Emily and John tied the knot during their Timacuan Golf Club wedding in Lake Mary, Florida. While their wedding day was the signifying marker of the start to a new chapter in their lives, their story begins several years back in their hometown of Melbourne, Florida. Running in similar social circles, it seemed like fate kept having them run into one another out and about and the two decided to go on an official date. Unfortunately, the timing was not right at the time, but just six months later after running into one another again, “sparks flew” and this time magic happened.
Fast forward four years later, Emily and John have become inseparable. John knew that Emily was not only the love of his life, but also his best friend. Her “strength, empathy, and beauty” drew John in and he admires her deeply for the person she is. As John explains his love for Emily, “she taught me how to slow down, take in life and the joy that is in the moment, to live through each other’s strongest assets, and cultivate a relationship of interdependence, built on a foundation of love and respect.” For Emily, their love has given her absolutely “balance.” Truly John’s friendship, love, and respect always brings out the best in her and their relationship.
For Emily and John, and everyone who knows them, their love is clear as a beautiful Summer day. John knew his commitment to Emily would continue to be unwavering and wanted to ensure she would be his ‘forever.’ During a weekend getaway visit the two planned to Melbourne to see their family, John had an additional plan in mind unknown to Emily. Their day started off with heading towards downtown for lunch with John’s parents… or so Emily thought. After parking, John took Emily’s hand for a walk before meeting up with everyone. Stopping by one of the squares, he reminded Emily that it was where they first met and where their love first began. Dropping to one knee, John asked Emily to marry him. Completely surprised, shocked, and excited, Emily could not contain her love as she said yes. Walking hand in hand, the two headed to lunch to see John’s family. To Emily’s surprise, their closest friends also awaited for them along with Emily’s family as well. It was truly a beautiful moment and even more beautiful to be able to celebrate with everyone they love!
Just like the celebration of their engagement, their wedding day was also filled with the love of their family and friends who came out to witness the two make a life commitment to one another. Our day started off with capturing Emily getting ready with her girls and a few adorable robe shots before putting on her gown. Holding back her tears, Emily’s mom buttoned Emily up in her darling gown while her bridesmaids helped her put on her little details.
Over at the men’s locker room, John and his groomsmen were enjoying a game of dice before suiting up. John looked nothing but dapper as he put on his final touches of shoes and fixing his tie. For both Emily and John’s getting ready portraits, I just adore our intricate lighting from blue back lighting behind John to intimate lighting cascading upon Emily for her bridal portraits.
A first look started off our couple’s time together. Standing underneath the arching oak trees, John waited for his beloved as Emily walked up. Graceful and gorgeous, Emily was all smiles walking up to John. I just loved the excitement in John’s face as he turned to her to see her in her gown for the very first time.
The clouds covered the sun’s shining rays for just long enough to capture a few newlywed portraits before we headed in for indoor formal portraits. While I just love outdoor formal portraits, I am also a huge lover of indoor portraits, especially when you have a venue as gorgeous as Timacuan. Chandeliers from Restoration Hardware are perfectly placed throughout the ballroom. The elegance of the venue’s details along with my stunning wedding party was pure bliss for me as a photographer. I truly am enamored by each and every shot.
Wrapping up our wedding party formal portraits, we headed outside to the veranda prepare for the ceremony. While guests funneled in after arriving by bus from the hotel, Emily, John, and their wedding party were lining up to prepare for their walk down the aisle. Lined with two pillars with floral by Atmospheres floral artistry, it was the perfect spot for the two to say “I do.” In addition to sharing vows, a reading from their two friends also took place during their ceremony. With a first kiss shared, we headed inside for a quick room shot while guests headed to cocktail hour. Formal portraits with family took place out on the veranda as well and after we headed off on an “adventure” as John coined it for additional newlywed portraits.
Riding along in our golf carts, we found the most perfect spot on the green just as the sun was setting. Just like their sweet moment together during their first look, their newlywed portraits were just as sweet and intimate.
The Will’s & The Ways band welcomed our sweethearts into their reception for their reception entrance with live music. Their first dance was just as romantic as their ceremony, with a little kiss and a dip at the end. Toasts took place by John’s Best Man and brother (or twinsie as I coined him) and Emily’s Maid of Honor Sarah Kezer brought the biggest smiles to our couple’s faces as their speakers reminisced on ‘back in the day’ moments. After a delicious meal catered by Timacuan Golf Club, dancing soon took place followed by the best moment of the night – John rocking out with the band! I must say everyone was on their feet cheering, especially Emily, as she looked on at her hubby playing songs just for her.
Wishing the now official Mr. and Mrs. Farrar a beautiful, adventure filled life together!
Venue: Timacuan Golf Club
Makeup: Amanda Julian
Hair: Marissa Tharp
Florist: Atmospheres Floral and Decor
Cake: Top Tier Wedding Cakes
Band: Wills and the Ways
Officiant: Hearts and Souls Wedding Officiant
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
