Stephanie + Rich | Lakeside Wedding | Tallahassee Photographer

Stephanie and Rich’s wedding was supposed to be on the beach in Alligator Point. But then Hurricane Michael happened just two weeks prior. They, along with their family, scrambled to find something similar nearby but the damage and destruction from the hurricane was so far reaching that the closest place they could find ended up being a beautiful lakeside wedding on Wynn Lake.

Weddings are stressful enough, especially beach weddings. Add in the inevitable hurricane threat and things can go from bad to worse very quickly. Such was the case with Stephanie and Rich’s Alligator Point wedding. Two weeks prior to what would have been a stunning beach wedding in Alligator Point, Hurricane Michael blew through our area leaving massive destruction and devastation in its wake. 

Alligator Point suffered major damage, including the only road in and out of that area, which virtually washed away. The homes this couple had rented were damaged. There was no way a wedding was happening on Alligator Point any time soon.

Stephanie and Rich adapted very quickly and within a couple of days were able to find a log-cabin inspired house in Dade City that not only sat right on Wynn Lake but also had its own helipad. What?! A lakeside wedding was more their style anyway and it proved to be a truly magical venue for their intimate ceremony.

Friends and family rallied around to make sure the threat of rain didn’t stop this wedding yet again. A tent went up and decorations were set. You know how much I love DIY wedding decorations and this wedding featured some truly beautiful hand crafted pieces, including the benches used at the lakeside wedding ceremony site.

We timed their lakeside wedding ceremony perfectly with that highly-coveted golden hour light. The sun set behind them as they exchanged vows. Which lead to some very dreamy, and passionate, portraits too.

Enjoy these photos from Stephanie and Rich’s lakeside wedding in Dade City – I know I loved capturing these breathtaking images!

Their son was the perfect ring bearer. He did a great job posing for “getting ready” photos and formal portraits too. The thing he loved most about his parents lakeside wedding were all the crickets! They were jumping around at our feet all night! Here you can see this beautiful moment between momma and child. He was playing with crickets so she joined him.

Thank you Stephanie and Rich, and a big shout out to Valarie (Stephanie’s mom) for choosing me to capture your beautiful lakeside wedding.