Love Stories

By Sharon Raye

April brings a sense of renewal, beginnings and meaningful celebrations. In this quarterly wedding feature, we’re pleased to share a collection of weddings that reflect the beauty of love, commitment and the moments that bring people together. Each celebration offers its own unique style and story, serving as inspiration for those planning their own special day or simply enjoying the beauty of these meaningful moments.

Allison & Fernando

Bride and Groom: Allison Mack & Fernando Oliva

Wedding date: Nov. 2, 2025

Parents of the groom: Cledy Lara

Parents of the bride: Larry and Rhonda Mack

Wedding planner and design: Georgina Rarick, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Venue and catering: Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Photographer: Eighteenth Hour Photography

Florals and rentals: Floral Architecture

Cake: Soleil Bakery

Officiant: Pastor Tim Machtel

DJ: DJ Live Productions

Beauty: Pretty n Pinned

How did you two meet?

We met while working together at the same hospital.

When did you get engaged?

We got engaged in August 2024 in Jasper, Tennessee.

Where did you honeymoon?

We honeymooned in Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon.

What was your favorite moment?

Our favorite moment was saying “I do,” celebrating with our friends and family and sharing a private last dance together.

We couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our wedding. From start to finish, the experience at Golden Ocala was seamless, organized and enjoyable. Having catering, bar service and coordination all in one place made the planning process far less stressful, and Georgina was wonderful to work with. We appreciated meeting with the team throughout the planning process for tastings, layout planning and selecting linens and décor.

The venue itself offered several ceremony options and a beautiful ballroom, and the team paid attention to details we might not have thought of — like adding pearl overlays to the tables after noticing the pearl detailing on the dress. Their organization and coordination with our vendors allowed everything to run smoothly so we could truly enjoy celebrating with our family and friends.

Madison & Matthew

Bride and Groom: Madison Bray & Matthew Parrill

Wedding date: Oct. 11, 2025

Parents of the groom: Christine Hauck and Jeff Parrill

Parents of the bride: Jaime and Robby Bray

Wedding planner and design: Georgina Rarick, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Venue and catering: Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Photographer: Katelyn Virginia Photography

Florals and rentals: Iron and Clay

Additional rentals: Golden Ocala

Cake: Betty Cakes

Officiant: Wendy Thurow, Your Simple Ceremony

DJ: Jonathan Davis, Genius DJs

Beauty: Be Beauty by Amanda

How did you two meet?

We met in 2018 while attending Florida Gulf Coast University. We were introduced by a mutual friend, Ryan Blakemore, who later served as a groomsman. From the start, we were inseparable and spent every chance we could together.

When did you get engaged?

We got engaged April 18, 2024.

Where did you honeymoon?

We honeymooned in Nassau, Bahamas.

What special touches made your day unique?

One special touch was a dog statue on our cake honoring our fur baby, Sammy. We had only been dating three months when I brought him home, and he’s been part of our story ever since. He recently celebrated his 8th birthday.

Instead of a traditional guest book, we had our guests sign andInstead of a traditional guest book, guests signed a deck of cards with marriage advice, something we’ll revisit during game nights for years to come. We also gave personalized gifts to family before the ceremony, including handkerchiefs and custom ties with meaningful photos.

Throughout the reception, we incorporated personalized details such as “M&M” champagne toppers, custom koozies, and personalized champagne flutes and cake plate. We also included a personalized golf flag as our “something blue,” reflecting our shared love of golf. It is now framed in our home as a keepsake from the day.

What was your favorite moment?

Saying “I do” and sharing a kiss down the aisle, toasting with our wedding party, and celebrating with family and friends on the dance floor.

Hearing speeches from our wedding party and parents made us feel incredibly loved.

We ended the night with a sparkler exit and a sendoff in a vintage white Rolls-Royce.

Jackie & Carlos

Bride and Groom: Jackie Glassman and Carlos Adorno

Wedding date: February 14, 2026

Venue: Cypress Head Clubhouse (Parkland, FL)

Catering: Mo’s Bagels & Deli

Photographers: Gabe Glassman and Evan Barber

Florals: Bouquets arranged by Monica Glassman

Officiant: Rabbi Frank

Beauty: Monica Glassman

How did you two meet?

We fell in love in college at Jacksonville University. We were best friends first, and our relationship blossomed from there.

When did you get engaged?

December 12, 2025

Where did you honeymoon?

We went on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cabo, Mexico, where we whale-watched and kayaked. We also indulged in delicious, authentic Mexican food, which was amazing because we are both foodies at heart. It was truly a magical experience.

What special touches made your day unique?

Our day was very special and unique because our whole family came together in a beautiful way. We all decorated the wedding venue the night before and poured our love into every detail. We didn’t need anything fancy—just each other.

What was your favorite moment?

My favorite moment was our first dance. Carlos and I spent weeks creating choreography to the song “Beauty and the Beast,” practicing in our living room. It was so sweet and romantic. I felt like a princess being swept off my feet at a ball.

 
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