My BFF Married the Love of Her Life! - The Ultimate 'Florida Woman' Elopement

Meet my best friend, Tori, and her other half, Ryan! This couple is so special to me, and I was beyond thrilled when they asked me to photograph their backyard elopement and reception (honestly, I'd be offended if they asked anyone else!). Tori has been my best friend for many years, and I have had the privilege of having a front-row seat to her and Ryan's love story. I absolutely adore this couple and will cherish capturing their special day forever! 

Now, let me tell you a little bit about Tori and Ryan. They are two of the coolest and most laid-back people I know. They are fun, they love their people, and they love their hometown of Green Cove Springs, Florida. So, a no-fuss, laid-back elopement and intimate backyard reception was the perfect way for these two to tie the knot and celebrate with their friends and family. 

Another important thing to note is that Tori is the ultimate 'Florida Woman.' She embodies all the things you would associate with Florida: she is a little wild, loves the outdoors, is a Florida Gators fan, and is very adventurous. She's the type of gal who would rather spend date night drinking beer in a lawn chair by the river than dress up and go somewhere pretentious. And she found her perfect match with Ryan. They are the ultimate Florida couple, and their wedding showed it! They are truly the perfect example of making your wedding day all about you and what you love!

I mean, have you ever seen a cooler bride?!

Their Perfect Elopement

On a breezy May evening, Tori and Ryan eloped at a very special place to both of them- their home. Out on their dock, overlooking the St. Johns River, the couple shared their vows and began their happily ever after. Tori and Ryan were accompanied only by their officiant (Tori's brother) and their beloved dog, Sydney. If you know Tori and Ryan, then you know there was no way they would get married without Sydney by their side! Click here for tips on including your furbaby on your special day.

A few days after they tied the knot, they invited their closest friends and family for an intimate backyard reception, A.K.A party! Every element of their elopement was a tribute to them, their lifestyle, and what they love most.

So join me as we take a sneak peek into my bestie's perfect elopement and draw inspiration for creating your own elopement wedding that reflects your unique style and personality. 

Remember, there's no right way to have a wedding, just YOUR way!

Why an Elopement Wedding was Perfect for Tori and Ryan

Tori and Ryan's decision to have an elopement wedding was perfect for them because it allowed them to celebrate their love in a way that truly reflected their personalities and relationship. By eloping at their beloved riverfront home in Green Cove Springs, Fl., with a small group of loved ones, they created an intimate and meaningful occasion. Their casual and laid-back backyard reception perfectly suited their fun-loving and down-to-earth personalities. For Tori and Ryan, the simplicity and personalized nature of an elopement wedding followed by an intimate backyard wedding reception allowed them to focus on what truly matters to them - each other and their friends and family - while staying true to their unique style and preferences. 

An Intimate Elopement

It was such an honor to witness Tori and Ryan's backyard elopement. One of the most memorable moments was when they exchanged vows on the dock of their riverfront home. With the gentle breeze and serene St. Johns River as their backdrop, they spoke their heartfelt promises to each other. Their genuine emotion and love made the moment truly special and unforgettable. It was a beautiful representation of their deep connection and the beginning of their happily ever after.

And, of course, they had to celebrate their union by cracking open a cold beer!!

Take the Pressure Off the Party with an Intimate Backyard Reception

We all know that planning a wedding reception can be STRESSFUL!! That’s why Tori and Ryan opted to take the pressure off planning a big party and chose to celebrate their marriage with a laid-back backyard reception. This decision allowed Tori and Ryan to celebrate in a way that felt genuine and true to themselves. The intimate setting of their backyard reception created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where they could truly let loose and enjoy the company of their closest friends and family. It provided them the freedom to party their way without the constraints of a traditional wedding venue. The party was true to them! Cornhole, solo cups, and barefoot dancing under the twinkling lights and swaying oak trees made this party exactly what Tori and Ryan wished for!

YOUR wedding, YOUR way: Keep the Traditions You Want, Ditch the Ones You Don't

Tori and Ryan personalized their wedding by incorporating traditions that had special meaning to them while feeling totally comfortable forgoing the ones that didn't resonate with their vision for the day. Tori donned an absolutely stunning wedding gown, while Ryan opted to change into an (only a little) ironic tuxedo T-shirt following bride and groom photos. It was the perfect combination of traditional meets cool that was perfectly suited for this couple. 

And if you think there isn’t a completely crazy story behind Tori’s wedding dress, then you’re wrong! She’s a Florida woman, remember?! Tori didn’t have big plans for wearing a wedding gown… that is until she spotted something pretty and white hanging out of a dumpster. That’s right, Tori found her perfect dress by fate in a dumpster! And it ended up fitting her perfectly and looking absolutely stunning on her. You know what they say.. one man’s trash is another Florida woman’s treasure!

Other traditions they embraced included a cake-cutting ceremony and a heartfelt father-daughter dance. However, they made the reception their own by keeping it casual and fun. This blend of cherished traditions and personalized elements perfectly captured the genuine spirit of the couple, making their intimate backyard reception a true reflection of their unique love story. 

Why This Elopement Wedding Was So Special

To know this couple is to love them. As an elopement photographer, every elopement I get to be a part of is so special, but this one, in particular, holds a unique place in my heart because it was for my best friend. Being a part of her special day as the photographer was an honor. Tori and Ryan's love is infectious, and witnessing their elopement was a privilege. Capturing the genuine moments of Tori and Ryan's love was a real joy, and I'll cherish those memories forever.

Choosing an Elopement Photographer That Gets You

When choosing an elopement photographer, finding someone who really listens to your vision and brings it to life is key. Your elopement is a profoundly personal moment, and having a photographer who understands and respects your unique style and preferences can make all the difference in capturing the true essence of your special day. As your photographer, I'm here not only to capture stunning images but also to understand and reflect the genuine emotions and connections that make your love story unique. I aim to tailor my approach to perfectly match your vision so that your photos authentically reflect the mood and ambiance you envision.

You can explore my elopement photography packages here! Let's connect and have a chat about your elopement dreams. I'm excited to hear more about your plans and discuss how we can work together to create beautiful and meaningful memories you'll treasure forever!