April 5, 2025 at Junior League Building

If a party is simply having the best time with all of your favorite people, the Darnell wedding was an unequivocal hit through and through.

The bride’s mom was the cake artist, her dad created all of the custom stationary and signage, and from morning to night it was a swirl of emotions that crescendoed with a beautiful ceremony in downtown Lakeland and a lively party on the dance floor.

The day started with Ansley enjoying a memorable breakfast with her bridesmaids and ended with that collection of women actually trading dresses with each other. Her groom-to-be enjoyed an entertaining car ride and a pre-ceremony lunch at The Joinery with his groomsmen.

Ansley admits the butterflies and nerves hit the closer the time came for the ceremony and celebration to commence, but everything slowed down when saw her best friend waiting for her at the altar.

“What completely calmed me was seeing Rogan at the end of the aisle. He is my peace in the chaos,” Ansley said. “When the time came I felt like I couldn’t get his ring on fast enough.”

Ansley’s maid of honor, Roxanne Whitney, said her best friend’s wedding felt like a fairy tale.

“[It was] as if we had been transported straight into a scene from ‘Bridgerton,’” she said. “From the elegant florals, to the timeless romance, every detail was perfectly curated. The day was truly an unforgettable celebration of love that was as grand and enchanting as a royal affair.”

Royal affairs usually pay homage to the generations who came before, and this was no exception.

Andrea Reed, mother of the bride, said it was so touching to her and her husband, Allen, that Ansley not only thanked them for their support at the reception, she also presented them with a touching tribute.

“She surprised us with a dance—Allen and I never had a first dance at our own wedding 33 years ago, and she gave us that moment,” she said. “It was incredibly special.”