We love a great Southern Hills Farm proposal story, don’t you? When we heard their story at a local wedding show, we knew that we wanted to feature Briana & Michael’s Southern Hills marriage proposal story from a sunflower farm.
Share with us when and how you met each other.
Like many modern couples, we met online. It was funny though because we actually had one mutual Facebook friend too! We went to the same college just one year apart, it’s possible we saw each other at tailgates and around Orlando before!
Our first date was at Pannullo’s in Winter Park. We had the most delicious meal and realized after talking for hours how much we have in common. On July 2nd we went to Pannullo’s to celebrate our 6 year anniversary. Soon-we will have a new anniversary!
What are your favorite things to do together as a couple?
Riding bikes, checking out local restaurants, trivia. I love theatre and he loves sports. He’s grown accustomed to musical theatre and I *think* I now understand how football works LOL. We genuinely love living in central Florida. Even though the heat can be unbearable-there is so much to do. We love supporting the community however we can. We are so grateful to be an hour from the beach and to have plenty of fun activities right in our backyard!
How long were you together before getting engaged?
Almost 6 years together when he proposed.
Did anyone help with the Southern Hills marriage proposal?
Michael’s sister helped take pictures and video. I know she did her research and put so much thought and effort into it. She looked up tips and got some great angles!
Share your marriage proposal story…
We moved into our house right at the beginning of COVID. Michael is/was in healthcare working A TON and we just didn’t have time for decorating. We were both just insanely busy! After the holidays this year, we finally had time to make a list of little household projects to do. We have a big kitchen and wanted to make a gallery wall above our dining room table. Michael knows how much I love sunflowers so he thought it would be nice to feature a photo of us in a sunflower field on our gallery wall. We had a great time at Southern Hills a few years ago so he thought it would be perfect to get some pictures and also enjoy fresh strawberries too while both in season. Although we are both native Floridians, I do not like the heat! I was such a pain in the ass saying we needed to get there right when they open so we can get pictures before my hair gets sweaty and frizzy LOL! Michael asked his sister, Jennifer, to come along and take pictures then we could walk around and enjoy the festival.
We took several pictures in front of the field and in the field. We were looking at a few sunflowers to pick and take home. Michael pointed at a GIGANTIC sunflower behind me and said “look how tall that one is”. When I turned back around, he was on one knee proposing. Jennifer was secretly filming it who whole time. I still get butterflies when I think about that moment. He did such a great job and it was so personal. We spent the car ride home calling our family and friends to share the good news. That night, we had dinner at Del Frisco’s with Michael’s parents to celebrate. It was truly the perfect day. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What was the best moment of the proposal?
The best part was just looking into his eyes and feeling even more in love with him. We were together a long time before getting engaged. So many emotions. I remember dreaming of this day as a young girl. And now my dream is my reality.
Who did you tell that you were engaged first?
Michael’s sister was obviously the first to know because she was there with us! Technically-I saw an old coworker at the farm and told her. The first person (well people) I called were my mom and sister. I have a group text with them so I just hit FaceTime and dialed them.
Tell us about the ring!
It’s stunning. From Victoria Jewelers in Baldwin Park.
I’m just so excited that I get to spend forever with my best friend
I do really love wearing my engagement ring. I feel naked without it. And also working with Brittany at Solutions Bridal. She made my dress shopping experience painless and really listened to what I wanted. She is heaven-sent!!!!
What are you most excited about wedding planning?
I am so blessed to have 3 members of my wedding party who have worked in weddings and events. They are experts and have kept me focused. It’s been so much fun to share this experience with them. We literally talk every day about the wedding! In almost 6 years, we attended 15 weddings together as a couple. We definitely had a pretty clear vision of what we did and didn’t want. I’ve also hired an amazing coordinator-Kasey from Weddings by Kasey. She is so knowledgeable and has made the process pain-free.
Engagement Picture by KMD Creations
If you’ve already decided, when are you getting married and what is your venue?
Venue 650 in Winter Haven early 2023!
Why did you choose that venue?
It’s the exact aesthetic we were looking for and checked every box. It is owned by a couple and their staff is super professional and courteous. It’s also a HUGE space. We want everyone to feel comfortable and not crammed.
Make a plan and do our best to stick to it. We’ve known what our priorities are and are not willing to budge on certain things. Then there are other things from experience we just feel aren’t necessary.
Engagement Picture by KMD Creations
Elegant yet modern is my style
Have you selected any other vendors for your wedding?
- Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue 💚 Venue 650
- Engagement Photos and Wedding Photographer 💚 KMD Photo & Film
- Wedding Dress 💚 Solutions Bridal
- Wedding Coordinator 💚 Weddings by Kasey
- Decor 💚 Orlando Flower Walls
- Wedding Cake: Cake & Bake
- Catering: TableTops Catering
- Florist: Blossom’s Orlando
- DJ/Entertainment: Grant Gemond DJs & Associates
- Hair and Makeup: Faces by Shannon
- Other: On the Move Productions
Enjoy every moment!
Engagement Picture by KMD Creations
Congratulations Briana & Michael on your Southern Hills marriage proposal!
Want to feature your proposal? CLICK HERE to submit your story!
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