Dade City Wedding // Mr. + Mrs. Clarkson

I first met Tori and Jeff at their engagement session back in August. We had to reschedule their photos multiple times due to the summer rainstorms. We were finally able to make it work, and once again, it seems like we paid our dues by how much we sweat because on their wedding day, the weather was a totally different story! It was sunny and 68 during the day on March 7th and actually got pretty chilly at night with the temps dropping to 56 degrees. Tori had the most enchanting white cloak that when she put on, I swear she transformed into the most beautiful Disney princess- bride edition of course. But now I’m jumping ahead, let’s start from the beginning of this Dade City wedding day.

I spent the morning with the girls as they got ready, champagne aplenty. Tori told me she planned to do a “fake” first look with Jeff by having one of his groomsmen put on a wedding dress. This was GOLD. Not only was it executed flawlessly, but I think it injected some much needed comic relief into the day. We then traveled to the space where this Dade City wedding was taking place which was a plot of land that’s been in Jeff’s family for years. It honestly didn’t feel like we were in Florida. We were so far removed from the hustle and bustle of Tampa it was a welcomed sense of calm. The cutest herd of cattle greeted you on your way to the property, oak trees with lots of moss hanging from the branches were aplenty, and most impressive of all, Tori and Jeff built everything themselves! From their head table, to the arches, hand painted wooden signs directing guests, and even their wedding favors which consisted of succulents that Tori had individually planted into empty glass yogurt containers that they collected throughout the year.

The ceremony was held under the most beautiful oak tree that looked like it was made just to get married under. It was adorned with flowers and a floating arch. Guests threw dried flower petals as the newly weds walked down the aisle and the rest of the evening was a party! In leu of a sparkler exit, Tori and Jeff had their guests hold sparklers around the dance floor as they had their first dance. I personally loved this because for once there wasn’t a possibility of my hair catching on fire. Overall, this Dade City wedding was so much fun and I loved every second. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Clarkson!

Vendors:

Hair: Studio-One – Dawn Boyer

Makeup: Carla Lackie

Dress Designer: Morilee

Dress Boutique: Truly Forever Bridal

Florist: Sherwood Florist

Catering: Sonny’s BBQ

Cake: Cupcake Heaven, LLC

DJ: Midj Cleto

Photographer: Me, duh!