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!

"I Do" & Dr. Who

If you could travel through time back to this sunny November afternoon, you could watch as Kristine and August were married among friends, family, and all of the stunning Dr. Who inspired details imaginable. Haile Plantation Hall made the perfect setting for this special day, with an outdoor ceremony in the Square and an indoor reception. 

Waterbear Photography

The bride looked gorgeous in a cap sleeved, tea-length gown and royal blue details, including her nails, shoes, and sash. Her bridesmaids were the perfect compliment in matching blue lace dresses. The entire bridal party carried, handmaid by the bride and her mom, bouquets featuring book pages from the Harry Potter series. 

Waterbear Photography 

 The ceremony turned out to have a surprise guest - a remote control ringbearer! With the rings safely secured inside a tiny TARDIS, their very own K9 was directed down the aisle by their friend and officiant who was dressed as the fourth Doctor. The base of this adorable pup was a remote control car! 

Waterbear Photography 

Waterbear Photography

Waterbear Photography

Waterbear Photography

The details of this wedding didn't end after the vows. Every aspect, from unique photo ideas to the groom's boutonniere, were well thought out. The bride was the head of the creative talent! She was able to incorporate so many fun nods to their shared interests as a couple and to Doctor Who. When you're a super creative DIY bride, Masterpiece Weddings is there on your special day to be sure that the vision you have been designing is fully brought to life. We were in awe of all the truly amazing Doctor Who details Kristine & August created and thought of! From their chalkboards, to programs, escort cards, favors and signs - they made them ALL! Wow, right?!

Waterbear Photography 

Waterbear Photography 

Waterbear Photography 

Waterbear Photography

Waterbear Photography 

Inside, there were even more amazing additions for the reception. First, a feast of Italian style appetizers, followed by greek salad and wood fired pizzas. Big thank you to Humble Pie and Taziki's for such a delicious meal. The cake (topped by a custom bride & groom topper) was from T & J Cupcakes, and was much enjoyed, especially by the groom! He won their "Dough" contest and got a facefull.

Waterbear Photography 

Waterbear Photography 

Waterbear Photography 

A final photo, directed by the talented Waterbear Photography, made sure the Kristine and August had the brightest send of possible. Glow-Sticks are a great alternative when your venue has restrictions for send-off options.

We're so thankful to have worked with such a wonderful, unique, and creative couple! Congratulations again on a love that will last "through all of time and space!"

Waterbear Photography

The vendors that made it all possible...

Venue - Haile Plantation Hall

Catering - Humble Pie & Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe 

Cake - T & J Cupcake Creations 

Photography - Waterbear Photography

Music - ABC DJ 

An Intimate Catholic Wedding

Proving that good things come in small ceremonies, Debbie and Carl were married at Holy Faith Catholic Church, among their closest friends and family this past October.   

Images by Masterpiece Weddings 

The bride looked radiant in her tea length gown, which showed off a stunning pair of red heels. Her bouquets, created by The Plant Shoppe, were the perfect match (as was the red velvet wedding cake!). Hair and makeup by Deborah of Gainesville Wedding Hair ensured the bridal party all looked their best on this special day. And to ensure none of this would be forgotten, all of the lovely details were professionally captured by Jimmy Ho Photography. We can't wait to see how they turned out!

Debbie was escorted down the aisle by her daughter, and with her sisters by her side, she said "I do" to her new husband, Carl. 

The wedding party and their guests followed the ceremony with a lovely reception by Celebrations Catering, at the center of which was a whole roasted pig! This tasty addition was a nod to the bride's traditions, and was also a memorable photo op for us! 

We were so happy to be able to share in the special day of these two amazing people. They are a wonderful reminder that true love knows no timeline. Congratulations again to the bride and groom, and thank you for choosing us to take part in your beautiful wedding!

Thank you again to our vendors... 

