Last weekend our son, Tommy and his wife Mona were married with a small church ceremony and a restaurant wedding reception with personal touches.
“The third time’s the charm!”
Last December, Tommy and Mona had a civil ceremony at the courthouse followed by an at-home wedding at Mona’s parent’s house (which was sped up due to a family illness).
Last weekend in Winter Park, Florida, we had one more celebration for those who could not attend the other ceremonies. It was for family and friends (like their childhood and college friends and the group we have travelled with for many years AKA “FBC” or Family By Choice on our text chain).
Our pastor, Father Walsh was there when we lived here 20 years ago…so nice to have him marry our son after all these years.
Tommy and Mona wanted it to be kept simple on the wedding day. So, dinner at their neighborhood French restaurant seemed like the right choice.
Following are photos taken by Eric, Ariana, Dorothy and Alexandra (thank you so much, guys)! It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Simple Wedding At Our Former Church
This was at St. Margaret Mary, where Tommy and Alexandra attended grammar school.
Tommy’s niece, Louisa (who will be three in August) was the flower girl and walked down the aisle “all by myself!” (we practiced in our driveway). We bought her smocked dress here.
Her parents walked Mona down the aisle. There is a reel of the ceremony here.
Why Consider A Restaurant Wedding Reception?
Restaurant Wedding Venues: Built-In Atmosphere and Decor
- Cuisine: Restaurants are in the business of great food.
- Experienced Staff: The service is professional, reducing the need for outside catering vendors or rental staff.
- Ideal for Smaller Weddings: Rather than banquet halls, restaurants are great for a guest list of 20-80.
- Cozy Atmosphere: The layout often encourages a more relaxed vibe.
- Neighborhood Charm: A local favorite can offer a meaningful setting.
- Less Decor Needed: Tables, chairs, lighting, and place settings are typically included.
Dinner Celebration At Chez Vincent‘s Private Bar Space
Custom French Menu
The menu was created on Canva by me. They printed them relatively inexpensively and quickly.
There was a choice of dishes and dessert (with crème brûlée or chocolate cake instead of the traditional wedding cake).
Candlelit Table Setting Décor
The restaurant set the tables with white and navy linens.
For warm ambiance, we placed lots of long lasting hurricane and votive candles down the centers. I wrote place cards by hand (that I bought on Amazon).
Cocktails Al Fresco On The Patio
We were served appetizers and cocktails on the outside space, including a non-alcoholic Basil Lemonade With Strawberry Slices. There was also an open bar with professional bartenders.
Entertainment – Music By A Pianist and Singer
The restaurant recommended a pianist/singer and he was great at judging the mood of the party (keeping it quieter during dinner and festive at other times). Our friend, Lizzie treated us to a couple of songs, too, with her beautiful voice.
Personal Slideshow
Using Canva again, I made a three minute slide show of the couple (and their buddies) that we looped (thanks to my son-in-law, Luca). The monitor was over the bar in the mirror and played throughout the party.
Heartfelt Speeches
Tommy comes from a long line of Irish Catholic toast-makers. He started them off by thanking everyone for coming. His friends and family toasted the couple with warm and sincere words.
My toast to the couple
I’m not sure what I said when I took the microphone! But it was some facsimile of the notes on my phone in my purse :
- Tommy, I’ve had the joy to watch you grow from being a funny, adventurous boy into the thoughtful, loving man you are today. And you are still funny!
- And from the moment we met you, Mona, it was clear—you are a special light to everyone around you.
- You have seen the best of Tommy, like when he makes you beautiful, elaborate dinners…to the worst of him… like in sports bar when the Gators are losing.
- Some might say marrying the same person three times is overkill but we think it is an incredible testament of your love for each other.
And that’s how we had a fun restaurant wedding reception with personal touches. Thank you Chez Vincent.
Would you consider a restaurant venue for your daughter or son’s big day?
Wedding Guest Outfit
Silk Dress • Leather quilted purse • Margaux gold block heeled sandals
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Beautiful wedding event. Love your dress by my favorite designer Lafayette.
The dress was perfect for you so elegant.
thanks for sharing photos from the wedding
Thanks, The dress is comfortable and flows nicely 🙂
Bravo Mary Ann, perfect selections all around. Your simple Canva menu design also perfection. Both my sons were married at resorts for traveling family and friends and they were productions but really wonderful too. It’s all about the couple and guests, and a venue like yours took it to next level. Best wishes to the new Mr. And Mrs.
Everyone I know has big events at restaurants. My wedding was at an eighteenth century mill-turned-restaurant. We danced at one end so no big dance floor in the middle of the room. It worked so beautifully!
Congratulations on your son’s wedding! You did a superlative job and looked beautiful and happy.
Mary Ann what a joyous testament to your Faith & Family! You are such a blessing sharing such precious moments!
And my mom was helping from above 🙂
Congratulations and best wishes to Tommy and Mona! They make a beautiful bridal couple and three times is not enough. Small, intimate weddings have been our favorite wedding experiences, although I love weddings of all sizes. And your special touches added to the warmth and intimacy of the evening. Love your dress. You’re a stellar MIL. xo
You are so sweet, Juliet!!
