Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing Julie and Jim’s wedding at Groveland Fairways….and it was truly a pleasure – they are the sweetest couple AND Groveland Fairways was a fantastic venue with the sweetest staff that I have ever worked with!
Julie’s day began just down the road from Groveland Fairways at one of her closest friend’s Michaela’s house…Michaela and her family opened their home to Julie and the girls (and Julie’s mom too) and even set up cocktail bars and breakfast spreads with pictures of Julie and Jim mixed in!
When I arrived, it was just about time to get into the dresses!
After everyone was ready we headed outside for some pictures of the girls and with mom too:)!
I then headed over to Groveland Fairways to meet up with the guys before the ceremony….
When Jim arrived he was greeted by a surprise groom’s cake – Julie had gotten a replica of Jim’s old truck made into a cake and it had all of the details including the license plate and even the stickers that were on the truck:)!
We headed out for a few pictures of the guys before they started greeting guests….
I photographed the room, while waiting for Julie and all of the guests to arrive…
The cupcake holder on the right is a Jim original (with some help from friends and family:)…It has such a rustic feel and is so original – I told him he should make some more and sell them on Etsy…I know people would love them!! They may just have to be local buyers though – it weighs a TON!
Julie had custom coloring books ready for the girls and a closer look at the cake:)!
Guests were escorted over by bus and Julie and her girls came over in the limo…
The ceremony began on the outside lawn, as the guests found their seats (with a little help from the guys)….
Julie’s mother and brother walked her up the isle…
The ceremony had laughter and tears and a lot of love and admiration by both Julie and Jim….
After the ceremony we did our bridal party pictures, family formals and wrapped up with just Julie and Jim! As we started, the sun was blazing and then a cloud cover set in!
The guest enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio….
while the staff put the finishing touches on the room….
Then it was time for the ceremony to begin!
We snuck back outside for a few photos on the patio…the new fireplace is a favorite of Jims!
These two guys are Jim’s co-workers and they are both named Mike! The Mike on the left, with his wife Diane, is the reason that I met Jim and Julie! I photographed their wedding just two years ago….and the other Mike was a guest then too (who loves to dance:)!
Julie danced with her brother and Jim danced with his mom and they had a lot of fun:)!
Then the partying began:)!
There was a photo booth in the other room…
and a fun dance by Jim to Macho Man:)!
One fun addition to the night – a smore’s bar!!! There were traditional smore’s ingredients and then some additional fun toppings to add to them too:)!
The night wrapped up with a final song (and kiss) for Julie and Jim!
Julie and Jim – thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day…You two are fabulous, kind and caring people….I wish you the best!
Vendor Info
bridesmaid dresses | David’s Bridal
hair | Ashlie from Radura Salon & Spa
make-up | Alyssa from Radura Salon & Spa
florist | Flowers by Annette
ceremony | Groveland Fairways
reception venue | Groveland Fairways
cake | Cakes for Occasions
dj | Dennis McCarthy from DM Productions
Songs
introductions | Stars Wars Theme Song
first dance | Hey Pretty Girl – Kip Moore
brother/sister| In My Life – The Beatles
mother/son | Sunrise, Sunset – Fiddler on the Roof
cake cutting | Two of Us – The Beatles
last dance | My Best Friend – Tim McGraw
Bride/Groom Questions
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Julie: The ceremony was very personalized and special to us. It was great to be in the moment with Jim and say our vows to each other.
Jim: The ceremony was very powerful. And our first dance to Hey Pretty Girl
What was your favorite detail?
Julie: The cupcake stand – Jim worked so hard to build it and it looked amazing! The groom’s cake also came out great.
Jim: Being introduced to Stars Wars. And the grooms cake, it was a great surprise!
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Eat dinner (and dessert)! Try to spend as much alone time with each other as you can. Don’t worry about the small stuff, at the end of the day you are married to the one you love.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Julie: Jim dancing to macho man was pretty entertaining
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Nope! Except to remember to eat some cupcakes!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
The Sandals in Antigua – it was awesome!
I have to include these last two photos….I hardly ever think to get a picture with my brides and grooms, and at this wedding, Julie and Jim asked ME:)!! It was awesome! Earlier in the night, I just had to get a picture with Diane and I am so happy we did:)! Love you all!!
