The Blogging Photographer

Featured Central Florida Venue: The Maitland Art Center, Art & History Museums in Maitland by Carolina Irais Photography

We’re super excited to be featuring this incredible venue with you all today. So, if you’re planning a wedding within the Central Florida area or simply searching, you might want to click save on this one for possible Orlando – Central Florida wedding venue options!

As a future bride and professional wedding photographer myself, I know first hand how many research, emails, time, money and energy it can be to find a single great vendor, or venue in this case!

“How is their communication? Are they friendly and professional? Are they fairly- priced and reliable? Is the venue versatile enough for my wedding theme?”

These are all very important questions when nailing down a top pick. Questions that at The Maitland Art Center, the answer is always YES!

Photography by Carolina Irais Photography

The Maitland Art Center is not only a National Historic Landmark, it is home to one of Central Florida’s most beautiful architecture, gardens and spaces. It is hard not to instantly fall in love with this venue! I strongly urge you to reach out to them for a tour or to visit the museums.

As they state in their website “Central Florida’s most exquisite event setting, the Art & History Museums – Maitland offers four unique rental spaces that are perfectly suited for creating memorable occasions for your next special event.”
https://artandhistory.org/host-an-event/venues/

As a wedding photographer, we hear a lot of feedback from our couples and have knowledge of their needs and wants – All this to say, The Maitland Art Center is beautifully versatile, and affordable to couples! Their staff will walk you through everything and be of most help.

Another amazing reason why we love The Maitland Art Center is because you can plan your dream elopement or dream wedding! Whether you want to elope with 10-15 people or hold a 50 guest wedding event, you can make that happen here!

Also, imagine this location for your engagement session? Gorrrgeous!!

The Maitland Art Center, Art & History Museums

With lush greens, ancient statutes, historic monuments and a stunning chapel – it is the perfect backdrop for your wedding. It has personality, style and just feels like you’ve been transported into the location of your dreams. Make sure to check it out!

Floral Arch by The Fancy Florals, Rentals by OWPR, Signage by SunFlower Event & Signage, Photography by Carolina Irais Photography

To get into direct contact with the venue regarding your next event or wedding, contact events@artandhistory.org

All photography by CarolinaIraisPhotography.com

The Rivera’s Love Story by Carolina Irais Photography

Hello friend! We hope you had a good Mother’s Day this past weekend. We’ve been steady at work over here like I’m sure a lot of us are! Today we’ve got a short & sweet love story coming your way, so read on –

The Rivera’s modern love-story took place in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, along with images from Mr. & Mrs. Rivera’s beautiful wedding at The Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor, we will share how Mr. Rivera Proposed.

“We first met in 2018 on Bumble. After a few weeks of getting to know each other online we decided to meet in person and as cliche as it may sound, after the first date the rest was history.”
Mrs. Rivera

“Our favorite date night is dinner and a movie. Whether it’s here at home or out in the town for a night.

How did he propose?

After being locked up at home because of the pandemic, he took me to the beach with my parents one day. While we were there, we decided to go on a walk on the beach and when we got back to where my parents were, there was a glass bottle in the sand with a very sweet note he had handwritten inside.
After I read the note, he got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was one of the most special day of our lives.”

A love meant to be way before they even knew it, sometimes life is funny that way!

Just look at these photos from their day, so much love and so much fun!

We hope you enjoyed today’s love-story and photos as much as we did!

Until next time! 🙂

The Lemire’s Love-story | Featured Love Story by Carolina Irais Photography

I want to thank you personally for being here + sharing this space of the internet with me, it means the world! Today I am going to be sharing Mr. and Mrs. Lemire’s love story with you –

So, get your hearts ready for a super cute love story!

This couple has a special place in my heart – because of their kindness to themselves and selflessness towards others. Gabby and Chris share this undeniable bond that’s filled with so much love for one another, it’s truly a beautiful thing!

Like peanut butter and jelly, Gabby and Chris are just that! Best friends, partners, lovers, and the best parents ever! Along with their story, I’ll also be sharing images from their engagement session and wedding day-

How did you guys meet?