Louisa is a mini you! So cute!
Ha! She got my straight hair, poor thing.
What a gorgeous wedding!! Congratulations to Mona and Tommy and to both families. I love intimate weddings myself, that is what we had 35 years ago in Hampstead Village, England. It was raining from the church to the bijou french restaurant we chose straight up the hill, and the wedding party were all behind us as we walked. Love your dress Mary Ann so gorgeous!! And little Louisa! Wonderful times xo
Sounds so romantic, Francesca!
What a lovely wedding and the restaurant venue was perfect! They are a beautiful couple and so gracious of them to have three “weddings” to accommodate all their loved ones. You all looked happy and elegant.
Yes, Mona and her parents were good sports!
Elegant, Beautiful and Perfect!
Thank you, Marianne!
Lovely event and your lime gown is gorgeous on you! Also, the mother of the bride looked terrific!
Thanks, Joan!!
Tommy is handsome, just like his dad, Mona was gorgeous, and Louisa was just adorable going down the aisle! And your dress is beautiful, so elegant Looks like a really fun evening.
When my son and son-in-law married in San Francisco, their ceremony took place in Shakespeare’s garden in Golden Gate Park and their reception was at a Spanish restaurant in the Presidio. Easy-peasy. They had about 50 to 70 guests, Friends and family traveled from NY, NJ, PA, Utah, and Louisiana traveled to celebrate with them. It was a fun, intimate night.
That sounds so similar to what we did, Dena! Nice intimate celebration!
Mary Ann, What a beautiful wedding! So happy for Tommy and Mona! You did a lovely job with the wedding. I think it looks intimate, but festive and a lot of fun. Your dress is beautiful on you. Very chic!
Louisa is a doll!!
Wishing them a lifetime of happiness!!
xo
Thank you so much, Kim!
The event looks lovely and memorable. And you look STUNNING! Love the dress –
I would not say stunning, Marie, but I was happy!!!
Hi Mary Ann,
How nice that Mona and Tommy had a third wedding. They make a beautiful looking couple. Mona is pretty.
Mary Ann, your dress is a stand out. Louisa is adorable and her smocked dress is the sweetest. I can’t believe she is turning 3 in August.
Love your simple, elegant
wedding! Your dress is just perfection!
Much love , laughter and happiness to your entire family!
NancyB
Thank you for sharing such a special family event! You look elegant as mother of the groom!
Thanks so much, Pat!!
Hubs and I had a small wedding in Portland OR, where we live. For the reception, we used the restaurant Portland City Grill atop the tallest building in the city (fab views and food) and 20 years later we’re still saying it was the best party ever! It was SO EASY — the decor is automatic and they were accustomed to doing private events, so it all ran very smoothly. The funniest part: we rented their private dining area while the main restaurant was hopping on a saturday night. The restrooms were the same ones used for the main area, so every time I need to run in, people would ask me why I had such a fancy dress on. Portland is *very* casual – no matter what the event, there is someone in a college hoodie. My response: well, this was made by hand for me by a local designer and my wedding reception is in full swing right over there….
Ha!! Love that story, Chris. We had to share the bathroom with the main restaurant, too. My niece, Tommy’s godmother, came from Portland for the event 🙂
It’s all so lovely! And seems stress free. What a breath of fresh air to celebrate this intimately. Your kids are so thoughtful. Just like you!
Your dress is both striking and elegant. Love the chartreuse color! Cheers to you all!
Thanks so much, Jayne!!!
Best vicarious wedding ever! Love a small wedding and the less you stress the more fun it is. Congrats to the couple. So darling they are.
It was stress-free, Leanne!
this post had me smiling for y’all the whole time I was reading. thanks for sharing such a beautiful blessing in your life. I hope to be as lucky when our boys find their future mates. xoxo, nancy
Thanks, Nancy!! You are so sweet.
Lovely. So wonderful to get a glimpse of my hometown and parish. I love seeing how Winter Park has grown and changed over the years.
It really has grown!
Thank you for sharing such a special day. It is wonderful to see so much happiness! Everything was lovely!!
Thank you, Lynn!
Wow. Mary Ann such a beautiful wedsing and I just love how elegant and low key it is. Lots of love. ❤️ Anne
Thanks, Anne. It did feel relaxed!
Small intimate weddings are so special. My daughter got married a small room at a beautiful, historic building that houses an upscale steakhouse. It was in early 2021 when Covid restrictions wouldn’t allow big parties. The beautiful room had a fireplace and we used ivory candles, Emma’s, ivory flowers, and babies breath to decorate. It is my favorite wedding ever.
That sounds so lovely, Karen.
Great idea – restaurant venue looked wonderful. You all looked fabulous – love that chartreuse dress with gold shoes and soft blue for flower girl – wow.
Thanks, Stacy…it was a fun time.
Wedding #3 and the party look absolutely fantastic! I think having the reception at a restaurant is genius! Your dress is absolutely stunning and little Louisa the star of the show!!
It did seem easier at a restaurant, Cindy.