I’ve never actually visited the picturesque venue that is the Winterbourne on the St. Johns, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that it was one of the most beautiful places ever to say “I do.” It’s a certainty that comes with a whole lot of definitive research on the subject, aka, hours upon hours of soaking in the pretty from this darling day captured by Jenn Hopkins Photography… a day that is dripping in heartwarming moments, beautiful blooms from Lori Parker Floral Studios and beyond breathtaking details. Oh, Winterbourne. I love you. See so much more right here.
From the Bride… Where it all began– Samuel and I knew each other throughout high school, but never really took the time to get to know one another. After high school Sam attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina and I went to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. On December 17, 2007, Sam returned from college for Christmas break. All of our friends decided to go camping at Hannah Park for my birthday. That night Sam told me in four years when he was a senior he was going to marry me. I thought that was very bold for someone who I wasn’t even dating. Since that moment we knew we were meant for each other and we began dating.
Exactly four years later on December 17, 2011, Sam took me back to Hannah park for our annual camping trip. He rented the same camp site where we first started dating. When it was time for bed we climbed inside the tent and all of a sudden he was down on one knee. He asked me if I remembered what he said to me four years ago. It was a perfect and meaningful engagement and we couldn’t be happier.
Samuel and I are so laid back and easy going we felt the Winterbourne Inn on the St. Johns was a perfect venue for us. It was a place where our family and close friends felt relaxed and it had a backyard wedding feeling. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. The weather was absolutely beautiful for a February wedding in Florida. We had our reception outside by the St. Johns River. We had cocktail hour outside where guest were able to play lawn games and eat butler passed food. Our wedding party was announced outside and Sam and I had our first dance on the lawn with all of our family and friends overlooking us from the balcony. We then made our way inside for the reception. We had a Southern buffet which was delicious! After dinner guest danced the night away, played lawn games and utilized our homemade photobooth which was a blast! We couldn’t have asked for a better day. We had our dream wedding and I am so lucky to have married my best friend.
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Wedding Photography: Jenn Hopkins Photography | Wedding Venue: Winterbourne on the St. Johns | Floral Design: Lori Parker Floral Studios | Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau via The White Magnolia | Makeup: Paulina Perez