Gainesville Wedding at the Sweetwater Branch Inn by Julie Cate Photography

Homegrown is taking on a whole new meaning. It’s not just for your veggie gardens anymore. In terms of lovely weddings, it’s a bride and groom that met in the fourth grade and grew-up down the street from one another. An Aunt and Mother of the Bride that lovingly crafted all those bright, sunny details right down to hemming all of the burlap runners.  A love that started in Gainesville and danced down the aisle in, you guessed it, Gainesville. This is truly a homegrown affair captured by Julie Cate Photography; no artificial flavors or processing. 100% organic and totally SMP approved. See it all right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Jeremy and I have been together for the last five years, and from the beginning of our engagement, we knew we wanted a fun, simple wedding surrounded by our family and closest friends. We chose to get married in Gainesville because this is where our relationship really began. We’ve known each other since we were in the fourth grade and grew up down the street from each other, but it wasn’t until we were both living in Gainesville that we really noticed one another. From the moment we saw Sweetwater Branch Inn, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for with its sweet southern charm. The staff there was absolutely AMAZING! They went out of their way to make sure us and our guests were having a wonderful time! They even made sure to put a plate of the appetizers and cupcakes in our honeymoon cottage so we were sure to have some. 

Our wedding was a complete labor of love that wouldn’t have been possible without my aunt and mom. Our wedding was filled with sweet DIY details, and I absolutely loved the way it all came together. My aunt hemmed each and every one of the burlap runners herself. We purchased plain vases and used puff paint and spray paint to create a milk glass feel for the cocktail tables. Jeremy even helped out with these. The ceremony and reception area were decorated with “Olive Garden” lights, paper lanterns, wooden signs, chalkboards, mason jars, striped paper straws and burlap banners!

I can’t even begin to say how amazing all of our vendors were. Each of them were so wonderful to work with, and they truly helped make the day amazing.

Wedding Photography: Julie Cate Photography / Wedding Venue: Sweetwater Branch Inn in Gainesville, Florida / Flowers: The Conservatorie Floral & Event Design / Event Planning + Table Runners: Letha Watts (The Bride’s Aunt) / Wedding Invitations: Kelley Charnas (The Groom’s Sister) / Napkins: Bella Bride Designs / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Sarkara Sweets / DJ: Jay’s Entertainment / Vases: DIY / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Shoes: Kate Spade + TOMS / Hair: Alisa Keaton / Makeup: MAC Cosmetics