A Disney Wedding – Tanya & Frank

About a year ago, I met Tanya and Frank over a coffee to discuss their upcoming wedding. Just like every other meeting, I packed up my album samples and new client questionnaire, and made the trek to Starbucks! (I love meeting at Starbucks, but that’s a different post all together!) Little did I know what was in store for me! A wedding in Orlando just outside of Disney! Ummm…”HECK YA” was my answer before Tanya & Frank even asked me too! Thank goodness they did, and one year later, I found myself sitting beside Tanya and Frank (and Frank’s mom) on my way to Orlando to photograph their wedding, leaving the cold climate of Toronto!

We arrived in Orlando to hot hot weather.  But just like Toronto weather has become unpredictable, Orlando weather came crashing down about an hour after I arrived! It was almost like I brought the cold with me, packed away in my neat little suitcase, all the way from Toronto Pearson Airport!  I arrived at the Pop Century hotel, took a quick nap, showered then quickly headed out the door in my shorts and t-shirt, only to turn back around almost as fast and head back into my room. BRRRRR! I put on my jeans, a sweatshirt, and yes, I admit it, my winter coat! It was that cold!! The wind had picked up and the cold air had come blowing in.    I took one of the Disney buses to Downtown Disney and walked around for awhile enjoying the “disney-eque” of it all!

But I was there for a much grander plan! The wedding of Tanya and Frank, and what a wedding it was.  TRULY!   Tanya and Frank were married in the Boardwalk gazebo off the water at Seabreeze Point on a Saturday morning in January.  Thank goodness the weather came around, because it turned out to be a spectacular day!

Here’s Frank:

and his handsome entourage…

and his very cute entourage…

(The little one in the middle broke into a toe tapping nervous dance every time the camera was on him! It was the cutest thing! Here he is trying to hold it in, but have no fear, I did capture some toe tapping moments!)

And now the bride…Tanya was absolutely radiant, gorgeous…there just aren’t words.  Frank asked me before the wedding, “how does she look?” And I just shook my head and said…”Beautiful!”

TOLD YOU!

Tanya carried a gorgeous brooch bouquet.

Her beautiful bridesmaids!

And of course her so sweet flower girls!

We wandered over to Disney’s Boardwalk Gazebo at Seabreeze Point where the groom waited in anticipation.   I can’t help but love the look on Frank’s face here, waiting…wondering, soaking it all in.

Waiting for his bride to arrive…

After the ceremony, we just strolled along the boardwalk.   I can’t tell you how beautiful the Boardwalk Inn really is!  It’s got a definite old-world Victorian Charm to it.

We were then off  to an afternoon reception.  Which I must say, was such a great idea!! Especially if you have kids there, Tanya and Frank’s reception started at 12 and ended at 4pm.  There was a full course meal, with speeches and dancing.  Everything you would have in a traditional reception, except in the afternoon! I loved the idea!  We had a special guest stop by the reception, and just like Disney promises, he brought out the kid in everyone!! There was such a loud scream as Mickey entered the room…Let’s just say Mickey Rocked it out “Gangnam Style”

After the reception, we all journeyed back to the Pop Century while Tanya and Frank headed to their new digs as newlyweds (The Grand Floridian), but we weren’t done yet! A few hours later we boarded a bus to meet up with Frank and Tanya at Epcot Centre for a private Dessert party overlooking Epcot’s Firework show! I wasn’t allowed to take photos of guests at this party, as Disney had their own team of photographers there, but I did take some beautiful shots of fireworks!

Once fireworks were over we had some fun on the boardwalk at night.  Tanya brought her game face for the amusement park style games they have along the boardwalk…I think Frank may have dropped the ball on the watergun race? Frank the target is in front of you!!

Tanya & Frank, what an absolutely perfect wedding.  I am sure it was everything you dreamed it would be and more! Thank you for letting me be a part of it!  Mickey has left the building…