Venue - Holy Faith Catholic Church 

Catering - Celebrations Catering 

Photography - Jimmy Ho Photography

Music - New Beginnings 

Hair & Makeup - Gainesville Wedding Hair 

Flowers - The Plant Shoppe 

Cake - Publix

Florida Fall Wedding at Rembert Farms

The weather could not have been more beautiful on this October day, and it made the perfect backdrop for Caroline and Elias's gorgeous outdoor ceremony. The oak trees at Rembert Farms created the perfect shady spot for the couple and their guests. And while the shade was certainly appreciated (Florida in October is still hot!), even such huge trees could not overshadow the beauty of the bride and her wedding party, who were glammed up by the lovely ladies at Sixth Street Station salon. 

The reception was filled with adorable details, starting with the state's signature fruit as a unique twist on place cards. Between the oranges and the sunny skies, you'd hardly remember the rest of the country was already well into the fall season. 

Chalkboards provided by Parlor Room Events

Once everyone found their seats, the party continued inside the elegant barn-turned-event-space situated on the farm, which was draped in white and burgundy table settings, courtesy of Celebrations Catering, that matched the bridesmaids, the roses on the delectable, three-tiered wedding cake, and the stunning floral centerpieces by The Flower Shop. 

Guests enjoyed a meal, also by Celebrations Catering, featuring delicious vegan options, and the aforementioned cake by Sugar Mama's Sweets, who were featured on Food Network's Cake Wars in 2016. After plates were cleaned, chairs were abandoned as guests were called to the dance floor by the contagious energy of the Bay Kings Band. 

Quick tip - to ease guest's minds as they dance the night away, providing a transportation option other than driving can ensure everyone can have a good time, and nobody has to stress about parking. For this wedding, the bride and groom chose to have a bus to bring their guests to venue in style. 

This was a wedding to be remembered, and we were so happy to be a part of such a special day! The bride and groom ended the night showered with love from their guests, who were armed with bubbles to blow at the couple as they exited the venue. Shouts of "one more time!" urged them for an encore, and we agree with the guests that we didn't want the night to end either! One more big congratulations to Caroline and Elias!

And thanks again to the vendors that made it all possible...

Venue - Rembert Farms

Catering - Celebrations Catering 

Cake - Sugar Mama's Sweets

Music - Bay Kings Band

Photography - This Is Feeling Photography

Video - Eli Meyer Studio

Flowers - The Flower Shop

Hair & Makeup - Sixth Street Station 

Transportation - Premier Event Company 

Chalkboards - Parlor Room Events

Expecto Matronum! Michele and Ron's Harry Potter Wedding

Michele and Ron's special day was a magical one indeed! The couple celebrated at the Florida Museum of Natural History, with a beautiful ceremony taking place amidst the flora and fauna of the Butterfly Rainforest. The reception was held in the museum's Denny Gallery. 

Michele started out day on the right foot, with adorable shoes featuring the handiwork of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. 

The Marauder's Map made another appearance in the table settings, which featured four long tables draped in house colors, and individual maps leading guests on a scavenger hunt to add points to their house cup! 

 Yet another gorgeous detail - the bouquets and corsages were crafted from pages of the Harry Potter series. They were found on Etsy, which has customizable bouquet options that would fit a huge variety of themes and color schemes. 

Other handmade details included a paper-mache sorting hat situated next to the placecards, ready to let guests know which house they belong to, and a Hogwarts-shaped guest book that let guests drop their signatures into the frame like an owl dropping off a package. Many of the decorations were custom made by MasterPiece weddings, and a similar guestbook can be found on Etsy.

The music was preformed by this talented group from Jaclyn Duncan Music, which provides classical and jazz music for special events. 

While Michele and Ron's love for each other is clear, the wedding party made sure that these two will live a charmed life together from here on out! 

Thank you so much to the vendors that made this wedding possible... 

Venue - Florida Museum of Natural History 

Catering - Celebrations Catering 

Music - Jaclyn Duncan Music

Photography - First Kiss Photography 

Hair & Makeup - Lather Beauty Salon