Birchwood Wedding

Allyson and Tyler tied the knot during their Birchwood wedding in Downtown St Pete, Florida. Originally constructed in 1924, the Birchwood only has 18 rooms and sits facing beautiful North Straub Park.

Where it all began…

It is crazy to think back to when Allyson and Tyler first met, which took place over 11 years ago in high school. Both having the same first period, they would of course see each other often, but love didn’t spark until five years later when they both happen to be living in Georgia at the same time. Connecting again, Tyler took Allyson out on a first date and the rest is history!

Both falling in love with one another’s sense of humor, Allyson explained that Tyler “can always make me laugh, even if I’m mad at him.” For Tyler, he explained that he loves how caring Allyson is and that she has a “big heart for animals.” Of course it wasn’t long until Tyler proposed to Allyson during a walk along the beach at Hilton Head.

Wedding Day at The Birchwood

Envisioning a fun, light, and intimate wedding, Allyson and Tyler chose to keep a smaller guest list centered around their closest friends and family. I must say that from the moment we arrive, truly Allyson and Tyler just had a lightness to them, that of course was filled with laughter throughout the day. Arriving a bit early, we greeted Allyson in her hotel suite on the third floor. My first time at the Birchwood for a wedding, I was excited for the new venue and even more so for an indoor ceremony – always fun to to utilize lighting!

Allyson was extra prepared with all of her details ready so I jumped into photographing them right away. One of my favorite moment’s during her getting ready time was the excitement of her mom helping her get in the dress. That mother daughter moment is just oh so special, and incredible to witness and capture.

Planning for more newlywed time during formal portraits, we decided prior to the big day to also knock out photos of Ally and her girls, along with Tyler and his guys. While the guys were wrapping up getting clothed, we took Ally and her girls out for formal portraits. At first we were going to head to the busy North Straub Park, but after turning the corner to the side of the venue, which had the absolute best modern vine half wall, I just knew it would be the perfect backdrop. After capturing the girls, along with another special family moment for Ally of a father daughter first look, we release them back inside.

Bringing the guys outside as well, we captured Tyler’s father and best man helped him suit up, along with fun photos of our groom’s party. Let me just tell you, I impressed by how well they did at holding a smile, as the group was extra silly. With guests starting to arrive early, we wrapped up and headed back inside to prepare for the procession.

The Birchwood Wedding Ceremony

Taking place inside their ballroom overlooking the park, the two wed among friends and family by sharing vows and sealing the deal with a kiss. While their ballroom ceremony space was being flipped to a reception space, we headed back outside for family formal portraits, a group portrait of the bridal party together, and afterwards – my fav – newlywed portraits!

This time we did venture into North Straub Park to include a few oak trees in the backdrop, along with the gorgeous greenery all around. Ally’s veil made for some stunning artistic shots!

The Birchwood Wedding Reception

Heading back inside to prepare for the reception entrance, we were amazed out how quickly the room flip came together. Truly the Birchwood team was rocking it!

Entrances, followed by a first dance, dining, more formal dances and toasts, opened the night to the party filled with tons of laughter and dancing!

Wishing my sweethearts a beautiful life together and phenomenal honeymoon in Cabo!