October Oaks Wedding | Johnny & Allie

It’s not every day I get to work with a couple who have been together since high school! Being high school sweethearts is a special part of Allie’s and Johnny’s story, and they are about as sweet as it gets. When we first met to talk about their wedding, I could tell right away how excited they were to become husband and wife.

The morning of their wedding was a bit brisk for a Florida day, but the bridesmaids bundled up in cozy blankets accordingly. Their ceremony and reception all took place at the newly-opened October Oaks in Webster, Florida. I absolutely love this venue! Not only is it gorgeous and very versatile, but it’s owned by a wonderful family that welcomed all of us with love. Allie began her morning with reading a note from Johnny. Allie and Johnny both come from large families - - similar to Marco! This means there are a lot of sisters (and a good amount of brothers) between the two families. It was so fun to learn how each bridesmaid was connected to Allie — from sisters, to sisters-in-law, to (soon-to-be) sisters-in-law, to friends from grade school. It’s so clear how much support Allie and Johnny have around them.

One thing that I specifically loved about their wedding was how they arranged for Johnny to first see Allie. Allie and Johnny didn’t plan a first look but had something else they wanted to do. When it was time for Allie to walk from the bridal suite to the ceremony, Johnny was turned around and two large doors were placed at the end of the aisle. When the doors opened, Johnny saw her and her dad right at the end of the aisle. His reaction to seeing his bride at last was incredible and made everyone tear up. His love and adoration for Allie was so apparent and so special to get to watch.

Their guests danced the night away under romantic market lighting and sent Allie & Johnny off with a sparkler exit. Marco and I loved getting to be a part of their wedding! Allie and Johnny, we wish you every happiness and are so excited for you both to begin this new adventure as husband and wife. Congratulations!

Mission Inn Wedding | Amanda & Matt

You know when you meet certain people and you can tell you’ll be instant friends? That’s exactly how it was when I first met Amanda! I got to know her and Matt during their engagement session and then even better when we shot the wedding of their friends, Kara & Jared.

Matt and Amanda’s brunch wedding took place at the gorgeous Mission Inn. The ladies spent the morning in the hotel, complete with nail-painting and mimosas. The guys were in the billiard room playing pool, poker, and singing along to some of their faves on an old-fashioned juke box.

To be honest, I cry during A LOT of weddings I shoot. Not weeping, but I definitely shed a tear almost every time, and usually at different parts of each ceremony! Call me emotional, but I just really believe in love and all that goes into bringing the couple together. For Matt and Amanda, that moment for me (and most of the guests) was when they took time during the ceremony to face their parents, and had their pastor read notes that Amanda and Matt had written for each parent.

Matt and Amanda did something that I had never seen before called Bury the Bourbon. It’s good luck to bury a bottle of bourbon upside down at your venue on a day that has the weather you hope to have for your wedding. Old wives’ tale or not, it worked! Amanda and Matt had perfect weather for their wedding day. They dug up the bottle of bourbon during their reception and shared it with their attendants. Clearly, these two know how to throw a party.

Following the reception, their guests sent Matt and Amanda off in a boat! It was pretty epic. They invited me to hop aboard and grab some shots around the lake with them! Marco and I love these two and only wish we all lived a bit closer so we could get to hang out all the time.

Congratulations, Redingers! We wish you all the happiness in the world and we know you will do great things as husband and wife.

Park Ave Engagement | Jessica & Kyle

Marco and I have kicked off 2016 with several weddings and engagement sessions! This post features Jessica & Kyle and their sweet pup, Harlow. Jessica and Kyle are quite the pair. They both work at The Golf Channel and have some serious style. Be sure to take a peak at Kyle’s awesome choice of shoes throughout the session! Marco and I are so excited to be a part of their wedding next January. We can't wait for their Winter Park wedding that's happening on a super fun day -- Friday the 13th! Enjoy these highlights from their sweet engagement session.

Barn Wedding | Erin & Korey

Marco and I love opportunities to travel and visit new places for weddings! So, I was excited when Erin told me that she and Korey would be getting married at a unique barn-style venue, called The Church Barn, in Hawthorne, Florida.

From their sweet engagement session earlier this year to chatting through plans and details for their big day, I’ve loved working with Erin & Korey. I’m always amazed when brides are overwhelmingly cool, calm, and collected. Erin was so relaxed and composed while still being very organized.

As wedding photographers, we have the honor of witnessing special moments up close. One really sweet moment that stands out to us is when Erin and Korey separately opened their letters from each other. I loved the anticipation they both felt as they were so eager to see each other soon.

From the gorgeous bouquets to the special vows to the great food to the dance party, Erin and Korey had a magical wedding. It was our joy to be part of it! Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Cooke!