Laurel Oaks Inn Wedding Shoot in Gainesville Florida
When you have a Laurel Oaks Inn wedding, you get something so incredibly special! Since the first time I laid eyes on the Laurel Oak Inn, a quant Victorian Bed & Breakfast in downtown Gainesville, I’ve wanted to photograph a wedding there. Nan and her husband David own this incredible hideaway and have renovated it to perfection! Did you know that this was once the abode of famous singer, Tom Petty? Lots of history is contained in these walls, and now, thanks to the TLC from Nan and David, lots of modern conveniences too.
I’ll be honest, this was one of the most incredible vendor teams I’ve ever worked with. Every single person went above and beyond the call of duty in making this styled, morning micro-wedding special. I’ll list all the vendors that collaborated to bring this to life, and would strongly recommend every single one of them!
Venue: Laurel Oak Inn
It doesn’t get more welcoming than Nan’s beautiful smile and this cheerful yellow Victorian mansion! Located in Gainesville’s Bed & Breakfast district in a convenient downtown location, the Laurel Oak Inn offers private parking, event hosting, and catering which makes it a perfect location for a wedding! Not to mention, you should see the beautiful clawfoot tubs! <3
Photographer: Water Bear Photography
Model(s): Mckenzi & Michael
Our bride and groom are an actual married couple who took time out of their busy lives to come model for us! They were so much fun to work with and get to know. Watching Michael’s excitement at the dress fitting was such a sweet moment.
Dress and Suit: Allure Bridal
Chelsee and her amazing team at Allure Bridal made us feel welcome and safe as we masked up to get our models fitted. They provided not only the beautiful satin wedding dress, but also the dove gray suit for Michael too! They listened to our vision for the day and had a bunch of gowns already pulled out before we even walked in.
Dress and Suit: Allure Bridal
Chelsee and her amazing team at Allure Bridal made us feel welcome and safe as we masked up to get our models fitted. They provided not only the beautiful satin wedding dress, but also the dove gray suit for Michael too! They listened to our vision for the day and had a bunch of gowns already pulled out before we even walked in.
Florals: Garden & Grace
Ashley Rodriguez, owner of Garden & Grace Florals, is a Gainesville florist that has such an intrinsic understanding of how to craft florals into editorial beauties. I’m not kidding- I can spot her work from a mile away! She did my bouquet that I took to Iceland for my vow renewal and handled all the florals for this shoot- the bouquet, arch, tables, boutonniere, etc. I love her organic flower arrangements!
HMUA: Dilliana Alers
Dilliana is a new makeup artist in Gainesville. She nailed the bridal makeup for Mckenzi and I’m looking forward to watching her grow her business here!
Florals: Garden & Grace
Ashley Rodriguez, owner of Garden & Grace Florals, is a Gainesville florist that has such an intrinsic understanding of how to craft florals into editorial beauties. I’m not kidding- I can spot her work from a mile away! She did my bouquet that I took to Iceland for my vow renewal and handled all the florals for this shoot- the bouquet, arch, tables, boutonniere, etc. I love her organic flower arrangements!
HMUA: Dilliana Alers
Dilliana is a new makeup artist in Gainesville. She nailed the bridal makeup for Mckenzi and I’m looking forward to watching her grow her business here!
Décor/Tablescape/Invites: Mercer & Smith
What can I say about Jackie & Calla, the owners of Mercer + Smith Events, except that they’re exceptionally lovely, detail-oriented, and incredible at what they do. This is the second collaboration I’ve had the privilege of working with them, and every time, I’m so impressed. They think of things that I never would have imagined, small touches that bring it to life. Some of my favorite things from this shoot were the deckled edging and wax seal on the invitation envelope- a combination of modern and vintage that breathed life into the flat lay.
Table/ Bench/ Arch/Linen: Gainesville Event Rentals LLC (no website; email is gerentalsllc@gmail.com)
Andrea from Gainesville Event Rentals provided the wood arch, tables, chairs, and benches for this shoot. She will be partnering with the Laurel Oak Inn for furniture rentals in the future
Décor/Tablescape/Invites: Mercer & Smith
What can I say about Jackie & Calla, the owners of Mercer + Smith Events, except that they’re exceptionally lovely, detail-oriented, and incredible at what they do. This is the second collaboration I’ve had the privilege of working with them, and every time, I’m so impressed. They think of things that I never would have imagined, small touches that bring it to life. Some of my favorite things from this shoot were the deckled edging and wax seal on the invitation envelope- a combination of modern and vintage that breathed life into the flat lay.
Table/ Bench/ Arch/Linen: Gainesville Event Rentals LLC (no website; email is gerentalsllc@gmail.com)
Andrea from Gainesville Event Rentals provided the wood arch, tables, chairs, and benches for this shoot. She will be partnering with the Laurel Oak Inn for furniture rentals in the future
Officiant: Will Greenwood
As some of you may know, my husband Will is now an officiant. His services are COMPLEMENTARY to our couples who book us for elopements.
Videographer: Heart Happy Films
It’s no secret that I love Kimberly & Kyle’s work. They’re Gainesville’s premier videographers and for good reason! I literally can’t wait to see what magic Kim captured for us.
Catering: FTG Fine Catering
No longer solely a food truck, Crysta & Lee have expanded to offer fine catering and private dinners too! They put together an incredible tasting menu for us, (seriously, it was amazing). I can’t wait to work some future events with you (and eat that food again!).
Without a doubt, a Laurel Oaks wedding in the charming historic bed and breakfast area of Gainesville, Florida, is a wonderful place to have your wedding day! Check out more fantastic wedding locations and vendors in and around the Gainesville Florida area on some of our other wedding Blog posts!
Baker: Sandy’s Sweets
I had briefly met Sandy at a Gainesville Chamber of Commerce event last year, but this was my first time working with her. She invested SIXTEEN hours into this work of art cake and still had the thoughtfulness to bake incredible cupcakes and other goodies for us vendors. Let me tell you, her cupcakes were some of the best I’ve ever had!
Catering: FTG Fine Catering
No longer solely a food truck, Crysta & Lee have expanded to offer fine catering and private dinners too! They put together an incredible tasting menu for us, (seriously, it was amazing). I can’t wait to work some future events with you (and eat that food again!).
Without a doubt, a Laurel Oaks wedding in the charming historic bed and breakfast area of Gainesville, Florida, is a wonderful place to have your wedding day! Check out more fantastic wedding locations and vendors in and around the Gainesville Florida area on some of our other wedding Blog posts!
Baker: Sandy’s Sweets
I had briefly met Sandy at a Gainesville Chamber of Commerce event last year, but this was my first time working with her. She invested SIXTEEN hours into this work of art cake and still had the thoughtfulness to bake incredible cupcakes and other goodies for us vendors. Let me tell you, her cupcakes were some of the best I’ve ever had!
Without a doubt, a Laurel Oaks wedding in the charming historic bed and breakfast area of Gainesville, Florida, is a wonderful place to have your wedding day! Check out more fantastic wedding locations and vendors in and around the Gainesville Florida area on some of our other wedding Blog posts!
