A Rustic Wedding at Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach, Florida

Alison Bartolucci (23, an elementary school teacher) and Nicolas (Nick) Ellis (24, a graphic designer) met at their church when Alison came home from college. By the time school started again, they were in a long distance relationship. Nick proposed on their second anniversary in the same park where they first said “I love you.” Before he proposed, Nick sang to Alison while he played his guitar, she says. After he finished, he brought out the ring. Nick and Alison were wed a year and a half later at Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach, Florida. “I had always wanted a garden wedding, and this unique spot was nestled right in our hometown,” says Alison. The couple had an outdoor ceremony surrounded by 100 friends and family members. Letting the natural atmosphere serve as their main decor, Alison and Nick accented their ceremony space with white chairs, baby’s breath along the aisle and a simple white arch covered with baby’s breath. A classical guitarist played during the cocktail hour. “It set the mood for the evening,” says Alison. Each guest found his or her seat for the reception with the help of reclaimed glass door seating chart. Family style exposed wood tables were set with wooden chairs, mason jars, white framed table numbers and antique glass vases filled with white flowers. After a buffet style dinner, each guest enjoyed a night of dancing, chocolate and white flavored wedding cake and personalized favors.