Ginny & Michael’s modern glam wedding at Wanderlust Okto in Lake Nona, FL
A modern glam wedding at Wanderlust Okto in Lake Nona, FL | Orlando Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Author Made creative lead & founder Michael, photography associate Kelly and team videographer Rob captured this modern elegant wedding in Lake Nona, FL.
Some wedding days are calm and steady. Others are a perfect whirlwind of laughter, tears, tequila, heat, and the kind of love that leaves your cheeks sore from smiling. Ginny & Michael’s wedding at Wanderlust Okto in Lake Nona was absolutely the latter—in the best possible way.
From an emotional first touch to guests asking us to literally jump over benches, their day was a nonstop blend of sentimental moments and full-blown party energy, with just the right amount of chaos tossed in.
The calm (and couch-jumping) before the storm
Our day began at the groom’s Airbnb in Kissimmee, where the gents were getting ready. It didn’t take long for the party vibes to kick in when someone handed groom Michael (not to be confused with lead photographer Michael!) a gorgeous bottle of Clase Azul Reposado Tequila as a gift, which kicked off a round of impromptu couch-hopping attempts and a not-so-regulation game of “beer pong.” The vibe? Total chaos mixed with joy.
Once we wrapped with the guys, we made our way over to Wanderlust Okto, where Ginny was getting ready with her bridesmaids. We arrived just as Ginny was finishing final touches and took some dreamy portraits of her and the girls while our team scouted the property. Shoutout to Author Made team member Kelly, who was literally sprinting around pointing out all the coolest corners to shoot in (and there were plenty).
Wanderlust Okto in Lake Nona, FL
Tucked into Lake Nona, Wanderlust Okto is a vibrant and eclectic venue that feels more like a destination than a space. Partially modern glam, partially boho industrial, with a pinch of rustic chic thrown in: this venue defies conventional keywords and refuses to be put into a box.
What we love most about this wedding venue is its flexibility. Offering multiple spaces for wedding ceremonies, couples can exchange vows underneath the broad Florida sky and capture endless intimate moments throughout the venue’s detail-filled corners. The airy indoor reception space feels like a modern take on a barn wedding venue: black wood paneling on the outside, crisp all-white walls and flooring inside. From gold-edged mirrors to intricate wrought-iron chandeliers, it’s a perfect modern industrial spin on the modern barn wedding venue.
Lush outdoor areas make transitioning from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception feel seamless, even in the Florida heat. Guests can grab a drink from the outdoor bar, pose against green foliage backdrops, and wander (pun intended) around the grounds. Meanwhile, countless opportunities for bridal portraits await, from the modern geometric backdrop structures to the vintage Airstream.
Wanderlust Okto also features a modern treehouse Airbnb perfect for getting ready or staying overnight. An iconic spiral staircase and outdoor tub make for unique photo spots just steps away from the ceremony space and reception barn.
It’s a perfect match for couples looking for a fun, unconventional wedding backdrop. The venue is designed to feel immersive and modern, with flexible indoor spaces and lush outdoor areas that made transitioning from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception feel seamless—even in the Florida heat.
A first touch for the books
Michael arrived and Ginny was not emotionally ready to see him just yet, so we ran a bit of fun interference while she pulled herself together. With both of them in the house, we had to play a little logistical chess to keep them apart, but it made for a sweet buildup to their “first touch” moment.
Back-to-back and just inches away, Ginny cried through the entire thing. Michael read her a note, and as soon as they finished, she turned and wrapped him in a hug—no dry eyes on our side either.
Guests took their seats, and the ceremony began. Michael walked in with his mother, already crying. As Ginny made her way down the aisle, he had his back turned, and when he finally turned to see her—cue the waterworks again. He was so overwhelmed with love that he kept forgetting the cues: reaching for Ginny too early, nearly kissing her before the officiant said go, just fully caught up in the moment. It was incredibly sweet.
Ginny’s brother-in-law officiated with a short and meaningful message, and despite the heat (and a near-rain scare), the couple sealed it with a kiss and were whisked away for portraits.
A reception full of heart (and a little bit of chaos)
Because it was blazing hot, we held off on most portraits until later in the day and sent everyone into the air-conditioned reception space to cool off. Cocktail hour flowed just outside, while the reception room began to fill with color, laughter, and cold drinks.
Once inside, Ginny & Michael made their entrance, followed by a string of classic moments: first dance, parent dances, and a low-key, unannounced cake cutting that felt beautifully intimate.
Their best man and matron of honor delivered heartfelt speeches—Ginny’s sister shared that Ginny is the glue that holds the entire family together. (Honestly, not surprising. We personally witnessed at least three different family conflicts quietly handled by Ginny with calm grace throughout the night.)
One of the standout moments was when Ginny presented her bouquet as a blessing to her mom. Her mom broke down in tears, and it was a pause-and-soak-it-in kind of moment that made everyone emotional all over again.
Later, we slipped out for sunset portraits, and just before the sky faded, guests gathered for an anniversary dance and then the sparkler exit. The guests were fully lit by then (in every sense of the word)—and yes, they really did ask us to jump over benches to keep the party going.
Congratulations again to Ginny & Michael, and cheers to a lifetime of laughter, family, and surprise dance floor cues!
Author Made Team Photographers: Michael Kuo & Kelly Jazwa
Author Made Team Videographer: Rob Shannon
Venue & Catering: Wanderlust Okto
Wedding Planner: Joyce Otero Weddings
Hair & Makeup: Kristy’s Artistry Design Team
Cake: Publix
Appetizers: 4Rivers Catering
Live Painter: Keepsake Studio
Hi, we’re Author Made, a wedding photography & videography studio based in Orlando, FL. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer or wedding videographer who believes weddings of all sizes and budgets deserve stunning images to cherish forever, we’d love to have the honor of capturing your wedding day.
If you’re interested in capturing your wedding photography or videography with us, please contact us - we would love to help your special day be all it can be!
