1. Real Weddings

Whitney & Michael: A Spring Wedding in Windermere, Florida

Once Mike Phillips decided to propose to Whitney Bridges -- his high school sweetheart, who he’d even “gone out” with in third grade -- there was no s

Once Mike Phillips decided to propose to Whitney Bridges -- his high school sweetheart, who he’d even “gone out” with in third grade -- there was no stopping him. “One day I just couldn’t wait any longer,” he says. On his way home from work, he called Whitney’s father to ask for his permission, then headed to his jeweler to pick up a ring. “I was so excited I knew there was no way I was waiting to arrange an elaborate proposal,” says Mike. “As soon as I opened the door, I was shouting, ‘Whitney, will you marry me?’” The Bride Whitney Bridges, 24, mortgage closing coordinator The Groom Michael (Mike) Phillips, 24, pool tiler The Date April 9 Though Mike managed to pull off the proposal in the span of a few hours, it took he and Whitne a little over a year to plan their springtime nuptials. They chose the season because of Whitney’s love of tulips, and quickly decided on a theme based on their monogram and a pink palette.

“The hardwood floors, fireplace, and tall ceilings gave us a blank canvas to decorate,” Whitney says. Shades of pink and white were everywhere, from the white linens with pink overlays, to the pedestal centerpieces of hydrangeas, snapdragons, larkspur, and roses.
The Couple
Mike is a big fan of Nintendo, so Whitney arranged for a groom’s cake created to look like an original Nintendo system.
Even though it was early in the season, the florist was able to pull together enough white peonies for Whitney’s bouquet.
The Boutonniere
“As we said our farewell, our guests lined the sidewalk with sparklers,” says Whitney. “It was amazing!”
And though pink was the color of the day, Whitney kept her own ensemble classic with a strapless Christos ivory organza gown that featured a knotted silk band at the bodice and trumpet skirt, and a cathedral-length veil.
The Cake
The Hair
The couple exchanged their vows in a historic chapel.