THE LOW-DOWN
If you’ve ever dreamed of a Harry Potter inspired wedding that goes above and beyond in every single magical way, Leyla and Francisco’s Orlando celebration is about to become your new obsession. This Cayman Islands couple brought their love of the Wizarding World to life in the most enchanting ways, and our Just Marry! team had an absolute blast serving as their wedding coordinators for every spell-binding moment!
Leyla and Francisco welcomed their closest 25 family and friends to the iconic Paddlefish restaurant at Disney Springs for an intimate and unforgettable celebration. The couple exchanged their vows on The Bow, an outdoor deck perched right on the water with sweeping views of the lake and blue skies as far as the eye can see. The ceremony setup featured lush white and gold floral arrangements by Emerald Gardenia that framed the altar beautifully, and the whole scene felt like something straight out of a fairytale. Or, you know, a certain wizarding school we all know and love!
The officiant for Leyla and Francisco’s Harry Potter inspired wedding was none other than Professor McGonagall herself, portrayed by the incredible Katherine Imundi. This was a total surprise for guests, and the reactions were absolutely priceless. Needless to say, everyone was lining up to take photos with her after the ceremony!
The Harry Potter details woven throughout the day were so thoughtfully done. There were golden leaves incorporated into the bride’s bouquet and floral pieces to mimic the wings of the Golden Snitch, which was such a clever and gorgeous nod to the theme. The couple also treated guests to the cutest Harry Potter themed favors, and the entire top floor of Paddlefish was reserved exclusively for the wedding party for a private dining experience that made everyone feel like VIPs. White and gold décor — much of it DIY by the couple — tied everything together in a way that felt polished, personal, and completely magical.
One of our favorite parts of coordinating this wedding was arranging for Rhodes Studios to photograph the couple not just on their wedding day, but also the following day inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Knowing exactly which photographers are experienced with park shoots made the whole process seamless, and the resulting photos are absolutely incredible. From striking poses in front of Olivander’s Wand Shop in Diagon Alley to dueling with wands in front of Hogwarts Castle, the couple fully embraced their Harry Potter inspired wedding vision all the way through the next day.
Be sure to read on for more photos from Leyla and Francisco’s Harry Potter inspired wedding at Paddlefish!
THE "I DO" CREW
Wedding Planner: Nicole Warren, Just Marry!
Ceremony Site at Paddlefish: The Bow
Reception Site at Paddlefish: Paddlefish
Officiant: I Marry Couples
Photographer & Videographer: Rhodes Studios
Florist: Emerald Gardenia
Hair & Makeup: Beaute Speciale
Ceremony and Reception Music: Jennie Rudberg
Cake Baker: Ray’s Cakes
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PICS
WHAT WE LOVED
What was something about the wedding day that evoked emotion in you, the clients, and/or their guests?
It is always so cute to see peoples reactions as we walk through Disney Springs taking photos after their ceremony. While we were out taking photos, we had a group come up to us saying they were on a scavenger hunt. One of their items was having to take a photo with a princess. We ended up getting some really cute and funny photos of this group with the bride, and we were all laughing so hard at the moment!
What modern or trendy elements did the couple include?
The couple chose to have a first look together. This helped to calm their nerves before walking down the aisle. Professor McGonagall officiating was also a surprise for their guests, everyone had a blast taking photos with her after the ceremony!
What was something you did during the couples’ planning or on their wedding day that “saved the day”?
At one point, it was very windy on The Bow while we were taking couple and family photos. We fluffed out the brides dress and I hid behind her to hold down the back of the dress so that it wouldn’t blow straight back out and she could have the perfect train fanning out in her photos.
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