st. Augustine Lightner Museum wedding at christmas time
Mackenzie and Jacob’s wedding day was so much fun in so many ways. The stormy weather and venue restrictions changed plans last minute, and new spots had to be figured out ASAP to keep up with the tight timeline - but also to allow everyone to rest and enjoy themselves. To be honest with you, it’s fun when plans change. Having to think on your feet and get creative is a part of the job - and I love it. Plus, getting to play with puddle shots is always a favorite.
My second shooter and I stayed a whopping 12 hours for this wedding, and it went by so fast. Getting to be creative in such a gorgeous venue, with one of the sweetest families, is pure joy for me.
We started at the separate getting-ready locations…
The ladies then arrived at the venue and started their finishing touches as we got closer to their First Look.
First, Mackenzie had her first look with her father.
Everyone had butterflies when it was time for their magical first look. The rain took a break just at the perfect moment.
Heavier rain clouds were rolling in fast, and we all darted around the building, scudding in between puddles of all sizes. When we reached the front of the museum, we went straight to it with wedding party, bridal party, and groomsmen party photos. I’m sticking to my favorites from this set because there are just so many.
We then reached our window to do Mackenzie and Jacob’s couples photos at the Russian Baths and the room of jewelry and crystals. If you have your wedding here, you will be getting your steps in.
Then it was time to give them a break before it was time to be lined up for the ceremony. That was the time to get details of the space before guests arrived. Personally, I love getting photos of guests arriving and settling in, and greeting loved ones. It’s a good time to get photos of almost everyone for the first time.
After the ceremony, I stayed at the ceremony to do all groupings from their family list while my second shooter headed to cocktail hour. I always send my seconds to get random fun candids of everyone at cocktail hour. I’m not including their family photos, as it feels weird to post them.
We’re going to jump ahead to when we made some magic in the Christmas lights in the courtyard of the museum. We only stole them for a few minutes for some playtime, then we followed them to enjoy cocktail hour before it came to an end.
Oh twas so much fun taking these details of reception.
Reception doors opened, everyone took their seats, and it was time for introductions. The couple went into their first dance right away, followed by parent dances.
After our dinner break, I hopped back into it by following Mackenzie and Jacob made their way visiting table-to-table. These are some of my favorite moments because you can catch very intimate, quiet moments as they make their rounds. This is a great time to catch the couple with as many guests as possible and get little details along the way.
They did a quick wardrobe change (don’t they look so freaking adorable) and started toasts with a champagne tower. A big surprise was in store for them; just wait and see what happened.
They partied hard late into the night…
…until it was just the couple for their private last dance.
The time came for everyone to send the couple off with a cute little moped getaway as a surprise.
Venue: The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine
Getting Ready: Airbnb 10 minutes from the venue
Planner + Coordinator: Blushbbg and venue
Caterers: Moore Fine Foods
Florist: Jacksonville Flower Market
Bakery: Sweet Tiffany’s
Video: Steven Jim films
Rentals: St Johns Illuminations
Music: COS Celebrations
Hair and Makeup: Creme Bridal
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