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Wedding photographer, Meche Ausina, is a lover of all things unique, and has captured plenty of beautiful moments at Cypress Grove. She’s scoured the grounds for her 5 favorite photo-worthy locations, and she’s here to share them with you!
Okay so, The OBVIOUS locations are the ceremony space, lakeside and front entrance of the house… DUH! Everyone knows that those are the creme of the creme… However, I’d love to highlight other spaces I think are so cute and special!
Here we Gooo!!
1 . The Bridal Suite
It’s bright, airy and spacious. It is one of the best lit spaces inside of the property which is so helpful especially on a rainy day in which we need to find creative spots to photograph our couples by themselves or with their loved ones.
2. The Sidewalk Next to the Entrance Door
There is something about the way the sun sits that makes this spot have the yummiest light and the direction in which the sidewalk goes creates a “continuum” in the eye of the person looking at the photos.
3. Amongst the Mossy Trees
This is the best way to make everyone believe you’re hanging out in an enchanted forest with your love! SO DREAMY!
4. In Front of the Oak Trees
My favorite time to shoot in this spot is RIGHT AFTER the Sun Sets… The atmosphere fills with this gorgeous “cotton candy” hue that is just so romantic for the couple and gives off a lovely warmth to the complexion of our couple! Plus, these trees create such a cool “linear” effect that is just truly pleasing to the eye!
5. The DANCEFLOOR
Ahhhhh can you say STUNNING!?! Just look at this LIGHTING… It’s warm, it’s hazy (in the best possible way), and the market lights are just the cherry on top!
Let’s face it, Florida weather is fickle AF! – it’s sunny one minute and raining the next. We totally get it, you booked Cypress Grove Estate House because of the gorgeous tree-lined street and lakeside gazebo. Let’s us not forget about dancing under the market lights 😉
All of that sounds lovely, until… RAIN shows up!
How should you prepare and protect your investment? Reserve a tent! Tents are the only back-up plan for rain. Now, now before you roll your eyes or tell us about the historical data you pulled up on Google. Humor us a bit and read through the top 5 tips, to consider, when reserving your tent:
Size matters! The size of the tent should account for the total experience of the wedding. The food, décor, bar, dinner service, and maximum guest count.
The add-ons. Yes, the costs can add up fast but so can the stress of not preparing for things such as side walls, lighting, flooring, dance floors, etc.
Type of tent. Make sure the type of tent ordered compliments, not only your style, but the season as well. A clear span tent in summer months = green house (without air-conditioning)
Logistics. Remember: you’ve only rented the facility for a day. Therefore, everything you’re planning needs to be installed and removed the same day.
When to reserve. NOW. The industry is experiencing an influx in events and weddings. Due to this, dates are selling out faster than normal. By waiting until the month/week of to confirm your tent, you’ll likely experience difficulties in booking a reliable company or find yourself having to settle for whatever is left in stock.
Tents don’t have to be an eyesore; they can be a gorgeous addition to the wedding experience and often times even lend to the comfort of you and your guests {whether it’s to shield from rain and wind or keep heat in during colder months}! Oftentimes, the tent is designed as the main attraction!
With a little draping here and there, some floral, and ambiance lighting, you can make a tent look like it was part of the plan from the get-go instead of a last minute back-up option.
Whether you a pre-planner who already has every detail in place or you have never thought about wedding planning until he popped the question, don’t worry because our venue management team has some easy tips for making the most of your wedding venue tour with us at Cypress Grove Estate House & Luxmore Grande Estate.
The venue is {typically} the first stop on your wedding planning journey. Once you secure the site, your location and venue are set in stone and everything else can start falling into place. It’s important to note that popular venues book quickly in prime months and popular dates; make sure not to procrastinate!
1) Discuss Details & Budget! Since the venue is generally the first step in wedding planning, it is a good idea to try to sit down with your fiancé and family to discuss preliminary details and the wedding budget. This will help you decide what style and price-range of venues to inquire with, and also makes it easier to know what questions to ask when touring.
The two essential details to decide on prior to your venue tour are wedding date and budget! A venue maybe stunning but if it is out of your price range, you need to be able to make a decisive decision on price. Also you need to decide if you are flexible on date, or if the venue is unavailable if that is grounds to keep looking?