” We met through mutual friends. I met a girl from the restaurant I worked at and we got an apartment together, she moved her boyfriend at the time in with her and along came his best friend to hang out, Chris. They forced us to all got to a pumpkin patch together . Our official first date was a mayday parade show.”
Mrs. Lemire

How did he propose?

“For the proposal, we went camping down at Kissimmee Prairie Reserve which is a dark night sky park so you can see all the stars and all that jazz really clearly because there’s no lights at all. We happened to pick a night that Space X launched a rocket without knowing so we walked to the end of the little dirt road to see it better from the trees and then as it went up he said “Oh you know the cool part about Space X is they re-land the boosters or something, I can see it now” and I said I couldn’t so he said it must be because I’m sitting and I’m short so I need to stand so I did when I turned to say I still couldn’t see it, he was up on his knee with the ring that I couldn’t see because dark night sky, no lights. “
*insert fireworks and heart eyes emoji*

The Lemire’s wedding day was a beautiful day and one to be remembered for years to come! They had the closest family and friends join them to celebrate their love at the gorgeous Art & History Museums, accompanied by a gorgeous sunset, wedding ceremony and reception that followed.

As the Disney movies like to say, “They lived happily ever after”.

Venue: Maitland Art & History Museums

Officiant/Coordinator: Ceremonies by Chrissy

Photography: Carolina Irais Photography

Five Balloon Decor Companies in Central Florida You Should Know About

Sweet Sensationss

This badass team of all-women biz is one to bring any party to life! They create some stunning balloon decor that is sure to impress any guest!

(Also- they make amazing sweets + chocolate covered strawberries + more!)

Make sure to check them out today! Here’s some examples of their awesome work.

Illusions Balloons

This is also an all-women owned business in the heart of Florida! The team creates some show-stopping balloon decor you’re sure to want to add to any occasion! Take a look for yourself. Click here to check them out today!

Loononna Orlando Balloons

This up and coming business provides gorgeous balloon set ups across Central Florida. Make sure to check them out here!

Balloons by Balloonholic

From balloon bouquets, to garlands, arches, mosaics + more! This amazing small business is sure to add that extra spectacular touch to your party! They also speak Spanish which is a plus for some! Click here to view their work and learn more!

Twenty Six Balloons

This all-women team is sure to make any party or event memorable. With gorgeous colors and designs – they elevate any room with their balloon decor skills! Check them out here.

FEATURED VENDOR HIGHLIGHT SERIES: Samantha Tavarez, Owner of Air Affair Bounce House Co.

I am so excited to be featuring this super fun vendor with you today! Samantha and her husband Brian make an incredible team that make up what is Air Affair Bounce House Company. Having personally worked with them at our last styled event, I’m also here to share some awesome pics of one of their bounce houses (and more!)

If you’re wanting to book a reliable bounce-house vendor for your next event that needs one (which event doesn’t) – then make sure to give them a shout! They have different styles and colors of bounce houses so make sure to also give them a follow on Instagram!

Look at how cute their bridal bounce house looks next to The Bubble Buggi Bar Cart.

Air Affair Bounce House Co. is a locally owned and operated family business providing quality modern bounce house rental services in the Central Florida Area. Our rentals offer all the fun of a bounce house with a modern aesthetic to enhance any party theme.
Samantha + Brian

The two photos below are also from our event together! How cute and fun?!

Did I already mention that they have different colors and looks of bounce houses?

Take a look!

We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality service along with the safest, cleanest, and newest products that will make any event a memorable one
Samantha, Owner of Air Affair Bounce House Co.

Here’s how to find them and reach out!

www. Airaffairco.com

407-929-0622

@airaffairco

FEATURED VENDOR HIGHLIGHT SERIES: MARIA JEREZ, OWNER OF FANCY BALLOONS DECOR BY CAROLINA IRAIS PHOTOGRAPHY

We are so excited to be featuring this super fun and highly requested vendor! Today we want to give a warm welcome to Maria Jerez, Owner at Fancy Balloons Decor here in Central Florida. Maria and her team create extravagant balloon designs for all parties, events and weddings!

