Kyle + Wyllym
Kyle and Wyllym’s wedding at the Palmetto Historical Park in downtown Palmetto, Florida was too heart-warming for words (but I’ll try)! Kyle and I have been friends since I was in middle school and seeing him marry someone so perfect for him is something you dream of for your friends. Wyllym is joyous and sarcastic (in the best way) and he and Kyle bring light and warmth to any room they enter!
Kyle and Wyllym met when they were working on a production of The Wizard of Oz together. Kyle was choreographing the show, and Wyllym was the Costume Designer. They beautifully incorporated sweet, subtle details from this part of their love story into their wedding day: a venue covered in brick pavers, blue and white checkered dress shirts, picnic basket centerpieces, yellow accents, and ruby red sneakers to remind everyone in attendance:
“there is no place like home”!
These two embody the ideal that home is not a place, but a person. They self-identify as “gypsies” and have lived all over the United States. Before they left for the first stop of a 3-year tour across the country, Kyle and Wyllym spent their last day in Florida at Walt Disney World. Before leaving, Wyllym proposed to Kyle in front of Cinderella's wishing well at the Magic Kingdom. Kyle, of course, said, “Yes”!
When photographing couples I yearn to see genuine connection and lively spirits. That is exactly what I got when shooting Kyle and Wyllym’s wedding! Joy, joy, and more joy! The day started with a cocktail hour at Kyle and Wyllym’s home in Palmetto. Everyone enjoyed appetizers and drinks on their large backyard patio. It was obvious their wedding day brought people from all over (including overseas!) together - it was a delightful reunion in the name of love. Prior to the ceremony, the guests, couple, and wedding party all walked together to the historical park venue to find tables adorned with daisies surrounding a gorgeous oak tree in front of the sweetest chapel you’ve ever seen.
Kyle and Wyllym walked each other down the aisle to the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. The ceremony was personal and inspired many happy tears.
In summary, the Florida sun was bright,
but Kyle and Wyllym’s love was brighter.
After the ceremony we took family portraits - which were a hoot! To combat the bright sun, we squeezed about 20 people onto an old schoolhouse porch. Huddled together, the families cheered for the union of Kyle and Wyllym and the smiles were so, so big! After the family portraits, I took the grooms away for some couple photos. This gave them an opportunity to take it all in - we captured some gentle, quiet moments, but it was clear they were dying to get that dance floor going!
The reception was kicked off by fun entrances from the wedding party to Abba’s “I do, I do, I do, I do, I do”! Then the guests grabbed and filled their plates with food from food trucks (how cool is that?!?!) and enjoyed some of the best coffee imaginable from Out and About Coffee. During dinner, the DJ, Rob Satori, (who doubles as a Frank Sinatra impersonator) serenaded the guests with flawless renditions of Sinatra classics. The best man and maid of honor each gave heartfelt speeches with just enough jokes to help everyone “keep it together”.
Following the speeches, the dance floor was opened and the guests surpassed all dance floor expectations! There was swing dancing, line dancing, breakdancing (the ring bearer was reminiscent of a young Bruno Mars - I kid you not! He was amazing!), and at one point it seemed all of the men in Kyle’s family had prepared a secret, choreographed routine! It was all SO GREAT! I have to say, though, my absolute favorite reception detail was the insanely delicious and GORGEOUS cake! It was made by one of Kyle's friends from culinary school and I actually winced when they cut into it because it was just. that. beautiful.
Kyle and Wyllym are a beautiful couple with an enormous amount of support from their loved ones. It is obvious their relationship is based on a mutual respect and admiration. They both admire each other's creative nature. Wyllym loves Kyle’s passion for baking and pastries and Kyle loves Wyllym’s beard (actual quote from Kyle). All jokes aside, Kyle and Wyllym describe their relationship as
“a recipe passed down from generation, to generation. When followed properly it will uplift you and fill your soul with love”.
How beautiful is that?
Congratulations Kyle and Wyllym! I will forever cherish having been a part of your special day!
VENDOR CREDITS: CEREMONY/RECEPTION VENUE: Palmetto Historical Park | CATERING: Mother Truckin' Good Food Truck, Mouthhole BBQ, and Out & About Coffee | CAKE ARTIST: Martha Timke , Cedar Crest Kitchen | DJ: Rob Satori | HAIR STYLIST: Cutz by Allen | OFFICIANT: Anthony Becich