Tabitha & Jake

St. Augustine, Florida

OCTOBER 15, 2017 | Photographed By Savannah Lauren Photography | Text by Samuel Naumick

“It was December of 2014 and he was 6’7”,” Tabitha recalls, not really remembering much of her first encounter with Jake except for the impression left by his handsome stature. Their initial meeting took place at an annual camp staff reunion in North Carolina - Jake had just recently moved to town from Florida to be closer to his sister’s family who were also employed at the camp.

It wouldn’t be until the following year, returning to the camp for various events, that Tabitha and Jake had the opportunity to properly get to know each other. She was impressed by how natural and pleasant it was to communicate with him, and Jake was equally as smitten- asking mutual friends about Tabitha and making his interest in pursuing her known.

December came around again and with it another campstaff reunion. Jake’s mind was set and this time hewouldn’t let opportunity slip through his fingers. Tabithawas more than pleasantly surprised when Jake asked herout and expressed his future intentions. As Tabitha fondlyrecalls, “Jake made it clear that he was pursuing me formarriage. We opened up to each other and asked all thehard questions early so there were no surprises. There wasno pretense and we grew closer and closer each day.

Jake returned to Florida soon after and a long-distance relationship began, their hearts yearning for each other’s presence day in and day out. They knew it was love of the deepest kind but neither had yet made the leap. They both remembered a moment when during one of their dailyvideo chats, they “almost slipped and said ‘I love you.’”That emotional proclamation was being saved to be saidin person, face-to-face, in a moment Tabitha describes as one of the sweetest in her life.

As time progressed Jake was more than ready to make their relationship forever, and prepared for Tabitha’s next visit to Florida. The day was perfectly planned with good food and drinks, great conversation, and the joy of each other’s company. Following a trip to historic St. Augustine they made a quick detour to the Castillo de San Marcos fort to watch the sunset before sitting down for dinner. As they were walking back, their minds full of beautiful tropical sunset scenes and their hearts complete with each other, Jake led Tabitha away from the path to a private grassy knoll. Never more certain and never more nervous, Jake got down on one knee, looked Tabitha - the love of his life - in the eyes, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him as wife & husband.

Tabitha and Jake’s vintage elegance wedding incorporated a rich fall colored palette. Tabitha looked stunning in a fit and flare ivory lace dress with an illusion neckline that celebrated her natural curves. Jake was 6’7” of dapper groom in a classic navy tuxedo. For Tabitha, wedding shopping was easier than she anticipated, knowing exactly what she was looking for, and assisted by her mother and sisters - who all fell in love with the second dress she tried on.

BEST MEMORIES: "My best memory of the wedding was the amazing energy and love felt when we were introduced and entered the reception. Our dearest friends and family were on their feet surrounding us and cheering us on and I could finally relax and take in the rest of the evening."

VENDORS | VENUE: The Treasury on the Plaza OFFICIANT: Brody Holloway WEDDING COORDINATOR: Coastal Coordinating PHOTOGRAPHY: Savannah Lauren Photography VIDEOGRAPHY: Eli Meyer Studio CATERER: Executive Food services CAKE/DESSERTS: Creme De La Cocoa FLORALS: Jade Violet Wedding and Florals LINENS: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen CEREMONY LIGHTING: St John's Illuminations DJ/ENTERTAINMENT: Feedback Entertainment PHOTO BOOTH: Chic Booth HAIR: Lucina Metrius MAKEUP: Stanza Jae Artistry DRESS DESIGNER: Pronovias BRIDAL SALON: Calvet Couture Bridal BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Weddington Way GROOMWEAR: Milano Exchange STATIONERY: Minted