Other important details to note would be your guest count (as some venues have limited capacity). Make sure the maximum capacity allows for an inclement weather backup plan. Afterall, this is Florida 😉
*Pro Tip – Be open to touring a variety of venue styles! Who knows, you might surprise yourself and fall in love with something different than your original idea or vision.
2) Make sure to schedule an appointment for your site visit! Every venue will have different schedules and ways of handling tours. Making sure you schedule an appointment ensures the venue will be available when you would like to view it, and there will also be someone available from the venue staff to show you around, discuss packages, and details with you. If you opt to walk-in to a venue without an appointment you risk the venue being closed for an event, or not having anyone able to assist you on your tour.
*Pro Tip – Reach out to the venue staff prior to your visit and probe them for information, or even ask for an estimate prior to touring that way you can discuss your day more in-depth during the tour. The more information you give the venue, the more they can help you during your site visit.
3) Ask Important Questions & Take Notes! This does not mean you have to bring a full on wedding binder (even those these can be extremely helpful in the planning process!). When your tour appointment finally comes it is a great idea to bring a list of questions, or a checklist of important amenities you are looking for in a venue.
Every venue is very different in their pricing and packaging so bringing a new checklist for each tour will help you to remember to ask consistent questions for all, and make sure you are getting the information that matters to you. Plus once all your tours are complete you can use the checklists and notes to compare each venue on paper before making your final decision.
*Bring a wedding planner binder and/or notebook with you to the tour. This way you can have questions already listed on paper ready to ask and an easy way to document the answers. Plus many times you will receive pricing information during your tour and this way you can file it away to review later. Haven’t found the right planning notebook yet? Check out our shop, Miscellaneous Market, for some cute options!
4) Remember to have fun! Often times wedding planning can get stressful, but it is important to remember the real reason you are planning this joyous occasion to begin with! Remember to have fun while planning and try not to stress the little things. Booking a reputable venue, and wedding vendors will help ensure your day is beautiful and stress free!
Good luck venue hunting, let us know if we can help!
The gazebo at Cypress Grove Estate House is so versatile and easy to decorate! Something as simple as swapping out the standard garden chairs with the luxurious feeling Sand Louis Chairs. It’s a chic upgrade to this lakeside ceremony space.
The neutral color palette of the chairs makes it a breeze to style and design around.
Details + Decor
Flowers by Lesley did an amazing job adding pops of color to the ceremony space. The hues of pink and greenery was the perfect touch, wouldn’t you agree?!
This side view – Y A S S S!!
Have you seen the new Prescott Tables? They look great with the sand chairs 😉
In case you didn’t already know, we’re design junkies 😉 We love working with clients and their vendors to create an atmosphere + aesthetic for their special day!
Creating a cohesive look is one of the most important aspects of any event. Think about it… even if you + your gal pals are heading to brunch or planning the next girl’s night out, you stalk all the hot spots in town on social media. And we bet you’ll choose the one that has the best overall aesthetic! We all want those insta worthy pics, right!? The same goes for your wedding – creating an atmosphere pulls everything together and gets you those gorgeous pics you’ve been dreaming of!
One of the most important details in creating an atmosphere is – you guessed it, lighting! The right lighting can make your guests feel relaxed and even excited + energized. Think romantic market lighting + candles for an evening meal and then get those guests dancing with fun, color uplights!
These enhancements can take a space from drab to fab in seconds, and create the aesthetic you’re looking for. So, if the question comes to mind, whether or not to add that extra string of market lights or perfectly placed up-lights behind your sweetheart table… we say “Go for it!” You’re going to look your best, so give your event space the glow up it deserves!
If you haven’t noticed, tropical decor has kind of become {one of} our things. 😉 We feature tropical wedding foliage in all of our living walls, and love incorporating it into our other styling services! It can be tricky if you don’t have the right vendor team, and we’ve got our florist partner sharing some of her tricks of the trade!
What are the best tropical flowers and plants for weddings?
I love protea, not a secret there. It can either have a tropical look or a boho vibe. They’re a large flower and really you can just use one for a bridesmaids bouquet with an accent of small filler flowers and foliage, or make a dramatic bridal bouquet with several additional flowers.
