Some weddings are about more than just saying “I do” — they’re about weaving together stories, traditions, and emotions into a day that feels like one beautiful celebration of love. This Casa Marina wedding in Jacksonville, Florida was filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and an incredible community of family and friends who came together to support the couple. From getting ready by the beach to a candlelit first dance, every moment of the day was unforgettable.
A Morning Full of Excitement at Jacksonville Beach
The day began on the sandy shores of Jax Beach. The bridal party and groomsmen were just steps away from the ocean.
The bride and her bridesmaids got ready at Margaritaville Beach Hotel, the perfect setting for a relaxed and fun morning. The suite was filled with excitement — sage green loungewear, cozy slippers, and plenty of laughter as everyone prepared for the big day. Between heartfelt hugs and playful balcony moments the morning felt lighthearted, joyful, and true to who they were as a group of friends. All the ladies helped the bride get ready some how, including mom, zipping up her dress. It’s always nice to have more hands and great memories to look back on.
Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen were just a short walk away at the SpringHill Suites Marriott Jacksonville Beach. While the ladies’ room was buzzing with energy, the guys had a calm confidence as they adjusted ties, shared laughs, and prepared for what was to come. It was the perfect balance — one side bubbling over with excitement, the other steady and collected.
First Looks That Took Everyone’s Breath Away
This wedding was full of traditions that honored family and connection.
The bride shared an emotional first look with her dad and brother — a moment that felt both tender and powerful. As he turned to see his daughter in her gown for the first time, his expression said everything: love, pride, and the realization that this was a milestone they’d never forget.
The groom also had his own emotional moment, sharing a first look with his mom. There’s something so meaningful about these exchanges. They’re reminders that weddings aren’t just about two people getting married, but about families expanding and hearts growing.
Before seeing each other at the altar, the couple shared a first touch. Standing back-to-back around a corner, they held hands and exchanged a few quiet words. It was intimate, full of anticipation, and one of those fleeting moments that perfectly embodies why documentary wedding photography is so powerful — nothing was staged, yet everything was perfect.
The Casa Marina Ceremony
Set against the Spanish-inspired architecture of Casa Marina, the ceremony felt timeless. Guests gathered in the courtyard as the wedding party descended the brick steps in elegant style. The bridesmaids wore sage green dresses that complemented the natural greenery of the space, while the groomsmen looked sharp in black suits and bowties.
Then came the bride, radiant in her strapless gown with a flowing train, and the groom, looking both classic and unique with his cowboy hat and tuxedo. The two couldn’t stop smiling at each other, and you could feel the energy of the entire crowd shift as they exchanged vows.
Casa Marina has this incredible way of combining history with romance. Built in 1925, its walls have seen nearly a century of love stories, and this couple’s wedding added a new chapter to that history.
Portraits and Joyful Celebrations
After the ceremony, we wandered around Casa Marina’s beautiful spaces for portraits. The brick staircases, lush greenery, and ocean breezes created the perfect backdrop for both intimate moments and group celebrations.
The couple shared quiet looks, hand-in-hand moments, and laughter that came naturally — nothing forced, everything authentic. Their bridal party was equally amazing — full of energy and fun, making every photo feel alive and full of personality.
One of my favorite moments was when the groom helped his new wife up the stairs, holding her hand with a quiet pride that spoke louder than any words. These small gestures, captured as they happen, are what make wedding galleries so meaningful years down the road.
A Reception Filled With Love and Laughter
As the sun dipped lower over Jacksonville Beach, the celebration moved indoors to Casa Marina’s ballroom. The space glowed with warm chandeliers and candlelight, creating an intimate yet elegant atmosphere. Guests mingled over cocktails, shared laughter at their tables, and got ready for a night of celebration.
Heartfelt toasts kicked off the evening — some full of laughter, others bringing happy tears — all centered on stories about the couple and the love they share. These speeches were the kind that remind everyone why they were there: to witness not just a marriage, but a true partnership.
The First Dance
The couple’s first dance was a highlight of the night. With soft light reflecting off the chandeliers above, they held each other close, swaying to music that meant something personal to them. Surrounded by their loved ones, it felt like the world disappeared for just a few minutes.
As the music picked up, family and friends quickly joined in, filling the dance floor with energy. From classic moves to spontaneous laughter, it was the kind of reception where everyone felt included — a true celebration of love, community, and joy.
Why This Wedding Stands Out
As a documentary wedding photographer in Jacksonville, what I love most about weddings like this is how unfiltered they feel. From Margaritaville to SpringHill Suites, from emotional first looks to lively portraits, and from Casa Marina’s historic charm to the laughter echoing on the dance floor — this day was full of moments worth remembering.
This wedding wasn’t about posing for the perfect shot. It was about being present, soaking in every second, and letting the joy unfold naturally. And that’s exactly what made it so beautiful.
Phavy Photography (phavyphotos.com)
Jacksonville Wedding Photographer
E-mail: contact@phavyphotos.com
Phone: 904-228-1350
Instagram: 904photographer