Welcome to Fancy Balloons DECOR premiere custom luxury balloon Boutique. Our passion is to add that special touch to your special event whether it’s a birthday, wedding, baby shower, gender reveal, corporate affair or any other type of event. We’ve got you covered! Our customized luxury balloons and balloon decor add that extra touch of glam to help make your special occasion a memorable one!
Maria, Owner AT FANCY BALLOONS DECOr

Make sure to check out her incredible work! We will list her contact information below.

Contact Maria today at 407-914-1257

Email: FancyBalloonsDecor@Gmail.com

Venue Spotlight : The Veranda At Thornton Park by Carolina Irais Photography

I am so excited to be featuring this stunning event venue in the heart of Orlando, The Veranda at Thornton. From a small, minimal event or rehearsal dinner to an elaborate, extravagant wedding; this is a great venue to consider. It is also a short drive from anywhere near Orlando, making it’s location super convenient.

This historic yet timeless oasis, is nestled right in the middle of four different historical buildings that all connect through their courtyard and gorgeous oak trees. Pictures truly do not do it justice! We hosted a styled wedding photoshoot at The Veranda at Thornton, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Thank you so much for having us!

The main courtyard is open to set up with a beautiful and historic backdrop, composed of string lights, over hanging trees, beautifully-colored colonial buildings with plenty of room for any event, and last but definitely not least, a pool with a stunning flower arch and Air BnB, definitely something to inquire about! So worth it!

Make sure to get in contact with them today to inquire about your special day!

Click here to email The Veranda At Thornton

Vendor Credits:

Floral Designer – Marcani Couture

Bridal Gowns – Sorelle Vita Couture

MUA Beautified by Bekah

Wine – One Hope Wine

Models – Karlene Santiago + Katy Williams

Stationery – A Handful of Letters

Bar Cart – The Bubble Buggi

Top Rated Wedding Venues in Central Florida by Carolina Irais Photography

Choosing a venue is so important for any wedding or event, that is why it is so important to do your research and read as many reviews as possible before even reaching out to a venue in specific. So, we went ahead and did the hard work for you! YAY! In this blog post we will be covering Central Florida’s Top rated event venues, and where you can get in contact with them today!

Cypress Grove Estate House

First up is Cypress Grove Estate House, located in Orlando. This incredible venue has over 280+ reviews of happy customers for you to swift over. This southern- estate will be sure to take your breath away with it’s stunning lakeside setting it offers to its guests. Click here to contact them today!

“This charming colonial home sits on 80 acres of lush grounds with tree lined streets, aged oak and cypress trees, radiant seasonal flowers, and perfectly manicured lawns, all on the cusp of Lake Jessamine.”

Venue 1902

Next is Venue 1902 at Preservation Hall, located in Sanford, Florida. This perfectly vintage old grammar school – turned elegant event and wedding venue with pristine grass really should be on your ‘venues to-consider list’. The amazing team of ladies there have a true passion for serving their community in a really great way. On their google page alone, Venue 1902 has over 200+ positive and raving reviews from clients all over the United States. Click here to chat with them today!

Write the next chapter of your Story at Central Florida’s most elegant, premier Historic wedding venue! Minutes from Orlando located in Historic Downtown Sanford, Venue 1902 offers a perfect setting for your wedding
https://www.venue1902.com/

Bakers Ranch

Up next is Bakers Ranch, located in Parrish, Florida. With their motto being ” You will be the guest, and we will take care of the rest” This all inclusive venue is sure to fit all of your wedding dream needs. This venue has a barn-farm styled theme as well as some gorgeous trees that decorate their beautiful main walls and surrounds the freshly mowed – green grass. There is truly something for everyone here, from a micro-wedding to a full 200-guest list wedding; they have you covered! Click here to chat with them today!

