Real Weddings: Megan & Jonathan

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It’s a fairytale for the ages. As two five-year-olds entering kindergarten at an elementary school in Orlando, FL, Megan and Jonathan became fast friends. Playing youth sports on the same teams allowed each of their mothers the opportunity to unite as proud soccer moms, while Megan’s dad even served as the soccer coach for the tykes. Sadly, though, once Jonathan left the school before second grade, Megan and her family lost touch with his family. And time went on. Twelve years to be exact. Miraculously, however, in 2013 Jonathan and Megan came face to face with one another at Bethune Cookman University, Megan’s alma mater. Jonathan, who is now a software engineer, was there during Homecoming Weekend that year, chaperoning high school students. Megan, currently a proposal analyst, was also there as a volunteer tour guide. Jonathan, who graduated from University of Central Florida with his bachelors, immediately recognized Megan as his long-lost friend from childhood. After exchanging numbers and hanging out platonically, Jonathan knew there was meant to be something more with Megan. He mustered the courage to ask her on a date – something she had been eagerly awaiting. The couple made it official, and were together for five years; both went on to obtain their masters degrees at Kennesaw State University in the meantime. Finally, in October of 2019, Jonathan surprised Megan by proposing at one of their favorite restaurants, Cooper’s Hawk, during the wine tasting. The couple tied the knot during the pandemic in November of 2021, where Megan’s father walked her down the aisle before 100 guests. Their nuptials were held at an old schoolhouse converted into a venue, which was an intentional choice, a nod to the pair having initially met as kids in kindergarten and reconnecting at Megan’s college. Their full circle love story started as a one many dream of, and ended in the same way with a happily ever after.

Wedding Details

LOCATION: Sanford, FL

TIME OF YEAR: Fall

WEDDING STYLE: romantic, personal, vintage

CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Historic Venue 1902

MENU: Passed hors d’oeuvres included beef empanadas, chicken skewers, and casino shrimp while the main entrée for dinner proffered three options: a Tuscan chicken, a bourbon-glazed salmon or the top round steak filet. Entrées were accompanied by vegetable medley and wild rice sides. Signature Drink were “The Blushing Bride” a Malibu Bay Breeze cocktail and “The Dashing Groom” made of Kentucky whisky and sweet tea

DESSERT: Wedding Cake made of vanilla and red velvet layers

FIRST DANCE SONG: “Best Part” by H.E.R. & Daniel Caesar

INSPIRATION: something classic and elegant

SPECIAL FEATURES: the couple did the jump the broom tradition at the altar; sparkler send-off; favors were Krispy Kreme donuts in the shape of Xs and Os; bride and groom DIY’d several aspects of the wedding; photo booth; Megan’s best friend and bridesmaid has a mother who bakes gorgeous wedding cakes and she made the one for Jonathan and Megan’s wedding; couple did a choreographed dance; Megan also performed a surprise choreographed dance with her father for their father-daughter dance

HONEYMOON: Austin, TX

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