LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland couple tied the knot at one of Polk County’s biggest Christmas parades.

This winter wonderland wedding was specially crafted by local businesses at no charge to the bride and groom. The amount behind the kind gesture was averaged around $20,000.

“It’s been a whirlwind since I said 'yes,'” said the bride, Joy.

The couple said that they wanted a quiet, simple wedding, but when they heard what Polk County Wedding and Event Pros had planned, they couldn’t say no.

“This is Lakeland’s largest wedding," said Lora Gardner, founder of Perfect Day Productions and Polk County Wedding and Event Pros. “Our group has so many talents in the event industry and we wanted to give back. What better way to do that than the Christmas parade?”

There were several businesses who were also in the giving spirit, like hair and make-up artist Sara Ray of Azure Rays Beauty Salon, who put the finishing touches on the hair of the bride-to-be.

“We wanted to give this to a deserving couple,” said marrying pastor, Crystal Porter. “Especially after the last few years were so tough, not only on couples trying to get married, but our industry as well.”

Hundreds of people attended Lakeland’s 41st Annual Christmas Parade. Once all the floats made it to the end, a panel of judges came to rank them.

“The bride and groom’s float won first place!” said Porter.

The wedding team said that it was an honor and a very proud moment to work with other local businesses that they admire so much.