Whether your vision is arboreous or bohemian, rustic-formal or elegant, classic ballroom or whimsical, you’re sure to find your perfect space here!
https://www.bakersranch.com/

The Crystal Ballroom

The next venue we will be featuring is The Crystal Ballroom. This central Florida venue has over 400+ reviews. Although it is important to note that The Crystal Ballroom has several different locations throughout Central Florida, such as Winter Springs, Winter Park, Tampa and even North Carolina. From simple to extravagant events, they can get the job done! Click here to learn more!

Look no further than the timeless elegance found at Crystal Ballroom. We have multiple breathtakingly beautiful wedding venues and event venues across the state of Florida and in South Carolina that are perfect for any celebration you can dream to create. Our all-inclusive event venues transform according to the designs and theme of your imagination.

The Acre Orlando

Alright, fair warning that I personally love this venue. The Acre Orlando, has something stunning for everyone. With sophisticated buildings and architecture that give off a modern yet classic feel, this venue is sure to make you fall in love with this Orlando oasis of a venue. It also offers lush greenery for a more bohemian or tropical look. It’s like straight out of a magazine! Click here to contact them today!

Not just tin-roofed barns and tropical gardens, The Acre is the perfect combination of outdoor rustic charm and Orlando whimsy. The Acre is, in the words of Orlando Weekly, “the best event space you never knew existed,” because there truly is nothing else like it in all of Florida.
The Acre Orlando

Casa Feliz, Winter Park

This award-winning location is really one to capture one’s eye! It is a Spanish-styled farmhouse located in the heart of Winter Park, offering many scenic photo-ops as well as a charming, elegant vibe to it. It truly is a venue worth looking at for sure! Click here to speak with their amazing staff today!

Casa Feliz is the perfect setting for a wedding in every way. The atmosphere is so romantic and intimate and the staff at Casa Feliz is filled with some of the best, most patient and extremely customer friendly people you will work with when planning your wedding.

FEATURED VENDOR HIGHLIGHT SERIES: Lauren Newberry, Owner + Event Planner of Enamored Events by Carolina Irais Photography

Hi Orlando peeps! Today we are featuring an amazing business. Now I know we usually only feature vendors and businesses in Central Florida; However Lauren is the exception! She will also travel to you, which is how I met her.

Enamored Events planned an amazing styled shoot in Up The Creek Farms here in Florida, and it was so much fun and amazing yet professional. Definitely consider Lauren to help you coordinate your special day. You won’t regret it!!!

Lauren Newberry is the Owner and Event Coordinator of Enamored Events, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Enamored events is a full-service event planning company- I’ve planned brand shoots, styled shoots (aka. fake weddings), and wedding coordination for lots of clients. I love getting the chance to work with vendors and especially passionate about growing relationships with everyone I work with.

lauren newberry, event planner with enamored events

Growing my company has been the hardest thing I have ever done but, it has become such a beautifully exhaustive passion. I have made genuine relationships, being able to help people in their worst moments and I have been there for so many best days of people’s lives.
My hope for my company is to exceed the expectations of all clients.
lauren newberry, event planner with enamored events

Here’s how you can get in contact with her today!

FEATURED VENDOR HIGHLIGHT SERIES: Edwin Fernandez, Owner of Win Show Events: DJ + Photobooth Company in Central Florida By Carolina Irais Photography

My name is Edwin Fernandez. I’m the fearless leader of WSE DJs and Win Show Events. WSE is a Wedding and Event Company specializing in Bilingual DJs and MCs.
Been in Florida we understand the diversity of having professionals that can speak both English and Spanish language and we brought this to our company to make sure we can cover any circumstances and no guest feels apart.
edwin fernanez, leader at win show events

As a one stop shop for event production we also provide different types of Lighting, Photobooth, Monogram Projections, Special EFXs, A/V Rentals and much more.

You can get in contact with us at 407-952-4894 or visit us at www.winshowevents.com or at Facebook or IG @wsedjs.

Photo credits:
Dreamscape Photography LLC
Jay Maldonado Photography
JQ Art Photography
Sonju Photography
Stanlo Photography