A Baughman Center Wedding - Christina & Felipe

Being a part of Christina & Felipe's day back in December was a total joy for us! As one of our out-of-town couples, most of our communication leading up to their big day was over emails & phone calls. It was so much fun getting to know them in person during their wedding weekend. We laughed all through rehearsal and their special day! Their love for each other and their families radiated out of both them. We feel honored we got to be a part of it. 

Their wedding day gives us the perfect opportunity also to gush a bit about one of our all-time favorite ceremony venues here in Gainesville, Florida. The Baughman Center, located on the western edge of the University of Florida campus, is one of the best kept Gator secrets, at least as far as the student population is concerned. Where Gainesville brides and grooms are concerned, however, the spot is immensely popular for simple, beautiful wedding ceremonies. Tucked away in the trees, the private contemplation space features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the serene Lake Alice. 

A quick tip to couples planning their special day at The Baughman Center - you'll want two people on standby to open the doors for the wedding party, and again for the bride's entrance. If the couple hasn't done a first look, we like to have the bride wait down the hill with her escort, and we walk her up to closed doors so we can reopen them for her big reveal. Knowing how tricky Florida weather is, best to have some umbrellas on standby as well, in case the bride needs cover as she walks up the path! 

The inside of the venue features rows of seats that can accommodate about 100 guests comfortably, and a raised stage for the ceremony to take place. Everything is bathed in natural light with a scenic backdrop, and extra decorations are unnecessary in this picturesque setting. 

Christina and Felipe continued their celebration at Haile Plantation Hall. Food was provided by Limerock Catering, cake by KB Kakes, music by Genius Entertainment, and flowers by Crevasses Florist. Their photography was done by Two Souls Threading. 

Congratulations again Christina & Felipe! 

The vendors that made this all possible: 

Venues - The Baughman Center &  Haile Plantation Hall  Music - Genius Entertainment Flowers - Crevasses Florist
Catering - Limerock Catering

Cake - KB Kakes

Photography - Two Souls Threading

Lauren & Sam's Sweetwater Branch Inn Wedding

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Lauren and Sam have a love story seven years in the making and celebrated their marriage in December. We were excited to be a part of it and love looking back at the details that made their day so special! 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Before their beautiful ceremony at the Baughman Center, followed by a reception at the Sweetwater Branch Inn, the bride spent time getting her hair and makeup done with her bridal party and mother. Sweetwater's Nora Bell Cottage makes the perfect getting ready room with tons of natural light, amble space and two guest rooms.  

Amber Dorn Photography 

The groom had help getting ready too! His best man stepped up to help him tie the knot. 

Amber Dorn Photography 

This wasn't the best man's only important job of the day. He also served as the head of ring security. As the mother of three boys, I know from experience - no matter how cute they are, it's best not to put too much trust in a tiny ring bearer! 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Another wedding tip - first looks can be such a special moment for our couples, as well as a touching photo opportunity. (We're big fans of them!) A first look doesn't have to be only for the bride and groom though. Since Lauren & Sam didn't want to see each other before their ceremony, Lauren chose to do a first look with her dad. The look on his face couldn't be more sweet! 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography

Amber Dorn Photography

The bride also used this moment to present her father with special gifts. Wedding days can be a blur, and this type of intimate moment is the perfect way to slow down and be present with the people closest to you. 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography

Amber Dorn Photography

The ceremony was performed by Wendy Thoreau from Our Simple Ceremony in the Baughman Center, a gorgeous venue featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Alice on the University of Florida's campus. 

Amber Dorn Photography  

Amber Dorn Photography 

The wedding party took advantage of the outdoor space for photos before heading to the Sweetwater Branch Inn for their reception. Notice the unique bridal party bouquets, created by Lauren with silk flowers her girls could save. 

Amber Dorn Photography

Amber Dorn Photography

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

The reception in McKenzie Hall featured a snack bar, music by DJ Jonathan Davis, and a spirited round of the shoe game!

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

For anyone unfamiliar with the shoe game, here's how it goes - the couple holds a shoe in each hand, one of their own and one of their partner's, then answer relationship questions by holding up the shoe that represents their answer. For example, "Who is the better cook?" or "Who takes the longest to get ready?" There's no better way to create a silly wedding moment than to throw in a newlywed game! 

Amber Dorn Photography

Amber Dorn Photography

After all the fun and games, the food and drink, the laughs and the dancing, a fun exit is the perfect way for the bride and groom to end the night. Sometimes though, your photography collection doesn't last until the real end of your night. If you want the exit photos without actually having to break up the party, trying sneaking out with just the wedding party for a photo op. Lauren and Sam chose to do a fake sparkler exit, captured by the incredibly talented Amber Dorn Photography and no one will ever know the difference. 

Amber Dorn Photography 

With lots more celebrating to be done, the happy couple headed back inside to the dance floor. 

Amber Dorn Photography

Amber Dorn Photography 

Amber Dorn Photography 

We're so thankful to be a part of Lauren and Sam's special day! Their wedding was a perfect example of how to create the kinds of special moments that are remembered years down the road. Congratulations again to the happy couple!

Amber Dorn Photography

The vendors that made this possible: 

Venues - The Baughman Center & Sweetwater Branch Inn 

Officiant - Our Simple Ceremony 

Music - DJ Jonathan Davis 

Flowers - Prange's Florist 

Hair & Makeup - Jorge Reyes

And an extra special thank you to Amber Dorn and Eli Meyer Studio for the photography and videography!