Orchids are a classic tropical flower. Cymbidiums are usually mixed with roses or hydrangeas in a classic, neat style, and the gorgeous phalaenopsis make some of the most beautiful cascade bouquets on their own. They are more expensive but so beautiful and just a few stems make a statement.
What are some unique ways to incorporate these into the wedding design?
Tropical wedding foliage alone can make a gorgeous bouquet with various shades of green and variegated with colours such as pink and reds. They are so versatile and would make for a different look. And, of course, tropical foliage makes fabulous foliage walls!
Clear glass cylinders can also be lined with foliage, camouflaging stems and giving a crisp clean look.
What’s the best time of year to use tropical foliage + flowers?
Tropical flowers are pretty much available all year round. It really depends where they come from as to the price, but we’re fortunate to have nurseries here in Central Florida.
Micro-weddings are nothing new for us! We’ve been handling them for years, but simply refer to them as an intimate wedding.
Intimates are on the rise, and we’re expecting an even larger increase this year. Couples wanting to say “I do” in front of their closest friends and family members (24 or less) can host an intimate wedding at Luxmore Grande or Cypress Grove. Our Intimate Ceremony Package is designed with ease and cost in mind. Here’s what’s included:
2-hour venue rental, wedding coordination, photographer, officiant, ceremony music, flowers, cake and a champagne toast.
Here’s what you really want to know: the cost is $2,495.
While our venues are known for hosting large weekend weddings, there are perks to hosting an intimate weekday wedding.
Say "I Do" Sooner
Finding an open weekday is easier than finding an open Saturday during your month of choice. Plus, travel logistics are easier to work out for smaller groups! Creating the perfect vendor team also isn’t an issue since they’re part of the cost of our package!
Location, Location, Location
Having a small wedding doesn’t mean you have to give up a beautiful venue and the photos of your dreams. Hosting your intimate wedding ceremony at Luxmore or Cypress Grove guarantees a luxury location for you and your guests! Enjoy endless backdrops for photos and mingling!
Continue the Celebration after Your Intimate Wedding
Once you and your guests say “cheers” with champagne and cake, take the celebration out on the town! Schedule a private dinner at a local restaurant, head to the parks, or start your honeymoon early!
Everyone deserves a stunning wedding, and whether your guest count is 10 or 200, we’re here to help you make it happen!
There is something so magical about sunsets. They instantly create the perfect backdrop for a lakefront ceremony and amp up the romance for an already romantic occasion. Cypress Grove Estate, a gorgeous historic venue built in 1925, offers some of the prettiest sunsets we’ve seen in Central Florida. With Cypress tree lined streets and Spanish Moss, this venue provides the perfect setting for your sunset wedding in the heart of Orlando.
Sunset weddings offer your photographer the opportunity to take advantage of “golden hour”. Golden Hour is when the sun is low in the sky and produces a soft golden glow which makes for FABULOUS photos. The red-yellow hue of the sun’s position makes the skin look warmer rather than neutral or cold; HELLO instant tan! When does the magic happen? 45 minutes before and the 15 minutes after sunset! Fun fact: it’s the opposite for sunrise so brunch weddings can still take advantage of this time 😉. If you want to know how to take advantage of golden hour for your special day, Cypress Grove Estate makes it easy. We always try to time your ceremony so you’ll get the perfect lighting for photos as the sun dips down over Lake Jessamine. Saying your vows as the sun sets is a no-brainer!
What’s more romantic than a sunset wedding? A lakeside, sunset wedding at Cypress Grove, of course! Everything about Nicole + Sean’s soiree was just so dreamy!
Flowers by Lesley decked the gazebo out in a stunning floral garland and the couple had a very special moment during their lakeside ceremony – Florida native butterflies were released in memory of loved ones 😭
The biggest hurdle for their sunset wedding was definitely the chance of rain. The couple opted to have a tent set up, just in case, and boy was it a lifesaver! While it did rain the morning of, thankfully the weather cleared and the ceremony + reception took place as planned. We never let a tent go to waste, though; guests mingled and nibbled on a delectable charcuterie display under the tent during cocktail hour {our foodie hearts are swooning}!
