EPPING FOREST YACHT CLUB WEDDING | JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Love Story:

How did you two meet?

When Katie was a Freshman and Lee was a Senior at UF they briefly met at a party. Their friendship in their college days was short-lived (so short that they both did not remember each other but have a group picture to confirm). However, they both moved to Atlanta for their first jobs post college and rekindle their friendship.

For the first time in 4 years, Katie was sad to not be at the Swamp for a home Gator game, but her friend invited her over for a tailgate. When she walked in, she saw a couple familiar faces, but the one that stood out the most was Lee Gubernick holding a Gold Four Loko! Katie and Lee hung out the entire day, but eventually lost each other at the Gator Bar without getting each other’s numbers. A couple Gator Games later…

Katie called her friend to see what the boys were doing for gameday and mentioned she was going to the Gator Bar with her friends to watch. Supposedly, the boys had other plans for the day, but Lee begged his friends to go to the bar Katie was at instead. Then, he finally asked Katie for her number and out on a date! From then on, they were inseparable.

Their love took them all over the world from Chicago to Punta Cana and even across the pond to Barcelona and Lisbon. The only thing that slowed down their travel was the addition of their amazing pup Allie…….. and Covid. After a few years in Atlanta, the couple decided to move back down to Florida where both of their families were located. Lee proposed a month later at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island with both of their parents present, and a surprise appearance by Katie’s best friend (shoutout Courtney).

How did he propose?

On the beach in the drizzling rain. I was so confused why he wanted to go out on the beach so badly, but
then quickly saw the set up and understood!

Wedding planning:

How did you decide on your color scheme, flowers, and cake?

After visiting the venue, the color scheme came easily. We knew we wanted to match the greenery tone
of the venue with the simple green and white flowers, but then decide to go with Dusty Blue Bridesmaid
dresses for a subtle pop of color.

As for the cake, we came in knowing we wanted a layer or chocolate Oreo and a layer of the classic vanilla with raspberry. However, we put zero thought into the actual look of the cake until meeting with our vendor. Ultimately, we decided to incorporate our pup on the top of the cake and keep the rest simple. It was the perfect way to include our little pup!

How did you decide on your invitations, and who did you use?

We bought our invites on Zazzle. We decided to keep with the greenery theme and found invites that
had a pop of dusty blue. It was perfect for the theme.

What was the most fun part of wedding planning?

Picking out the band! We went to watch a couple showcases to decide how many band members we
would like to have for the night. Once we decided on the band, we invited my parents to a showcase
and my mom teared up at some of the songs. It is a great memory!

Which part did you not like as much?

We hated finalizing the guest list… As most know, it is hard to please everyone and draw the line with
friends and family.

What are the biggest pieces of advice you wish you would have known before the wedding day?

It is okay if it rains on your wedding day – you will forget about it and have the best time ever
once you get to socializing!

No matter how much planning/backup you have, something will likely go wrong. Have a contact
person to handle it all and do not get involved.

Wedding Weekend Info:

https://www.theknot.com/us/katie-gannon-and-lee-gubernick-may-2022

Hotel accommodations for guests: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Cowford Chophouse
Ceremony Location: Epping Forest Yacht Club
Reception Location: Epping Forest Yacht Club
Caterer: Epping Forest Yacht Club
Wedding Coordinator: Kimberly Fatuch
Photographer: Tonya Beaver Photography
Videographer: n/a
Cake: Classic Cakes
Florist: Parkers Events
Officiate: Uncle
Hair: Mimosas Hair Salon
Make-up: Mimosas Hair Salon
Entertainment: Bay Kings Band
Transportation: East Coast Transportation
Wedding Dress: Love Bridal Boutique
Wedding Shoes: Steve Madden
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groom and Groomsmen Wear: Men’s Warehouse
Any other vendors who contributed that we need to mention? n/a

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

The girls had breakfast in Katie’s suite at the Hyatt and then headed to the venue to get ready. While the
girls were getting ready, they enjoyed a mimosa bar and pinwheel sandwiches. The boys got ready in the
hotel suite and then headed over to Epping Forest around 2 to begin taking pictures.

The photographer snapped pictures of the groomsmen and bridesmaids separately until it was finally
time for the first look. The moment Katie and Lee had been looking forward to their whole lives. As both
got in position outside and just when Katie was about to walk down the stairs, it began to rain out of
nowhere!

The first look was postponed about an hour as the group waited for the rain to subside. Once, the rain had finally stopped the couple was able to do their first look and it was perfect! The rain held off the rest of the night and the couple was able to have their dream ceremony outside. It was everything they wanted and more.

The ceremony was followed by a night of dancing and drinks, surrounded by their best friends and family! Katie and Lee could not be happier with the way everything turned out and feel so lucky to spend the rest of their lives together smiling, laughing, and side by side with their best friend.

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

I hope to remember forever the excitement and joy all our closest family and friends had when we were
announced as Mr. and Mrs. for the first time. It was an incredible feeling to see people from all different
phases of our lives come together to celebrate us.

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!

[email protected]

(904) 382-6354

Website: www.tonyabeaverphotography.com

Blog:  https://blog.tonyabeaverphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyabeaverphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tonyabeaverphotography

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tonyabeaver

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8LGn9VEqlsbD46DidOelCg