Alyssa and Connor’s European-inspired garden party wedding at Sterling Event Venue in Minneola, Florida was joyful and full of color. A warm Florida spring day, vibrant pink florals, and two people who are genuinely best friends made for a celebration that was easy to photograph. These two are Disney people through and through, which is exactly how we first connected on Instagram, and their energy carried through every part of the day.
Alyssa and Connor met on a Disney World Cast Members Facebook page before either of them had officially moved to Florida. They dated for two months without ever meeting in person, FaceTiming every single day, then met, said I love you, and kissed all in the same day. As an Orlando wedding photographer, I did their engagement session at the Riviera Disney Resort, and by their wedding day it was clear these two were, as Alyssa put it, end game.
Table of Contents
- Sterling Event Venue: A Tuscan-Inspired Wedding Venue in Central Florida
- Why Sterling Event Venue Photographs So Beautifully
- Vibrant Pink Color Palette and Garden Party Design
- Garden Party Wedding Attire
- First Touch on the Terrace
- Outdoor Ceremony at the Pavilion
- Wedding Party Portraits
- Reception with a Stunning Dessert Bar
- FAQ: Planning a Sterling Event Venue Wedding in Minneola, FL
- What It’s Like Working with Jennifer Holly Photography
- Find Your Sterling Event Venue Wedding Photographer
Sterling Event Venue: A Tuscan-Inspired Wedding Venue in Central Florida
Sterling Event Venue in Minneola, Florida, is a Tuscan-inspired wedding venue nestled in the Central Florida countryside. Italian cypress trees, serene lakes, manicured gardens, a stone bridge, and a covered outdoor ceremony pavilion framed by mature live oaks give the property such a European countryside feel that you almost forget you’re in Florida.
The indoor reception hall features soaring exposed wood beam ceilings, warm chandelier lighting, and white walls that let any floral design take center stage. Alyssa and Connor filled that space with lush pink blooms and a garden-inspired color story that transformed the venue into something that felt like a romantic European garden party.
For couples drawn to this Italian aesthetic, take a look at this wedding and engagement session I captured at Bella Collina, one of my other favorite Tuscan-inspired venues in Central Florida.
Why Sterling Event Venue Photographs So Beautifully
The white stucco exterior and dark ironwork doors give you a rustic architectural backdrop for portraits. The covered pavilion ceremony space sits underneath a canopy of ancient live oaks that beautifully frames any ceremony arch. Inside, the exposed beam ceilings and warm chandelier light make reception coverage feel rich without needing much else. I also love a particular spot inside the venue, a quiet hallway filled with beautiful natural light, that I always use for groom portraits. The results are some of my favorite editorial-style images from any Sterling wedding.
Vibrant Pink Color Palette and Garden Party Design
The wedding featured a vibrant spring palette built around pink (hot pink, blush, coral, and peach) with fresh greenery and ivory woven throughout. The floral design was easily one of the stand-out details from this wedding! Rather than a traditional neutral palette, Alyssa and Connor leaned into color, and as a self-proclaimed pink girl, I absolutely loved every bit of it.
The florals by Blue Grass Chic were stunning. The rounded wood ceremony arch was draped in hot pink, peach, and blush roses, with matching clusters anchoring each aisle chair. Reception tables carried the same story: white linens, gold bead-rimmed chargers, pink textured glassware, and low lush centerpieces. Every detail was intentionally curated, and the lush blooms transformed Sterling Event Venue into what felt like a romantic European garden party.
Getting Dressed in Garden Party Wedding Attire
Both Alyssa and Connor got ready in the private suites at Sterling Event Venue. The bridal suite offered Alyssa a calm morning surrounded by her closest friends. She wore a floral lace ball gown with a cathedral-length veil. Her classic bridal style allowed her bouquet to really shine with all of the bright shades of hot pink, peach, and coral. Connor was in a navy suit with a blush tie and rose boutonniere, groomsmen matching. The bridesmaids and mother of the bride wore floor-length blush pink gowns, and the mother of the groom embraced the garden party aesthetic with a gown with floral appliques.
First Touch on the Terrace
Instead of a first look, Alyssa and Connor chose to share a heartfelt first touch before the ceremony. It gave them a chance to slow down, hold hands, exchange a few quiet words, and calm any pre-ceremony nerves while still preserving the excitement of seeing each other for the first time as the bride walked down the aisle. Hands linked behind their backs on the stone terrace, this was such an emotional moment between the two of them.
Outdoor Ceremony at the Pavilion
The ceremony took place beneath Sterling’s covered outdoor pavilion, with white folding chairs lining the aisle and the round wood arch filled with a full cascade of colorful roses against a backdrop of live oaks. Alyssa and Connor were all smiles while they exchanged their vows.
Wedding Party & Couple Portraits
This wedding party brought the energy! Each bridesmaid held a white paper parasol for portraits, which was perfect for the playful garden party vibe. The open lawn and ironwork double doors gave us two very different backdrops within steps of each other.
Reception with a Stunning Dessert Bar
The reception hall was set in the day’s color story: white linens, gold charger plates, pink glassware, and low lush centerpieces under the exposed beam ceiling. Instead of a late-night snack, the couple treated guests to a full dessert bar by LuBelle’s Cakes complete with strawberry shortcake cups, layered parfait jars, macarons, and petit fours. It was one of the most beautifully styled sweets displays I have seen.
