Wishing Well Photography Blog | Jacksonville Florida Photographer and St. Augustine

Rebekah was enjoying the Christmas bonfire when the fireworks started and a large dog suddenly leaped into her lap. She had been chosen out of all the other celebrants that evening, as if the dog already knew she would be the right woman to join his life, and that of his owner, Chris. At the next church bonfire, she saw the dog, Gunner, again, and this time Chris was there, too. Their meeting was the perfect start to a new year and a new relationship.

Simply put, Rebekah and Chris feel right together. They look at each other in that special way of people who are in love and know they’re in love with the right person. Good job, Gunner!

Rebekah and Chris, thank you for being such a wonderful couple and reminding me again why I love my job. It was an honor to be part of your wedding day helping record memories of your love and commitment to each other.

They married at the Riverside Park United Methodist Church, which is full of charm. The beading detail on Rebekah’s dress was lovely.

They met in the church sanctuary for a first look. And that lovely  stained glass window behind them? It was donated to the church by Chris’s family and was a perfect backdrop for a pre-wedding kiss.

Isn’t she just stunning?

Brides are notorious for kicking off those gorgeous shoes after the ceremony (at least for a little while), and I love how carefree they look here, finally married and just enjoying a moment together.

The reception was held at the Ponte Vedra Inn Club. It was a lovely setting for Rebekah and Chris’s first dance, complete with an elegant dip at the end.

The wedding wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the one who brought them together, Gunner the dog. This is the groom’s cake, and they also had the cutest dog cookies for favors.

The music was by KTG, and they did a fabulous job getting everyone dancing and enjoying the party.

Rebekah opened the door with a big smile and introduced me to her fiance, Chris. We headed for the back yard along with their dog, Gunner. As soon as his paws touched grass, Gunner ran brisk circles around the yard, the Jacksonville skyscrapers and tranquil St. John’s river behind him. It was a lovely backdrop for the engagement session, and then we headed out to the Ortega bridge at the tail end of sunset. We were losing light fast and darted into the road as soon as cars seemed at a safe distance. Chris offered to stop the cars for us–brave man!–but fortunately the road cleared long enough for us to get in our last portrait. And hey, who doesn’t like a little adventure for a great picture? I can tell these two are going to have a lot of fun in their lives together.

Lisa and Shane wanted both a little city and nature look for their engagement session, and fortunately Jacksonville offers that in abundance. We were able to walk about looking for good spots, and finally ended with a gorgeous view of the river and downtown. They’re such a cute and fun couple. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding in November!

I love this tree with the handprints.

This is one of my favorite pictures from their session because it’s so them. They’re very relaxed and content with each other.

They met at UF in graduate school, and they’re both Gator fans. I may have gone to CMU for undergrad, but not only did I go to grad school at UF myself, I also grew up in Gainesville. I don’t know much about football, but the Gators will always have a special meaning for me.

Look at that view!

Another of my personal favorites.

Rosa and Steve got married on a gorgeous spring day. They are the kind of couple where you can tell right away how good they are for each other. They know how to make each other smile, and they love surprising each other in thoughtful ways. Rosa ordered a surprise guest book that brought tears to Steve’s eyes, and it was a day filled with emotion. They’ve known each other for a long time, and their ceremony was lovely and moving. Their home on the St. John’s river was the perfect backdrop for their wedding, and the flowers in full bloom were the finishing touch. Rosa and Steve, congratulations again! You’re lucky to have found each other, and I wish you many happy years together!