Rachel & Kyle's Wedding: A Symphony of Classic Elegance and Whimsical Romance

Love Story

Rachel and Kyle's love story is a tale of lifelong friendship blossoming into a deep and enduring love. They have been inseparable since their high school days, having attended two proms together and always sharing a special connection. Yet, they remained "just friends" until their college years at Florida State, where shared experiences at bars and football games brought them even closer.During Rachel's senior year, they began to spend more time together and realized that they didn't want their shared moments to end.

The proposal took place at a picturesque old country club by the river. Kyle masterfully deceived Rachel into thinking they were attending a golf event, but instead, he had planned a surprise proposal. Unbeknownst to Rachel, their families and friends were waiting inside, ready to surprise her with an impromptu engagement party, marking the beginning of their forever journey together.

Rachel and Kyle envisioned their dream wedding as a weekend-long celebration, filled with joy, laughter, and love. They wanted a walkable area where their friends and family could easily mingle and enjoy the festivities. The concept for their wedding was a classic black-and-white theme, punctuated with whimsical and artful splashes of pink, creating a harmonious blend of sophistication and romance.

Throughout the preparations, what inspired them most was the anticipation of gathering all their loved ones under one roof.

Morning details

The wedding invitations, a beautiful representation of the upcoming celebration, were designed by M.C. Pressure, whose unique craftsmanship set the perfect tone for the event. When it came to selecting their wedding rings, Kyle opted for a classic gold band, a timeless symbol of commitment. Rachel chose a delicate band adorned with spaced diamonds, a choice that beautifully complemented her engagement ring.

The couple's jewelry was special and personal: Rachel chose to honor her heritage and family by wearing her grandmother's Irish Claddagh Ring. This cherished heirloom added a touch of sentimental value to her bridal ensemble, symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship - the very pillars of their relationship.

Bride getting ready

Rachel's stunning wedding dress was designed by the esteemed Justin Alexander. However, finding the perfect dress was a journey in itself. Rachel and her mother even traveled to Charleston to continue their search, a testament to Rachel's desire to find 'the one.'

She was captivated by a Justin Alexander dress with a unique corset detail on the back. To personalize it, she decided to add a touch of fun and individuality: she adorned the back of the dress with a large bow and modified the neckline to better suit her style. She found this dress at the Bridal House of Charleston, a place that would hold a special memory for her.

The pre-wedding photoshoot took place at The Duval House in St. Augustine, a venue that offered a charming backdrop for capturing Rachel's preparation and anticipation.

To complete her look, Rachel chose accessories from Salt Bloom in artful shades of pink with white accents, a color scheme that seamlessly complemented her wedding theme.

The wedding bouquet was an elegant blend of artful shades of pink and white accents, reflecting the aesthetic of her accessories. The bouquet was expertly crafted by Salt Bloom, the florist who successfully brought Rachel's vision to life with a floral arrangement that was as stunning and unique as the bride herself.

Groom getting ready

As for Kyle, his sharp and stylish tuxedo was designed by The Black Tux, a brand known for its timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship. The groom's getting-ready photoshoot took place at Casa Monica, a location that provided a striking backdrop for these memorable moments.

Kyle was accompanied by his groomsmen, his father, and his grandfathers during this special time. Their presence added a sense of camaraderie and familial warmth to the occasion, creating a treasure trove of memories that Kyle would cherish. This was a time of shared laughter, words of wisdom, and anticipation, captured beautifully in the photographs taken at Casa Monica.

First Look

The first look, a heartwarming and pivotal moment, took place in the charming courtyard of the White Room, the same venue where they later exchanged their vows. This tranquil space provided the perfect setting for Rachel and Kyle's intimate exchange, away from the bustle of the wedding preparations. Their first look in this courtyard, surrounded by the beauty of their wedding venue, was a poignant moment of connection, a snapshot of their love that they'll cherish forever.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Ceremony

The wedding ceremony took place at the Villa Blanca at the White Room, a stunning location that provided an enchanting backdrop for the couple's vows. As Rachel walked down the aisle, the timeless and soulful melody of "At Last" by Etta James filled the air, performed beautifully by a string quartet. This iconic love song added an extra layer of romance and emotion to the moment, perfectly capturing the anticipation and joy that marked the beginning of Rachel and Kyle's marital journey.

“Both of our grandparents did the two readings and it was so so special. My grandparents read the traditional Irish Blessing and Kyle's grandparents read an extract from Les Miserables.”

Wedding Venue & Decor

The color palette for Rachel and Kyle's wedding exuded classic elegance with a twist. They opted for a timeless black and white theme, punctuated with pops of pink in the bridesmaids' dresses and the floral arrangements. This blend of colors added a touch of whimsy to the refined setting, creating a visually stunning ambiance for their special day.

The couple put thought into personalizing their wedding, ensuring that every detail reflected their love story and their personalities. From custom decor pieces to personalized keepsakes, each element contributed to making their day truly unique.

Their venue choice was deeply personal and sentimental. They chose St. Augustine, a town they both adore, brimming with history and charm. They wanted their wedding to be a shared experience, a chance for their friends and family to partake in the magic and allure of this special town. For Rachel and Kyle, their venue wasn't just a place to get married; it was a part of their story, a symbol of their shared love for history, fun, and adventure.
“We love St. Augustine and feel like it's such a special little town full of history and fun and wanted to share that with our friends and family.”

Reception

The key moment that Rachel and Kyle will forever cherish from their wedding was their final dance. As the room emptied, with guests preparing for the sparkler exit, the couple shared an intimate moment on the dance floor, swaying to the tunes of Shania Twain. This moment, while deemed too cheesy for their official first dance, held a special charm for the couple. It was a time for them to reflect, to absorb the magic of the day, and to simply let loose. Amidst the grand celebration, this private moment of joy and unguarded emotion encapsulated the essence of their union, creating a memory that they would hold dear for a lifetime.