A Victorian Steampunk-Themed Wedding at the Cross Creek Ranch in Dover, Florida

Niki Koslik (29 and a speech language pathologist) and Leo Cannyn (34 and a principal project manager) were neighbors and best friends in Ybor City, Florida, before Leo popped the question on her birthday. After dating for three years, he proposed with a ring that included her birthstone. “It was important to him to include the garnet in the ring because it symbolizes friendship, the basis of our relationship,” says Nikki. They spent the next nine months planning a wedding with an alternative vintage flair. “The theme of the wedding was Victorian steampunk because we just thought it would be a ton of fun and it was!” says Nikki. With this in mind, the couple chose the Cross Creek Ranch for its variety and potential to fit the theme. Nikki and Leo filled the space with DIY accents, including paper clocks, paper fans, gears and wine bottle vases. “We wanted our guests to feel like they had gone to another world or time,” she says. Shades of red, orange and brown were spread throughout the venue as well as in the couple’s ceremony decor. Nikki and Leo said “I do” in front of a simple white chapel near the venue’s barn. Their 100 friends and family members - all dressed in Victorian steampunk-inspired outfits - watched from wooden pews lined with black dahlias, white feathers and yellow stock flowers. Afterward, they took part in an outdoor cocktail hour filled with entertainment. Lawn games, a metal car for photos and a wooden s’mores stand were available for guests to enjoy. Nikki and Leo then served a barbecue dinner, chocolate covered bacon, candied apples, cupcakes and a multi-flavored wedding cake inside the barn. Guests spent the night enjoying the festivities, taking turns in a photo booth and dancing to the couple’s soundtrack. Nikki and Leo left their reception with a sparkler send-off from friends and family.