We sat down with another beautiful Wonderland bride to get her love story. Meet Lillian & Jonathan, who were married March 31st, 2018.
When and how did you meet?
We met by chance as we were both celebrating friends birthdays in Fort Lauderdale. Our interaction was a short 5 minutes where we exchanged some preliminary information about each other and telephone numbers as my friends hurried me to leave.
How long did you date before he popped the question?
We dated for a little over 2 years and a half.
How did he propose?
He suggested we plan a last minute spontaneous get away for a long weekend where we originally had no plans. I thought it was odd but was not going to question the opportunity for a much needed vacation! We booked a short cruise to the Bahamas and Great Stirrup Cay. He had been acting so weird the entire cruise, said he wasnt able to sleep, wasnt feeling good, etc to which I kept thinking either he was sick or just wasnt having a good time (little did I know his nerves were getting the best of him!). On the last day, we departed the cruise ship on to Norwegians private island, Great Stirrup Cay. I wanted to set our bags and stuff on the tanning chairs close to where everyone else was, with the DJ playing and the bar next to us. He kept insisting that a co -worker told him about a great quiet spot with hammocks underneath the palm trees where we could relax. Again I kept thinking it was weird as my fiancé is full of life and always up for having a good time. Honestly, a proposal never crossed my mind as again this was a last minute, short weekend cruise. We continued to walk in the heat with all of our stuff along with my complaining that this hammock section better be worth the walk. We settled on some tanning chairs in the shade underneath some nice tall palm trees overlooking the water. We went into the water for a little while and somehow or another began talking about life, engagement, marriage and kids. When we exited the water and came back to our chairs he turned to me and asked So when do you want to get engaged? Of course my response was I dont know, anytime, now to which I meant now meaning anytime in the near future, not that very moment! Lol He pulled out a ring and said Ok, lets do it. =)
Where were you married and how did you pick the place?
We were married at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Societys New River Inn. It is Broward County's oldest standing hotel, preserved as a history museum. We picked this location as we had seen a wedding taking place there as we drove past by chance a year or two before and thought it was beautiful. My dream was always to have an outdoor wedding that was atypical of the normal South Florida weddings. I wanted a Plantation style home to be the backdrop of our big day. However we mainly picked this place because it was about a minute down the street from the place we met which happens to be the same place we ended our wedding night. After the wedding, our closest friends (who happened to be with us the night of our meeting) and other friends and family walked down the street with us to Public House, the lounge we met at. We ended the night dancing away there in our wedding attire!
What theme and/or colors have you chosen for your wedding and why?
I wanted all neutrals and natural wood items for our wedding. We wanted it to be outdoors, and have a laid back and breezy vibe to it. Our goal was for everyone to have fun and feel at home.
Where did you go for your honeymoon?
We went to a beach town in Costa Rica and also spent a few days in the volcano region there as well. It was absolutely amazing!
Why did you chose Wonderland Bridal for your dream dress?
I had been in search of a particular Stella York dress I had seen online and Wonderland Bridal had it in stock. It is not however the dress I settled on.
Share your experience about your time with Wonderland Bridal.
From beginning to end the ladies of Wonderland Bridal were so sweet and welcoming. They really made me feel comfortable with my experience and as if I had known them for years. Everything about the inside of wonderland bridal is magical. It is decorated so beautifully and the attention to detail of everything from the personalized sign for your fitting room to your gift bag once your purchase is made really makes the whole experience come to life. It really is a wonderland for brides that makes you never want to leave!
What was the best part of your wedding day?
Id have to say the best part was taking a moment to watch everyone during the dinner hour conversing, eating and enjoying. I was able to take in the moment of the lights twinkling around the trees and the museum, the candles flickering on the tables and the classic jazz music I had requested to be played during this time. The venue turned out better than I could have ever imagined and moved me to a different place/era in time.
Any advice to future couples currently planning a wedding?
We did not technically have a wedding planner except for the day of. Our caterer happened to be pretty amazing and helped a lot along the way and was able to contract a ton of stuff for us however if I could do it again I would hire a wedding planner throughout the entire process. I am a pretty resourceful and organized gal however there are so many options and vendors and things to consider during the planning process having someone as a foreperson for you to direct you through out who has expertise in the business seems pretty invaluable in hindsight.
Photos by Trenholm Photo
- Flowers: PCS Events
- Cake: Enchanting Creations hired through PCS Events
- Catering: PCS Events
- Entertainment: DJ Ubi hired through PCS Events
- Invitations: Minted.com
- Wedding Planner: Day of-PCS Events
- Hair: A Touch of Beauty by Lily http://www.atouchofbeautybylily.com/
- Make Up: A Touch of Beauty by Lily http://www.atouchofbeautybylily.com/
- Photographer: Austin Trenholm of Trenholm Photo https://www.trenholmphoto.com/
- Videographer: Affinity Wedding Films
- Decor: PCS Events
- Other: Voguish Photo booth