A Freezing Florida Winter Wedding at Bowing Oaks | Jennifer & Marco

When you think of a Florida wedding, you usually picture sunshine and warmth. But Jennifer and Marco’s gorgeous wedding at the beautiful Bowing Oaks in Jacksonville happened to fall on the absolute coldest day of the year! The day started out in the 50s, which wasn’t too bad, but slowly as the day went on it got colder and colder. But honestly? The day was so incredible, and the love radiating between these two and their families was more than enough to keep us all warm.

From Senior Portraits to High School Sweethearts

This wedding was incredibly special for me to document. I actually met Jennifer many years ago when I shot her senior pictures! I will never forget her or the two beautiful dogs she brought to her session. She was up for absolutely anything back then, including getting hit by a wave in the water at the beach! I also remember hearing about her boyfriend 😉 Getting to be there to photograph her as a stunning bride felt like such a full-circle moment.

Jennifer and Marco’s connection goes way back. They actually first met in the seventh grade at a friend’s birthday party. Marco thought Jennifer was cute and struck up a conversation. They stayed in touch for a little while but eventually lost connection. Fortunately, fate brought them back together when they ended up at the same high school. They reconnected and officially started dating during their freshman year at just 15 years old. Since neither of them had a driver’s license yet, their very first date was simply Marco meeting Jennifer’s parents! They were each other’s first relationship, first kiss, and first love. Over the years, they have grown up side by side, built a home together, and adopted several fur babies. They are so grateful to have grown up together and are even more excited to grow old together.

Flawless Details and an ABBA-Filled Disco Reception

Jennifer had every single detail planned out, and the entire day was executed perfectly. She looked absolutely stunning in her gown. It is always so amazing to work with a wedding party that loves the couple so much. They just had so much fun together, and I was right in the mix, having a blast alongside them!

The reception kicked off with a bang. The wedding party came into the room ready to party, armed with bubble guns and hilarious large cutout heads of the bride and groom! Those bubbles were flying all night, adding such a fun, whimsical vibe to the dance floor photos. When I tell you the dance floor didn’t stop, I mean it never stopped! The couple and their wedding party stayed on the dance floor all night long. The absolute best part was the music. The majority of the playlist was disco, and I am pretty sure we heard the entire ABBA catalog. I felt like I was back watching Mamma Mia. The energy was unmatched!

Braving the Cold for Night Portraits and a Freezing Bubble Exit

I always love sneaking the couple away for a few night portraits, and Jennifer and Marco were up for anything, even fighting the freezing cold! We stepped out into the night to get a shot of them posing in front of the gorgeous Bowing Oaks tree, which was beautifully lit up in purple. And yes, in case you were wondering, I definitely had my UGGs on for this part! B

y 10 PM, the temperatures had absolutely plummeted. For their grand exit, it was a freezing 26 degrees outside with a wind chill that made it feel like 10 degrees! Even with the intense cold, their friends and family lined up, cheering them on as they ran through a sea of bubbles into their happily ever after.

It was such a perfect day, and I am so thankful they chose me to document their beautiful Jacksonville winter wedding. Congratulations, Jennifer and Marco!

Want to see another gorgeous Bowing Oaks Wedding? Check out Amber and Garvey’s Wedding at Bowing Oaks