If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know I’ve spent years photographing other people’s wedding days. Getting to finally experience my own was surreal in the best way. Our colorful St. Augustine wedding was everything we hoped it would be. Joyful, personal, a little unconventional, and full of tiny details that meant the world to us. Looking back through these photos, I’m reminded that the things I’ll remember most aren’t the perfectly planned moments. They’re the stories behind them.

The Personal Details That Made Our Colorful St. Augustine Wedding Ours

I’ve always believed the best weddings are the ones that actually feel like the couple. So that’s exactly what we leaned into. Our invitation suite was filled with colorful illustrations that hinted at the playful day ahead, and even Hunter’s boutonniere had a surprise tucked inside, a tiny Venus flytrap instead of traditional greenery because if you know him, you know that couldn’t have been more fitting.

One of my favorite little details happened before we even realized it. We chose March 21st because it felt right, and only later noticed it was 3/21. The address of my dad’s childhood home was 321. After losing him just five days after we got engaged, discovering that connection felt like a quiet reminder that he was still part of this day. He also bought my wedding dress before he passed away. Those little pieces of him were with me all day, and I honestly can’t imagine it any other way!

Why Our Colorful St. Augustine Wedding Threw Out the “Rules”

A week before the wedding, I decided to add three more bridesmaids. Was it a little chaotic? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not for a second! Having those extra people by my side made the entire day feel even more like home, and looking at the photos of all of us together, I can’t imagine the morning any differently.

Instead of shuttles or fancy transportation between the ceremony and reception, we grabbed a giant boom box, turned on September by Earth, Wind & Fire, and paraded through the streets of downtown St. Augustine with all of our guests following behind us. It was one of those moments where strangers smiled, waved, and celebrated with us, and it instantly became one of my favorite memories from the entire day. It felt less like moving locations and more like bringing the whole city into the celebration.

The Moments We’ll Talk About Forever

One thing you’ll notice throughout the day is how colorful everything was. The bright florals, pastel stationery, spring-inspired bridesmaid dresses, and soft green suit all made the day feel happy without taking themselves too seriously. Every detail reflected the kind of celebration we wanted, one that felt welcoming, relaxed, and full of personality.

There were so many little moments woven into the day that made it uniquely ours. We got married less than two years after meeting, which probably sounds fast to some people, but when you know, you know. I also got to include something that’s been part of my life for the past seven years. I’ve worked part-time for StickerApp, and that extra income has helped make our dream of traveling around the U.S. financially possible. It only felt right to use their stickers inside a little vending machine as wedding favors for our guests. It was such a fun conversation starter and one more way to bring a piece of our everyday life into the celebration.

See more of our dream wedding below!

If There’s One Thing I Learned…

Brooke Michelle | St. Augustine Wedding Photographer

Planning my own wedding reminded me that the details people remember most usually aren’t the expensive ones, they’re the personal ones. The stories behind your date, the song you blast while walking through town with your favorite people, the perfume that reminds you of someone you love, or the silly surprise hidden in a boutonniere. Those are the moments that stay with you. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give any couple planning their wedding, it’s this: don’t worry so much about making your day look like everyone else’s. Make it feel like you.

Years from now, those are the memories you’ll treasure most. And if they happen to include a parade through downtown St. Augustine with a giant speaker… even better. Thinking about your dream wedding day? I would love to capture it. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!

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Vendors

Venue: @lightnermuseumevents
Reception Venue: @pena_peck_house
Planning: @ncheirloomcollective
Content: @littlemomentslens
Florals: @floral.anthology
HMU: @katefacebeauty
Hair: @besthairdays_bybailee
Dress: @brookeandjunebridal
DJ: @dj_littlerock with @mixingmarylanddjs
Desserts: @cremedelacocoa
Bar: @toastwithcocktails
Transportation: @pineapple_ride_and_tour
Stationery: @addiegraedesigns
Rentals: @stjohnsilluminations @allabouteventsjax @nuagedesignsinc

Photo: Aly Matei Photo

Stickers: @Stickerapp

Sticker Rental: @peelthelimes