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!
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.
The groom had help getting ready too! His best man stepped up to help him tie the knot.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
The reception in McKenzie Hall featured a snack bar, music by DJ Jonathan Davis, and a spirited round of the shoe game!
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!
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.
With lots more celebrating to be done, the happy couple headed back inside to the dance floor.
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!
The vendors that made this possible:
Music - DJ Jonathan Davis
Hair & Makeup - Jorge Reyes
