As wedding venues go, The Clay Theatre in Green Cove Springs, Fl, is one you have to see to believe.  This special events venue is one of the coolest and most elegant I’ve had the pleasure of photographing!  Once a historic former movie theater, The Clay was the perfect location for Kenneth & Nelitza to hold their ceremony.

While I create relationships with couples through the engagement and wedding photograph process, Kenneth & Nelitza were a bit different.  These two are actually coworkers of mine and I had the pleasure of seeing their story unfold at the bank where the three of us work.  It was so special (and fun!) to get to be a part of their big day and this venue was so fitting for their personalities.

The Clay Theatre

In 2017, three years after the theater showed it’s last film, husband and wife duo Andrea and Daniel Vallencourt took on renovating the space.  They developed this historical building into a destination wedding venue that boasts the character and charm of a nearly 100-year-old building, but with a clean and modern touch.  It’s been a hit with the Florida wedding crowd, and for good reason!

Glam Florida Venue

Kenneth & Nelitza’s style matched perfectly with the vibe of The Clay Theatre.  Nelitza’s lace trumpet gown and waves combined with Kenneth’s white tux made them look like the epitome of vintage glam.  I can’t get over the art deco inspired doors the wedding party entered through at the start!  How gorgeous? Their wedding was the perfect combo of modern trends and classic touches.  It was beautifully done from start to finish.

This couple meticulously included so many personalized touches throughout their big day.  They exchanged hand-written vows under a white floral arch surrounded by their family and friends in the venue’s courtyard.   Between their vows and including their son in the ceremony, there were few dry eyes in the house!  The mood shifted from emotional to fun-filled the second these two said, “I do,” and headed to the reception.

The Reception

Nelitza & Kenneth greeted guests from a balcony overlooking the reception and dance floor.  I love the perspective shots we were able to get!  Then, they moved onto cutting into their beautiful cake and the bridal party made speeches that led to more tears.  This reception truly was the definition of eat, drink and be merry!  Guests danced the night away with the bride & groom before their big send-off.

At the end of the night,  Kenneth & Nelitza enjoyed one last dance before wrapping up the evening.  I love these intimate moments between bride & groom on their wedding day.  It’s such a gift to be able to celebrate with the ones you love, but it’s the quiet little moments between just the two of you when you really get to soak it all in.  This last dance was a beautiful grand finale for this amazing couple. 

Marquee Exit

The entrance of The Clay Theatre still looks very much like a movie theater.  These days, instead of advertising showing films, the marquee on the front lists the names of the newlyweds & special messages to welcome guests.  Similarly, it creates the perfect Hollywood glam exit for newlyweds as they leave for the evening under neon lights! Nelitza & Kenneth exited their wedding surrounded by guests holding sparklers to bid them farewell at the end of the perfect day.

It’s such an honor getting the opportunity to photograph couples I’ve known for years.  Being trusted with such an important job never gets old!  Kenneth & Nelitza, first & foremost, congratulations on your marriage!  You both know I wish you all the best and it was amazing getting to see it unfold firsthand.  Second, thank you for having me as your photographer.  The pleasure was all mine!

Vendor List
Videographer: Heritage Visuals
DJ + Cold Sparks + Dancing On A Cloud: Feedback Entertainment
Florals: Malia Floral Design
Planner: The Eventful Gals
Catering + Bar : EFS Executive Food Service 
Makeup: Makeup by Fiorella
Hair: Sharika Frasier
Flatware + Glass Candles: Simply Elegant Event
Cake: Sweet Weddings
Strings: Adagio Weddings
Boxwood Wall + Chargers: Clay Theatre 
Club Lighting + Monogram: Party Solution Ent.

Want to book your wedding day with me? Contact me here to get started!

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