Real Weddings – Morgan Randazzo and Christopher Shaw

At Dubsdread Catering we love being dedicated members of the team that makes your big day your best day. While we are masters at the planning and executing the behind-the-scenes work, we know our clients have their own unique perspective on their event. We thank recent Morgan Randazzo and Christopher Shaw for graciously sharing their experience to benefit others.

BRIDE AND GROOM: Morgan Randazzo and Christopher Shaw

WEDDING DATE: October 15, 2021

VENUE: The Highland Manor

EVENT COORDINATOR: Bonny Bailey-Finck, Senior Wedding & Event Coordinator

VENDORS: 

Photographer: Francine Castro http://www.francinecastro.com/

DJ: Elegant Entertainment http://www.elegantentertainment.org/

Dessert: Publix http://www.publix.com

Officiant: Valerie Tucker, Florida Marriage Officiant https://floridaweddingofficiate.com/

Hair/Make Up: Makeover Station http://www.makeoverstation.com/

Draping: W Drapings https://wdrapingsflorida.com/

ONE YEAR OUT

How/where did you get engaged? 
We got engaged in Celebration, FL in their downtown area on Market Street. We were walking our dog and looking at Christmas lights in the area, ending up in front of the Christmas tree downtown. While we were bending down trying to take a picture of our dog in front of the tree, I stood up, but my fiancé stayed kneeling and pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him. I, of course, said, “Yes!” 

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?
We are most excited about having our family and friends in one room to celebrate. We are both originally from outside of Florida, so the majority of our guests will be traveling, and we are looking forward to having them all together. 

What aspect are you excited to plan the most? (ceremony, food & beverages, photographer, DJ) 
Photographer! We already found one that we love, so we are looking forward to working with her and capturing as many of our special moments as possible. 

FOUR MONTHS OUT:

How do you feel the planning is going?
Really well! Our goal was to get ahead on certain details, so we weren't overwhelmed when it gets closer. We dedicated one day per weekend to getting things accomplished, and it's been ideal for us that it doesn't consume every second of every day and is still enjoyable! 

What have you found to be more difficult than you expected?
Keeping track of the budget. While we have, what we thought, was an organized spreadsheet, there are so many moving parts of who needs a deposit when, the second payment, final payment dates. It’s just a lot of dates to track.

What has been more fun about the process than you expected?
Meeting with our vendors. We thought it was going to feel like such a chore, but meeting and talking with vendors over zoom, in-person, or over the phone was a delight. We feel so confident that these people will assist in making our wedding wonderful, and we're so appreciative and can't wait to see them work their magic. 

WEDDING DAY:

What was the best, most memorable part of your big day?
Our first look. We had no idea how we would react or act in that situation, and it was better than we could have ever imagined. All of our anxious nerves about the day were gone the moment we saw each other! It was full of love, tears, and laughs. It was a moment and feeling we will treasure always. 

If you could change one or two things about your event, what would they be? 
Being able to eat! With the buffet exit right by the sweetheart table, a lot of guests stopped to say hello. While we did love this opportunity to chat with our guests, as it meant we could spend more time on the dance floor later on in the evening, we wish we would have been able to eat more dinner after such a long day.

Is there any advice you would give other couples planning their event that you wish someone had told you?
Don't sweat the small stuff! During the planning process, we were so focused on little details, which, although little details are also important, it distracted us sometimes from looking at the bigger picture! 

 Photos courtesy of the bride and Francine Castro Photography.

When you book a wedding with Dubsdread Catering at one of our exclusive venues, we provide wedding coordination at no additional charge. Our coordinators become dedicated members of your team bringing experience and expertise to help you execute your vision. Contact them today via our Contact Us page to make our team your team in making your dreams come true.