Today’s perfect love story takes place in Orlando. We are adoring Michell and Eric’s peacock colored wedding at the Crystal Ballroom Metro West. Eric, who is on the Paralympic rowing team for the U.S., met Michell at the gym when she busted him foogling her. It turns out the two ended up hitting is off and well, the rest is history! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your big day with us.
Michell + Eric
GOO
From the Photographer: My name is Anesha Collins with Unashamed Imaging Photography | Cinematography and I am submitting a wedding of a beautiful couple that tied the knot at the Crystal Ballroom at Veranda (in MetroWest, Florida) featuring a U.S.A. 2016 Olympic Rower that was a part of the team that competed in the 2016 US Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. I’m truly love Pretty Pear Bride showcases curvy/plus-size Brides. I have received so many compliments (as a photographer) about the way I capture curvy/plus-size Bride’s; it’s refreshing to know there’s also a platform for them.
How did the two of you meet? At our local gym – I was walking in the gym and I saw this guy on the stairmaster looking at me, not even, more like staring at me like the drooling emoticon/emojis. So I approached him and told him that, “I didn’t like being stared at”. He then apologized and said, “I stared at you because you are very pretty”, and that’s how our conversation started. Describe your engagement: It was December 5, 2014 at US Rowing Annual Convention held in Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, Florida. That evening after we had dinner we were heading back to our hotel room when he suddenly dropped to his knees (on the sidewalk near the water), and asked if I would marry him. I couldn’t be happier to spend my whole entire life with the man who makes me laugh so I said “Yes”. Personal or handmade details: Mother of the bride (Liza Asupan) carefully placed sapphire Swarovski crystals on the bride’s wedding dress to make it look unique. Giveaways were all assembled by myself, Maid of honor (Brittany Corchado), and Bridesmaid/Daughter of the Bride (Angela Asupan). Describe your wedding flowers: Variety of different flowers with different colors to flow with my peacock theme. Flowers ranged from Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Baby’s breath, Daisies, and more. I also included my favorite flower (purple Tulips) which is hard to find because it was out of season, but I was so happy that I could have them a part of my special celebration. Memories and Stories about the Day: I’m glad that friends and relatives from out of state and out of the country were able to be a part of our special day. Speeches and well-wishes from our loved ones (who made us cry) like the Groom’s Mother, Bride’s Father, and Bride’s daughter really meant a lot ot Eric and I. I’ll never forget Eric’s (the Groom) dance to the tune of “Pony” as he began to remove my garter. It was so hilarious; he thinks he’s in the movie Magic Mike lol! Your first dance song: When I Met You by Apo Hiking Society The thing that we would have done differently is? 1. When I ordered the Filipino dish I didn’t realize that I only ordered for half of the number of my guest thinking that not all of the guest would want to eat it. The servers made an extra effort to portion the food (so there was enough), but some guest are unhappy because only a small amount of the Filipino dish was served on their plates. Luckily I ordered food from another catering company which allowed unlimited servings for our guests. 2. The Limo company (I forgot the name) – I rented a Lincoln Town Car but at the end of my wedding it was not the car that showed up but a Chevy SUV. I was disappointed but too tired to call and ask for a refund. The driver was very nice; I just let it go. If I would have done it differently I would’ve called another limo/car rental company and taken a look at their reviews for reference. Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Everything…but my 3 favorite details were 1. Our wedding cake – Patty of Cake Designers made our wedding cake with the details I described. When I saw the cake (day-of), it was so beautiful; all the colors and the special peacock feature that I wanted. 2. Photos – My photographer Anesha Collins of Unashamed Imaging did an amazing job taking our wedding photos. There are so many creative shots that Anesha captured especially the photo of my veil flowing in the wind. Friends and family thought it was photoshopped but it wasn’t. 3. The Event Place – Crystal ballroom designed my event the way I wanted it to be with colors and decorations that complimented my theme. Your advice for other plus size brides: Since I am curvy I always tell myself to be confident. Confidence is beautiful. Also find the wedding dress that suits your body type, this will boost your confidence more. Three adjectives that describe the day: Happy, beautiful, elegant What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage? Financial decisions – both of us are no longer single and have to share the bills. Spending money without one knowing is now out of the question. Gotta start saving for the next member of the family lol.
Vendor Love – Photographer: Unashamed Imaging | Wedding Planner: The Bride | Caterer : Chef 1 Studios | Florist: Carol Gane | Cake : Cake Designers by Patricia Ames | Jewelry: Helzberg Diamonds | Bride’s Attire: Mori Lee from Minerva’s Bridal – Orlando Florida | Bridesmaids Attire: Patricia’s Boutique |Hair Wigs/MakeUp & Hairpiece: Hair Connoisseurs Salon & MediSpa | Groom’s Attire: Handmade from India | Groomsmen Attire: Black suit | Ceremony and Reception Location: Crystal Ballroom Metro West |Coordinator: Michelle Drummond | Music/Entertainment: Reinaldo Malave- DJ Rey