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Real Weddings Archive
Please select the links below to view previously featured Real Weddings

Maria And Christopher - A Valentine's Day Celebration in DC

Tracy and Duane - A Celebration of the Arts in DC

Sheeva and Brendan - Elegance and Magic at a Pennsylvania Mansion

Ariana and David - An Oceanside Celebration in Newport, RI

Randi and Christian - A Destination Wedding and a Re-creation

Allison and Andy - Hurricane Katrina Can't Breach their Determination to Marry

Bonnie and Michael - An Elegant Boston Fairytale

Cori and Jeff - Southern Hospitality in Georgia

Sara and Justin - Classic Seaside Style in Connecticut

Marcy and Nick - Oceanfront Elegance in La Jolla, California

Melanie and Tim - Southern-style Splendor in Alabama

Chaney and Chris -
Birmingham Romance

Lindsey and Tim - Relaxed Seacoast-style
in Rye, NH

Jessica and Dante - Bermuda

Read inspriational Real Weddings stories. This month:
Mary and Toby- Palm Beach, FL

The Bride:
Mary Kate O'Connell, 27 - International Coordinator

The Groom:
Toby James Welsh, 30 - Sales Manager

The Date:
May 19, 2007
Palm Beach, Florida

Jet Set Romance

Although both Mary and Toby worked for the same company, the two literally lived worlds apart, she in West Palm Beach and he across the pond in Norwich, England. Mary and Toby finally met at a tradeshow in Vegas. They connected, and a new relationship emerged

The two corresponded long distance. Arranging their schedules to meet in cities all over the world, they simultaneously explored new frontiers and their flourishing relationship. "Meetings" consisted of a short jaunt in Dublin, a few days in London, then Amsterdam, Maine, Mexico, Key West, Paris... After 3 years of worldwide courtship, Mary and Toby decided to give their jet set romance a permanent location. It was settled, Toby would come to the US on a fiance visa.

The Stage:

Toby's visa required the couple to get married within three months of his arrival in the United States - which didn't leave much time for planning. The one thing Mary wanted was a ceremony held at the Royal Poinciana Chapel, a stunning blue chapel with a majestic old Banyon tree as an impressive backdrop. Mary and Toby booked the the first date that was available and the planning stemmed from there.

The Governor's Club perched atop Phips Point hosted the wedding reception. The stunning floor-to-ceiling windows afforded panoramic views of the downtown cityscape and ocean below. Inside, a profusion of tealights placed on every table emulated a romantic candlit setting.

The Planning:

As a gardening enthusist with a particular fondness for orchids, Mary filled the day's details with an abundance of flowers and orchids, even accenting her hair with her favorite bloom

Mary selected a simple gown with a full gathered skirt and accented her look with a chandelier necklace and earring set of auqa marine stones and diamond crusted hearts. The antique look complemented her heirloom diamond engagement ring.

When it came to selecting her invitation and stationery suite, Mary knew she didn't need to look far. Her younger sister, majoring in print making, expertly crafted one-of-a-kind invitations and programs for the wedding.

Fun and Fesitivity:

Festive music, dancing and sumptuous cuisine highlighted the joyous occasion. The Royal Poinciana's impressive accoustics combined with the old organ piano and vocalist to create an arresting sound for the ceremony.

After Mary and Toby dance to Don't Go Changing, Mary and her father payed homage to their Irish background and danced to My Wild Irish Rose. His toast afterwards included an Irish Blessing.

Mary and Toby treated guests to a full open bar (a must at an Irish wedding!) and profuse buffet featuring fish, tenderloins, chicken, lobster bisque and finished with a buttercream vanilla cake with cannoli filling.

The Memories:
Looking back, Mary pinpoints the highlights of the day, recalling their appreciation at having long distance families and friends come together to celebrate their wedding. And of course, the most significant moment of the day had to be the fateful walk down the aisle, which Mary describes as her moment. "I was so nervous for the ceremony but walking down the aisle and seeing Toby as he looked back at me and said 'wow' was funny, but nerve settling."

At the reception, it was all about letting loose and having a good time. "It was such a relaxing and fun atmosphere. The speeches were great, and the best part of the evening was dancing with everyone!"

Kind of makes you wish you were there....

How It All Came Together...

Ceremony Site - Royal Poinciana Chapel - Palm Beach, FL - The bride says, "I really wanted the Royal Poinciana Chapel because of its beauty and amazing ambiance. The acustics in the old church are awesome!"

Reception Venue - The Governor's Club - West Palm Beach, FL - The bride says, "The venue is all windows, so the view is breathtaking."

Catering – The Governer's Club - West Palm Beach, FL - The bride says, "The Governer's Club had fantastic choices. The food was great!"

Wedding Cake - Publix - West Palm Beach, FL - The bride says, "Publix was convienant, great to work with and the cake was great"

Wedding Music – Kenny Mondo Music - West Palm Beach, FL - The bride says, "Kenny Mondo Music Rocked!! I couldn't ask for anything more"

Photography – Tonya Laker, Palm Beach Photography - Palm Beach, FL - The bride says, "Tonya from Palm Beach Photography was amazing. She really went above and beyond in every aspect!! Whenever I was confused or not sure where we were supposed to be she was right there with great direction. I would recommend her to everyone!"

Attire - Eva Bridal - The bride says, "Elva Bridal disappeared in the middle of the night so we had to track our dresses down and get them into another local bridal shop - Very scary!"