It All Started Last December
I was photographing a wedding at the Dr. Phillips House, a charming historic venue here in Orlando, and I couldn’t stop thinking — this feels like Stars Hollow. The twinkling lights, the cozy atmosphere, the small-town charm… it all felt straight out of Gilmore Girls.
So I did what any Gilmore-loving creative would do: I texted my friend Veronica Martinez and said, “We should host a Gilmore Girls event here someday.”
At the time, it was nothing more than a fun idea — a daydream between two fans who love cozy cafés and witty banter. But fast-forward six months later, I quit my full-time job to pursue photography and creative entrepreneurship full-time. That one little idea suddenly didn’t feel so impossible anymore.
Veronica and I joined forces, and soon after, we brought Jennyfer Marie on board — and just like that, GILMORLANDO was born.
What started as a “what if” has now become a month-long fall event series celebrating Gilmore Girls’ 25th anniversary right here in Central Florida. Five events total, sprinkled throughout October — and as of now, we’ve already hosted two, with three still to come.
And let me tell you… it’s been magical. ✨
Event One: Friday Night Dinner 🍽️
Our opening night was pure Emily Gilmore perfection. Guests arrived dressed to the nines, gathering around a beautifully styled dinner table for an intimate, chef-curated evening. The conversations flowed as smoothly as our signature cocktails, and the air buzzed with excitement as strangers became friends over a shared love of Stars Hollow.
We couldn’t have asked for a lovelier start — every detail, every laugh, every toast felt like a scene from the show come to life.
Vendors who made it possible:
🍷 Bartender: @honeyandboozy
👨🏽🍳 Chef: @c2cateredevents
💐 Tablescape: @southerntouchweddingsandevents
🎶 Live Musician: @just_tuesday
🍫 Chocolate Boxes: @kos.coffee.co
🔑 Keychains: @madebymagicdesigns
🍽️ Host: @cookbookclub.orl
With special thanks to our sponsors:
@p1vodka & @southerntouchweddingsandevents
And how much more perfect could it have gotten?! Lauren Graham was awarded her Star on Hollywood on the very same day!
Event Two: In Omnia Paratus – Crafting & Junk Food Night 🎨🍕
Our second event was the perfect mix of chaos and charm — just how Lorelai would want it.
Thirty-five of our closest friends cozied up inside our “dorm” (thank you, @ruggedperspective_orl!) for a night filled with crafts, junk food, laughter, and a whole lot of Gilmore-style energy.
Team behind the night:
🧶 Craft Curator: @creativejennyfer
☕️ Coffee Connoisseur: @cafecitomioorlando
📸 Camera Clicker: @lex.takepix
It truly felt like Lorelai’s first night at Yale all over again — pizza boxes, piles of yarn, and enough caffeine to fuel a week in Stars Hollow.
What’s Next at GILMORLANDO
The fun isn’t over yet — there are still three more events to enjoy this October! Each one brings a new slice of Stars Hollow charm to Central Florida:
Autumn Festival
Sunday, October 19 | 12–4 PM | The Black Barn Orlando
This event is officially sold out, with nearly 600 guests attending and over 300 on the waitlist! Guests will experience all the small-town fall magic you’d expect from Stars Hollow, complete with local vendors, photo ops, and cozy community vibes. Hosted by @artfulagoramarket, this is the ultimate celebration of Gilmore Girls in the heart of Central Florida.
Luke’s After Hours: Trivia Night
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:30–8:30 PM | KOS Coffee Co.
This event is also sold out, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. KOS Coffee and Burger Jawn are prepping themed bites and drinks for our very own version of Luke’s. Trivia isn’t just about testing your knowledge — there’s a chance to win “bid-a-basket” style prizes featuring treats from GB’s Bottleshop, Florida Coffee Culture, Meet Me at Luke’s by Kristine Eckart, KOS, and other cozy surprises. It’s the perfect evening to sip coffee, nibble on snacks, and revel in Gilmore-style fun.
Book Swap & Knit-A-Thon
Saturday, October 25 | 12–3 PM | Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.
Finish the month Rory-style with a book swap in collaboration with @authenticbooks and a community knit-a-thon led by @delilah.knits. Bring your favorite books to trade, join in crafting for a cause, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by fellow fans of the show.
Where every event feels like a warm hug from Stars Hollow.
GILMORLANDO
The Heart Behind It All ❤️
What happens when you mix three creative entrepreneurs, a dash of nostalgia, and a shared love for coffee-fueled banter? You get Central Florida’s first-ever Gilmore Girls fan fest — a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the simple joy of community.
We’ve been overwhelmed (in the best way) by the excitement, support, and love from the local community. Every event feels like a warm hug — proof that sometimes, the best ideas start as a text between friends and turn into something truly special.
Welcome to GILMORLANDO — where every event feels like a warm hug from Stars Hollow. 💛
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