After 9 months of living in Orlando we are finally settled. It feels so good to say that we are "home." Now that we are officially starting to grow roots, I have begun to comb Orlando for the most singular venues and vendors. The variety in this city is endless, and I've discovered that any Orlando bride, local or out-of-town, will be able to shape their wedding vision to fit their mind's eye!
In trekking around Orlando's venues and vendor headquarters, I am in constant search for two specific qualities. First, will this venue setting or vendor product distinguish itself in the memories of the bride, groom, and guests? If yes, are the personnel involved the type who will treat the bride and groom with the utmost hospitality and kindness? Stellar weddings are the result of a well-managed setting, quality vendor products, and a shared understanding of the joy of the occasion at hand!
Orlando has an astonishing variety of venues and vendors to choose from, and I understand that starting can be a challenge. Because venue touring is a time-consuming process, I've undertaken the task for you! To prepare for my Orlando Venue Spotlight series, I have hit the road and asked all the tough questions. I hope that you can use JoAnna Dee Weddings' Orlando Venue Spotlight to launch your search! Of course, these rundowns can only take you so far. The best way to begin planning your perfect day is to contact me at joannadeeweddings@gmail.com!
With each venue spotlight, I'll share my favorite ceremony positions, ideal cocktail and reception locations, and my recommendations on the ideal set up for each phase of the wedding. After covering the creative side, it's on to the all-important but less romantic nitty gritty. I will cover the costs and capacities to give you an idea of whether each venue suits your needs.
- Cypress Grove Estate House-
Cypress Grove Estate
THE PRETTY: Take a right hand turn off of South Orange avenue and step back in time to old southern charm. The property is true to its name, with gorgeous cypress trees, Spanish moss dangling in the wind, and a lined driveway leading up to the white estate house. Absolutely perfect for bridal portraits. Seriously dreamy!
CEREMONY: The estate sits nestled up to beautiful Lake Jessamine. A white gazebo awaits your creative touch, and provides a beautiful frame for your "I Do's" overlooking the lake.
Cypress Grove Estate
Cypress Grove Estate | First Floor
A small petite indoor space is available for smaller intimate weddings . (My vote... Gazebo all the way ;)
Cypress Grove Estate | Cocktail Hour Bar Location
COCKTAIL HOUR: The Cypress Grove Estate offers a mobile bar allowing you to position cocktail hour in a variety of locations around the property. Later, the bar can be moved closer to the reception space. (*JoAnna's Tip: Place the bar under the white pergola with beautiful wisteria surrounding the space. Throw some high boy cocktail tables out and your guests have a perfect view of Lake Jessamine!)
RECEPTION: Two excellent options here. The obvious choice is the rounded white trellis amphitheater. (Yes! Give me all the cafe lights!!!!) Picture your special evening under the stars, twinkling cafe lights above, and brick pavers decorating the ground. Rental tables, chairs, linen, dance floor, white resin padded chairs are all included.
If a tented reception is more your thing, the lake view Estate Lawn is able to accommodate a 30 x 120' sized tent.
Cypress Grove Estate | Reception Space
Cypress Grove Estate | Lawn Area
Cypress Grove Estate | Lawn Area
I was lucky to meet with venue coordinators Sarah and Alecia. In our time together, I quickly gathered that they are in love with the estate and their jobs. Say cheese ladies! (love them, you are in good hands ;)
Cypress Grove Estate | Front of Estate
Brides who book Cypress Grove Estate gain the opportunity to paint their own picture on a beautiful canvas. On the second floor there is a sun room that is flooded with natural light making it a PERFECT "ready room" as you get your hair/makeup done. I call it a "photographer's delight!" In addition to the sunroom, brides can take over the second floor and have plenty of space to sprawl out accompanied with a satee and a full appointed bathroom.
Cypress Grove Estate | Bridal Suite "Getting Ready Room"
Cypress Grove Estate | Bridal Suite "Getting Ready Room"
Cypress Grove Estate | Indoor Buffet Room
On the first floor, the Orchid room is available to you if you opt to have a buffet. The doors leading out to the amphitheater make it convenient for your guests to step right into the reception area.
THE NITTY GRITTY:
COST - Saturday: $3,500 Venue Rental & $8,500 food & beverage min.
Week Day Rental: $2,850 Venue Rental & $5,000 food & beverage min.
INCLUDES-
- TIMING: 8 hour time block. Most common 3-11pm. This allows you 2 hours prior to your ceremony to set up, half an hour ceremony, hour long cocktail hour and 4 hour reception. *If you want a full day rental of the property, it is just $1,500 more.
- RENTALS: Tables, white resin folding chairs for the ceremony, linens, cafe lighting. *Since this is a 100+ year old estate, all lighting needs will be done through the venue.
- PARKING: Included! Enough space for 180 cars. Nice and easy for your guests!
- SECURITY: Private security guard starting at 5:00pm
(*Pro Tip: If you are on the fence about either using a transportation service for your guests vs Uber... BOOK TRANSPO! On the Uber app, Cypress Grove Estate appears as "closed" after certain hours and some Uber drivers might opt out of picking you up. Don't leave your guests stranded!)
VENDOR LOVE
- Looking for a boutique style hotel conveniently located for your guests? The Grand Bohemian Hotel is just the ticket only located 4/5 miles away.
- Flowers - Flowers by Leslie is a quick favorite to the venue as their office is a hop, skip, and a jump away. Alecia and Sarah glowingly told me that all Leslie is missing is a bed to sleep at the property. She practically lives there. P.S. I can't wait to meet you Leslie!
- Decor - RWStyle is a quick choice for all things glam for the venue. From vintage furniture rentals to flatware, RW Style can tailor the space to reflect your own unique style as a couple.
If you, or someone you know is getting married at Cypress Grove Estate House, I'd love to work with you as your day-of coordinator! Email me a joannadeeweddings@gmail.com to book your wedding date!
Cypress Grove Estate | Rose Garden
Cypress Grove Estate | Rose Garden
