Bride Torrie Spatcher
Groom  Jason Woods
Wedding Colors Aubergine, Ivory, Sage, Diamonds
Wedding Theme and Style Vintage, Tuscan, Romantic
Location The Club at Bella Collina - Monteverde, Florida

This beautiful Tuscan inspired platinum wedding had all the bells and whistles. But most importantly, it had two very beautiful people in love. From the moment the bride shared her inspired vision to when I pronounced them husband and wife, this wedding was a spectacularly planned and executed dream.There were so many personal elements and attention to detail all planned by the bride herself. From my blinged out microphone to their daughter's heartfelt reading of a letter to her father. The day was about love, finding your soul-mate, and the Love of God and family.

Meet Torrie and Jason

The beautiful thing about our story is that it was an arranged meeting by our families 5 years in the making. Torrie, a successful business owner and Jason, a FAMU grad, dedicated father and Production supervisor for Pepsi are truly a miracle of love and devotion.

Jason says- 

Torrie says- J

The Proposal

Jason called Lake Ridge Winery to get some details about their facility, wine tour, and picnic options. (I was attempting to mimic our very first winery experience in Canada where we had lunch in the vineyard). After the tour, picnic and ice wine, Just as the sun was setting, I asked Torrie  "Will you marry me". She did not instantly say yes but said "my heart is about to stop". I told her that her heart can't stop now, there is more to come....After her laughter, crying, blushing, and surprise, I put the Neil Lane Vintage Cushioned Diamond ring on her finger and she said YES! .

When two bond, you create an unbreakable union. When two fall in love, you create a lifetime of potential bliss. When two wed in holy matrimony, you align with the lords expectations and excel to a heavenly stage in life.The lord says "for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." ...Luke 20:36 (KJV)

 I love the romantic vulnerability captured in this moment and the beautiful hair piece and drop earrings just brings it all together.

A few special moments from their "First Look"

And so, the wedding day begins. Torrie and Jason's guests are whisked away to a place that looks and feels like Tuscany Italy. From the rustic wooden interiors to the stonework exterior and this famous replicated tunnel.

The bride arrived in a horse drawn carriage. In a unique gesture, the groom met the bride at the carriage and escorted her in on his arm since her father had passed away the previous year as Torrie was planning her wedding.

The Ceremony
Did you have any extra details added or taken away? My mother’s Sweet 16 Ring given to her by my father. My father passed away a year before the wedding so I wanted to honor him and our parents. We assembled a romantic wedding to show our guest how we feel and show appreciation and gratitude to our parents for raising two people that were able to find each other even though we have both been through so much. The love and lessons of forgiveness is what healed the two of us to be able to accept this journey with each other. The wedding was a story told in real life. The guest were able to watch and feel our feelings. We picked every song from start to finish. The Prelude and escort of parents began with Yolanda Adams “I’m Gonna Be Ready” All of the groomsmen and maids walked separately as a serenade to each other. The men walked to Citizen Cope “Sideways” The ladies Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey duet “When You Believe”

I arrived by horse and carriage at the tip of the sun beginning to set. My groom came to escort me down the aisle. As we walked down the aisle we were serenaded by saxophone to “Silhouette” by Kenny G. As we arrived we were blessed in prayer by my cousin Derek Benn. While the guests were saying Amen Angels filled the ceremony gliding all across the floor as a tribute to my father and to show love for our parents. They danced in ballet to Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.” At the end of the dance we were showered with feathers by all of the Angels and the biggest most beautiful Stilt Angel. My mother read from the scriptures and my new step daughter read her letter “Dear Daddy” My uncle a poet did a presentation of the Almond Tree and read a poem “Saint Valentine” We were married by Sheri Thomson in an amazing ceremony and walked the aisle to our awaiting carriage. At the exact moment the sun began it’s descend, rode off as husband and wife serenaded the whole way by our saxophonist.

 The bride arrives in a beautiful horse drawn carriage

  This little cutie is the bride' s granddaughter Lyra.

Her cousin blessed the wedding with an Opening Prayer and later in the ceremony their daughter Harlie, read a letter she wrote to her father. The "letter to daddy" was emotional and touching showing appreciation to her father and thanking him for picking Torrie. Harlie was an integral part of their ceremony and not only penned the words herself, but read them eloquently. There was not a dry eye in the place.

Ballet dancers performed a moving memorial tribute to honor Torrie's father and mother.

There were more blessings and readings by family members, including Torrie's mother, Nadine.

An almond tree unity ceremony reading was done by Dr. Herman Tucker.

Then the bride and groom exchanged vows and rings, sharing laughs with the Best Man and Maid of Honor.

The Fashion
Where did you get your Bridal Attire? Tux? Bridal party fashion?
Menswearhouse (Grooms 7 Groomsmen) Men's Accessories The Dessy Group
Who is the designer? Sorella Vita (bridesmaids) David Tutera (Brides Gown) “Mon Cheri”

I really love that the bride chose a more natural look for the make up for herself and bridesmaids allowing each individual beauty to be shone. And the bride's hair?....Love it. Soft cascading side swept waves for the bride and different variations of up-do's and buns for the bridesmaids. Th royal aubergine really was a wonderful color on all of the girls.

