Seriously, we weren't kidding with the title to this blog entry. Helicopters, Horses and Bagpipers will forever be Katie and James' wedding theme. The couple decided to marry at the BEAUTIFUL Harmony Golf Preserve in St. Cloud, Florida (just south of Orlando). The late December skies were slightly overcast and a little chilly but we were all nervous about the impending rain in the forecast. Katie was gorgeous in her gown and sparkly gold heels...but complained that all she wanted to do was put her boots on. The couple opted for a first look and (as most of our first looks go) we were so happy they did. We used the stables at Harmony as a backdrop for the first look, and the stable manager, Ken was a huge help! He pulled, Pete and said he was the horse that was best in front of the camera...we thought the black and white horse was perfect for a FIRST LOOK...so we weren't complaining. Katie and James both cried...and laughed when they saw each other. They both relaxed and we settled in for the ceremony. The background music was provided by Walt the Bag Piper...a Scottish lad who was nice enough to warn us (the photographers) that we shouldn't get too close, because it was loud.
Katie was escorted down the aisle by her father to, who...once again started to cry. Lon Tosi, the officiant had to help him pull it together...Katie was beautiful enough to take any man's breath away -- so we all understood. James' 10-year old son, Andres was a part of the ceremony at one point, with all three joining hands they vowed to ALWAYS have each others' backs. The after photos of the couple went perfectly, even though the sky got dark quick as the rain got closer and closer. Jennifer with Harmony drove us to our pre-planned locations. Just as we finished the rain started to fall and never really let up.
James and Katie had been planning a surprise exit for months. James (a professional pilot and aircraft mechanic) one wish was to leave via helicopter and Katie was determined to make it happen for him. As the rain started to fall harder and harder we were all losing hope that the couple wouldn't lift off. Just when we thought all was lost, as small hole broke over St. Cloud and the pilot was able to take off, but he was going to have to work his way through some of the rain bands to make it happen. All of a sudden, we all realized the pilot would not have a visible landing zone and James' with the help of my incredible husband, Bill began setting up a landing zone on Harmony's beautiful green. Bill made sure the headlights were crossed (apparently he had done this once or twice in his career as a firefighter/paramedic) and we heard the helicopter in the distance. Within 3 minutes, Jennifer the coordinator had all the guests outside with sparklers and even the DJ, Jeff with White Rose Entertainment came out to help get them on their way...even in the rain. The sparklers lit, and James and Katie ran through to the helicopter and lifted off to their honeymoon! It really was a fairy tale. We say it all the time but we have the best couples in the world. Our clients aren't divas...they laugh A LOT and we laugh with them. If things don't go according to plan, we work around it. Katie and James are the definition of love, and just like our slogan says...We Know Love.
We love you -- Katie, James and Andres and we are beyond honored to have been with you throughout this journey!
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