Ebony and Michael’s wedding was just like them, the perfect combination of elegance and fun. After proposing to his soulmate, the person who made him complete, the couple decided to wed at Rosen Shingle Creek, an incredible resort in Orlando, in front of 100 of their closest friends and family. Peruse this grand affair with photos by Tab Mccausland Photography.
Tell us how you met…
My first memory of Michael is from Organic Chemistry lab. Flirtatiously I asked for his number so the we could “help each other with assignments.” He told me in a not-so-flirtatious way to “please not text him” because he didnt have unlimited text messages. (Anyone who knows Michael knows how serious he was about this lol) Needless to say, at that moment I would never have imagined the wonderful friends we would become. Over the years we became closer and closer. I guess exams and late night study groups have a way of bringing people together. One day I admited to him that I had a crush. He seemed shocked but from that moment on we were inseparable. Even in times when the realtionship faltered, our friendship never did. Through thicks and thins, ups and downs, backs and forths, Michael stayed by my side and eventually we landed on solid ground and I must say…there’s no place I would rather be.
Now for the proposal… details!
Trying to figure out how to propose to Ebony was very difficult. I knew I couldn’t surprise her because she is way too smart for that. She always knows what I am thinking before I think of it. I didnt want it to be a big show, or something corny that you see in every movie or on TV. It was especially hard because the one person that I turn to when I need advice is Ebony. I didnt know exactly how I wanted to propose to her, but I was 100% sure of the reasons why I wanted to propose to her. We ended up going to the beach at night. I explained to her how much she means to me…how she helped shape me into the person I am today…how she showed me the world and helped me to mature from a boy into a man…how before her, all I knew was basketball and video games. She showed me that there was more to life than the bubble I was in. She embraced me as I was and I was able to share with her my low points and insecurities; until meeting her, I had felt I could not share those things with anyone else….. When I asked Ebony to marry me, I was confident that she would say yes, but there is always a little doubt right after you ask. I hate to sound cliche, but she did make me the happiest man in the world because I now know that for the rest of my life I’ll have someone who truly loves me, and will always be by my side.
We want to know about all the wedding details, was it small and intimate or big and traditional?
Our wedding had about 100 guests. The setup of our ceremony room made it very intimate.
Tell us about your wedding gown and what your bridal party wore.
I wore a gown from the Alfred Angelo Disney Collection. I love the movie “The Little Mermaid” so their “Ariel” dress was perfect for me. It was the first dress I tried on. My mom liked it and we never agree on clothes so I instantly knew it was the right choice. I tried on others later, but I felt that this was the one.
Can you give us an overview of the event?
Our wedding was held has Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, with the reception following in one of the ballrooms of the hotel.
Was there a specific theme or style?
Our theme was “Royal Wedding.”
What inspired the theme or style?
I have always felt that being a woman is the hardest job in the world. We are caregivers and there is never a time when it is all about us. We are constantly caring for our families. I knew that this would be the only day in my life where I would be the focal point and Michael and I both agreed that it would be great to feel like “royalty”.
What were your playful twists that made the event unique?
The only “must” that I had at the wedding were that I walk down on red carpet. I felt that this would play great into our royal wedding theme. I also had a wine glass engraved with each guest’s name to serve as place holders at the reception tables. Lastly, I had a violinist and harpist play at the cocktail hour while our guest partook in the hors d’oeuvres
What was the most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was walking down the aisle and seeing Michael. He mouthed “you look so beautiful” and immediately I felt the tears welling up, the weight of the moment hit me at that point. I could not have been happier.
Tell us about the food and desserts.
We chose the dual plated option which featured filet mignon and stuffed chicken. The sides were twice baked potatoes and vegetables. Our wedding cake, which was also prepared by the Rosen Shingle Creek staff, served as the dessert for the wedding. My wedding planner commented that we were the only couple she had ever seen actually eat at their wedding reception! We were so tired from planning and so happy for our union that we just kicked back and enjoyed everything.
What kind of energy did your entertainment give the guests?
Our DJ was very current. So our reception felt like a party, which is what I wanted. I thought that would be a great contrast to the elegance of the other parts of the wedding.
If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?
If I could change one thing, I would go back and tell myself to “calm down.” Everything felt like a dream. It felt very surreal. I can only remember bits and pieces of the day. I was just so excited and energized. I wish I had taken more time to take everything in. Im sure the memories will come back to me once I see the wedding video.
What was the best wedding advice you received?
Don’t stress! Of course I didn’t take that advice. Everything turned out perfectly in the end. Had I known that from the beginning I would have spent less time stressing.
Wedding Professionals
Venue: Rosen Shingle Creek | Event Coordinator: Designs by Cornelia | Photography: Tab Mccausland Photography | Floral: Fiora Design Studio | Decor: Suzanne Nichols Design Group | Entertainment: Madd Vybez Entertainment | Videographer: Castaldo Studio | Lighting: Get Lit Productions | Hair and Make-up, Marigold Scott
