Planning your wedding or elopement should feel like a joy — not a checklist. As a Jacksonville wedding photographer, I’ve seen so many couples come alive when they let go of what they think they “should” do and instead plan a day that reflects who they really are.

In this guide, you’ll find practical tips to help you cherish your family, honor traditions, and capture the real moments that make your love story timeless.

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Start With What Matters Most

Before you book your venue or choose your flowers, pause together. Ask each other:

• What do we want to remember when we look back in 20 or 30 years?
• Who do we want by our side?
• Which moments mean the most to us?

When you focus on what really matters first, every other decision becomes easier. As a Jacksonville wedding photographer, I’ve photographed big cathedral weddings, sunrise elopements on the beach, and intimate backyard gatherings. Therefore, remember there is no “right way” — only the way that feels true to you.

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Keep Your Timeline Relaxed

Many couples feel stressed on their wedding day because their timeline is too tight. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! Give yourselves some breathing room.

For example, build in extra time for:

• A quiet first look with dad or mom
• Private vows before the ceremony
• Sunset portraits together
• Hugs with grandparents and extra dancing with family

When you create a little extra space in your day, you’ll have the freedom to really soak in each moment. That’s why I always help my couples plan a timeline that feels natural — because that’s when the best memories happen.

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Honor Traditions — Or Create New Ones

Your wedding can honor the past and celebrate your future at the same time. Maybe you want to wear your mother’s veil, use your grandma’s brooch in your bouquet, or include a family prayer. These sweet touches keep you connected to those who came before you.

However, you may also decide to start something new. For example, you could write your own vows and exchange them at sunrise, just the two of you. If you’re eloping far from home, you can still include family through video calls, handwritten letters, or a celebration later when you return.

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Make It Your Own

While it’s wonderful to respect tradition, you don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel like you.

So, want to skip the bouquet toss? Go for it! Prefer brunch instead of a late-night party? Do it! Or maybe you dream of a destination elopement for just the two of you, then a backyard party later with family and friends. That’s beautiful too.

If you choose what feels right, you’ll look back with no regrets.

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Choose a Photographer Who Feels Like Family

Your photographer will be by your side through the most emotional moments — fixing your veil, calming your nerves, and capturing tears you didn’t even know you’d shed. Therefore, it’s so important to choose someone who feels like family.

When you invite me to be your Jacksonville wedding photographer, you’re inviting someone who truly cares about your story. I’ll notice the quiet glances, the hugs, the little moments you may not see — but will want to remember forever.

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Real Couples, Real Stories

For example, here are a few moments I’ve loved capturing:

• A foggy winter brunch wedding in Jacksonville, with sweet toasts that brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
• A surprise riverbank proposal with an airplane flying “Will you marry me?” overhead.
• A destination elopement in Greece, exchanging vows at sunset while reading handwritten letters from family.
• A joyful chapel wedding in St. Augustine, with timeless portraits under the palm trees.

Each love story is beautifully different — and yours will be too.

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Planning a 2026 Wedding or Elopement?

If you’re ready to plan a wedding or elopement that feels real, faith-filled, and full of the people who matter most, I’d love to celebrate your story with you.

My calendar for 2026 is officially open! Because I take on a limited number of weddings and elopements each year, every couple receives my full heart and attention.

So, let’s dream up a day you’ll cherish forever — and capture it beautifully so your family can feel these moments for generations to come.

As your Jacksonville wedding photographer, I’d be honored to capture these timeless moments for you

👉 [Inquire Here] — I can’t wait to hear your story!