Meg and Jeff, December 29. 2022

Just south of Jacksonville, Florida along the banks of the St Johns River lies an amazing, historic wedding venue known as La Venture Grove. This “secret garden” hidden in 6 acres of 500+ year old oak trees was oozing with southern charm that would be the perfect setting for Meg and Jeff’s wedding.

We started in the bridal suite on the second floor of the manor house on the property. Meg was surrounded by her bridesmaids who took care of the tiniest details for the special day. From the custom rings, boots and Meg’s bespoke cowboy hat I could tell right away that every detail was artfully crafted to Meg’s personality.

The groomsman joined in the details out on the lawn with a game of bags. Custom made with Meg and Jeff’s names and wedding date on them. As the big moment got closer Jeff and his sons suited up together in the first-floor groom’s suite. The plaid ties, whiskey barrel tables, beard and tattoos added a very prohibition era cool that really fit the vibe of the groomsman.

As the ceremony began, guests gathered on handmade wooden benches in the courtyard. The expansive orange grove and palm trees flanked the guests. The center piece however, was a massive oak tree dripping with Spanish moss and beneath it, Meg and Jeff vowed to love one another. As golden hour approached we did couple photos on the dock with one of Florida’s epic sunsets over the St Johns River as the backdrop.

As the last beams of sunlight danced through the cigar smoke in the air, it was time to celebrate. The reception was held in a rustic, two-thousand square foot pole barn style pavilion on the property. Once again the custom details stood out. Handmade farm style tables and chandeliers draped in greenery continued to emphasize the tailor-made personalities of the bride and groom. Jeff’s oldest son serenaded the guest throughout the night with his vocals and a ukelele. Gathered around the fire pit, friends and family traded stories of the couples past and their hopes for their future.

Just before the end of the night I took the happy couple over to the Unbridled Bar Cart for a champagne spray photo. I highly recommend this for couples wanting to add a pop (no pun intended) of action and laughter to the end of the night. As the night wound down everyone gathered to send Meg and Jeff off into their new llife with a sparkler exit.

I want to thank Jeff and Meg for choosing me to tell your story with my art. A thank to La Venture Grove for providing a setting with the perfect amount of southern charm. And last but not least a thank you to all of the vendors below that each put their artistry into every small detail throughout the day.

Venue: La Venture Grove

Photographer: Jennifer Catherine Photography

Florist & Coordinator: Flora Grove Designs

Caterer: Southern Soul BBQ

Bartender: Unbridled Bar

Cake & Macarons: Crème de la Cocoa

DJ: Full Circle

Hair: Styled by April

Make Up: Everglow Jax