Guests were treated to a glass of champagne upon entering the reception space, and then feasted on a delicious plated meal! A late-night bite of pizza + burgers made an appearance, giving guests the chance to refuel after dancing the night away! Oh, and don’t forget about that cake – definitely non-traditional, but oh-so-delicious!
While the Grove House may be the hidden gem of Cypress Grove Park, the Estate House is by far the crown jewel 😉 While it has many features that set it apart, often our couples are drawn to the venue because of the lakefront gazebo. Nestled on Lake Jessamine, with the sun setting behind you, so many couples have exchanged forevers underneath the gazebo. The space can be personalized and dressed up to fit every style, color or theme you are hoping for, making it a picturesque ceremony backdrop.
The Gazebo
Standing beautifully even on its own, our couples do love to enhance the space with floral, draping or personal features to create a one-of-a-kind ceremony backdrop. Need some inspiration of your own? Take a look at some of our favorite ways to dress up the gazebo!
Photo: The Hendricks
Draping
Looking for a simple way to create a soft and romantic feel? Add some draping! It’s a popular addition for most our couples and you can choose from a variety of colors and style it like curtains or wrap it around the posts. White draping pairs beautifully with our garden chairs and those can be accented with hints of greenery and floral as well!
When it comes to floral, we’ve seen couples pair arrangements for a symmetrical look, while others opt for a statement piece in the center or side of the gazebo. Looking for more drama? Add aisle décor or chair swags! Lanterns and glass votives down the aisle add a little extra something to the space, while a runner of foliage along the back of your chairs gives the space definition.
Hoping for something one of a kind? Incorporate key elements from your culture, your faith or the latest trend you can’t get out of your head! These brides took the space from a blank canvas and elevated it to be as unique as they are!
The gazebo remains a transformative space on the Estate House grounds and is yours to enhance how you please. Some couples choose to have it stand on its own. A clean, white slate surrounded by sun-kissed water and Spanish moss-draped trees. It’s a one-of-a-kind setting that is truly one of the most romantic places to say “I do”. Can you see your forever starting here?
Always dreamed of hosting your celebration in a quaint southern cottage with a lakefront view? Just a short, drive past Cypress Grove Estate House lies the Grove House, a charming venue for intimate events. Equipped with a welcoming front porch and fenced-in water, garden the Grove house is sure to delight your guest!
Let’s explore one of Cypress Grove’s best-kept secrets!
Beckoning from the front porch are classic white rockers, just waiting for you to take a seat, kick back, and relax! If you can make it past the breathtaking views of Lake Jessamine and the soothing sounds of nature, you‘ll enter into a surprisingly versatile event space. Complete with tables, chairs, and even a kitchenette, the Grove House features all the basics of a great event room. The main event space, known as the Valencia Room, boasts lots of windows, allowing lovely natural light into the space. It also features a nook perfect for showcasing a dessert or gift table!
The Grove House is ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, and other social gatherings, and it even allows for outside catering! The neutral color palette allows you to personalize the space, but still boasts enough character to stand on its own.
Included in the hourly rental of the Grove house are nine 48″ tables, three 8′ tables, and 50 banquet chairs (linen not included). Two private restrooms, a refrigerator and freezer combo, and a kitchenette (perfect for food prep and storage) are all included in the hourly rental of the venue. The space even features a backyard water garden, a great place to set up a bar or cocktail tables to expand the space.
We’d love to see the creative ways in which you’ll utilize the space! Contact our team to book your tour today!
You’ve planned. You’ve prepared… but have you really? The best way to prepare for rainy day weddings is to plan for a 100% chance of rain and take advantage of the setting, especially at unique all-outdoor venues, like Cypress Grove Estate House.
Rainy day weddings are often the biggest fear you’ll face, but it’s also the luckiest! It’s said to be good luck, signifying that your marriage will last. After all, a knot that becomes wet is hard to untie, so apply this towards your marriage and it’ll be just as hard to unravel!
So what can you do to prepare for rain on wedding day?
Check the forecasts. Weatherman predicting some showers? Why not give out umbrellas?
Keep your guests in the loop. Share normal weather conditions on your wedding website and let guests know ahead of time you’ve reserved an all-outdoor venue.
Work with your vendors. They prepare for rain just like you do so they’ll be paying extra attention to the forecast and you!
