Wedding

Classic White and Gold Lakeland Wedding | Junior League Sorosis Building

Megan and Parker's classic Lakeland wedding was an elegant affair adorned with white flowers and cascading greenery set at a historic venue with Italian, Renaissance-style architecture that focused on the guest experience.

“We wanted our day to be classic and elegant, as we are both very classic people. There were lots of whites and bright whites to give a timeless feel and to complement the greenery and gold in the wedding,” the bride shared. “We are from Lakeland, and we loved the lake view at the venue.”

The Lakeland couple planned their April celebration in only four months and selected Carrie Wildes Photography to capture the stunning details of their big day. From the bride's family traditions to the sparkler sendoff with the final kiss of the night, every frame of love was secured.

“We wanted bright and sharp pictures and did not want a rustic or edited feel to the photos,” the bride explained. “As soon as we told our wedding planner what we wanted in a photographer, she told us about Carrie Wildes. I looked her up and fell in love with her pictures. We loved working with her!”

Megan looked timeless in a long sleeve gown with delicate lace details and an open back covered in the same intricate beading and lace. Her train featured beautiful stitchwork that cascaded behind her as she walked down the aisle where her soon-to-be husband was waiting in front of a picturesque lake backdrop. She wore a dime in her wedding shoe for good luck passed down through multiple generations of her family. Though the dime is now worn and faded, the love behind the gesture is never-ending. Before the ceremony, Megan read a handwritten note from the original owner. “My father gave me this dime to put in my slipper the night of my wedding.” Sept. 18, 1912.

The couple rented grand dĂŠcor to match their striking flower arrangements which complemented the delicate details of lace and softness throughout. The bridesmaids wore different styles of blush gowns, while the groomsmen donned classic tuxedoes. Softly lit candles at varying heights were nestled in garlands of greenery and bright white flowers. The flames danced off the dainty gold flatware alongside gold chargers with gold-framed table numbers providing an air of elegance. While the dĂŠcor gave the decadent venue an Old World feel, everything fit perfectly with the sophistication of the wedding.

Being hospitable hosts was a priority for the couple, who made sure their 102 guests enjoyed the food and entertainment. They served everything from charcuterie boards and flatbread pizza as finger foods and ended the evening with mini eclairs and macaroons for dessert. Their distinguished two-tier white cake, which was adorned with white flowers, sat atop an elegant gold stand and matched the classic theme.

“We are big foodies and wanted the food to be amazing. However, we also made sure we were able to get everyone dancing,” the bride shared.

To achieve this, Megan and Parker worked with Lakeland's premier wedding DJ, Graingertainment, who met their expectations and beyond.

“We wanted someone who would be entertaining and play what we wanted. We heard great things about Graingertainment, and we loved them! We were able to get everyone dancing!” the bride gushed.

Looking back, the bride and groom reflected on a day that showcased their personalities. The dainty details mixed with the larger-than-life architecture and floral arrangements gave them memories to last a lifetime.

“Some of the most memorable moments included our cake cutting and seeing the room all done up for the first time, but the moment I'll never forget is seeing each other while walking down the aisle,” Megan reminisced.

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Oval Solitaire White Gold Engagement Ring | White Gold Wedding Band Ideas
Classic White Ivory Vintage Lace Flower Wedding Shoe Inspiration
Classic Ivory Long Sleeve Deep V-Neckline with Lace Applique A- Line Ballgown Wedding Dress Ideas
Coral Blush Personalized Tumbler | Bridesmaids Gift Ideas
Blush Monogrammed Wedding Robes | Bridesmaids Gift Ideas
Classic Ivory Chiffon Long Sleeve Deep V-Neckline with Lace Applique A- Line Ballgown Wedding Dress Ideas
Classic Ivory Chiffon Long Sleeve Deep V-Neckline with Lace Applique A- Line Ballgown Wedding Dress Inspiration
Mismatched Pink Blush Bridesmaids Wedding Dress Inspiration
Gated Outdoor Garden Lakeland Florida Wedding Venue | Junior League Sorosis Building
Outdoor Garden Lawn Wedding Ceremony | Classic White and Gold Lakeland Venue Junior League Sorosis Building
Outdoor Garden Lawn Wedding Ceremony | Classic White and Gold Lakeland Venue Junior League Sorosis Building

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration and colors?
Classic and elegant. Bright white, green, and gold.

Classic Outdoor Lakefront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Lakeland Venue Junior League Sorosis Building
Classic Outdoor Lakefront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Lakeland Venue Junior League Sorosis Building

The Proposal:
Parker proposed in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

Bride and Groom Exchanging Wedding Vows | Classic Outdoor Lakefront Wedding Ceremony Ideas | Lakeland Venue Junior League Sorosis Building
Bride and Groom Exchanging Wedding Vows
Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Lakeland Photographer Carrie Wildes Photography

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?

We wanted bright and sharp pictures and did not want a rustic or edited feel to the photos.

As soon as we told our wedding planner what we wanted in a photographer, she told us about Carrie Wildes Photography. I looked her up and fell in love with her pictures. We loved working with Carrie!

Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Lakeland Photographer Carrie Wildes Photography

Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Disney! I love Disney and so do my bridesmaids.

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Disney, because we both love Disney!

Cascading Fireplace Flower Arrangement Inspiration | White Crysanthemums, Roses, Snapdragons, Ferns, and Eucalyptus Greenery Altar Flower Arrangement Wedding Reception Decor
Elegant, Classic White and Gold Wedding Reception Inspiration | Satin Linen, Chiavari ChairsTall Glass Vase with White Roses, Hydrangeas, and Greenery Flower Arrangement Ideas
Pillar Candle and Floating Candle Centerpieces | Gold Chargers and Flatware | Elegant White and Gold Wedding Inspiration
Tall Glass Vase Flower Stand Centerpieces | White Hydrangeas, Roses, and Greenery | Elegant Gold and White Wedding Reception Decor Ideas
Candle and Flower Centerpiece Ideas | Flameless Pillar Candles, Floating Candles, Votives | Hydrangeas, Snapdragons, Crysanthemums | Elegant Reception Decor Ideas
Wedding Reception Dinner Menu | Champagne Linen | Gold Chargers and Flatware Wedding Reception Decor Inspiration
Gold Chaivari Chairs with White Drapping and Tall Centerpieces | Elegant White and Gold Wedding Reception Ideas
Two-tiered White Buttercream Wedding Cake with Baby Rose Arrangements
Elegant White and Gold Wedding Reception Inspiration | Classic White and Gold Lakeland Wedding Venue Junior League Sorosis Building

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?

We wanted someone who would be entertaining and play what we wanted. We heard great things about Graingertainment, and we loved them! We were able to get everyone dancing!

Bride and Groom First Dance | Lakeland DJ Graingertainment
Lakeside Sunset Wedding Portrait | Lakeland Photographer Carrie Wildes Photography
Bride and Groom Private Last Dance | Lakeland DJ Graingertainment
Bride and Groom Wedding Grand Exit Sparkler Send Off

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Having a wedding planner is so helpful because they will keep the planning on track and the day of the wedding running smoothly.

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Vendor Credits

 

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.