CASA MARINA WEDDING PHOTOS|JACKSONVILLE BEACH WEDDING | DAWN AND CHRIS | Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photography

DAWN + CHRIS WEDDING PHOTOS

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Love Story:

How did you two meet?

My best friend’s husband, Allen, introduced us. He knew we were both single at the time and thought we would be a good match. I guess he was right! I asked if he was cute and Allen said, well he doesn’t have a pot belly or buck teeth.. haha.. Chris asked how I looked and Allen told him I was very easy on the eyes.

The four of us went on a blind double date to Catina Laredo at the St. Johns Town Center. I remember it so well because their air conditioning was broken that night and we were all sweating to death, but even still, the connection and spark was there from that first date and here we are 9 1⁄2 years later, married, and living our happily ever after!

Wedding planning:

What was the most fun part of wedding planning?

Honestly I did a lot of craft stuff. I made my own wedding invitations and rsvp cards so that was fun for me because I was able to make it my own w/ the vision I had w/ the colors of the flowers and décor etc I knew I wanted. I also had a blast putting together all of my bridesmaid’s gift boxes and the gift bags w/ goodies I made for my new sister in laws. I made snap fish books, had hanky’s made for them all that said keep your shit together, and personalized each box/bag w/ things I knew they all liked and would enjoy.

Which part did you not like as much?

Choosing the venue. It was the most overwhelming part of it all. I knew I wanted an outside venue but the stress of not knowing what the weather would be like, and hurricane season, and all the what if’s. Once the venue was picked though the rest was fun and smooth sailing for the most part.

What are the biggest pieces of advice you wish you would have known before the wedding day.
How all the “little things” really do add up at the very end. I thought, ok, I have all the big major stuff booked and done, but the week of the wedding, it seemed like I still had so much to do.

And I know for me personally, one of the most challenging parts, was not knowing how it would all turn out and look the day of. You truly do have to trust your vendors and know that they have your best interest at heart. It was hard knowing that everyone else was in control of my day. Luckily I choose the perfect vendors and they were ALL amazing to work with and everything turned out so beautiful and everything we had dreamed of and then some.

Wedding Weekend Info:

Hotel accommodations for guests: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant
Rehearsal Dinner Location: we didn’t have one
Ceremony Location: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant
Reception Location: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant
Caterer: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant
Wedding Coordinator: myself and then Casey Davis and the staff at the Casa Marina were amazing
Photographer: Tonya Beaver Photography
Videographer: John Wolfe/ Siberian Pictures
Cake: Alley Cakes
Florist: Ace/ Turner Florist
Officiate: our Best friend Michelle Kindy
Hair: Studio Bride
Make-up: Studio Bride
Entertainment: DJ Ed Kinney / DJ’s To Go
Transportation: na
Wedding Dress: Michael’s Formalwear/ St. Johns Town Center
Wedding Shoes: JCPenney

In your words, can you give a storyline of your wedding day?

My mom and I actually booked a room the night before the wedding so that I wouldn’t feel so pressured and rushed the next day of the ceremony. It was perfect because the day truly did fly by and there was still a lot to get done. I also wanted to be traditional in the fact that we (the groom and ) I didn’t want to see each other until I was literally walking down the aisle. So my mom and I got up the next morning, had a bit of breakfast, and we were able to take our time and set up the welcome/entrance table and the guest book table ourselves.

Then all my bridesmaids showed up and brought snacks and champagne for the day, because they are amazing! Then the hair and makeup artists arrived about 11:00 and started working their magic. It was so much fun and a memory I will never forget. All the laughing, chatting, excitement, and just the overwhelming amount of love and just pure joy we all shared together prepping for the day/evening.

Then our amazing photographer showed up, us girls were running a bit behind w/ getting ready, but Tonya was patient and worked around us. We then did our bride/bridesmaid photos and then it was back up to the room to wait for the ceremony to begin. I remember being very calm, right up until the doors opened and all the bridesmaids were lined up to walk out and I thought they all looked so beautiful.

I remember feeling how lucky I am to have these amazing women by my side. I just remember getting this overwhelming flush of emotion thinking, wow, this is really happening and I’m about to marry this truly amazing man and I am so blessed and lucky. The amount of love I felt in my heart at that moment was priceless.

What was the high point of your wedding day that you hope to remember forever?

The look on my husband’s face as I was walking to him and the pride I saw in his eyes. The pride of knowing he was thinking, wow this woman is going to be my wife, how did I get so lucky (and I know that’s what he was thinking because he tells me all the time and I see it on his face and in his eyes when he looks at me) and the pride of him becoming my husband.

And just overall the joy in our families and friends eyes and the smiles on their faces, and the tears too. The overwhelming amount of pure love that was part of the entire day and evening! And when I look at the pictures Tonya took I can truly feel that same amount of love from the day! Unforgettable, priceless, and a lifetime of memories.

Tonya Beaver Photography Studio Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL

318 First Ave N

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

To view more Wedding Sessions, please visit:

https://www.tonyabeaverphotography.com/weddings

For more Wedding pricing, please visit:

https://www.tonyabeaverphotography.com/wedding

Hi, I’m Tonya, a Jacksonville Florida Photographer. I specialize in photographing weddings, families, and babies. I would love to hear all about your photography needs to see if we’re a right fit for each other. As a photographer, I get to capture the most exciting and life changing experiences in people’s lives.

Not only in Jacksonville, but all over North Florida: Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island, St. Augustine, etc.

I know there are quite a few photographers in Jacksonville so it can be overwhelming. But I invite you to check out my wedding, family, and newborn portfolio. Also, feel free to check out some of my reviews that my previous clients have given me. Jacksonville is one of the most beautiful areas for photographing engagements, weddings and family photos. From the beach, golf clubs, parks, downtown, gorgeous churches and so much more. I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you more!