It’s kind of crazy just how much I love this darling St. Augustine duo. Crazy, because even though I have never met them in person (unfortunately), I am pretty sure they are one of the most awesome couples that has ever existed. And the gorgeous bride? She NEEDS to be my new best friend. Because anyone that can make me laugh, cry and swoon all within 10 minutes is someone I need to grab drinks with. (Seriously.) So, prepare to spend your day soaking in her beyond adorable description, the beautiful images captured by Mi Amore Foto and the sweet film from Life and Love Studio. You’re going to love every last minute.
From the Bride… In the summer of 2009, Aaron’s brother married my friend, Akiko. When the Best Man stood to give a speech, I thought to myself, “WHO. IS. THAT?” But I didn’t have the courage to ask him to dance so I did what any normal girl does… stare at a cute boy and believe my gaze will somehow communicate to him that I would like to dance and that I think he’s super cute.
I stayed at the wedding for a few hours, but never spoke with Aaron. I had to leave to my friend Jon’s graduation party so I said my goodbyes and headed for the car. Keys in hand, about to unlock the door, the bridal party came running out to decorate the getaway limo. I was invited to join by a groomsmen so I went along with the happy bunch! Suddenly, a tall, handsome and athletic boy smiled at me with the cutest dimples I had ever seen…it was the Best Man! This was my chance! But after talking for only a few minutes, I learned he was leaving for California and I was two weeks away from leaving to England for the summer.
We hugged goodbye without an exchange of numbers, or last names. I had just met such a fantastic guy but I had no clue if I was ever going to see him again. “Well, God, you will make it happen if it’s meant to be…” But as I walked away, I couldn’t help feel that I really was going to see him again.
I spent that summer frolicking through balmy England and Aaron spent the summer in California beating up other guys while training to be a pro boxer. We were worlds apart. After two months of meeting, he got a hold of me through Facebook and asked for my number. Sure enough, the weekend I got back from England, Aaron asked me out and drove from Jacksonville to take me to dinner. (I had no clue he was driving five hours to see me until he was actually on his way!) He stepped out of the car holding a bouquet of flowers and I melted.
I could fill this page with how God wrote our love story but I’ll just share what I told my sister after a date one night: ” I just have this feeling about Aaron… like I’m never going to have to say goodbye to him…”
Wedding Photography: Mi Amore Foto / Wedding Venue + Catering: The White Room in St. Augustine, Florida / Getting Ready Venue: Bella Bay Inn Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida / Floral Design: Damaris Flowers / Wedding Cinematography: Life and Love Studio / Bride’s Bouquet: The Conservatorie / Wedding Cake: Sweet Weddings / DJ: Footloose Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids’ Attire: Custom made by Yolanda Gonzalez, Friend of the Bride / Groom’s + Groomsmen Attire: Stafford / Hair: M. Schaefer Hairdressing / Makeup: Kimtasha