1. Real Weddings

An Outdoor Wedding at The Glen Venue in Glen Saint Mary, Florida

Madeline Ornato (30 and a designer) and Eric Wetzel (32 and a social worker) met through her college roommate at a Florida Gator football game. Over t

Madeline Ornato (30 and a designer) and Eric Wetzel (32 and a social worker) met through her college roommate at a Florida Gator football game. Over their year long engagement, the couple planned an outdoor wedding at the Glen Venue with a natural and personal touch. “My sister had her wedding at this location a little more than a year before ours, and we just loved everything about it,” says Madeline. Her and Eric accented the space in shades of white, blue and orange. “As for the decor, I wanted a rustic yet modern feel,” she says. The couple was wed under a grand tree draped in white fabric, surrounded by 120 guests in white folding chairs. The neutral tone was reflected in the couple’s outdoor reception. Round ivory fabric covered chairs were accented with tea light candles in metallic holders, white folding chairs and fun floral centerpieces. Each arrangement included blue hydrangea, orange roses, coral tea roses and blue sea holly to complement the couple’s wedding colors. The couple's white buttercream frosted wedding cake complemented the decor with similar orange and blue flowers along each tier. Madeline, Eric and their guests spent the night enjoying southern cuisine and dancing. “We had a lot of great music, which we both love!” says Madeline.

Orange Accented White Rose Bridal Bouquet
Florida Orange Tree Branch
Outdoor Ceremony With Fabric Draped Tree
Adding a bit of family history to the day, Madeline and Eric chose the same venue where Madeline's sister said "I do" just one year prior.
Each bridesmaid carried a colorful bouquet of green hydrangea, orange hypericum berries, orange roses, blue sea holly, orange carthamus and orange protea wrapped in a navy blue ribbon.
Madeline's bridesmaids chose their own dress for the wedding based on the couple's orange and navy color palette.
The bride wore an ivory Vera Wang for David’s Bridal mermaid wedding dress with ruching around the waist that flowed into a tiered skirt. “I felt it was simple yet modern,” says Madeline.
The couple complemented each orange linen cocktail table with a silver vintage style lantern and low floral arrangement. Each accent included orange roses, orange carthamus, blue sea holly and white hydrangeas in a silver vase.
During the cocktail hour, Madeline's parents surprised the couple with live music. "This was very special as they had an accordion player at their wedding over 30 years ago," says Madeline.
Alongside one rustic family-style table, the couple set round reception tables covered in ivory linens. Each was accented with colorful arrangements that resembled the bridesmaids' bouquets.
The couple set each round reception table with an arrangement of blue hydrangea, blue sea holly, orange roses, coral tea roses and greenery.
Single Rustic Family-Style Reception Table
The couple chose a white buttercream frosted confection from For the Love of Cake with strawberry ganache filling. It was topped with orange roses and orchids on each tier as well as blue sea holly and orange carthamus.
Madeline and Eric’s First Dance