Intimate Catholic Wedding in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida

WOW! What an amazing family-filled weekend with this beautiful couple! Dorthy and Jonathan’s wedding was one of the most intimate and laid-back weddings I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. It was truly an honor to be there!

Love has a funny way of bringing people together. Doruthy and Jonathan first began their journey at a wedding, where they danced the night away to Hamilton songs. They connected instantly and starting dating long distance — Doruthy lived in Florida while Jonathan resided out in California. Their first dates were virtual, including virtual museum tours, movies, and games, but their first in-person date was nothing short of magical, complete with a casual meal at Zaxby’s and wandering around the zoo. Jonathan moved to Florida and their commitment only grew stronger. And just one day after they purchased an engagement ring together, Jonathan got down on one knee and popped the question!

Jonathan’s family and friends flew in to Florida from California, excited to experience the east coast. This was the first time both families had met each other, so they made every moment together count, starting with a visit to the alligator farm in Jacksonville and ending with the wedding on Monday. I met them all the Saturday night before the wedding for a family photo session, and we had a blast at Twenty Mile Park in Noccatee! A big storm was heading in, but we were lucky that the rain held off during the entire session. After family photos, we drove to Mickler Beach to get photos of just Doruthy and Jonathan. The fog grew heavier and heavier as we arrived closer to the water, but that didn’t stop us from getting some beautiful beach photos!

The wedding day itself was sweet, simple, and full of love. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville set the stage for a ceremony that was heartfelt and intimate. The couple surprised each of their moms with bouquets of flowers, filled with the same beautiful roses that they offered to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the ceremony. The celebration continued aboard a small charter with Sabrage St. Augustine that sailed around historic city of St. Augustine, providing a beautiful backdrop for their day. The laid-back vibe perfectly reflected the couple’s easygoing natures, and their genuine joy radiated through every moment. Everyone was emotional and excited during the parent dances. There was no shortage of joyful tears! The cutest and sweetest part of the reception was when the parents danced to the songs of their own weddings. And of course, no party of Doruthy and Jonathan’s would be complete without some classic Hamilton songs!

Doruthy and Jonathan, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this special season in your lives. You are the type of people who make me truly love what I do as a photographer, and I’m grateful for your support of my business. More than that, I’m grateful for your example of love and service to each other and your commitment to the sacrament of marriage. Congratulations, and I wish you all the best!!