Imagine. It’s a breezy, spring day in Steinhatchee, Florida. There is moss hanging from the 150 year old oak trees that line windy, hammock filled roads. There is a little blue chapel with perfect sunlight coming through stain glass windows. Gorgeous florals are being set, catering is bringing in thousands of oysters, and river boats are docking just hours before the ceremony is set to begin. Rebecca and I {Leigh} were speechless when we arrived at the Steinhatchee Landing Resort to find that this was the backdrop for Austin+Katelyn’s destination wedding.
What was even better than the setting was meeting the happy couple for the first time. We thought they were going to be a fun, laid back couple after our 2 hour chat almost a year ago. But the “real thing” was even better than expected. They are both such genuine, kind, giving people that people naturally flock to them. You know how we know? Besides the fact that we didn’t want to leave the wedding after being on our feet for 8+ hours, none of the guests did either! The chapel was overflowing with loved ones who ALL drove many hours to see these two tie the knot and I do believe every single one of those people stayed to dance the night away until after the couple left.
Austin+Katelyn, we could write a very long post to tell you how blessed we feel to have been a part of your big day. Alas, we will let the world hear more of your story and less of ours! Thank you again for choosing us. We hope you both enjoy reliving such a special day.
Katelyn, what do you remember most about your wedding day? Of course I loved all of the usual moments: My dad walking me down the aisle, Austin tearing up at the end of the aisle (that was the first time I saw him cry), my dance with my dad, etc. however, my favorite memory actually happened at the end of the reception. During the last song we danced to, I believe it was shout, I stopped in the middle of the dance floor and just looked around at everyone. Everyone was SO incredibly happy and to think that everybody was there to celebrate the love that Austin and I have for one another was so special to me. It left me speechless and eventually balling like a baby. It was such a neat and incredibly special moment to me and is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I would encourage every bride to stop towards the end of the night and just take a look around at all of your family members and loved ones enjoying all of your hard work. It is a memory you will cherish for the rest of your life and one that I am so thankful that I took the time to notice.
Austin, what moment did you know you would propose to Katelyn? To be 100% honest, I knew when I met her, that if we started dating, we would get married. Kind of cheesy, but she was it. I remember looking at rings in my last month of school which was December of 2012, and the moment I made the decision was New Years Eve. Both of our families together at a hotel for the Orange Bowl hanging out, and I just remember looking at her while we were playing this goofy game. We exchanged a brief look/smile and I made up my mind to do it then.
To view the photos in their entirety, check out the gallery here.
Dress: Allure Bridals Shoes: Badgley Mischka Venue: Steinhatchee Landing Resort
Catering: Cruton & Company Florals: Missy Gunnels Flowers DJ: Amplify Entertainment
Videographer: Unique Video Creations
This was absolutely gorgeous. I’m getting married soon n I will go with navy blue tuxes and brown shoes.
Love the bridesmaids necklaces! Where are they from?
Hey Danielle 🙂 The Mother of the bride found them at a JCrew Outlet. We think they were stunning too!