their love with a wedding in Thomas Edison’s Coconut Grove at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  This couple embraced the D-I-Y spirit, and with their family and friends, they created their own wedding arch, bouquets, and boutonnieres.   With such an intimate wedding of less than 30 guests, Rhonda and Arthur were able to bring in their own sound system and play songs that have special meaning to them and even have family and friends take their wedding photos.  I also snapped a couple photos myself of the wedding day.

Click photos to enlarge:

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

Read Full Post »

Vintage Bridal Boutique | Photo Location Fort Myers, FL

What could be more appropriate for a wedding at an historic site like the Edison & Ford Winter Estates than a vintage wedding gown?   Photographer, Michael Owen, of Audrey Snow Photography, captured these amazing images.  Dresses were provided by Belle Encore Boutique which will be opening soon in Southwest Florida.

Click on photos to enlarge:

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

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

Read Full Post »

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

Read Full Post »