Bridle Oaks Barn Wedding

Jessica and Michael tied the knot during their Bridle Oaks Barn wedding in DeLand, Florida. My sweethearts envisioned an outdoor ceremony underneath scaling oak trees and partying the night away in a barn style ballroom.

Our sweethearts’ story actually begins online through Match.com back in August of 2014. After chatting over the web for a bit, the two decided to have an official first date at Victorio’s Italian Restaurant. Thinking it would be a quick bite to eat and small talk, their first date turned into hours of talking as they quickly realized they had so much in common. Since that one amazing dinner, the two have been together ever since.

The two fell hard for one another and after just a year Michael knew he was ready to propose to Jessie. On December 12th of 2015, Michael planned a day that Jessie would absolutely love filled with all of her favorite things like going to dinner at her favorite restaurant, the Goodrich’s Seafood and Oyster House in Oak Hill. Before dinner, they went for a walk in a park nearby where Michael asked for Jessie’s hand in marriage. Best of all, Michael had invited their closest friends and family who were waiting with excitement at the restaurant for the two to arrive! And of course it wasn’t long after before the two began their wedding planning!

Situated in the heart of Deland, Florida, Bridle Oaks rests on five acres of lush oak trees and pasture for their farm residents. From goats to chickens, the venue has a true rustic farm vibe, but with an elegance found in many pieces from the chandelier hanging above newlyweds as they share a first kiss to the elegant barn ballroom.

Our day started off capturing the details of the venue from chicken coops to wild flowers. Jessie and her girls were putting on finishing touches with Kristy’s Artistry Team in the bridal house, while Michael and his guys were on their way to the venue. Walking in to the bridal suite, both I and second shooter Lana stopped in our tracks. My, oh my, was Jessie absolutely stunning! From her hair to makeup, she was completely glammed up and ready to start the day. Special moments I loved during our ‘getting ready’ time included a daddy-daughter reveal and special gifts Jessie gave to her mom and dad thanking them for their help and love.

After ‘getting ready’ portraits we headed outside to greet Michael for a first look with Jessie. Positioning him in a nice shady spot underneath the towering oaks, we waited patiently for Jessie to walk his way. The moment Michael finally turned around to see Jessie was absolute bliss. You can just feel the love and excitement between the two as they realized that they were about to make a life commitment among their friends and family. I love when first looks are more private and before Jessie and Michael’s first look we asked everyone to head inside. Having a moment alone, with no interruptions, to just focus on the two of you is just so important to me. Of course, after our ‘soon to be’s’ shared a few kisses and hugs, we invited the wedding party and family out for formal portraits.

Officiant Zach Van Dyke started off the ceremony with an ode the value of love, faith, and relationships. Remembering those who could not be there, Jessie and Michael set out a table of frames with their loved ones images in them that faced the aisle walk way. This way those who could not be there, could witness their special walk down the aisle from heaven. It was a beautiful tribute to those who were lost, but will always be loved and never forgotten. After a first kiss shared, official Mr. and Mrs. walked down the aisle hand in hand.

After their ceremony, we captured a few large group shots of both Michael and Jessie’s family. Before our DJ Meister Productions invited guests in for the reception entrance, we captured an absolutely stunning shot of our couple among their venue décor. The drama in the lighting and kiss shared is just absolutely stunning!

Our night was filled with dancing, a few attempts to line dance, and of course a sweet lavender send off. However, how could I forget my absolutely favorite moment of the night, Jessie and Michael’s last dance. Tears welled up in everyone’s eyes seeing the two share a ‘last dance.’ Hugging one another tight, the moment was in one word, beautiful.

Wishing our sweethearts a fabulous life together filled with the love and faith they share!

Venue: Bridle Oaks Barn

Coordinator: Coastal Coordinating

Caterer: Moore Fine Foods

Makeup & Hair: Kristy’s Artistry Design Team

Florist: Julia’s Floral Designs

Cake: Lisa McNabb