Tabitha and Jake’s Vintage Elegance Wedding in St. Augustine

MunaLuchi Bride Magazine Summer 2018 Feature: Tabitha & Jake
Print Copies Available for Pre-Order HERE!

“It was December of 2014 and he was 6’7”,” Tabitha recalls, not really remembering much of her first encounter with Jake except for the impression left by his handsome stature. Their initial meeting took place at an annual camp staff reunion in North Carolina – Jake had just recently moved to town from Florida to be closer to his sister’s family who were also employed at the camp…”

Continue reading all about Tabitha & Jake’s love story, engagement, and experiences in their vintage elegance wedding in St. Augustine – featured in the Summer 2018 issue of MunaLuchi Bride magazine.

Bride & Groom: Tabitha & Jake
Occupations: Physician Assistant & Customer Service Representative
Wedding Date: October 15, 2017
Wedding Location: St. Augustine, Florida

“It was December of 2014 and he was 6’7”,” Tabitha recalls, not really remembering much of her first encounter with Jake except for the impression left by his handsome stature. Their initial meeting took place at an annual camp staff reunion in North Carolina – Jake had just recently moved to town from Florida to be closer to his sister’s family who were also employed at the camp.

It wouldn’t be until the following year, returning to the camp for various events, that Tabitha and Jake had the opportunity to properly get to know each other. She was impressed by how natural and pleasant it was to communicate with him, and Jake was equally as smitten – asking mutual friends about Tabitha and making his interest in pursuing her known.

December came around again and with it another camp staff reunion. Jake’s mind was set and this time he wouldn’t let opportunity slip through his fingers. Tabitha was more than pleasantly surprised when Jake asked her out and expressed his future intentions. As Tabitha fondly recalls, “Jake made it clear that he was pursuing me for marriage. We opened up to each other and asked all the hard questions early so there were no surprises. There was no pretense and we grew closer and closer each day.

Jake returned to Florida soon after and a long-distance relationship began, their hearts yearning for each other’s presence day in and day out. They knew it was love of the deepest kind but neither had yet made the leap. They both remembered a moment when during one of their daily video chats, they “almost slipped and said ‘I love you.’” That emotional proclamation was being saved to be said in person, face-to-face, in a moment Tabitha describes as one of the sweetest in her life.

As time progressed Jake was more than ready to make their relationship forever, and prepared for Tabitha’s next visit to Florida. The day was perfectly planned with good food and drinks, great conversation, and the joy of each other’s company. Following a trip to historic St. Augustine they made a quick detour to the Castillo de San Marcos fort to watch the sunset before sitting down for dinner. As they were walking back, their minds full of beautiful tropical sunset scenes and their hearts complete with each other, Jake led Tabitha away from the path to a private grassy knoll. Never more certain and never more nervous, Jake got down on one knee, looked Tabitha – the love of his life – in the eyes, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him as wife & husband.

Tabitha and jake’s vintage elegance wedding incorporated a rich fall colored palette. Tabitha looked stunning in a fit and flare ivory lace dress with an illusion neckline that celebrated her natural curves. Jake was 6’7” of dapper groom in a classic navy tuxedo. For Tabitha, wedding shopping was easier than she anticipated, knowing exactly what she was looking for, and assisted by her mother and sisters – who all fell in love with the second dress she tried on.

Wedding Party gifts: Bridesmaids – floral robes with embroidered names. Groomsmen – Custom bullet bottle opener.
Favorite item on the menu: Shrimp & grits and pork belly appetizers!
First dance song: “Stay with You” by John Legend

Best memories: My best memory of the wedding was the amazing energy and love felt when we were introduced and entered the reception. Our dearest friends and family were on their feet surrounding us and cheering us on and I could finally relax and take in the rest of the evening.

Advice for engaged couples: Enjoy the process! Do what you want and consider what your guests may enjoy but don’t stress over the small things that no one will remember when they think about your wedding. Those who are truly supportive will love it no matter what. It’s your day!

Vendors:
Venue: The Treasury on the Plaza
Officiant: Brody Holloway
Wedding coordinator: Coastal Coordinating
Photography: Savannah Lauren Photography
Videography: Eli Meyer Studio
Caterer: Executive Food services
Cake/desserts: Creme De La Cocoa
Florals: Jade Violet Wedding and Florals
Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen
Ceremony Lighting: St John’s Illuminations
DJ/Entertainment: Feedback Entertainment
Photo Booth: Chic Booth
Hair: Lucina Metrius
Makeup: Stanza Jae Artistry
Dress Designer: Pronovias
Bridal Salon: Calvet Couture Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses: Weddington Way
Groomwear: Milano Exchange
Stationery: Minted