Jennifer and Matt | Married - Kristen Weaver Photography

April 26, 2014 | Nokomis, FL

I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to photograph Jennifer and Matt’s Nokomis wedding! It was my first time in the area, and Jen and Matt’s families were so sweet to us! Since they got ready at Matt’s home, everything just felt really sweet and casual. The guys relaxed upstairs with some pool and waterfront drinks, while the girls’ energy downstairs was a little more palpable (ooh… first time I’ve gotten to use “palpable” in a blog post!)

Jen said that she knew Matt was “the one” after just 2 months of dating! Matt relentlessly pursued her, event though Jen was his best friend’s sister! She gave in eventually and really fell for Matt’s “realness” – and I have to concur that there is something so down-home about Matt! You just feel like he’s been your best friend for years, even if you just met him! In true form, he grabbed a beer for Jen and himself after their First Look and was relaxed, even through the nerves!

But my favorite story of Matt and Jen is actually his proposal! Probably not for the same reasons you’d think… Matt surprised Jen with a dinner at her favorite hotel, Disney’s Grand Floridian! But when they arrived, he actually forgot the name of the restaurant and they ended up eating at the wrong one! Jen wasn’t wise to the surprise though – and they took to the beach for the Magic Kingdom fireworks show after dinner. He gave her a sweet note about all the reasons why he loved her, and when she was done reading it – he was on one knee!

Side note: I knew I loved Matt and Jen after hearing their proposal story, because it’s almost identical to mine (just a few of the details changed). It makes me happy!

Matt took Jen back to their hotel where his family was waiting with a mini-engagement party for them to wrap up the night!

For their big day, Jennifer mixed eucalyptus accents in to a rustic bridal bouquet of coral and gold, and her bridesmaids wore cocktail-length mint-green lace dresses. They were married in her home church, where the sweetest surprise came from Mason, a bit of a “guest of honor” in the form of a guide dog! Jennifer has been raising guide dogs, and Mason was her first. In a way, it was their first “child”, and they were so excited to see him at the ceremony!

I’m so excited for Jen and Matt’s next venture in life, but kind of sad to be finished with their wedding! I hope we can come up with lots of fun reasons to shoot in the future!! ;)

Oh, and if you want stupid-cute photos of puppies, go follow Jennifer’s instagram! http://instagram.com/mrsjenniferconnelly

Venue: Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church
Reception venue: The Plantation Golf & Country Club
Hair and Makeup: Styles by Kelly Anne
Florist: The Perfect Settings
Rentals: The Perfect Setting
Band: Black Tie DJs, Rebecca Zapen (Violin), Christine Hartley (Pianist)
Bridal Gown: Coco Anais
Bridal Shoes: Aruna Seth
Bridesmaid Gowns: Mackenzie Michaels
Men’s Suits: Vera Wang ; Mens Warehouse
Bridesmaids robes: Laughing Cherries