Stephanie & Justin's Enchanted Wedding on the Ichetuckne River

 

image by KiKi Creates Photography

Stephanie's childhood family home was the perfect setting for her and Justin's wedding day. Right off the Ichetuckne River in Florida, their Enchanted Forest theme just oozed out of every nook and cranny in such a beautiful location. 

images by KiKi Creates Photography

There's this long, dreamy dock out to the river behind the house where Stephanie & Justin shared their first look together. Are you planning to do a first look for your day? We at MasterPiece are big fans! They slow your day down and let you focus on just each other for a bit before all your guests arrive and things get busy. Plus, by having that first special moment, you're able to spend the rest of your wedding day at each other's sides. We can't say enough about how meaningful and wonderful they can be!

images by KiKi Creates Photography

Because of all things Covid 19, Stephanie & Justin actually got to have the small and intimate celebration they had always imagined. Social distancing was a must, so everything was held outside at safe distances for their small group of special guests. They even offered special favors that were customized masks and hand sanitizers. I LOVED making these custom chalkboards for them too!

Their ceremony was held under a tent by PRE Events, made all the more magical and enchanted by The Plant Shoppe Florist. Can you believe that ceremony log backdrop?! I'm convinced that fairies moved in for the weekend festivities and to celebrate along with them. Their dog, Pumba, was the perfect ring-doggie too!

images by KiKi Creates Photography, florals by The Plant Shoppe

Disney and Marvel share a special place in their hearts and in their relationship. Stephanie's talented sister created this epic guestbook and stickers for them. They even used an image of the guestbook for their invitations!

How dreamy were these sunset images by KiKi Creates Photography? I was swooning while I helped carry around Stephanie's dress! 

images by KiKi Creates Photography

Dinner and dancing were held under their covered patio, turned into an enchanted glen by The Plant Shoppe Florist.  I was excited to create the custom chalkboards for their tables. 

images by KiKi Creates Photography

Oh, their day couldn't have been more magical! I don't think I'll ever forget how pretty it all came together, or how much I adored getting to work with such an amazing couple. Congratulations Stephanie & Justin!! 

A big shout-out to my fellow vendors that made all this possible:

Coordination: MasterPiece Weddings and Events

Rentals: PRE Events

Florals: The Plant Shoppe Florist

Photography: KiKi Creates Photography

Music: Wayne's World Entertainment

Officiant: Jack Edmonds

Hair & Makeup: Moxie to Go

Catering: Red Mesa Catering

Restrooms: Royal Restrooms

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!