Use the lighting to your advantage! Photographers often prefer overcast days, plus it gives you an excuse to cuddle under an umbrella (there’s a reason some of the best kissing scenes in the movies take place in the rain). Just think about Allie and Noah – how romantic! The Notebook has set expectations high 😉
The best advice for your rainy-day insurance plan? Reserve a tent!
Reserving a tent ensures every little detail you planned, plus your guests, stay dry and comfortable. I like to think of tents as an outdoor ballroom that create a lovely backdrop! Clear tents allow you to view the surroundings you fell in love with and white tents give photographers the perfect blank canvas! Which is your favorite?
Reserving your tent ahead of time gives you the peace of mind needed to ensure that if a rain shower does sneak into the forecast, you don’t have last-minute anxiety about reserving something. And while rain on your wedding day is never the plan, the reality is, it happens. And if it does, staying positive and knowing you’ve prepared will be a sure way no stress creeps in on your special day. If it does rain, tents can be dressed up and personalized, and let’s be real, absolutely stunning!
This time last month, the RW Events team was in final prep mode for our first client appreciation event! The event took place just before school started as a last summer hoorah, and to thank our clients for trusting us with their events. Confirming vendors, sending out reminders, and finalizing all the little details was a major fête and our team pulled everything together flawlessly!
Our pals, Evelyn and Kerline (of Joie de Vie Events), helped Amaris man the welcome desk while Alecia and Megan got in on the fun 😉
From photo booths to caricature artists and specialty performers, we had a little something for everyone! Past and current clients also enjoyed carnival games + rides, tasty treats, and amazing giveaways from Miscellaneous Market and some of our vendor pals.
The day ended with a friendly game of tug-of-war between clients and the RW Events team! Can you guess who won?
Getting Ready Moments at the Cypress Grove Estate House
The Cypress Grove Estate House Bridal Suite, aka the room of perfection! Where bridal portrait dreams come to life and every bride gets to dress in the delicate and romantic room of her dreams. Natural light floods the space, highlighting each unique piece of antique furniture curated to complete the room. The fainting couch has to be my personal favorite spot ? Between the mirror adorned walls, provincial fireplace, and delicate floral accents, you will find endless photo opportunities along with the ideal spot for getting ready on your big day!
Let those closest to you share in the getting ready experience and assist with the final touches to make your bridal look complete! You won’t want to fasten those shoes yourself, ladies! If you ask Mom, Grandma, your sister, best friend or whoever may be sharing in the moment with you, this will be the most special to them! The suite becomes the backdrop as you transform into the bride you’ve always dreamed of being. Just wait until your fiancé sees you! Better yet…wait till Dad sees you! Cue the tears!
The first look with dad gets me every time! There is something so incredibly special about a father or a special man in your life seeing you as a bride for the first time. His little girl is all grown up and the tears are from a place of happiness and joy as well as a slight sadness knowing he now has to share you. The bridal suite may be the perfect backdrop for fun moments, but the room also holds so many incredible memories such as like the one shared above, the make the room the true treasure of the house.
Not to get too emotional on you but it’s so true! Then again, prior to seeing dad, you must show your girls just how incredible you look, after all, they have been your biggest support, oohing and awing from the time to first went shopping to seeing the dress arrive on wedding day.
Pop some bubbly, snap a pic for the gram and celebrate the love you share as a group of friends!
And who could forget about the little details or private moments that you’ll be so thankful to have captured? Insert all the heart eye emojis!
Aside from the inevitable incredible images, our brides love that there is a private space all to their own on wedding day. Especially with the sunroom located adjacent for hair and makeup, the space remains cool and calm and makes for the perfect escape when you need a moment to retreat and just breathe. The day will absolutely fly by despite the getting ready part dragging on. Why not celebrate and surround yourself with the ladies (and gents) that support you in the ideal feminine and delicate space fit for any bride!?
Can you picture it? Slipping into the gown you’ve always imagined. Reading a note from the one you love just moments before heading down the aisle….yea, I’m the hopeless romantic on the team here, but if you’re gushing over the room as I do, come and see for yourself just how beautiful the suite is!
Bridal portraits are some of the most important images of your wedding. The day will fly by, but your portraits will last a lifetime. Portraits capture the emotions and unseen moments and give couples a life long reminder of the bond they share.
