Fall is in an interesting season here in Jacksonville, and really all of Florida. It’s not uncommon to wake up with a sweater on in the morning, head to the beach in the afternoon, and be freezing by sunset. It’s also not uncommon to see the high-80s on Monday and mid-60s on Tuesday. It can be hard to get into the same fall spirit as the rest of the country when our weather can’t make up it’s mind. But Rachel and Andrew were getting married in October, and no matter what the weather decided to do, it was going to feel like fall at their Hilltop Club Wedding.  The weather outside may have been 87 degrees, but inside, fall was in the air with a fall color scheme, sunflower accents, flowers in the brides hair, the CUTEST leaf-shaped pieces around the cake and burlap wrapped vases scattered across tables.

Rachel and Andrew are literally the cutest. They met on the fencing team at UNC and were pretty much inseparable from there. When you know you know, right? They now live in Maryland, and I first met them through a Skype call.  They are so calm and sweet, and of course it was hard to calm down my animated self to stay looking at the computer camera! I finally got to meet Rachel in person about a month before the wedding. I instantly adored her and her sweet mama Becky…and I’m so glad I was the chosen photographer to document such a fun day!

Speaking of a fun day, Rachel and Andrew surprised everyone at their reception with the perfect dance. I was impressed because Rachel kept on her VERY high red heels not only through the dance but through the night!  The bride and groom had a super cute cake smash fund set up. Apparently, at the last minute (with a $250 check), Andrew won the smash raffle but he was a total gentleman and took a piece of cake without any frosting and did the cutest smash EVER. Rachel on the other hand, went for it and got him good like every bride should 😉 They were both just so cute and lovey the entire day though. It was so evident that not only are Rachel and Andrew meant to be, but the families already blended and loved each other too. Later in the night,  the party really got started and a few of the guests knew how to get down. Even the younger ones were out on the dance floor jamming hard.

The bride and groom are huge Harry Potter fans, so much so that Rachel’s bachelorette party at Harry Potter World in Orlando. She also had a Ravenclaw garter…not sure if many muggles will get that. So, it was only fitting that I had to plan a Harry Potter themed exit planned.  All the guests got “wands” and they had a magical send-off. Side note: It was pretty funny to see people with sticks pointed at the bride and groom before the magic was applied! But, I think the final image turned out awesome!

Rachel and Andrew, thank you for choosing me to document your gorgeous Hilltop Club Wedding.  Wishing you a life filled with love and happiness!

Venue and Catering: Hilltop Club and Restaurant  |   Wedding Coordinator: Kellie White, The Perfect Pebble  |   DJ: Marvin with Check 1,2 DJs

Florist: Lyn Johnson: Turner Ace Florist  |   Cake: Amber Griffith

Dress: Truly Forever Bridal  |   Custom Suit: Men’s Warehouse  |   Rings:  Barsky Diamonds

Want to see another gorgeous wedding? Check out Karen and Jason’s