Michele and Uche's Wedding Day in Saint Augustine Florida, Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photography, The White Room in Saint Augustine Florida | Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photography

Michele + Uche Wedding Day

Right away from the first correspondence with Michele, she and I clicked. In her introduction to me, she let me know that her soon to be hubs is a Jacksonville Jaguar Player. I have no weekend social life given the nature of my job in weddings so I don’t get to GO to any jag games, but it was still a super honor to be shooting one of our Jag’s weddings. And Michele is literally one of THE sweetest brides I’ve ever had. Hands down…

Michele and Uche had a GORGEOUS wedding day full of tears, sweetness, and LOVE. Not just love between the two of them (which is SO evident…you’ll see) but also their entire family and friends. It was just a really emotional day.

We started out at Casa Monica to get ready, then we walked throughout the city for some pre wedding formals. Right before the ceremony, it started STORMING. So the ceremony got postponed a bit while it cleared up. The whole team from white room, Sarah Grace with the big event and her staff, our staff, everyone came together to tear off cushions, wipe off seats, push away the wet on the ground…and we were ready for take two of the ceremony.

It was so perfect outside (and COOLER thanks to the rain!). Bumps in the road always happen on the wedding day, but when it’s all said and done it all somehow works out and has a perfect purpose. As you can tell, the ceremony was a real tear jerker. I just love that a big rough and tough Jag player cried as he saw his beautiful bride walking down the aisle. No matter who you are, that moment when a man sees his soon to be wife coming towards him to be married is so amazing.

After the ceremony, we did a few quick fam pics then headed down to the streets around St. Augustine, FL for about 15 minutes of photos before the rain set in AGAIN. Luckily we were able to get some really cool night time shots.

The reception started and party got cranking. It was filled with sweet dances AND really silly moments. All in all a PERFECT night. =)

Michele and Uche, thank you for letting us be a part of your big day. It was so gorgeous, and I’m honored to have walked through the day with you. And of course a huge thank you for doing the day after session so we could get some DAYTIME pics of you two!!!

xoxox

PS- Thanks to Steph and Danielle for all their help on the wedding day. Seriously couldn’t have done it without you girls.

Wedding Weekend Info:

Hotel accommodations for guests: Casa Monica Hotel St. Augustine, FL

Rehearsal Dinner Location: OC Whites Seafood & Spirits

Ceremony Location: The White Room rooftop

Reception Location: The White Room loft

Caterer: The White Room

Wedding Coordinator: Sarah Grace (The Big Event)

Photographer: Tonya Beaver Photography

Cake: Sweet Weddings Cakes

Florist: Rose of Sharon European Florist

Officiate: Michele Donovan (Sensational Ceremonies)

Hair & Make-up: Amanda Hopcraft

Entertainment: McGee Entertainment

Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture

Wedding Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Wear: Men’s Wearhouse

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Before the Wedding …

How did you two meet?

We were both students at Purdue University. We knew each other and were in similar circles but weren’t dating! Out of the blue one day a couple years ago (several years after graduating college and not keeping in touch), he inboxed my facebook and chatted me up! Soon after, we met up in Atlanta (mid way between Alabama where I was working and Jax. where he was working) during his bye week and hung out and partied 😀 He was smitten with me (haha) and we just clicked 🙂

How did he propose?

He proposed Christmas evening 2011. We didn’t have any special plans for Christmas…it was still during his season and we didn’t have family in town. It was stay in your pajamas all day kind of days and we spent the day opening presents and watching tv. And he suddenly told me that he had a stomach ache and that he was going to lay it off in the bedroom…..

I go to check on him shortly after and he just looks sick and is acting weird! (lol) I leave for a second to go get something for him and come back to find him on one knee with the box in his hand! I was shocked and he was beyond nervous!! He told me later that he carried that ring around in his pocket the whole day and was soooo nervous to find the right timing 😀

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

I wasn’t really particular about any of these elements….but the very first thing that I did was buy a dress! Everything else kind of fell into place…..My dress was a lace mermaid….I had peonies in my bouquet and my cake had lace detailing 🙂 It was beautiful!

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

I chose the save the dates and invites online but used St. Augustine Paper Co for the programs, place cards, menu, and other custom things and they were amazing and were done beautifully on short notice. I really recommend them because they have lots to choose from and they also have a cute boutique with many unique items!

Where did you go for your honeymoon? Italy!

A few days in Venice, Rome and Tuscany. Everyone! Add Italy to your bucket list <3

If you could give yourself any advice prior to the wedding, what would it be?

Don’t have crazy expectations and hire a planner!! I drove myself crazy for the first half of my engagement because I thought I could do everything…but it’s impossible. Ask for help! Enjoy your time with your girls and family and have a good time 😀

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!