Intimate backyard elopement and stroll around downtown Fernandina.

Kendall and John are married! Their intimate backyard elopement in Fernandina Beach was absolutely perfect. Rain was in the forecast but we made it through the ceremony and photos without a drop. In fact, the sun was out for most of our photos…we were all practically melting out there! But that’s why we love Florida, right??

The ceremony was in Kendall’s grandparents backyard and her grandma did an AMAZING job officiating! More and more of my wedding couples are choosing loved ones to officiate and I am so here for it. Grammy couldn’t even make it through her first sentence before being overcome with emotion. As a photographer, I absolutely love an emotional ceremony. Bring on all the happy tears! After sweet vows under a gorgeous arbor (didn’t the florist do an amazing job??) and some family photos, we drove around Fernandina Beach for some elopement portraits.

First stop: the beach. We only spent a few minutes here because of the heat – enough time for a champagne toast! Everyone we passed had such kind words for Kendall and John, their joy was just too infectious to ignore. And it only continued as the day went on. In fact, several people stopped to take their own photos… It felt like I was escorting a couple of celebrities around town, ha!

Next we found a little trail to take some more photos before heading downtown. I love Fernandina Beach for elopement photos, there are so many great locations and lots of variety. We started at the courthouse and just strolled up and down the streets looking for inspiration. We found it at an ice cream shop, where a sweet soul treated our couple to some mint ice cream! If I could take ice cream photos of all my couples, I definitely would.

After a few hours(!) of photos, it was time to head back to the house for pizza and cake. And just in time too! Within minutes of being back inside, the skies opened up and it started to rain.

What a truly perfect day. Congrats Kendall and John! I am so excited for you both!

 

Keep scrolling for more Fernandina Beach Elopement photos!

Florist: Kuhn Flowers / Cake: Nana Teresa’s Bakery / Hair: Brittany Bloom-Salon Zen Hair / Makeup: Monica Hayes Makeup / Wedding Dress: BHLDN / Suit: Daniel’s Custom Clothing / Rings: Heritage Estate Jewelry / Ice Cream: Island Time

 

If you’re still planning your own elopement, check out this helpful elopement planning guide I put together – it’s full of helpful tips, location ideas, and more!