Under the sweeping branches of ancient oaks and beside a serene Florida lake, Elizabeth and Connor hosted a wedding that felt as timeless as it was personal. Held at the romantic Bella Cosa estate in Lake Wales, their day blended black-tie elegance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere — a true reflection of their story, their style, and their shared vision. Captured through the sensitive and refined lens of Tiffany Maysonet, every frame carried the weight of intention and the lightness of joy.
Location: Lake Wales, Florida, USA
Style: Timeless, Elegant, Chic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 215
Setting: Backyard
Season: Spring
Elizabeth and Connor met in college during one of Connor’s fraternity events, but what began casually soon turned into something deep and enduring. Over time, their relationship became a quiet constant, rooted in shared memories and mutual support. The proposal, too, was layered with thought — a day of Elizabeth’s favorite things culminating in a beachfront moment, followed by a surprise celebration with their families.
For their wedding, they wanted more than aesthetics. They envisioned a joyful, elegant celebration that felt like them: classic in style, yet rich in feeling.
Wedding Day
Bridal Fashion
Elizabeth wore the “Ruth” gown by Maggie Sottero, a figure-hugging silhouette reimagined with a custom neckline and subtle floral detailing. Paired with Dolce Vita’s pearl-strap sandals, heirloom jewelry, and her mother’s wedding band, her look was personal, romantic, and softly glamorous. “I fell in love with the dress the moment I put it on,” she shared.
"“It was everything I envisioned — timeless, beautiful, and so me."
Her hair moved from loose curls during the ceremony to a refined bun later in the evening, styled by Jackie McLoon, and she carried a bouquet of classic white roses, tying the bridal look back to the monochromatic palette of the day. Elizabeth’s scent was “I Do” by Anthropologie, soft and romantic.
Groom’s Fashion
Connor opted for a timeless black tuxedo from Joseph A. Bank, paired with a white bow tie that set him slightly apart. “I wanted something classic, but a little different,” he said. His boutonniere, a simple pairing of baby’s breath and white roses, mirrored Elizabeth’s bouquet. Simple silver cuff links added a subtle touch of polish.
This wedding was full of emotional intention, and that included skipping a traditional first look. But one first look did happen: a private moment between Elizabeth and her father before the ceremony. It was tender, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place under a centuries-old oak tree on Bella Cosa’s lakefront lawn. Chairs lined with white baby’sbreath led to a floral arch created by Gemma Floral + Wine, designed in cloud-like clusters of white blooms and delicate greenery. The setting felt intimate, grounded, and sacred.
Connor saw Elizabeth for the first time as she walked down the aisle. “It was the moment everything felt real — all the planning, the excitement, the love — it all came together in that walk,” the bride shared.
Led by a close family friend as officiant, the ceremony wove in personal vows, Bible readings, and reverent silences. Guests described it as emotional, genuine, and full of warmth. “Afterward, I felt like I was on cloud nine,” Elizabeth shared. “It was peaceful, emotional, and everything we had imagined.”
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour followed on the estate’s terrace overlooking the lake, where guests sipped signature drinks like espresso martinis and whiskey ginger ales, and mingled beneath the trees. Gemma Floral + Wine created a seamless transition from ceremony to celebration with floral arrangements that echoed the altar’s softness, now set in glass vessels across cocktail tables.
Among the standout elements: custom cowboy hats branded with the wedding date and a cigar bar by Cigar Brothers that offered curated selections for guests to enjoy later in the evening.
Private Moment
Between the ceremony and reception, Elizabeth and Connor took a quiet walk beneath the oaks, this time in matching white and black cowboy hats. With the sun filtering through the trees, the moment felt cinematic, intimate, and full of personality.
Tiffany Maysonet captured the couple with a quiet intimacy that felt unfiltered and true — a gentle balance of raw emotion and refined composition. This pause in the day allowed them to reconnect before the night’s festivities.
Reception & Decor
The reception took place on Bella Cosa’s arched patio, transformed into a black-tie dinner with thoughtful details. With coordination by Dream House Bounce Events, the space came together beautifully. Tables were dressed in black linens with gold-rimmed chargers, and each setting featured a knotted black napkin for a modern finish. Centerpieces combined white tulips, baby’s breath, and cream roses in clear vessels, offering an airy counterbalance to the strong palette.
The black-and-white checkered dance floor added a graphic punch, becoming the perfect setting for the couple’s first dance to Chris Stapleton’s “Joy of My Life.” Lighting from the surrounding string bulbs warmed the entire scene.
Dinner was catered by 3 C’s Catering, and the heart-shaped vintage cake by Katie Manzi, layered with coconut cake, vanilla frosting, and a piña colada filling, added a whimsical, nostalgic element.
Toasts from the bride’s father, the matron of honor, and the best man brought both laughter and tears, with each speech echoing the couple’s deep bonds with their loved ones.
Later in the evening, guests discovered the mobile cigar lounge by Cigar Brothers, where the newlyweds shared a celebratory smoke — a playful, stylish twist on tradition that fit their personalities perfectly.
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy every moment and stay with each other. Don’t leave each other’s side. The day goes by fast, and having each other close makes it even more special.
PHOTOGRAPHER Tiffany Maysonet | VIDEOGRAPHER Lateral Media | CONTENT CREATOR The Cupid Content | VENUE Bella Cosa | PLANNER Dream House Bounce Events | FLORALS Gemma Floral + Wine | MUAH JEM Hair Design | DRESS The White Magnolia | DRESS DESIGNER Maggie Sottero | CATERING 3 C’sCatering | CAKE Katie Manzi | CIGAR BAR Cigar Brothers | DJ Shawn Carpenter | RENTALS Under One Tent | SIGNAGE Party Nova Co. | ARCH Tampa Luxe Walls | HATS Coastal Cowgirls Collective | BRIDE Elizabeth Gardner
