Weddings Unveiled
A Marine marries his highschool sweetheart
Jaime & Mike married on January 17, 2009
Jaime & Mike's Wedding Vendors:
Planner: Sharia Riley with Your Fantasy Affair
Dress: Solutions Bridal
Flowers: Flourish
Linens: Panache
Photographer: Sterling Fine Art Photography
Caterer: Puff N Stuff
Cake: Publix
Ceremony Music: Josh Snellgrove, Ashley Cobb, and Will Benton
Reception Music: Paul Vesco (Johnny Cool and the Mobster Swing Band)
Ceremony Location: Park Lake Presbyterian Church
Reception Location: The Ballroom at Church Street
Officiate: Dr. Helen Debevoise
Hair and Make Up: LeJeune On Location Hair & Make Up
Briefly describe your first date, courtship and engagement. Mike and I met and started dating 10 years ago when we ran cross country and track together in high school. He proposed 5 years ago when we were both about to graduate from UNF. We waited to get married until after I finished graduate school at UF and he returned from Iraq with the USMC.
After you were engaged, what was the first thing you purchased or selected?
There was a significant amount of time between our engagement and actual wedding….but I think we picked out the reception location first.
How did you pick your reception site?
We actually used to swing dance at a place called the Orchid Garden there at Church Street back when we were in high school. We even won a competition one time. The Ballroom at Church Street is almost right next door to where the Orchid Garden used to be so it all had sentimental value; plus the Ballroom is beautiful.
What is the one thing you had to have at your wedding?
A live band
Did you have a theme to your wedding? What was the overall feel?
We didn’t really have a theme; most of the groomsmen and many guests wore military uniforms. I was aiming for elegant.
Did you incorporate any important traditions at your wedding?
The Marines did a sword arch following the ceremony which is a tradition for them.
Did you attend any bridal shows? What did you think of them?
I attended a few shows right after I got engaged to get ideas. I thought they were very helpful although a lot of styles changed over the 5 years until we got married. It was actually kind of interesting to follow the different trends over the years. I had fun when I went.
What was the best part about planning your wedding?
Since Mike was in Iraq most of the time leading up to the wedding, my mom came with me to meet with many of the vendors. I’m glad she was able to be a big part of it.
Describe your wedding gown.
It was a Kenneth Pool gown called "Degas." I absolutely fell in love with it the moment I put it on.It was a white, strapless, satin ball gown with a low dropped waist. There was a band of crystals under the bust and at the dropped waist. 
How did you find and/or choose your vendors?
Sharia and Your Fantasy Affair. Their recommendations were amazing. We did, however, want the same band that used to play swing music at the Orchid Garden so Mike and I hunted them down.
Which vendor was the most important to you?
That’s hard to say, we really wanted everyone to enjoy the food and music and just have a good time. All the guests were celebrating the wedding that "finally" happened.
What was the best decision you made in regards to your wedding planning?
By far the best decision was hiring Sharia as our wedding planner. She knew exactly what vendors could create the wedding we envisioned and no one had to worry about A THING the day of the wedding. 
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?
Our first dance was the most memorable moment. We chose a slower swing song that the same band sang back when we used to swing dance in high school. It fit our personalities perfectly and meant a lot to us personally!
What is the one thing that happened that you didn’t plan for?
We actually had some wedding crashers! They claimed their name was "Smith" and tried to come into the reception. Sharia’s team spotted and questioned them since they weren’t quite dressed for the occasion.
What’s one thing you wish you had done on your wedding day that you didn’t do?
I wish there was more time to spend with our families and friends!
Who was your favorite vendor?
That is a tough question. Everyone did a WONDERFUL job and worked with me putting together different aspects of the ceremony and reception. They all played an important role in making it my "perfect" day. I can’t choose just one!
Do you have any advice to new brides?
Don’t sweat the small stuff; your guests probably wouldn’t even notice. And try to be in the moment, time goes by so fast!
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