Two adorable college sweethearts, a beyond beautiful proposal and a wedding day that will leave your jaw seriously hitting the floor… yep, fairytales DO come true and this sweet Jacksonville soiree is living proof. A flawless fusion of pretty purple hues and darling rustic details, there’s not a single second captured by Bee Photographie that isn’t stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful. And that dress?! That glorious lace masterpiece?!? Absolute perfection – and you’ll never love another more. See it all here.
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From the Bride… When I was a senior in high school, I had decided to go to UNF. One day my dad and I were watching the news when UNF’s baseball team was being interviewed. I remember telling my dad that I was glad I was going to UNF because their baseball team was really cute. My dad then said “Anna, its not like you’re gonna go to UNF and date a baseball player.” A year later, Kristophor, a baseball player at UNF, asked me to be his woman. Three years later, on December 12th, I started receiving love songs each day that Kristophor had recorded. On Christmas morning, with Kristophor dressed in a tux, we rode in a carriage to our destination where Kristophor played for me the last song, it was titled, Take My Name. After the song was over he came to my side, bent down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.
Once our eyes landed on The Keeler Property, we knew this peaceful land was where we wanted to pledge forever to one another. The large property held a rustic, covered bridge and a country red barn. The next 11 months were spent pouring time into each detail. From the wedding dress, to the cake, to centerpieces, each item at the wedding held a special meaning. We wanted our wedding day to be centered on our love for God, family and friends. Every little girl dreams of her wedding day, but growing up all I could think about was wearing my mom’s wedding dress, which was also worn by my grandmother. The dress has changed a little with each generation, but there is nothing more honoring then wearing a dress that was also worn by two amazing women. To show my honor to these two women I found a picture of each of them on their wedding day and had them framed and put them on an easel. The planter centerpieces, wedding signs, ice cream bar sign, just married sign and K&A hearts were made by my step-grandfather. My sisters and I also painted these items over many laughs and wine nights. The wheelbarrow that held the glass Cokes and the old truck both belong to Kristophor’s grandfather. At nine years old, Kristophor learned to drive in that very truck. The wedding cake and the groom’s cake were made by Kristophor’s grandmother. I had a theme in mind, and finding each decoration was an adventure. I could have bought the items already made or had someone else plan it all, but making everything was half the fun and made memories I will never forget.
The day started out with prayer, coffee, and jackets (it was the coldest day of 2011). The girls spent the morning at a friend’s house, enjoying mimosas, laughing and getting pampered. We then put our boots on and headed to the barn. It was there I hid while Kristophor was taking pictures and visa-versa. My dad, who is my hero, walked me down the aisle to my forever prince. We said our “I do’s” by reading the vows that we had written to one another, took communion off of a barrel and then partied our way to the barn where the real fun began. To say our wedding photographer was amazing would not even come close to how she captured the day. She came bright and early and jumped right in with us girls, making us laugh the whole time! At one point, she was rolling around on the ground trying to capture different angles. I mean, does a person get any more amazing? She was not just our photographer, but she became a friend. I will forever be grateful for Bee Photographie!
Wedding Photography: Bee Photographie / Wedding Venue: The Keeler Property in Jacksonville, Florida / Wedding Day Coordination: Diana Monell-Fanning / Officiant: Kevin Clark / Wedding Cinematography: Jared Brandt Media / Catering: Ashley Street Catering / Chairs, Tables + Linen Rentals: Beachview Tent Rentals / Wedding Dress: Vintage from Her Grandmother & Mother / Bride’s Seamstress: Martha Shump Designs (904-614-6593) / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff