Ultimate wedding & party destination since 2009

Florida Botanical Garden wedding: Christina + Jay

September 27, 2013
Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

Happy Friday, Cakies! We’re going to start off this post by talking about the mother of the bride first. She was a bit of a Super Woman for this wedding. Christina could not stop telling us about all the things she did to help pull off this here wedding. She not only made Christina’s beautiful lace wedding dress, she also made the adorable flower girl dresses, found all the vendors, and coordinated her heart out. Luckily she has excellent taste, so Christina knew she could trust her with any decision. Amazing, right? Thanks mama! Now, let’s get to their pretty wedding captured by Vitalic Photo

lace wedding dress | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake peony wedding bouquet | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

Christina on choosing their wedding venue… After scoping out a few country clubs, oceanfront and barn venues in the area, nothing stood out. As soon as I walked through the iron pergola, I knew McKee Botanical Gardens was special and Jay would love it too. The Hall of Giants, the reception venue on site, has so much character and history. Since Jay and I live in Virginia, this venue offered the natural setting without having to decorate. McKee is a beautiful and scenic hidden treasure. 

Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

Those flower girl dresses are the cutest. We think mama needs to open up a little bridal boutique, yes?

peony wedding bouquet | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake peony wedding bouquet | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake lace wedding dress | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

My mom  scoured the internet looking for vintage lace for my wedding dress and a dress pattern. Wedding dress patterns are extremely difficult to find because the designers want to control the market, so we ended up finding a gorgeous alençon lace and bits and pieces of various patterns that she fit to me. It was so special walking down the isle in my dress, knowing how much love (and time!) she poured into it. It was perfect in every way.

Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake lace wedding dress | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

Christina’s bridal bouquet was entirely made of New Zealand peonies and some seeded eucalyptus for greenery.

Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake succulent escort place cards | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

They DIY’d wedding favors, potting 100 succulents in old, French zinc pots and using copper garden labels to write each guests’ name. We’ve got plenty of cute wedding favor ideas on our Pinterest board + wedding ideas section too!

Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake Florida Botanical Garden wedding | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake elegant pink wedding cake | photo by Vitalic Photo | 100 Layer Cake

Congrats to Christina + Jay (and Christina’s Super Woman mama)!

Planning a garden wedding? Make sure to check out our Garden & Parks wedding ideas section.

Photographer: Vitalic Photo / Videographer: Steadfast Weddings / Ceremony Venue & Reception Venue: McKee Botanical Gardens / Event Coordinator: mother of the bride / Hair & Makeup: Colorworks in Stuart, Florida / Florist: Monti’s Flower Market / Cake: Sweet Creations / Catering: Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Company, Inc. / Invitation designer: bride, Christina / Rentals: TentLogix / DJ: White Rose Entertainment / Wedding Dress: custom made by mother of the bride / Shoes: Ralph Lauren / Floral Crown: Monti’s Flower Market / Groom’s Suit: Island Formals in Vero Beach / Flower Girl Dresses: custom made by mother of the bride / Bridesmaid Dresses: Eliza J