Lakeside wedding at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, Florida

Congratulations Spencer and Michael!

Sometimes, things do not always go as planned. For Spencer and Michael, this seemed to be the case from the beginning! While hanging out at Panera Bread in Tulsa, OK, ready to board a plane back to Alabama the next morning, Spencer had no plans except to eat her delicious food and pack her carry-on, but the universe thought otherwise. Instead, she met the love of her life and her future husband that day. Keep reading to learn about Spencer and Michael’s unique engagement that went from plan A, to plan B, to, you guessed it, plan C, and so much more about this happy couple!

Spencer + Micheal

Event Type & Location:  Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, Florida

Event Date: 3/14/2020

Vendors & Their Instagram Handles: 

Venue: Isleworth Country Club (@isleworthgcc)
Planning: Michele Butler (@michelebutlerevents)
Photography: Josh and Rachel Best Photography (@joshandrachel)
Floral: Lee Forrest Design (@leeforrest_)
Beauty: About Face Design Team (@aboutfacedesignteam)
Wedding Dress Retailer: The Bridal Finery (@thebridalfinery)
Wedding Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier

How did you & your partner meet? : I was in my second semester of grad school visiting my brother in Tulsa, OK over Thanksgiving break. I was studying in a Panera Bread and in walks Michael. We had an enjoyable conversation, then I explained I head back to Birmingham, AL the next morning, and likely would never see him again (but would love to stay in touch as friends!). He asked me on a date that night and the rest is history!

Where was your first date? : Andolini’s Pizzeria in Tulsa, OK

How did your partner propose? : It was Labor Day Weekend and I was visiting my best friends in Birmingham, AL completely unsuspecting of seeing Michael as he said he was at a work conference for most of the weekend. He had planned on proposing at The Vulcan (a beautiful overlook of downtown Birmingham) but his flight kept getting delayed! Meanwhile, my best friends were trying to keep me busy while plans kept changing. His third backup plan was to propose at the Redmont Hotel on a rooftop bar at sunset. I opened the door, turned to my left, and saw my handsome man waiting for me with champagne and a huge bouquet of flowers. It was the biggest, happiest surprise of my life!

What was your dress shopping experience like? : My dress shopping experience was nothing shy of amazing. My stylist, Tali took the time to get to know me, my style, and what I envisioned myself wearing on my wedding day. I felt so special to have one-on-one time! It’s no surprise she placed me in the most perfect dress.

What did you wish you knew before you started wedding planning?: That’s a hard question! The planning process honestly was so easy thanks to my wedding planner, Michele (Butler). I made sure to keep an open mind and be flexible in my expectations.

Where was your wedding? What did you decide on that space?: We got married at Isleworth Country Club. The ceremony was on the lawn, with a reception following in the ballroom. I always wanted a ceremony overlooking the beautiful lakes of Orlando but also wanted a reception indoors. Isleworth was perfect!

What's your favorite memory from your event? : It’s hard to pick just one!! I don’t want to be cliché in saying our first dance was the most memorable, but it truly was. Dancing with the love of my life, in a room filled with family and friends who love us dearly was so humbling and truly a wonderful moment.

What is a 'must-have' for brides on the wedding day?: A good speaker to listen to music while getting ready!

How would you describe the overall feel of your event? : Simple yet elegant.

What wedding planning advice do you have for other brides? : Try to be flexible in your expectations! Be confident in your decisions and vision. Also, I never thought I *needed* a wedding planner, but I am so glad we made room in our budget for Michele. She made the whole wedding planning process enjoyable.

Where was your honeymoon? : We were supposed to go on a cruise but that was canceled thanks to COVID-19! We decided to do a few nights at a hotel resort in Clearwater Beach, FL.