FAQ: Planning a Sterling Event Venue Wedding in Minneola, FL
What is Sterling Event Venue?
Sterling Event Venue is a Tuscan-inspired wedding venue in Minneola, Florida. The property features a covered outdoor ceremony pavilion, an indoor reception hall with exposed wood beam ceilings, Italian Cypress trees, manicured gardens, a stone bridge, and lakes throughout the grounds.
Is Sterling Event Venue good for photos?
Sterling Event Venue has a romantic Tuscan countryside aesthetic. For photography, the variety throughout the property is a real strength. The white stucco exterior and ironwork doors provide clean architectural backdrops. The covered pavilion is framed by live oaks for a natural background. The interior hall’s exposed beam ceilings and chandelier lighting create warm reception coverage. The grounds include manicured pathways, a stone bridge, and garden areas that work well for portraits throughout the full day.
How much does a Sterling Event Venue wedding cost?
While they don’t list their pricing publicly, you can download their pricing and package guide on the Sterling Event Venue website.
What is included when you book Sterling Event Venue for your wedding?
Sterling Event Venue offers an all-inclusive amenity package with 15-hour venue access from 9 AM to midnight, tables and chairs for up to 200 guests, bridal and groom suites with private restrooms, a built-in bar, a climate-controlled reception hall, a large vendor prep kitchen, professional clean-up services, and spacious private parking. You can choose from both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, including the waterway pavilion. For the full details, visit the Sterling Event Venue website to download their pricing and package guide.
Where is Sterling Event Venue located?
Sterling Event Venue is located in Minneola, Florida, west of Orlando near Lake Apopka. It’s nestled in an undeveloped area where you can see lush green fields and trees in every direction.
What It’s Like Working with Jennifer Holly Photography
My goal is always to create a wedding photography experience where my couples can be fully present on their wedding day. Leading up to the wedding, I worked closely with Alyssa and Connor to understand what mattered most to them, build a thoughtful timeline, and ensure every meaningful detail was accounted for. On the wedding day, I guide portraits with gentle direction while allowing authentic moments to unfold naturally. I coordinate with their vendor team, anticipate needs before they become stressors, and create a calm environment so the couple can focus on celebrating with the people they love. My role goes beyond creating beautiful photographs. It’s about protecting your peace, preserving your memories, and telling your story in a way that feels genuine and timeless.
Here’s how Alyssa described her experience working with me:
“When we first met Jenn at our engagement shoot, we knew we had chosen the right person to capture the most special day of our lives. She is kind, professional, hilarious, personable, and unbelievably sweet. She helped us find wedding vendors, make tentative timelines, ease our stresses and fears, and more. On top of everything, our gallery delivery was an absolute dream! Any wedding photographer can take amazing photos, but if you’re looking for someone to create the most perfect time capsule of your day while also becoming an incredible friend and confidant, I would recommend Jenn a million times over.”
Find Your Sterling Event Venue Wedding Photographer
Alyssa and Connor brought color, personality, and genuine joy to every part of their day. Sterling Event Venue gave them the European garden backdrop they envisioned, and they made it their own. If you’re planning a wedding at Sterling Event Venue or searching for a garden-inspired wedding venue in Central Florida, I’d love to hear about your vision. Reach out now to get the conversation started.
Wedding Team
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Sterling Event Venue
Planner & Event Design: At Last Wedding + Event Design
Photography: Jennifer Holly Photography
Videography: Angelika Krug Photography
Florals: Blue Grass Chic
DJ: Event Concepts
Bride’s Gown: Allure Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Generation Tux
Hair & Makeup: Before the Aisle
Catering: Cocktails Catering
Cake & Desserts: LuBelle’s Cakes
Behind The Lens
I’m Jenn Orlando based wedding photographer that specializes in modern light and airy photography, wife, mother, and world traveler. I came to this work while I was still searching for my purpose. What I didn’t expect was how completely it would find me back.
Every couple I meet and every story I get to witness reminds me exactly why I love what I do. You’re already in the middle of creating memories that will last a lifetime. I just get to come along for the ride.
But what matters most to me isn’t just creating beautiful photographs. It’s helping you feel comfortable, present, and genuinely yourselves throughout the experience. Because the images you treasure most won’t just remind you what your wedding day looked like. They’ll remind you exactly how it felt.
Weddings
Whether you’re planning a wedding at Bella Collina, Casa Feliz, Rollins College, Capen House, or another beautiful Florida venue, my goal is always the same: creating an experience rooted in connection, trust, and intentional storytelling. I capture both the beautifully planned moments and the meaningful in-between ones that make your wedding day uniquely yours, creating photographs that allow you to relive not only how your day looked, but exactly how it felt.
Engagements
Engagement sessions are designed to help you feel comfortable, connected, and confident before your wedding day. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, or anywhere across Florida, it’s more than taking beautiful photos it’s an opportunity to slow down, celebrate this season, and build trust before the big day.
Elopements
From intimate courthouse ceremonies to destination celebrations, I photograph elopements and micro weddings throughout Orlando, Central Florida, and beyond. My goal is to create a relaxed experience while documenting your story with intention, connection, and authenticity.