Every venue has those picture perfect locations for portraits, but there’s just something so magical about shots captured at Cypress Grove. Maybe it’s the southern charm and the lakeside sunsets ?
“Golden Hour” at Cypress Grove is ? For those of you who aren’t up-to-date on their photography lingo, golden hour is that time just before the sun fully sets, when the light is soft, glowy, and oh so romantic! It’s the perfect time to capture images on the tree-lined drive or along the shores of Lake Jessamine.
Oh, and not all of your bridal portraits have to be focused on you as a couple. Take some time to get shots on your own, like the image of our bride above from Miranda Grey!
Y’all know we love a good portrait, especially those that show off our gorgeous Estate House and stunning grounds! There are SO many hidden gems around Cypress Grove that create beautiful backdrops for those picture perfect, and let’s be real, cheesy romantic moments we all love! Have you had a chance to stroll thru the park recently? Take a scroll through some of our favorite hidden gems here at Cypress Grove !
The Rose Garden
Private moments and quick kisses can always be found in our Rose Garden. Nestled on the front lawn, the garden boasts vibrant blooms creating our very own secret garden. Special shout out to Orange County Parks & Recreation for keeping our roses blooming year round ? Need a great first look spot? Look no further than the Rose Garden!
The Sun Room
Our Sun Room is often bustling with bridesmaids getting dolled up. Once the time comes for the quiet before a ceremony, you’ll find our brides basking in the natural light, often taking a peek at her groom through the window. It’s actually my favorite room inside the Estate! Do you see the gorgeous lighting!? It also gives our brides the chance to overlook all the event spaces and watch the big day unfold. There is nothing quite like a room reveal to see your hard work in action, but imagine watching your guests react to the beauty of the water behind the gazebo or seeing your groom take a walk down the aisle.
Around the Grounds
Around the Estate you’ll find various settings for that perfect photo opp! The Garden Trellis, Archway, and Bridge are all private spots our couples venture to… can you blame them?
We all know the grounds are surrounded by cypress trees and moss dripped oaks, but if you are destined to capture all the dense greenery surrounding Lake Jessamine, the options are endless! The various flora and fauna are ever-changing and reflect the season of your big day! You should see the magnolias blooming right now!
Need the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Come visit us at Cypress Grove! Where the possibilities are endless and always beautiful!
One of the things our couples love most about Cypress Grove is the Old Florida feel which is so hard to find anymore, especially in Orlando! Once surrounded by orange groves, we wanted to play into that old Florida citrus plantation feel and use the Estate’s surroundings to complement that aesthetic.
With the sunlight reflecting off gorgeous Lake Jessamine, golden rays project stunning shades of pinks and oranges which we wanted to capture in the showcased floral. The house itself stands beautifully in a crisp white with emerald green shutters to accent so the same palette was used for our linens and candy buffet. We wanted to show our couples the very landscapes they fell in love with could be implemented into their wedding day details.
We focused on rentals that our couples love to see – a unique dessert display, wood elements, and rustic chairs to complement. Our emerald buffet was the perfect accent piece to Florida Candy Buffet’s colorful display. Our Wesley farm tables and matching French Country Chairs added the southern elegance our couples love and paired wonderfully with our linen covered Captain’s tables! Incorporating two table styles adds such a fun design element 😉
We’ve hosted hundreds of weddings between Luxmore Grande Estate and Cypress Grove, but something we’ve never done is a real talk series with our couples. We’ll be sharing insights into the wedding planning process, what couples are looking for, and more! First up, Jessica + Trent and their lakeside garden wedding ?
How did you meet?
Trent and I met working at the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the summer of 2016. When we met I really only wanted to be his friend but one night he asked me to go to Taco Bell with him after work and the rest was history… 🙂 We got engaged on Panama City Beach in December 2017 and I knew I didn’t want to wait long to get married. September 22nd was our date and even a 10 month engagement felt like the longest!
Were there any traditions you wanted to incorporate? It was very important to me to find little ways to honor my parents and grandparents. I wore my mom’s earrings she wore on her wedding day, my grandmother’s bracelet she bought when she was visiting my mom when she was in college, and then in my shoe was a “six-pence” that my grandma wore on her wedding day, my mom wore on hers, and now I’ve worn on mine. I’ve always had the best examples of love in my life and honoring them was important to me. We also had Trent’s dad marry us, a dream we had had since we first started dating.
