Kristina and Tom

November 20, 2010
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Maitland
Michael Mennello's Home, Villa Bianca
Photographs by Peter Burg

When Kristina Donegan and Tom Clements met at an April 2009 event, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “He was talking to me, but I wasn’t having it,” laughs Kristina, the daughter of Orlando power couple Bill and Helen Donegan, Orange County property appraiser and vice president of UCF’s community relations, respectively. “He was put off that I wasn’t paying him much attention, so when he said, ‘I’m going to remember you,’ I thought I was in trouble.” The next day, the Orlando Business Journal advertising executive called Tom, a CPA, and asked to meet for lunch. She showed up with her boss to pitch him on advertising in OBJ. Tom had thought their lunch was supposed to be a date. Still, they went on to become friends. A month later, they spent a late night eating, talking and laughing at an IHOP. “Everything changed between us that night, and I knew he was genuinely interested in ME, not my parent’s stature,” says Kristina. “We’ve been inseparable ever since our first official date a couple days later, and in March 2010, Tom proposed with a custom-made ring during a moonlight stroll on Daytona Beach.” They wed on November 20, 2010, with a reception at the lakefront home of arts patron Michael Mennello, a longtime family friend. “It was magical,” says Kristina. “There was such beauty, candles everywhere, a scenic lake view as we danced our first dance, friends and family celebrating… it reminded me of something out of The Great Gatsby.”

DETAILS
Theme: Classic old Hollywood with coral, gold and cream
Wedding Planner: The bride’s mother, Helen Donegan
On Their Choice of Reception: “I’m all about unique, and I wanted to have it somewhere where no one else would be having a wedding again. Michael Mennello has been close friends with my family for years and offered to exclusively open his home this one time to host the reception as a wedding gift to us,” says Kristina.
Most Memorable Moment: “Seeing each other for the first time.”
Bridal Gown: Beaded ivory Oleg Cassini ball gown
Stylists: Hair styling by Bangz, Winter Park; makeup by MAC, Florida Mall
Photographer: Peter Burg, Burg Photographix, Maitland
Caterer: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Cake: Anna Cakes, Orlando
Florist: Winter Park Florist, Winter Park
Stationer: Maureen H. Hall Stationery and Invitations, Winter Park
Music/Entertainment: Mark Zauss Band, Orlando
Officiant: Rev. Dean Gigicos, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Maitland
Father-Daughter Dance Song: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
First-Dance Song: “This Magic Moment” by The Drifters
Honeymoon: 10 days at Marriott Kauai, Hawaii