Mary Quinn O’ Connor and Bartlett “Chip” Witherspoon’s love story was a modern day fairytale straight out of a book and Orlando, Florida was the perfect destination. Every bride needs a perfect gown and for Mary Quinn finding her Carolina Herrera Silk Mikado Mason wedding dress was love at first sight.
How they met: Chip and I met a few months after I had moved to Columbia, South Carolina, for my first job after college. I knew absolutely no one in my new town so friends of my parents suggested I meet with the son of their friends living in town. Chip was given my contact information and I was given his but neither of us made any attempt to meet. A few weeks passed, and I was out one evening with a new friend. We were at a local spot when he insisted on introducing me to a friend sitting inside. We walked inside, he tapped his buddy’s shoulder and introduced me, “Mary Quinn this is Chip. Chip this is Mary Quinn.” Funny how we both ended up meeting by chance despite our reluctance to do so.
Five years later, he proposed to me on a beautiful winter night in London.
About the wedding: Chip and I were married in my childhood parish, St. James Catholic Cathedral located in downtown Orlando, Florida. Following tradition, declaring our vows in my childhood church seemed perfect.
We danced the night away at our beautiful reception hall, created by our amazing planner Lisa Stoner, as stunning all-white floral arrangements by Velvet & Twine adorned the tables, mantle and floor. Crisp white linens with gold webbed chargers and white gold foiled menus dressed each table setting, while a towering six tier all-white Sprinkles Custom Cakes wedding cake sat dramatically on the dance floor. The evening culminated with confetti canons and a sea of white balloons. The entire day was timeless and memorable while simultaneously fresh and exciting…just like my Carolina Herrera gown.
Happiest wedding memory: My happiest wedding memory was walking down the aisle to be married. With my eyes intently on my groom and my hand gripped tightly by my father, I could physically feel the love of all those surrounding me. Their beaming smiles conveyed great joy as I inched towards my future. In those moments with my soon to be husband and his family steps away and my family beside me, I saw in one vision, my entire world.
About the dress: The Mason wedding gown was the first dress I tried on at The Collection Bridal in Winter Park, Florida. My vision was something regal yet understated. The moment I put it on, I knew it would be my wedding gown. The simplicity of the dress was exquisite; the voluminous skirt and plunging neckline were feminine and captivating. The beauty of this dress allowed me to feel elegant, graceful and confident on the most important day of my life.
You know you’re a Carolina Herrera bride when..the dress you’ve spent decades dreaming of and fantasizing about pales in comparison to the reality you’ve just put on. That’s when you know.
Photography: Nate Puhr Photo & Cinema
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