Let’s call it the best weekend, because it was more than a day. In fact, I can’t put a timetable on it; but it was certainly a time that I’ll never forget or take for granted. Being surrounded by all of my close family and friends in the same room meant everything to me. Marrying Lauren has been the biggest honor of my life, and while I always joke that I shouldn’t have had a big wedding, it just wouldn’t have been the same with everyone there to witness our marriage.
See, family is the most important item to both Lauren and I. It is a shared value that Lauren and I prioritize individually, and as a couple. We truly enjoy nothing more than spending time with our families, no matter what we are doing.
Our wedding was held at the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, located in ‘City Beautiful’, Orlando Florida. The center was built and finished in 2014-ish, and as it was being built, Lauren and I lived in a condo and home within a 2-minute walk to its site. We felt that it was very fitting to choose a venue symbolic of our relationship’s inception (in Orlando), and one that no others have experienced before. The uniqueness of the venue truly was exceptional, and I’m certain our guests felt the same way. Our ceremony was held in a theater in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, with balcony seats and risen stage. The cocktail hour was in the Kessler Tier, which is the 4th and 5th floor terraces of the Doctor Phillips Center. The reception was held in the DeVos Family Room, which is an eye-catcher for those that drive-by the center. When lit-up at night, it is a remarkable sight.
A big thank you goes out to Jeff Wojciechowicz and Ande Deaton (and of course the rest of the staff) from the Doctor Phillips Center.
The entertainment for our wedding was provided by both Sam Whitman, a former colleague and current friend of mine. Sam was the Master of Ceremony and also provided the Disco Jockey services alongside of our live band, Frequency. 6 months before our wedding, tragedy struck the Orlando Community with the Pulse Nightclub shootings. Unfortunately, this awful day in our city’s history took the life of the lead singer of our band, Shane Tomlinson. Shane was an incredible person, full of charisma, positivity, and energy. Ultimately, it was Shane’s personality that led Lauren and I to book the Frequency band. While we were unable to enjoy Shane’s presence, we felt we should continue with the talented group in honor of Shane as well. They provided an incredible night, full of the same energy we expected. They kept the dance floor moving all night, and was the highlight of the night; at least for me.
A very big thank you to Sam, who I knew I could trust to provide the MC services up to the expectation level I had (I have DJ’d weddings and events for 18 years).
The food for the cocktail hour and reception was provided by Arthur’s Catering. Over the past 8 years working in the entertainment industry in Central Florida, I have worked alongside of Arthur’s countless times. I built a relationship with Mark Leggett, the company’s owner, along the way. Meeting with Mark through the process was very pleasant as he catered to our budget and requests for the culinary experience of our guests. Aside from the food being delicious, the service was impeccable. One of the moments I recall specifically from the wedding (they say it goes by so fast, that paying attention to detail is near impossible), was Mark and his team consistently being at Lauren and I’s beckoning call for anything we needed. Not to the point where it was too much, but just enough. Our guests complimented the food and service as well.
A very big thank you goes out to Mark and his team at Arthur’s Catering for going the extra mile for our big day. Lauren and I felt overly comfortable with your team’s professionalism and guidance along the way. Your product is unmatched, and we are very thankful.
Wedding Planning and Coordination services were provided by Julie Begani of Julbilation. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Julie for 7 years in the industry and built a friendship as well. Julie and Jessica were spectacular, going out of their way to not only meet our requests but to help ease the burdens of the planning process. Julie proactively suggested ways to enhance our experience, and we felt as if we had a third, fourth, and fifth set of eyes on our special day. It was comforting knowing how much experience Julie had in the industry, but even more so that she knew Lauren and I personally. Julbilation helped with so many aspects of the event aside from the day-of orchestration, such as (but not limited to) coordination with all vendors and scheduling, floral, linen, décor, favors, desserts, signage and menus, etc.
There is not enough words to thank Julie for what she did to help Lauren and I through this process. From the second we hired Julie, until several weeks after our event, she was always at our call to help. We truly appreciate all of the extra help.
Photography and Cinematography was provided by very good friends Scott and Elena of Scott Trippler Studios. Scott and I have worked together for years, and he is one of the most talented individuals I have come across in his trade. Aside from the skillset, the single item from the wedding that I did not worry about once was Photo and Video. Having seen STS’s work over the years, their abilities were never doubted. Nonetheless, Scott always promised wanting to go above and beyond because of our friendship, and boy did he deliver. Even after the wedding Scott continues to offer unsolicited and gracious services to help capture moments in our lives. Scott and Elena did our engagement photos as well as the Wedding. It was an extra special treat to have Julio Aguilar on the staff for the day, a very talented college buddy of mine.
You can see the whole wedding album here (Password is ‘sobel’).
I have endless gratitude for you both Scott and Elena. You honored all special requests, and then some; and truly went above what was expected. Lauren and I will never forget what you did to help make our day special, and the pictures and videos allowed us to relive the best day of our lives. We love you both!
Enjoy:
