A Love That Spans the Distance

There’s always something so special about returning to the Florida coast. Capturing Chelsea and Bo’s wedding weekend at Up the Creek Farms, located Southeast of Orlando, was an unforgettable experience. The venue was a true gem, tucked away in a serene and secluded location, surrounded by lush greenery that embodies Old Florida’s charm. Hello, Spanish Moss, Live Oak, and Palm trees!

The pair originally met at a holiday work party and eventually fell in love! After some time, they decided to pack up their lives in the Philly & Jersey areas, and start fresh living on the coast of Florida! Wanting to share their new-found slice of paradise they call home, over 100 guests flew in from out of state to celebrate the lovely couple for their wedding.

The Night Before

Starting at the Yellow Dog Cafe, the wedding party gathered for a dockside dinner and drinks overlooking Malabar’s scenic Indian River. In true-to-fashion Florida weather, the wind picked up rather quickly. However, it didn’t stop anyone from enjoying their time and mingling amongst each other!

Making the decision to have your photographer present at all the events throughout the entire wedding weekend ensures that no memory will be undocumented!

After dinner, we headed to the rooftop bar at Hotel Melby to meet the rest of their guests for their welcome party. The highlight of the night was the launch of a rocket into space from Cape Canaveral, which you can see as the small trail in the sky below! I mean how many other couples can say that they got to witness a literal rocket launch during their wedding celebrations?!

If the duo looks familiar, you may recognize them from their beachside engagement photos we created last Summer.

Stunning Venue, Beautiful Florals, and an Electrifying Live Band: A Perfect Celebration of Love

As I made my way to the bridal suite, I could feel the excitement in the air. Chelsea was surrounded by her bridesmaids, all dressed in stunning champagne colored dresses that perfectly complemented the surroundings. Expectedly, the room was filled with laughter and joy as Chelsea got ready for her big day. The florals were an extraordinary mix of blush pinks, neutrals, and hints of warmer peach tones, which perfectly complemented the overall vibe.

Chelsea’s vision for the day was flawlessly executed thanks to an incredible team of vendors. They wanted their guests to have an amazing time. It’s safe to say they accomplished that goal!

A Surprising First Look

Once everyone was dressed and ready to go, we headed down to their first look. Little did he know, Chelsea arranged a little surprise for Bo. After turning around and expecting his bride to be standing there, he was instead met by their 2 nieces. His reaction was so sweet, and the girls loved being a part of something so special. After the tender moments with the little ones, we prepared for the real thing. Chelsea and Bo shared few moments together seeing each other for the first time. It was heartwarming and perfectly captured the anticipation and excitement leading up to the big “I do.”

A Lush Ceremony

Lovely towering trees surrounded the ceremony site and created the perfect backdrop. The decor was simple and elegant, with wooden seating and curated wildflower arrangements. As Chelsea made her way down the aisle, all eyes were on her. She looked absolutely stunning in her dress, and Bo couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, with a few tears and plenty of laughter. Chelsea’s uncle officiated the ceremony which made everything more special. As the couple exchanged their vows, the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds provided the most serene background music.

Despite the perfect setting, the weather can always be a concern when it comes to outdoor weddings. And, Chelsea and Bo’s wedding day was no exception. The weather forecast predicted rain showers throughout the day. However, we got lucky, and the weather turned in our favor. We were blessed with perfect weather, and I was able to capture stunning images of Chelsea and Bo in a natural and beautiful setting, allowing their love to shine through in every frame.

Cocktail Hour & Portraits

While we finished up the remaining family and newlywed portraits, guests gathered on the deck outside of the reception area for cocktails and conversations. They served his and hers Margaritas as signature drinks (yum!) The couple had a great time catching up with their family and friends including their entire high school squad of nearly 20 people!

Reception

After the meal, speeches and formal dances the live band took the stage to kick off the dance party. Their performance brought a level of energy that had everyone dancing for hours. They played a mix of classic and modern hits. Meanwhile, Chelsea added a touch of glamour to her look by slipping into a fun sparkly reception dress. As the guests preparing for the grand exit outside, Chelsea and Bo shared one last private dance indoors. Holding their sparklers and cheering as the couple made their way through the crowd, the couple shared a kiss under the glowing light. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

All in all, Chelsea and Bo’s lush wedding was an unforgettable day filled with love and luxury. It was an honor to capture a piece of their story in such a beautiful location. In any case, the vibrant colors, warm weather, and lush greenery created the perfect tropical setting for their big day. I will always remember this wedding as a testament to the beauty of love, nature, and the art of having a great time.

VENDORS

Venue, Planning, and Florals: Up the Creek Farms || Cake/Desserts: Cake Krush || Caterer: Executive Catering || Hair & Makeup: Glam Culture || Rehearsal Dinner: Yellow Dog Café || Welcome Party: Hotel Melby || Rentals: Crystal & Crates Rentals || Venue & || Band: C’Nergy Band