An Intimate Luxury Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton & JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes | Kristel & Chris

Some weddings are filled with grand traditions, while others create their own beautiful story. Kristel and Chris’s intimate wedding at The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes was the perfect example of a couple celebrating their love in a way that felt authentic, meaningful, and completely their own.

Nestled within the stunning Grande Lakes property, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott offer a luxurious setting surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds, elegant architecture, and picturesque outdoor spaces that make every corner feel photo-worthy. The resort’s blend of sophistication and natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for Kristel and Chris’s wedding day. 

Wedding Day Preparation

The day began early as Kristel and the ladies settled into a relaxing morning of hair and makeup. There was a sense of excitement in the air, but also a calmness that comes with celebrating alongside only your closest family and friends.

One of my favorite parts of the day was what happened next.

Instead of getting ready separately, Kristel and Chris chose to get dressed together. It was such a sweet and intimate moment that felt incredibly personal. Chris carefully helped Kristel into her wedding dress, making sure every detail was perfect. In return, Kristel helped Chris with his suit and styled his hair. Watching them take care of each other before the ceremony was a beautiful reminder that a wedding day is ultimately about partnership. It was romantic, genuine, and unlike any traditional wedding timeline I’ve photographed before.

Bride & Groom Portraits

Once they were ready, we explored the beautiful grounds of both The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott for their bride and groom portraits. From elegant walkways and lush landscaping to the timeless luxury of the resort architecture, every location perfectly complemented their style. Without the pressure of a large wedding timeline, we were able to take our time, allowing Kristel and Chris to simply enjoy being together and soak in every moment.

The Ceremony

After a little time to relax and prepare, the ceremony began. Surrounded by their closest loved ones, Kristel and Chris exchanged vows in an intimate celebration filled with emotion, joy, and meaningful connections. There is something incredibly special about smaller weddings—the focus remains entirely on the couple and the people who mean the most to them.

Post Ceremony Portraits

Following the ceremony, we captured family portraits and additional newlywed portraits while everyone was still glowing from the excitement of the day. The happiness on their faces said it all.

The evening concluded with a cake cutting before family and friends gathered for a private dinner reception. While my coverage ended before dinner, it felt like the perfect ending to a day that was centered around love, connection, and celebrating what truly matters.

Kristel and Chris, thank you for allowing me to document such a beautiful chapter of your story. Your wedding was a reminder that the most memorable moments are often the simplest ones—the quiet glances, helping each other get ready, and sharing your day surrounded by the people you love most.

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and many more sweet moments together.

Vendors

• Venues - Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Grand Lakes
• Planner - PS I Love You Weddings and Events
• Hear & Makeup - Kristy's Artistry
• Floral & Decor - Atmosphere Floral and Decor