What began as a spontaneous night out and a daring DM sent by a friend blossomed into the love story of a lifetime. Chris and Dean’s journey and the details of their wedding day at The Mill Lakeside Manor are truly unforgettable. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that love often starts in the most unexpected ways, and it’s the little moments that matter most.
The Perfect Guy
At a birthday dinner in 2021, Chris was chatting with Angelica’s friend Ana when she mentioned she had the perfect guy for him. She pulled up Dean’s Instagram and asked if she could send him a DM from Chris’ phone. Feeling bold (and a few drinks in), Chris handed over his phone and said, “Send whatever you want—he’s cute.” The next morning, Chris woke up and started reading through all the messages. “Why would Ana type like this? I would NEVER say this, I would NEVER say that!” After a few minutes of scrolling, he finally started reading the messages that he actually sent and thought to himself, “I should have just left it at Ana’s messages.” After coming clean to Dean about who sent what messages, Chris asked Dean on a date, and as they say, “The rest was history!”
The Proposal
After two years together, Chris and Dean had been tossing around the topic of marriage and who would propose to whom. Chris decided to take the lead and headed to the jeweler for a ring! He felt that getting the ring was the easy part, but finding the perfect way to propose was the challenge. Chris spent weeks thinking of different ways to propose. Then it finally hit him, EPCOT! During their first year of dating, Chris and Dean went to Universal and Disney and had the best time, specifically at EPCOT. They both love food and wine, so Chris thought what better way to propose than at EPCOT during the Food & Wine Festival? Chris and Dean always liked the idea of an Italian wedding, so proposing in the Italian Pavilion at EPCOT was “PERFETTO!” Chris even got some of their close family and friends to go on the trip with them. In true Florida fashion, it was pouring, but the rain held out just long enough for Dean to say, “YES!”
Wedding Day
Chris and Dean’s wedding was nothing short of incredible! From the heartfelt ceremony to the lively dancing, every detail was thoughtfully planned to reflect their unique love story. Their ceremony was especially meaningful, with their Groomsmaid, Catherine, officiating. Having a close friend or family member lead such a personal moment adds a heartfelt and unforgettable touch.
During cocktail hour, guests were treated to a show-stopping Martini Luge! The couple also featured an elegant Sushi and Sake Station, which was not only beautifully presented but also absolutely delicious. To wrap up the night, Chris and Dean went the extra mile with the iconic Hangover Prevention To-Go Station. Guests could grab pork roll, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, and even churros!
Happily Ever After
After their magical wedding day, Chris and Dean did a mini-moon to EPCOT, of course. Looking ahead, the Newlyweds are planning a romantic getaway to Italy next summer. When asked what advice they’d give to other couples planning their weddings, Chris and Dean shared this heartfelt wisdom: “Take your time, enjoy the small things, and don’t stress over the little details—they won’t matter as much as you think.”
Vendors
- DJ/Entertainment: DJ by JD
- Photographer: Evn Flo Photography
- Florist: Flower Bar
- Shuttle Company: Wally’s Transportation