Kyle + Carrie: Sweetwater Branch Inn Wedding in Gainesville, FL

August 25, 2018

Sweetwater Branch Inn | Gainesville, Florida

Thunder was rumbling off in the distance about 30 minutes before we were scheduled to begin formal portraits. Naturally, we were all a tad worried about the Florida-August weather. Somehow, we dodged the storms until we were all inside for the night!

When I met Kyle & Carrie last year to chat about their wedding, I knew it would be a good time. While their wedding reception was at the Sweetwater Branch Inn in Gainesville, Florida, they exchanged vows at a small ceremony surrounded by their parents in Hawaii two weeks prior. (Yes, I was mildly jealous about the Hawaii part...). Fun fact: Carrie's parents were married at the same location 30 years prior, so they had a vow renewal! If that isn't special, I'm not sure what is.

Kyle & Carrie warned me in advance they wanted mainly candid, documentary-style captures of their celebration, because they were going for a fun, relaxed, & laid-back feel. Boy, did they make my job easy. Their guests were decked out in Hawaiian shirts, games of corn-hole were being played, and they had one of the coolest <tastiest> dessert tables I've ever seen! Their family & friends took advantage of the tropical-themed props at the photo-booth, danced to party tunes by Bearded Brothers Events, and spent time chatting & catching up with one another.

My favorite part of their reception, hands-down, were the toasts. Their best friends, sister, and Carrie's father shared sweet compliments about the couple, funny stories, and great advice. There were tears AND laughter. They all had a similar theme though, and that was the reminder to keep Christ at the center of their marriage. If the love they were shown that evening is any indicator of the support system this couple has, then they are in good hands!