The men wore classic tuxes in ivory with aubergine accessories.

Some of the beautiful details seen throughout the wedding.

After the cocktail hour at the reflecting pool, there was dinner, speeches, dancing and a spectacular cake on a custom made cake stand.

 Torrie wanted to keep true to the vintage rustic nature of her Tuscany theme and carried it through to the reception tables and  mahogany chivari chairs. Center pieces consisted of floral arrangements, glass vases with votive candles, black lanterns, peat moss, candles & diamonds.  Diamonds scattered over the tables, and cork place cards assigned guest seating in line with the bride and grooms love of ice wine and the finer things.

The couple's first dance became a trio when young Lyra joined Torrie and Jason on the dance floor.

The details 

Hair: Stephaney DeCosta –Salon DayDreams
Makeup: Lynn Austin- Looks Of Vanity
Shoes? Jimmy Choo
Jewelry? Neil Lane
Rings: Kay Jewelers Neil Lane
Bride’s Accessories: Carolyn Allen’s Bridal
Invitations: My Big Day Designs
Photographer: Castaldo Studios
Bouquets: Who designed, where purchased: Julie Gennaro- Nature’s Home Décor Ivory Vandella Roses, White David Austin Garden Roses, embellished w/Diamond Rhinestone Pine
Flowers: Natures Home Décor Ivory Vandella Roses, White David, Sage Green Hydrandea, Crème d la Crème Roses, Purple Cabbages, Ivory Hypericum Berries, Seeded Eucalyptus
Cake: Annette’s Cakes, the cake was designed by me. I purchased all of the accessories for the cake from various vendors and online stores. The cake stand was custom made.
Bridal Party Colors Aubergine & Sage, corsages made with Rhinestone Diamond Wristlets, White Cymbidium Blossom w/burgundy throat, Diamond Sprays and Plum Color Ribbon Bow accented/greens to coordinate.
Flower Girls: dresses The Dessy Group, silk flower baskets w/diamond embellishments, purple rose pedals.
Bridesmaid Dresses. Where purchased? Who designed? The White Closet, Tampa Fl “Sorella Vita” Aubergine
Wedding Planner or Coordinator Torrie N. Spatcher, Day of Coordinator. Alison Watkins-Blush By Brandi
Venue Location. Ceremony and Reception-The Club At Bella Collina was an obvious choice. I love the romantic Tuscan feel that it had. When we went to visit the property it almost seems like we left Florida and was whisked away to Italy.
Catering: The Club At Bella Collina
Rentals: Linens by Brass Pin in Apopka and Kirby Rentals in Orlando
Musicians, DJs, Performers: Johnny Mag-Saxophonist, DJ Michael Paul-Rhythm Of The Nights, Carol Cudjoe-Nu-look Performing Arts
Speakers: Derrick Benn, opening prayer
Poet: Dr. Herman Tucker, poem “St Valentine
Transportation: High Horse Carriages
Travel/Honeymoon: Travelersjoy.com
Wedding website: www.jasonandtorrie.com

Final words from the bride
Any Advice for future brides planning a wedding in Florida at the venue you used? Take your time and have the wedding that you have dreamed of. Advice from others is what it sounds like, just advice. Your guests are important however you need to consider the fact that their attendance is not required. What I mean is that this day is all about you. The only mistake that we made was trying to include everybody. Everybody did not come therefore costing us expenses that we could have used elsewhere. The best question to ask yourself is, If the day after the wedding you didn’t see ___ at the wedding would you be heartbroken. This is how you curve your budget and stick to what is important. Guest list first budget second. Do not add to your list once you have composed your list. Do not pick a venue till you make a list. Give yourself plenty of time. If you need more time because of finances or your finances do not match your dreams. There is nothing wrong with going to the courthouse and getting married on your desired date and having a ceremonial symbolic wedding a year later. Do not let finances rule the wedding. It is about love and the union of two awesome people.
Any vendors that you would like to comment on? All of the venders were so professional and made my dreams come true. Every personal touch and detail was filled by their dedication and commitment to us. Our day was flawless, nothing could have been better. Special thanks to Mrs. Carol Cudjoe from Nu-Look Performing Arts. Thank all of you so much, Mrs. Carol’s Angel performance is something that we will never forget. We were in awe and it warms our heart every day when we think about it.
How was the process for obtaining the marriage license? Simple. Mrs. Sheri Thomson took care of everything.

Mark 10:9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no man/woman put asunder, separate, or split

Testimonial for I DO Weddings by Sheri
We are so appreciative of all of the hard work that you put into our ceremony. Your patience leading up to the wedding and your involvement before and after the wedding really means so much to us. The ceremony was so beautiful and you did an amazing job with your professionalism and presence. You looked amazing, just like everyone in the wedding and we just thank you so much for everything.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Woods, May you enjoy many blessed and happy years together. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your spectacular wedding day,

(all original images in this Real Wedding were captured by Castaldo Studios. Some minor cropping and editing was done to a few pictures by me to fit into this post)

Wedding Officiant, Blogger and Amateur Photographer
By Sheri Thomson I DO Weddings by Sheri PO BOX 780395 Orlando Florida 32878