Alfond Inn Wedding
Who? : Amanda + Ben
What? : Destination wedding in Winter Park, Florida
Where? The Alfond Inn
When? : December 2018
I don’t even know where to start with this wedding, so I’ll start back in 2007. I was living in Tallahassee, Florida, and photographed the headshots for a bunch of juniors and senior theatre majors at FSU. Years after that, I’m living in New York, and so are many of my past clients. Those clients led me to Amanda, a FSU alumni herself. I first encountered Amanda in Hello Dolly on Broadway, where she went on for a role she understudied (and she was amazing). I first encountered Ben without realizing it, seeing him in Book of Mormon before I knew he was Amanda’s Ben.
Being hired to photograph this wedding was an actual dream come true. Everything about Amanda and Ben is just…yeah, it’s all excellent. They’re crazily, insanely talented individuals. They’re hard workers, passionate about their dreams and their craft, and true triple threats. They’re adorably wonderfully gorgeous, just beautiful human beings inside and out. They’re funny, ferociously love their family and friends, and love each other with a truth and depth that is just really, really freaking gorgeous to see.
And their wedding? THEIR WEDDING. We started the day at the Alfond Inn, with Amanda in her suite. The rain was pouring down, streaking the windows and pattering on the pool outside. Amanda got ready, Ben got ready. They exchanged letters they had written each other. (We all cried). They prepared to see each other for the first time on a covered patio outside the Alfond – and the sun came out. The rain stopped, the clouds parted, they saw each other (we all cried), and we took pictures outside. The second we went back in, the clouds covered up and the rest of the day was moody and dreamy outside.
From their prep time at the Alfond before the ceremony, their sweet first look, the charm of their wedding vows, through to the gorgeous reception, the whole day was everything. Choosing a favorite part is nearly impossible. Was it Amanda and her childhood best friend tearing up when she put her mother’s necklace on as a bracelet? Was it Ben, struggling to keep a straight face when reading Amanda’s letter to him, or the way his eyes actually lit up when he saw her come down the aisle? Perhaps it was Amanda’s dad, who found a lost recording of Amanda’s late mother singing Wind Beneath My Wings (note : Amanda was in Hello Dolly with, yes, Bette Midler) and played it for the father/daughter dance?
Side note : I’ve never had to go to the bathroom and wash my face after a father/daughter dance before. WE. ALL. CRIED.
Amanda and Ben, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for being so kind and open in front of my lens. Thank you for treating me and my team like family. Thank you for sharing your day, your love, and your hearts with me. I am eternally grateful. Now go lay on a beach – you deserve it!
Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding:
Alfond Inn: A Boutique Wedding Venue Combining Luxury and Charm in Winter Park, Florida
The Alfond Inn, nestled in the picturesque city of Winter Park, Florida, offers a luxurious and intimate setting for weddings. Known for its elegant architecture, beautiful art collections, and lush surroundings, this boutique hotel provides a sophisticated backdrop for couples seeking a blend of culture, charm, and contemporary luxury in their wedding venue.
Elegant Sophistication in the Heart of Winter Park
As guests arrive at The Alfond Inn, they are greeted by its impressive Mediterranean-inspired architecture and the warm, inviting atmosphere that defines the hotel. The inn’s commitment to the arts is evident in its extensive contemporary art collection, displayed throughout the public spaces, adding a unique and culturally rich dimension to the wedding experience.
The Alfond Inn features several exquisite spaces for ceremonies and receptions. The Conservatory, with its glass-domed ceiling and abundant natural light, offers a bright and airy space perfect for daytime ceremonies. The Park Avenue Ballroom, with its elegant chandeliers and sophisticated decor, provides a grand setting for receptions. For more intimate gatherings, the various salons and lounges throughout the hotel offer a blend of comfort and luxury.
Photographic Beauty in a Cultured Setting
The Alfond Inn’s stylish interiors and art-filled spaces provide a variety of beautiful backdrops for wedding photography. The hotel’s elegant architecture, with its grand staircases and sophisticated lounges, offers classic and timeless settings for portraits and group photos. The inn’s art collection, featuring works from contemporary artists, adds a unique and creative edge to the photographs.
The hotel’s outdoor spaces, including the beautifully landscaped courtyard and the expansive veranda, offer serene settings amidst lush greenery and Floridian charm. These areas are particularly enchanting in the evening, with soft lighting and the warm Florida breeze adding to the ambiance.
A Boutique Experience in Winter Park
The Alfond Inn is known for its personalized service and attention to detail. Each wedding at the inn is treated as a unique event, with the staff working closely with couples to tailor every aspect of their celebration to their vision. From custom menu planning with the culinary team to coordinating with local vendors, the staff at The Alfond Inn ensures that each wedding is both seamless and memorable.
Winter Park: A Charming Backdrop
Located in the heart of Winter Park, The Alfond Inn benefits from the charm and beauty of this historic city. The picturesque streets, lined with oak trees and European-style buildings, provide a lovely setting for off-site wedding photos. The proximity to Park Avenue, with its stylish boutiques and restaurants, adds to the guest experience, making it a delightful destination for a wedding weekend.
An Unforgettable Wedding Destination
Choosing The Alfond Inn for your wedding means embracing a blend of art, culture, and luxury. It’s a place where elegance meets intimacy, creating a perfect setting for a wedding that is as beautiful as it is unforgettable. In Winter Park, The Alfond Inn stands as a symbol of sophistication and refined luxury, offering a boutique wedding experience in one of Florida’s most charming cities.
