Rolling with Fate: How Unexpected Moments Can Make Your Wedding Even More Unforgettable
At Old Spanish Quarter, we believe in magic—not just the kind found in fairy tales, but the real kind that happens when the unexpected transforms into something extraordinary. Yesterday, we experienced this firsthand during our Cinderella-inspired content day, where fate had a few surprises in store for us.
After two months of planning, the big day arrived, and so did the rain. Thunder rumbled, and our dreamy outdoor garden party setup had to be moved inside. A few other carefully planned details didn’t quite go as expected. But as they say, the show must go on!
One of the most anticipated moments was a video shoot with our content creator, Molly, and our Cinderella, Kristi Jones, who was set to appear in her iconic ball gown—emerging through the mist from our fog machine. You can picture it, right? The drama, the elegance, the fairy tale unfolding…
Well, about five seconds into the fog rolling in, an entirely different kind of drama took over. The loudest, most high-pitched fire alarms we’ve ever heard began blaring through the venue. Our GM, Tanya, tried everything to silence them, but they had other plans. And then, about ten minutes later—just as we were coming to terms with our unexpected soundtrack—the fire department arrived.
Now, here’s where the magic really kicked in. Instead of letting the moment derail us, our creative director Brooke with a spark of inspiration, turned to the firefighters and jokingly asked if they’d be willing to use their fire truck as a prop. To our surprise, they said yes! And just like that, one of the most unforgettable shots of the day was captured by the talented Laura Perez—a stunning Cinderella moment, complete with a real-life fire truck.
But the magic didn’t stop there. As the rain poured down, a shimmering puddle formed on the ground, perfectly reflecting Kristi’s breathtaking ball gown from Beauty Within Bridal. The reflection created an ethereal, almost otherworldly effect, turning what could have been a gloomy mishap into a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime shot.
Cinderella and Prince Charming in front of Old Spanish Quarter, Jacksonville’s newest premier wedding venue and event space. Moment captured by Laura of Laura Perez Photography.
If the rain hadn’t fallen, if the alarms hadn’t gone off, if the fire department hadn’t arrived—this one-of-a-kind moment wouldn’t have happened. It’s a perfect reminder that when things don’t go according to plan, they might just be falling into place in ways we never could have imagined.
Photo captured by LauraPerezPhotography
So, to all the couples planning their big day, remember this: The most unforgettable moments often come from the unexpected. Roll with the magic, embrace the twists, and trust that your story is unfolding exactly as it should. After all, sometimes the best fairy tales aren’t scripted—they’re written by fate.
