Portraits are a big part of the story-telling process when it comes to weddings; they capture the essence of who a bride + groom are when they’re around each other. Do you swoon over those romantic images of a bride’s veil flowing in the wind while the couple is looking deep into each other’s eyes? Or do you picture yourselves laughing and playing with each other? Figuring out what style works best for you two ahead of time and making sure you’re on the same page with your photographer will help prep everyone involved prior to the big day!
We completely understand you wanting to get those ideal Pinterest photos, but the wonderful thing about Cypress Grove is that there are plenty of areas around the estate that could be perfect for you! Letting your photographer have the freedom to scope out lighting and find those intimate places will help give you more variety!
Not everyone was born to work the camera but finding a photographer who you’re comfortable with will definitely help! When you stop worrying about what your smile looks like or if your hands are funky, you can just focus on each other. Your photos will suddenly become more authentic ? Sharing inside jokes and giggling will help with those picture-perfect candid shots, or just remembering you’re marrying the love of your life will help the camera disappear!
Photo: Concept Photography
The RW Style rental collection offers a vast array of furnishings and accents that instantly elevate the experience of any gathering. So, what’s the difference between rentals and styling?
Rentals :: A rented item comes as is – delivered, placed, and retrieved by our warehouse team. You have complete creative control regarding how the item is used. Styling :: Think of styling as interior design for your event. We handle all of the design details to create a space brimming with personality & pretty.
Let’s use a cake table as an example.
The lovely lady below is Emiline, an antique secretary desk we found in mint condition. She’s the perfect rental piece for a petite cake, especially if the client is interested in vintage furniture.
Here’s where styling comes into play…
Photos: Ashley McCormick Photography
We intentionally used stone pots and urns to echo the texture and architecture of the venue. Vintage candlesticks, lush floral arrangements, and a couple of leftover lemons resulted in this lively styled cake table!
While Luxmore Grande Estate boasts some beautiful outdoor scenery it is so unique in that it is one of the few venues of its kind that can house larger events inside. The Grande Ballroom can host weddings of up to almost 200 while still feeling warm and homey. While the estate room can provide a stunning ceremony option for more intimate events, the library and double staircase offer unique backdrops.
So Much More than Four Walls
What could be more classic than a ballroom wedding? For a while it seemed indoor affairs were taking a back seat to the growing popularity of outdoor weddings. But indoor is making a come back as fashion forward brides are looking to create new trends and breathe new life into timeless backdrops.
The right space can create a sense of intimacy, elegance, and reflect personal style. Walls reflect the memories of the events they host, and what better way to celebrate with your closest friends and family than to do so in a venue that feels like home.
Photo: Ais Portraits
Find a Space & Make It Yours
Another considerable aspect of an indoor ceremony is often times you are given a great blank canvas. Sometimes with outdoor spaces it can be hard to personalize and separate it from events that have been done before. Indoor spaces offer unique opportunities for draping, hanging décor, and lighting that can be difficult without walls or a ceiling to play off of.
Particularly with Luxmore Grande, all of our unique spaces and interiors foster creativity from our couples and planners. Our chandeliers are the perfect centerpieces for ceiling drapes, while our archways look beautiful adorned with floral. The antique bar and mantles offers themselves as great conversation pieces, while the foyer is a statement as soon as your guests walk through the doors. However, even with all of this it allows our brides and grooms the ability to showcase their own tastes and visions.
Photo: KT Crabb Photography
Beautiful Rain or Shine
The last and arguably most practical reason to love an indoor space is no matter the weather your day can be stunning. Outdoor venues are gorgeous but only weather permitting. A tent is a great back up but not always the ideal look or feel the couple was initially going for.
With an indoor space you know exactly what you are getting. Especially with Florida whether it rains, or there is heat wave you know what to expect and your guests will be comfortable.
Nicole and Michael held their outdoor wedding at Cypress Grove Estate House! Featuring one of my most favorite colors – merlot! This rich hue made an appearance in their stationery suite and throughout the floral. It was even in their specialty rentals from our inventory.
Pro tip :: incorporating your color palette or a particular design into your invites gives guests a taste of what to expect at your wedding.
Our floral bestie, Lesley with Flowers by Lesley, dreamed up a simple but oh, so romantic ceremony-scape. It was complete with flowy white draping and gorgeous gazebo arrangements. Not to mention, the lovely lush garland to drape the back row of seating.
And can we talk about how gorgeous these bridesmaids bouquets are? Above all, the hanging amaranthus is the perfect touch!
The vintage rentals selected was a mix of rented sofas + chairs from our Chicago and Santa Rosa collections. They also rented farmhouse tables, crossback chairs, and copper chargers to add a pop of color. In addition to, great texture in the reception space.Pro tip :: feature a mix of traditional rounds with rustic farm tables for a unique reception look.Photos: Ais Portraits
Xoxo,
Kim
Being at an all outdoor venue, the Cypress Grove team is always prepared to help clients determine the best back-up options for their event. Every wedding is different, so we’ve got some tips to help you decide whether to tent or not to tent:
Guaranteed back-up plan :: tents are the ideal option for our clients when it comes to inclement weather. While we can accommodate receptions indoors the space is limited. A tent is the perfect solution because it allows us to accommodate larger events while keeping everything in the same space! If you’re getting married in a rainy {or cold} month, it’s wise to plan ahead and start researching your tent options early. Knowing your options will set you up for an exciting and stress-free time planning all the other details of your big day!
KV Photography
Providing shade :: Being in the Sunshine State has it’s perks – clear skies, temps in the 70’s and 80’s, and a light breeze. Clear skies are ideal for an outdoor venue like ours but it’s always nice to offer your guests the option of a covered space. Our clients, opted to reserve a smaller tent to host a comfy space with lounge furniture and cocktail tables, allowing guests the option of mingling in the shade.
Customized options :: tents have gotten a bad rep in the past for being an eyesore. That’s mainly due to lack of pre-planning and we want you to know there are SO many options out there if you start early! Tents are super versatile – we’ve seen white tops, clear tops, air conditioning, Sperry tents, the whole shebang! They can be as simple or extravagant as you want them to be =)
Jessica Perez Photography
Enhanced lighting + décor :: speaking of versatility, tents allow you add all sort of unique décor that otherwise wouldn’t be possible at an outdoor venue. Think hanging floral + greenery, romantic Edison bulbs over your head table, and more!
Just because :: Cypress Grove has a lot of event space to work with and we encourage couples to be creative with it. We’ve had couples do their ceremony in the amphitheater {typically used as a reception space} and then host dinner by the gazebo; and while we can only host tents on our grand lawn, the use for your tent is endless! Maybe you want it for an intimate dinner or so your guests have somewhere to rest after dancing the night away. Whatever is it, we always tell our couples to just “do you!” If you want to rent a tent just because, then we say go for it!
Our floral bestie, Lesley with 
