Stories like Morela and Derek’s just strengthen my belief in fate – the idea that just some things are meant to happen. They met one night in Miami while they were each out with their friends, and here they were getting married. It’s proof that you just never know what each day has in store. Little did these two know that on that night they’d meet their future spouse. The more time I spent around them during the wedding day, the more obvious it was that these two were meant to be together.
When I found out Derek and Morela would be getting married at Sundara, I was even more excited to take part in their special day. This garden estate venue is well-known in Virginia for its dreamy, historic appeal. With perfect weather at a beautiful venue, this wonderful couple had the perfect recipe for a wedding day!
Derek and Morela’s wedding took place in the November, so they had naturally chosen some deeper reds and purples to accent their day. They had their closest friends join them for the getting-ready activities, but they chose not to have a formal wedding party of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Ultimately this created a simpler day and made the ceremony perhaps even more meaningful with all of the focus on them. During their vows, Morela and Derek invited Derek’s daughter up to the arbor so Morela could make a separate set of vows to her as a new stepmom, and there was not a dry eye on the lawn. Everything, from the decorations to Morela’s glamorous bridal look to the ceremony, was beautiful.
After family portraits at the ceremony site and some amazing bride and groom portraits amidst some tall grasses, the celebrations could really begin. A lively cocktail hour on the patio led to the dinner and dancing under the tent, complete with a talented and energetic live band. The lead singer even took his microphone down to the dance floor to let some guests take the spotlight. Morela’s side of the family especially brought the fun with their uninhibited dancing and laughter.
It was a day of pure joy and celebration – everything a wedding should be. Congratulations Derek and Morela!
