A Jacksonville Farm Wedding {Mike + Andrea}

Wedding days in the midst of hurricane season are always a test of faith, but these two kept their eyes off the clouds and looking only towards heaven as the showers danced around us. The farm was filled with pastel hues of mint, peach, pink and blues. The ducks even made a fashionably late entry half-way through the wedding ceremony {and if Andrea could have had her way with them, they would have walked behind her down the aisle}. As she said "They've been apart of this entire planning and prep, it only seems right to have them {all the farm animals}, here". Mike and Andrea's blended family of four girls giggled and twirled around the bridal cottage all morning long awaiting to put on their bridesmaids dressed to see this magical day filled with love and laughter.

Dreams came true this past Saturday for so many- not only did Mike get to marry his bride, but we got to host their day as their friends at our very first wedding on the farm. These two have become such good friends of ours and to share their day with them was the ultimate reward for all the hard work and labor of love they have poured into our farm to prepare it as a family for their family celebration. There has never been a more laid back wedding day in all my years as a wedding photographer- from grilling to dancing in their aprons, it was the epitome of all they are as a couple, simple and fun but always elegant.

Some of you know the story well by now, but to catch everyone else up, Mike and Andrea met when Andrea became his personal trainer. Andrea kept him at a good distance until Hurricane Matthew played a bigger role, allowing him to take care of her and her girls last year as they weathered the storm. She saw he was the perfect gentleman, a wonderful father, and a great life partner. Together their faith is contagious and their love is full of sweetness.

Funny how nearly one year later, we are embarking on yet another Florida hurricane, and these two picked the perfect September weekend before the storm. So here's to Mike and Andrea and weathering all of life's beautiful and messy things that make God's name greater than anything we battle. And fighting for each other. May your life be filled with the much more love and laughter through it all!