Sarah and Wayne tied the knot during their Estate on the Halifax wedding in Daytona Beach, Florida. The two envisioned a whimsical, outdoor garden feel along with a rustic indoor reception. The wedding venue was the perfect mix of both from their professionally maintained gardens to wooden ballroom.
As luck may have it, Sarah and Wayne met while both in college back in 2008 when they happened to start working with one another at J. C. Penny. Both worked in the jewelry section so it was bound for them to meet. As Sarah reminisces, “we connected instantly. I walked over to the jewelry counter and there was Wayne, wearing a leather jacket. He turned and looked at me and said, “Hi, I’m Wayne” and reached his hand out for me to shake it.” For both of them, the attraction was mutual and they realized there was an undeniable spark.
The way Sarah’s smile can light up a room is Wayne’s favorite thing about her. That same smile has brought him so much joy over the years that they have been dating and he could not imagine life without Sarah. For Sarah, it is how caring and selfless of a person Wayne is. He truly would do anything for her in a heartbeat.
It is crazy to think back to the time when Wayne picked out ‘the ring.’ He wanted it to be perfect, beautiful, and whimsical, which it matched all three. It wasn’t until several years later though when he actually proposed. Knowing one day that the time would be right, that day came on Christmas Eve of 2015. At home together and opening presents while watching A Christmas Story on the television, Sarah pulled out the last present at the bottom of her gift back from Wayne. Completely unexpected, Sarah was overjoyed with having found ‘the ring’ and before she knew it got down on one knee and told her how much he loved her and that it was time for the two of them to share their forever together. Between the mixture of crying, laughing, hugs, and kisses, Sarah said, “yes!”
It was the right time and when their wedding day came, it felt just as beautiful and intimate as the night Wayne proposed. Their closest friends and family came to celebrate with them, witnessing a beautiful milestone in their lives of entering into a marriage that would be just as special as their wedding day.
Our day started off with capturing Sarah getting dressed, as Wayne was finishing up bringing décor in with his groomsmen. Sarah greeted us at the door with literally the biggest smile ever. I was so excited to see her and we started capturing her details right away while she wrapped up with hair and makeup. Keeping with more of a vintage vibe that the venue’s architecture conveyed, we used the sweetest little pastel pink wooden bench for details along with the black ironwork of the staircase to feature Sarah’s dress. After capturing a few last minute makeup shots, we gave Sarah a moment to finish getting ready before stepping into her dress by heading off to capture Wayne and his best man suit up.
Located in vintage railroad car, we did some of the neatest groom’s portraits of Wayne – literally could not stop bragging to Sarah about how much of a model he was when we arrived back at her location. The artistic vibe of the property is just so inspiring with so many unique and different elements.
Their ceremony took place outside in the back of the courtyard at a lovely gazebo draped with a front material awning and floral array inside. Saying their “I do’s” and sharing a first kiss, we stayed nearby for formal portraits as the gazebo was just too beautiful to not take advantage of. As the light started to set, rays of yellow shined through the trees casting a beautiful glow to the side of the gazebo. Perfect for newlywed portraits, we stayed there for a bit before wandering off to the garden. Sharing a few sneak peeks with Sarah and Wayne before we headed inside to their reception, tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes with joy and of course mine as well. The honor of capturing a wedding is so special, but seeing the emotion in Sarah made their day for me even that more amazing. Endearing and filled with love, my couple’s kindness reminded me in that moment why I love so much what I do.
Their reception was filled with dancing, dining, and more dancing before a sparkler sendoff goodbye. Wishing these two amazing people a life filled with so much joy and happiness!
Venue: Estate on the Halifax
Coordinator: Heather Otero
Caterer: Catfish’s on the River
Makeup & Hair: Kayla Smith
Floral & Cake: Publix
DJ: DJ Man Joe
Officiant: Mark Payne
Dress Designer: Alfred Angelo
Shoes: Alfred Angelo
Men’s Attire & Ring Shop: J.C. Penny
Ring Designer: Yolante
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