What made you choose Cypress Grove as your venue? I had been researching venues way before we got engaged and found pictures of Cypress Grove on Pinterest. I was over the moon when I found out it was in Orlando. I always wanted an outdoor wedding and the amphitheater was absolutely dreamy. The first day we visited, I never wanted to leave. Trent always commented on how romantic it felt and when you were there you totally stepped away from the busy Orlando life.
Were there any challenges you faced in the planning process? The biggest challenge we faced was whether or not to rent a tent. I was digging my heels so far into the ground on renting one. I fell in love with Cypress because of the outdoor amenities. Renting a tent and potentially have the wedding under the tent crushed me. We ended up renting a tent because this is Florida, rain is inevitable and I trusted the team to make it look just as beautiful underneath if it needed to be. My wedding was during hurricane season and it didn’t rain a drop on the day!
Photos :: The Hendricks
Any tips you’d like to share with engaged couples? Do everything together!! Trent was with me for every single meeting. First visit to the venue all the way to our final meeting for floral. We talked everything through and he helped me find so much peace throughout the process. Also, we made a super last minute addition to have a photo booth and it turned out to be one of the best activities for our guests. It was a great way for us to look back at the night through our guest’s eyes.
Last tip ? if you’re wondering if you should have a wedding planner you ABSOLUTELY should. Wedding planners have different packages to meet your needs but I wouldn’t have been able to have the wedding of my dreams without our planner, Bonny. She took every little dream I had and made it a reality. Wedding planners know the industry and think of things that you probably haven’t even thought of.
We absolutely loved working with Cypress Grove Estate House. The staff was so friendly and truly made our day more beautiful than we could’ve ever imagined.
Seeing our couples featured in magazines and wedding blogs will never get old. It’s so fun seeing their excitement about sharing their wedding planning journey with other couples! Our Cypress Grove bride + groom, Liesl & Richie, were featured on Orange Blossom Bride last week and we’re thrilled to share their classic navy and white wedding with you! A little snippet from their post:
“Liesl was a hostess. Richie was a busboy. They met working together during college, and their restaurant romance blossomed when they hit it off at a party. For their fifth dating anniversary, Richie took Liesl to Savannah, GA and filled the trip with surprises – not the least of which was a ring! Liesl wanted to marry at an old estate house or mansion, and Richie wanted to tie the knot by a lake. With it’s southern charm and waterfront view, Cypress Grove Estate House was the perfect venue for them!”
We’ll admit it – blogging our events is something we need to get better with. Why not start with a few of our favorite events over the past couple of years! First up, Melissa + Jen’s hip wedding reception.
These ladies were some of the coolest we’ve worked with in a long time. Between their taste in fashion, floral, music and food – I felt a personal invite to the wedding would have been acceptable since we were long lost friends 🙂
Random: Can you believe this image below was taken at Cypress Grove Estate House? We love when photographers capture the property’s uniqueness. I’m sure you’re wondering where this is located – it’s to the left of the gazebo, along the path, past the trees… (sounds like fairy tale directions, huh ;))
Getting Ready/The First Look
Back to their wedding – Let’s start by breaking all the traditions! Not only did they see each other prior to the ceremony, they got ready together at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Watching Melissa and Jen, through the lens of Gian Carlo Photography, help each other with hair, makeup, polish and everything in between was so heart warming and exciting. The love these ladies have for each other is a pure joy to witness.
The Wedding Party
It was inevitable that their wedding party would be just as cool as them – these ladies and gents exude a cool and confident demeanor. Their personalities were reflective, not only in the dresses and ties they wore, but the floral bouquets and boutonnieres too. Oh, and did you notice the bride’s bouquets and how uniquely different they are.
Ain’t no party like a Cypress Grove party, cause a Cypress Grove party don’t stop (until 10pm, that is – silly noise ordinance). Not only was the music a priority, the decor was at the top of the list too. They layout included a couple of vintage social lounges (complete with cigars), family style seating, and so many little details.
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!
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 
