Jessica and Collin travelled from Colorado to have their wedding at Florida House Inn here on Amelia Island.  Jessica’s parents, Fran and Jeff, live here on the island.  When Fran first brought Jessica to see a musical performance at Florida House Inn years ago, Jessica fell in love with the atmosphere of the charming historical home and said “when I get married, this is the place!”

The vintage feel of Florida House Inn suited the theatrical theme of the wedding and the couple perfectly, particularly Jessica who grew up attending theater productions from the age of two and is herself, a singer, dancer, actor and choreographer.  The couples first date was to see a musical, followed by Collins proposal to her which according to Jessica took place in “spectacular fashion”, where he thoughtfully organized a private moment with the cast and crew of a running immersive theater show called Sweet & Lucky.  The story goes, while “they were both separated having their own experience with the show, a cast member brought Jessica into a beautiful, romantic setting where Collin was secretly waiting for her.  He walked through the trees to greet her, brought her out onto a glass pond and said a few words before getting down on one knee.”  After meeting Jessica and spending this magical day with her, I can actually visualize this special moment and what her reaction would have been like.  Her lips would be pressed together, a tear would have formed in her eye and her head would have tilted as she gazed into his eyes with a look of adoration, just like on the day of the wedding.

The rain waved over us throughout the day, but no one let it dampen their spirits.  If anything, it only added to the warm and intimate setting.  Jessica wore her LaDuca dance shoes which she adorned with rhinestones.  Her best friend Piper helped make her bouquet which was carefully put together from broches given to her at a bridal shower.  Her fellow thespian and close friend Wayne Kennedy, acted as the officiant, speaking the kindest, most heartfelt words and telling a moving story of a moment where he and Jessica acted together in a performance of Fiddler On The Roof, he as her father and she as a headstrong daughter. He brought everyone to tears as he magically weaved the story around the wedding day, bringing it full circle.  Jessica and Collin’s good friend Tracy Warren sang Schuberts’ Ave Maria.  Her sweet voice harmonizing with the gentle rain filled everyone with emotion that was breathtaking.

Yes, it was a wedding full of emotion and strong connections between those in attendance.  It was visible everywhere, between the bride and groom and their parents, between friends and relatives and of course between the bride and the groom.  These wedding photos represent them and who they are and I am honored to have had the opportunity to have been a part of their special day.

I loved being able to have captured the laughter and the tears, the intimate connections and the overwhelming LOVE.

June 16, 2017

Ceremony/reception:  Florida House Inn

Cake:  Vickymarie Alicea Cruz/ Sugar Flour Pastries

Band:  The Instant Groove

Dress:  Lis Simon

Overall Organizers:  Jean-Luc Cavnar, Kenny Moten, Diane LaPatra / Amelia’s Treasure