Bride & Partner: Michelle & Cory

Wedding Date: 4-3-21

Wedding Venue: The Winter Park Racquet Club

Styled by co-owner, Roberta Noronha, Michelle wears Ines Di Santo’s ‘Miranda’ to her wedding at the Winter Park Racquet Club. ‘Miranda’ is a strapless plunging sweetheart trumpet gown with soft textured skirt.

Vendors & Their Instagram Handles

Planner - @melaniepaigeevents
Photography - @28northphotography
Video - @jefferystonervideo
Venue - @winterparkracquetclub
Make Up - @glam_maru
Hair - @beforetheaisleweddings
Signage - @andimejia.co
Florals - @gatherandgracedesigns

How did you & Cory meet?

Cory and I first met when he asked me if I needed any water or coffee at a job interview. We dated for a few months under the radar but we knew it was a serious relationship from the beginning and Cory had to spill the beans.

Where was your first date?

Our first date started at The Alfond Inn where we had a drink and hung out by the fire pit. I remember there were some Titos girls giving shots and taking pictures with a polaroid and I remember Cory asking me if he could keep the picture after. So we still have a picture from our first date. Then we headed over to Prato which is still one of our favorite date night spots. We definitely bonded over our love for white linens and spaghettini.

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How did your Cory propose?

Cory bought me a trip to Nashville, TN for Christmas. He knew it was on my bucket list and we both love live music. So in Feb 2020 right before the world shut down, he surprised me and had a photographer hiding and everything. He proposed at the Parthenon a beautiful outdoor monument playing tribute to veterans which both of our fathers were. He wanted to incorporate that somehow since we both lost our fathers in very early adulthood.

What was your wedding dress shopping experience like?

My wedding dress shopping with Roberta was liking shopping with a sister. Roberta is knowledgeable and friendly while also having your back. She made sure I focused on what I wanted and not anyone else. She made great suggestions on how to style by adding the perfect belt with some glam. The first dress she pulled was the one I ended up buying she took a few photos I sent before the first meeting and absolutely nailed it. We tried on the others just to make sure, but that first one was perfection. I ended up wearing the ‘Miranda’ by Ines Di Santo

What bridal accessory was your favorite?

My favorite bridal accessory was my hair piece for sure. It was not super flashy but enough to be gorgeous timeless and a little unique, just like my dress.

What do you love most about The Winter Park Racquet Club?

I loved that it was on the lake so we got to witness a beautiful sunset! There was plenty of room for people to spread out mingle and dance but still be in the same place.

What is one thing you wish you knew before you started wedding planning?

One thing I wish I knew before starting wedding planning is to not let the little tasks building up get you stressed out. Everything has a way of working itself out in the end and if it doesn't. you still get to marry your person!

How would you describe the overall feel of your wedding?

The overall feel of our event was laid back and fun! Cory and I both wrote our own vows and were married by his uncle who had the guests both laughing and crying. We were told by many people they could really feel love in the air the whole night. We focused on shortening some longer traditional things for more dance time and I think everyone really had a great time!

What was your wedding color palette?

Our palette was peach/light pink and whites for decor. The guys wore Navy suits while the bridesmaids wore 3 different palette options in the blue grey white area. Mens suits are from Jos A Bank and Women's dresses are Bella Bridesmaids

What wedding planning advice do you have for other brides?

Try to have fun planning some of the mundane tasks. Take your list out to date night and have fun with it! Be ok with giving out tasks to those willing to help you, it can pile up quick!

Where will your honeymoon be?

We stayed at an all inclusive resort in Costa Rica for one week. We did zip lining, volcanoes ATVs and so much more. The people of Costa Rica are some of the most kind and humble people we have ever met. We loved it so much and will definitely be back one day!

What are you enjoying most about newlywed life?

We are enjoying just getting back into a normal routine and knocking out some of our financial goals! It does feel good to have that pressure off from the wedding and just enjoy our little family.