Anna and Corey tied the knot during their Cross Creek Ranch wedding in Dover, Florida. My sweet duo envisioned a rustic themed wedding filled with hints of light pink, navy blue, and good ole’ fashion cowboy boots!
High school sweethearts, Corey first laid eyes on Anna when he was a senior and she was a junior through introductions of a mutual friend. Corey’s best friend that Anna and Corey would hit is off after meeting Anna in class and sure enough the two were a match made in heaven.
Highschool sweethearts may be where their story begins, but is surely just the beginning. The two love absolutely everything about one another and as Anna puts it simply, “we are best friends.” However if both had to choose just one thing that they love about the other, it would be that both felt that they each love one another unconditionally through their supporting nature each and every day.
Their proposal was just as sweet as how they met. Anna just loves manatees and even though she is a Florida native, she has never seen the adorable sea cows up close. Corey decided to plan out a trip to Blue Springs this past December so Anna could swim with the manatees, but also had another surprise up his sleeve – or should I say wet suit hehe. After swimming with the manatees, the two came back to the water’s edge and sat down for a quiet moment alone away from the group. On a sweet little bench overlooking the manatees migrating, Corey cuddled Anna up in his arms. As they were watching the manatees swim by, Corey dropped to one knee and proposed to his darling Anna. Of course, Anna said yes and jumped into his arms. It was truly a beautiful proposal.
There big day was just as beautiful, filled with the absolutely beautiful rustic charm of Cross Creek Ranch. What I love about Cross Creek Ranch is how it is all-inclusive. From rentals to the dj, to the catering, they do it all with absolute elegance and grace. Owners Bonnie and Sean McSharry created the venue with Florida charm in mind. From the Carriage House where Anna and Corey partied the night away to the towering 30 year old oak tree shading guests during their ceremony, every area felt like the rustic charm that Florida has to offer.
Our day started off with Anna ringing the bell to announce her arrival, which is a 10+ year tradition of Cross Creek Ranch. I must say she was absolutely adorable in trying to ring it and couldn’t help but laugh. Heading to the bridal suite, we captured her putting on her dress and her details out back on a pretty green bench. Moving on to Corey, our groom to be, we captured a few shots of him and his family, along with his groomsmen before heading back to Anna for a father daughter first look.
While I loved so many touching moments throughout the day, Anna’s father daughter first look had to be in my top three. Dad couldn’t help but cry tears of joy as he turned the corner to see Anna in her wedding gown. Having a moment alone with her dad was so incredibly special before walking down the aisle, hand in hand.
With so many pretty details to photograph, I don’t even know where to begin! The ceremony alone had beautifully done hand-written chalk signs welcoming guests to take a seat, along with a ceremony arch of coral and green flowers. The reception was filled with pretty details from table décor matching the ceremony arch to individual sections within each barn stall for guests to find, including a candy bar, delicious dinner buffet, gift table, and drink area.
Tying the knot under the large oak tree. The sun came down slowly during their reception with golden rays beaming through the clouds. With vows read and a first kiss shared, our sweethearts walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Elkins!
Family portraits circled back underneath the oak tree while bridal portraits were taken in a field nearby. Anna and Corey’s newlywed portraits were in one word, adorable! The two of them were just so overjoyed that it was utterly impossible to not smile from ear to ear and laugh as I had them kiss and walk about. Our newlywed portraits ended with a quick shot of Anna’s cowboy boots before we headed into the reception to announce our bride and groom.
Dancing, laughing, and cake cutting filled the night before our sparkler send off. Anna and Corey stopped for a little twirl and a kiss goodnight as they headed off for the night. Wishing my darlings an incredible life together as Mr. and Mrs. Elkins!
Just like their wedding day, Correy and Anna’s orange grove engagement was an absolute delight to capture!
Venue, Rentals, Décor, Catering: Cross Creek Ranch
