They had waited so long for this day. They had prayed for clear skies and a strong marriage, although not necessarily in that order.

Denise and Sammy were more than ready to get married — and the pastor, a lifelong family friend from Brooklyn, knew it. As they stood under the oak tree that afternoon, all their guests watching, rapt, he listened to the emotion in Denise’s voice as she repeated the vows after him. And then, for good measure, at the end of the next line, he added an emphatic, “Baby!” Denise didn’t miss a beat. “Baby!” She belted back, giving Sammy a grin. Yes, they were ready.

It was an amazing wedding — and it had to be; they had set the bar high with their sunset engagement session. For Denise, the day began at her home, with her bridesmaids and her parents — and a bedroom decked out in yellow and gray, especially decorated to coordinate perfectly with her wedding. And it was perfect!

Denise and Sammy’s yellow and gray lovebird invitations just might be my favorites ever!
Denise, you were absolutely breathtaking. And that was even before you got into your stunning gown.
Over at the groomsmen’s hotel, Sammy got a little spiffied up, too.
And then it was off to Highland Manor — where Denise got a peek at Sammy before their first look.
Up in the beautiful brides’ room, Denise’s mother and bridesmaids helped her with the finishing touches.
Once everything was in place, Denise headed down to the porch to finally greet her groom.
Have I ever mentioned that I love first looks? Maybe once or twice? And maybe because of beautiful, emotional moments like this one?
Denise and Sammy had their turn, and then we pulled the bridal party in for a few fun shots.
After a few family photos, we whisked Denise back inside before the guests arrived. Upstairs, she and her parents, sisters, bridesmaids, and pastors shared a prayer before the ceremony. It’s always one of my favorite parts of a wedding day when the bride and her bridesmaids decide to pray together as they get ready to walk to the altar.
Outside, it was the kind of beautiful day Denise and Sammy had dreamed of.
And they couldn’t have dreamed up a more beautiful setting.
Married!
While the newlyweds enjoyed their signature drinks upstairs and their guests partied to Denise’s brother-in-law’s band during the cocktail hour, we slipped into the stunning ballroom.
What a fun wedding cake! And what a tasty groom’s “cake” for Sammy . . . who doesn’t really care for cake.
Once the guests took their seats in the ballroom, Denise and Sammy made a grand entrance that I can only classify as “epic.” I mean, maybe if they had parachuted in from a hot air balloon it would have been more spectacular . . . but I have my doubts. Wedding guests, meet the Ocoee High School drum corps. Drum corps, meet one very enthusiastic pair of newlyweds!
They headed right into their first dance. And clearly, their enthusiasm hadn’t died down a bit.
After the toasts (which concluded with a sing-along of the “Friends” theme song in honor of the show Denise and her girls grew up with), it was time for my always-favorite part of the wedding day: Golden hour portraits. It was golden. Denise and Sammy looked incredible, and incredibly in love. And I’ll admit to a little heart-fluttering as we sprinted from one patch of fading sunlight to another. This was the kind of wedding day they had prayed for.
As hard as it was, we tore ourselves away from the beautiful sunset and headed back inside — where the party absolutely took off!
Kristin from Our DJ Rocks kept everyone dancing to a blend of hip-hop and salsa and Latin pop songs that made me want to dance along. (And in fact, I did. Twice I got hauled onto the dance floor by guests. Like I said, this was a party!

Even the craziest parties have to come to an end . . . 
. . . but Denise and Sammy hung around even after their guests had left. For some end-of-the-wedding magic.
You can see even more of Denise and Sammy’s wonderful wedding in their slide show, and in their PASS Gallery.

Denise and Sammy — thank you both so much for bringing us along for the adventure as you two tied the knot! We were so happy getting to know you both, so happy seeing what a joyful, Christ-centered wedding you celebrated with your family and friends, and we’re so excited to see what comes next for you both! Have a wonderful summer in New York, and we hope to see you again when you’re back in Florida!

~ Laura + Danny

Vendors:

Venue: Highland Manor
Bride’s Wedding Gown: Enzoani, purchased at The White Gown
Bride’s Reception Gown: Badgley Mischka, via Rent the Runway
Bride’s Shoes: London Rebel
Hair and Makeup: Jacquin Figueroa Morton
Matron of Honor’s Gown: Bill Levkoff
Bridemaids’ Dresses: Amsale
Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Flowers: Country Club Flowers
Catering: The Taproom at Dubsdread
DJ: Kristin from Our DJ Rocks
Lighting: Our DJ Rocks
Draping: W Drapings FL
Photobooth: Photobooth Rocks
Officiant: Rev. Joe Figueroa
Videography: Tall Like Trees
Photography: Laura Yang Photography