Alyssa & Brian
St. Joseph Catholic Church and Venue 650 Wedding in Winter Haven, Florida
Winter Haven Timeless Wedding at St. Joseph Catholic Church and Venue 650
Elegant Florida Wedding
As a Central Florida wedding photographer, documenting weddings like Alyssa and Brian’s reminds me why I love what I do. Alyssa, a Winter Haven native, returned to her roots to say "I do" at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, the very place where she once attended school. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at Venue 650 , a rustic-meets-modern warehouse space that perfectly accommodated their 250 guests for a Florida indoor wedding reception and featured a beautiful outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour.
The day flowed effortlessly thanks to Jennie Maretti of Pixies and Petals, who brought the couple’s vision to life with seamless coordination and light, airy florals that tied everything together beautifully.
Getting ready with your best friends.
Alyssa and her bridesmaids got ready at Venue 650 in Winter Haven, Florida, while Brian and his groomsmen prepped at Staybridge Suites nearby. Alyssa stepped into her gown from Solutions Bridal in Orlando, surrounded by family and friends. Brian kept it classic in a black tux and white bow tie from The Black Tux.
Take time during your wedding for moments that matter to you.
Before the ceremony, Alyssa shared a series of first looks, one with her father, another with her brother, and a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids. In a playful twist, her father even pranked Brian by stepping in for the couple’s first look before Alyssa made her actual entrance. When she and Brian finally saw each other in the courtyard at Venue 650, it was a calm, genuine moment that allowed them to pause and soak in the day together.
To make the most of their day, the couple also chose to take full wedding party photos before the ceremony, giving them more time to enjoy cocktail hour and celebrate with their guests afterward.
Formal Catholic Wedding Ceremony
A short drive away, the ceremony took place at the stunning St. Joseph Catholic Church. This Winter Haven wedding venue offered the perfect blend of tradition stain glass and architectural beauty, made even more special by the fact that Alyssa grew up attending the church. The couple was married by a priest who had known them for years, adding a personal touch to the ceremony with heartfelt words and a few well timed jokes that had everyone smiling.
Alyssa and Brian exchanged vows in front of 250 guests, surrounded by soft florals, meaningful glances, and happy tears. With formal portraits and family groupings planned for after the ceremony, the church altar served as a breathtaking setting for capturing the joy shared between the newlyweds and their families.
One of the decisions Alyssa and Brian made was including a second photographer in their coverage. This allowed for unique angles—like a stunning overhead shot of Alyssa walking down the aisle—and beautifully candid moments behind the scenes.
Modern Industrial Charm Wedding Reception
Guests were welcomed back to Venue 650 for cocktail hour in the outdoor courtyard, followed by a full evening of celebration. Known for its modern industrial charm, Venue 650 was transformed with mirror accents, soft lighting, and a vibrant LED dance floor from I Rock Your Party.
Jennie Maretti at Pixies and Petals expertly designed a reception that beautifully balanced modern style with classic elegance, creating a timeless atmosphere for Alyssa and Brian’s celebration.
The reception featured thoughtful details like a custom wood guest book, DIY seating display, light-up foam wands, and bride and groom foam fingers, all of which added personality to this Florida wedding celebration.
Perfectly Curated Wedding Photography Coverage
Alyssa and Brian’s wedding balanced meaningful tradition with modern style, from their ceremony in the bride’s childhood church to the reception at the sleek Venue 650. With careful planning and thoughtful details, their day was a true reflection of who they are—and a celebration their guests won’t forget.
If you want to capture your wedding day with the same level of care, from candid moments to the big highlights, consider full-day photography coverage with an optional second photographer for added coverage. Reach out today to learn how we can help tell your story.
Ansley & Dennis
Banquet61 Wedding in Downtown Lakeland
Micro Wedding at Banquet61 in Downtown Lakeland
A Wedding Rooted in Love, Simplicity, and Family
Ansley and Dennis’ wedding, held on April 18, 2025, was a display of what truly matters, love, laughter, and meaningful time with the people who matter most. Hosted at the elegant and intimate Banquet61, their day was full of conversation, ease, and genuine connection.
When asked what was most anticipated about the day Ansley shared “Marrying my best friend and being able to spend quality time with our families on our special day.” Their wedding was intentionally small, with just 30 guests. It was exactly as they envisioned: intimate, meaningful, and filled with authenticity.
Thoughtful Details and Walkable Locations
From the start, Ansley and Dennis wanted their wedding to reflect who they are as a couple. Thoughtful details like signage featuring their beloved dogs, Buddy and Panama, and a handmade bar sign brought their personalities into the space.
The day began with Ansley getting ready at the Lakeland Terrace, wearing a custom gown designed by Olivia at Southern Swan Bridal. After a heartfelt first look with her father, it was just a short walk to the aisle. With no formal wedding party, the focus remained entirely on their love and the presence of those closest to them.
A Joy to Photograph
For a photographer, this was the kind of wedding that invites you to focus entirely on emotion. The couple cared less about rigid timelines and more about capturing genuine, meaningful moments. Formal group portraits were simple and efficient, taken immediately after the ceremony.
After mingling with guests and sharing a drink during cocktail hour, we took a short walk to Lake Wire for a few natural-light portraits. Strolling casually along the promenade, the time was kept brief so the couple could return quickly to the celebration and continue enjoying the evening.
Fine Dinning and Meaningful Conversations
The reception was held at Banquet61, where the intimate atmosphere was perfectly complemented by elevated catering from Nineteen61. The space was beautifully enhanced by Sam at Be Bella Events, who brought the couple’s vision to life with soft, elegant florals and subtle design touches that perfectly complemented the intimate setting. From the entrance signage to the delicate centerpieces, every detail felt personal and effortless.
There was no pressure for formalities, just a laid back cake cutting with close friends and family, and the desire to truly be present in every moment. Instead of a grand exit or send off, they wrapped up the night with hugs, laughs, and talk of maybe continuing the celebration downtown.
A Lasting Impression
It was truly an honor to be there to witness it all. Even with just two and a half hours of photography coverage, we were able to focus on what mattered most, capturing the connection, joy, and intimacy of the day. The result is a collection of images that tells their story beautifully and will be cherished for generations to come.
Erin & Boyce
Alfond Inn and Knowles Chapel Wedding in Winter Park, FL
“Where can we even begin? We are absolutely floored by the gallery. You captured our day even more perfectly than our memories had it. Your attention to detail, care to capture the tiny moments, and focus on the emotion of the day stand out as exceptional. It’s been a true highlight to share the gallery with friends and family..
The photos from the dock and of the band are crazy!!! We also love how sincere and unplanned the group photos look.
Thank you so much for listening to our vision and also for adding your artistic flair to everything. These are one-of-a-kind and truly irreplaceable, and we can’t thank you enough for the effort. You went above and beyond and delivered tenfold what we could have imagined.”
Erin & Boyce | January 4th, 2025
