I was delighted to be able to enjoy the wedding of today’s real wedding couple as a friend and guest rather than as a wedding planner. Marika and Wael were married at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes just last month. Their romantic and elegant sunset wedding was complete with a horse and carriage arrival and touches of exotic Middle-Eastern flair.

As these striking images shared by the talented Abby Liga (www.ligaphotography.com) imply, the day was quite remarkable and lovely! Floral and decor designed by Petals by Design (www.petals-bydesign.com) definitely helped contribute to the beauty and charm of this event. Please read on for more details about Marika and Wael’s special day, as shared by the happy bride!

Susan: How did you and your spouse meet?
Marika: We met in 2003 when I was on my last college spring break from OSU and Wael was living in Miami. I was sitting with a girlfriend eating gelato and Wael came walking by. I thought he was cute and we giggled and he soon came over and said “the least I can do is say hello.” We went out that night and have been in touch ever since.

Susan: Tell us about the proposal.
Marika: He officially proposed on my 30th birthday in Paris, France. We went to the Eiffel Tower that day and walked around and he had the ring in his pocket the whole time and during dinner, but never proposed. Finally, ordering room service that night at the hotel, he ordered dessert and proposed at 11:55pm on my birthday. I had a feeling it was coming and waited all day!

Susan: Why did you choose your particular wedding location?
Marika: The Ritz is a beautiful location and very intimate as well. The entire wedding was on location, which made it amazing and smooth. I wanted it inside and outside so it was perfect and the weather turned out to be amazing.

Susan: What was it like for you on the morning of your wedding?
Marika: I was very calm and happy. Wael and I went shopping and to breakfast the morning of our wedding. I didn’t really see the point of hiding because it is not like I was in my gown or made up. I just wanted to chill with my best friend.

Susan: What were your thoughts as you walked down the aisle?
Marika: To look at Wael and my bridal party because I knew they would make me smile and laugh. I didn’t want to get choked up and cry when I saw people, so I just looked straight ahead. When I saw Wael, he had a huge grin on his face, which just made me laugh.

Susan: What was the most memorable part of the day for you and your spouse?
Marika: I had so many, it is hard to pinpoint a few. I remember doing our first dance and Wael and I on the dance floor and looking around the room, and all of the people standing around and celebrating with us. As I looked, I noticed people from all over the world, and at that moment it hit me that everyone was so happy that we were finally getting married. It had been quiet a journey getting to that point!

Susan: What was your biggest fear about the wedding day?
Marika: Probably rain, but I was going to be happy even if it rained, too.

Susan: What was one delightfully unexpected moment on the wedding day?
Marika: The cutest thing was about five little girls wearing bathing suits by the pool were watching me wait in the horse and carriage to go to the gazebo for the ceremony. They were saying “I wish all your dreams come true” and asking about me getting married. When the carriage drove away, they followed me, chasing it and waving. This actually put me at ease because they were adorable. After the ceremony, Wael joined me in the horse and carriage and we rode back the same way. The little girls were waiting and yelling “Is this your husband?” and “We wish you happiness forever” as they chased us again, waving and yelling. It just made us laugh and it was so sweet and cute. They were like little angels.

Susan: Were there any particular elements of your wedding day that you considered unique or personal touches?
Marika: Wael is from Saudi Arabia, so the cocktail hour had a Middle-Eastern flair with a few of our favorite Arabic songs and a belly dancer. We also had our wedding favors come from Saudi Arabia, which was a unique token guests could take home. Our reception was more traditional, but we wanted all of our guests to experience both of us.

Susan: Based off of your experience, would you share some advice for other brides and grooms who may still be planning their weddings?
Marika: It is your day, so make sure you enjoy and have the special traditions and unique touches that you want. It is your celebration day as a couple…so most of all, enjoy each other!

Many thanks to Marika and Wael for sharing their story with us — my team greatly working with them on their special day! Do you have a real wedding story you would like to share? If so, please email me 8 or more of your favorite wedding or vow renewal photos along with details about your experience. You might be the next bride featured on our wedding blog!

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here on the wedding blog or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook (search: Susan Southerland Secret) or follow me on Twitter (@Susansoutherlan).

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan