Banyan Estate Wedding in Malabar, Florida | Kelly and Andrew

DETAILS

October 15th, 2017
Melbourne, Florida
Banyan Estate
Wedding

Kelly & Andrew

Kelly & Andrew's Banyan Estate wedding took the best elements of traditions from the past and put a fun and unique spin on it that was all their own! Because I've known Kelly since 7th grade, this wedding was also a blast from my past! I was there to take their engagement photos, and to be there when she and Andrew celebrated their love was extra special to me.

The Love Story

The two say that they met by "being in the right place at the right time." Kelly was playing volleyball competitively. She became close with her teammates and her teammates' friends. Soon she got to know her teammates' friends of friends and one of them was Andrew! Kelly remembers making the first move, introducing herself like a true extrovert. Then Andrew braved the homecoming dance once Kelly asked him to go. (Even though he says he's not much of a dancer!) They were equally willing to take a chance on one another! As a result, the partnership they have today really shines. Both speak of how the other completes them. When it's Kelly and Andrew talking it doesn't even sound corny. You really understand how their strengths and personalities mesh to make a greater whole.

The Wedding

I was able to see the strength of Kelly and Andrew's relationship myself on their wedding day. When Andrew saw Kelly for the first time, their love for one another was beaming out of both their smiles. Though the wedding had plenty of quiet and heartfelt moments, what Kelly and Andrew remember most is the excitement. It's easy to understand why when you see their photos—these two and their loved one really know how to have fun! The understated elegance of the Banyan Estate was open and bright like it was giving extra room for their energy, and its vintage charm was complimented by the inflatable electric guitars and killer dance moves! Whether it was superhero socks or an unconventional first dance ("I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness!), the pair wasn't afraid to try different things and incorporate what felt genuine to them and their relationship.

Photographer's Highlight

My favorite moment I captured was the single black-and-white photograph of Kelly and Andrew alone on the dance floor.  The couple sent everyone out to get sparklers ready for their exit.  Once they were by themselves, they shared a private dance. I stuck around to capture a few frames, but I snuck out as soon as I could. I loved the way Kelly and Andrew saved this special bubble of space just for the two of them. The way they are holding each other surrounded by the Banyan Estate's tall ceilings with the high rafters and their beautiful rustic decorations really capture the mood of their love--genuine, gentle and supportive.

Tips & Tricks for Your Wedding Day

From Andrew:

Andrew's tip for an engaged couple is straight and to the point: start planning as soon as you can!

From Kelly:

Kelly thinks it's important for brides (and grooms!) to-be to know that their weddings don't have to be "Pinterest Perfect." She suggests focusing on the things that make you and your partner happy, whether that's a choreographed rock song for your first dance or the presence of electric guitars. "When things happen (because they will," Kelly says, "roll with it as best as you can. Our bathrooms ended up having to be shut down halfway through the evening, but luckily we had cars that drove us across the street to another restroom and I felt like a queen! It was a slight inconvenience, but we still found a way to make it fun."

From the first look to the final kiss goodnight, it was amazing to see someone I've grown up with get married, and to get to capture that day and Kelly and Andrew's love was a real honor!

Venue: Banyan Estate
Bride's Gown: Aurora Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: AZAZIE
MOB/MOG Dresses: L.A. Bridal
Getting Ready Robes: Pretty Plum Sugar
Flowers: Violets In Bloom Florist
Makeup: In2yourbeauty Makeup Artistry
Hair: Styling by Michelle
M.Planning: Sincerely Yours Weddings & Events
Videography: Johnny Lascha Videographer - CC Video Productions
Backdrops: KL Weddings & Events, LLC
Centerpieces: Janice NealRentals: Rent Your Events
Catering: Executive Catering
Cake/Cupcakes: Cakes So Simple
Entertainment: Blue Skies Entertainment