Francine and Juan came to me through their wedding planner, and from the moment I connected with them, I knew this day was going to be something special. Their Lake Mary Events Center wedding was a spring celebration that leaned all the way in: bright color, vibrant spring florals, lake views, personal details, and a reception that kept going and going. 

The vibe of this day was bright and playful, but also deeply emotional. Francine has this magnetic energy that fills a room. And Juan? He’s so grateful, so present, so completely in love with her. They wanted a Spanish-speaking Orlando wedding photographer, and being able to show up for them fully—in their language, in their moments—made this feel even more personal. 

A Waterfront Wedding at Lake Mary Events Center

Francine and Juan chose Lake Mary Events Center for one reason above all others: the incredible lake view. Tucked just outside downtown Orlando in Lake Mary, Florida, this venue sits right on the shore of West Crystal Lake. That backdrop was everything for a spring wedding with a colorful palette like theirs! Dusty blue, peach, lavender, and coral came together in the most joyful, bright way. 

If you’re still exploring Florida waterfront wedding venues in the area, I’ve also photographed beautiful lakefront celebrations at Bella Cosa Lakeside in Lake Wales, Adams Estate in Lake Alfred, and the waterfront Epping Forest Yacht Club in Jacksonville—each one photographs beautifully in its own way.

Wedding Details That Set the Tone

Francine made sure I had plenty of thoughtfully curated wedding details to work with from the very start with. Getting ready at the venue meant we could hit the ground running—PJ photos with her girls, her mom helping her into her gown, all those quiet little moments before the day fully kicks off. Her dress was a stunning strapless sweetheart lace gown that was both classic and romantic. Meanwhile, Juan was getting ready with his brother, suiting up in a navy suit with black details. The bridesmaids wore sky blue dresses and the groomsmen matched Juan in navy. The whole wedding party looked cohesive and so polished against that spring color palette.

First Looks Full of Emotion

Before the ceremony, Francine had a whole sequence of first looks, because who said you could only have one? She saw her bridesmaids first, then her dad, and then Juan. Each reaction was its own moment. Her dad’s face when he saw her. Juan’s when she came around the corner. These are the images that couples come back to years later and still feel all the emotions. During this time, Francine and Juan also exchanged private vows—just the two of them, before the whole world got to witness it. That stretch of the morning was an intimate way to set the tone for everything that followed.

Wedding Party Portraits & Couple Photos

Francine and Juan made a smart call early in their planning: they chose to front-load the portraits so they could be fully present for cocktail hour with their guests. So before the ceremony, we captured wedding party photos, individual group shots, and couple portraits. The sky blue and navy against that spring greenery looked incredible. And then there were the dogs! Their pups crashed the wedding party photos in full tuxedo attire, and I’m not exaggerating when I say the puppy tuxedo was one of the highlights of my entire year. Those photos are going to live rent-free in my head forever.

Lakefront Ceremony at the Lake Mary Events Center

The lakeside ceremony location at Lake Mary Events Center sits on the lawn overlooking West Crystal Lake, framed by live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It’s quintessential Florida—serene and a little wild and completely beautiful. Francine and Juan’s ceremony arch was covered in the most breathtaking florals (I have to say it—I was obsessed with these flowers!) and the whole setup felt vibrant and romantic at the same time. Because they’d already done their portraits and first looks, they walked into that ceremony completely ready. No rushing, no pressure. Just the two of them, the people they love, and the beautiful lake views.

Lake Mary Wedding Reception Details

If the ceremony was the emotional peak, the reception was the celebration that matched it. There were so many thoughtful details all night long. Tall centerpieces anchored every table, and personalized favors sat at each place setting so guests felt the intention the moment they sat down. The champagne tower during cocktail hour was a moment. A live painter worked through the entire day, capturing the wedding in real time on canvas. A mosaic art vendor added another layer of creativity and interactivity for guests. The mariachi band brought energy and culture into the reception, and a violinist added elegance in between. Additional favor tables held cigars, custom matchbooks, and small bottles of spirits. Francine and Juan didn’t miss a single detail—and their guests felt every bit of it.

Golden Hour Sunset Portraits

After dinner, Francine and Juan stepped outside for sunset portraits—and the whole wedding party followed! They’d eaten, they’d celebrated, and now they were just completely in it. The golden hour light was doing everything right, and we leaned into it: glowing portraits, under-the-veil shots, and some candid running-in-the-field moments that are some of my favorites from the entire day. There’s a looseness that happens after dinner that you just can’t manufacture earlier in the day, and Francine and Juan had it in full. These photos look exactly how that moment felt: free, joyful, and filled with love.

Hora Loca & the Party Finale

And then came the hora loca. If you’ve never seen one, picture this: high-energy dancers, a Bad Bunny look-alike performer, and a crowd that was already primed and ready to go absolutely wild. The energy on the dancefloor was unreal. Francine and Juan wanted their guests to have a full experience, and they delivered, right until the night ended with a bubbles grande exit. This wedding was a party from start to finish, and I mean that in the most genuine way.

FAQ: Planning a Lake Mary Events Center Wedding

Where is the Lake Mary Events Center?

Lake Mary Events Center is located in Lake Mary, Florida, just a short distance from downtown Orlando. It sits on the shore of West Crystal Lake and offers two ceremony sites: the outdoor Lakeside Ceremony Site on the Event Lawn, and the indoor glass-enclosed Rotunda. Both have views of the lake and the surrounding grounds.

How much does a Lake Mary Events Center wedding cost?

Pricing varies by day and rental type—you can find current pricing details on their website. For reference, a Saturday full building rental is $5,000 and includes the Grand Ballroom, Rotunda, Meeting Room, and Lakeside Ceremony Site. Catering is not included and must be arranged separately through their list of approved select caterers.

Can you have an outdoor ceremony at the Lake Mary Events Center?

Absolutely—the Lakeside Ceremony Site (where Francine and Juan got married) can seat up to 240 guests and is included with Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday full building rentals. It’s a beautiful outdoor waterfront ceremony option close to Orlando.

Does Lake Mary Events Center have in-house catering?

No—the venue requires couples to work with one of their approved select caterers. There are several great options on their list. Francine and Juan went with John Michael Catering & Weddings, and the food was a hit.

Find the Perfect Central Florida Wedding Photographer for You

Francine texted me within an hour of getting her gallery. Her exact words: “Gaby I’m screaming!!!! These pictures are absolutely stunning, beautiful, perfect, you are such an artist!!! I love them so much, we are so grateful!” That text says everything. If you’re looking for a Florida wedding photographer who will show up for you—in your language, with your vision, for every single moment of your day—I’d love to hear about what you’re planning. Reach out and inquire here and let’s get the conversation started!

Vendor Team

Planner: As You Wish Events
Venue: Lake Mary Events Center
Photography: Snapshots by Gabriela
Video: Mesh Films
Content Creator: @theveiled.collective
Florist: Longwood Events
DJ: DJ Rey
Catering: John Michael Catering & Weddings
Makeup & Hair: Kiss & Makeup Orlando
Live Painter: Event Painting by Jamie
Hora Loca: All Stars Dance Entertainment
Cake: Sweetly, Sammy
Violinist: Classern String Quartet