lgbtq wedding at eclipse nightclub in jacksonville florida

Ashley and Sam held their ceremony and reception at Jacksonville’s local nightclub - Eclipse. This was special to them because it is a place they both like to hang out and they know the owners well. It was also special for me, because I used to hang out and party there with friends many moons ago. It’s also a fun place to go on a date, sing karaoke and dance. Which is exactly what all the guests were doing at Ashley and Sam’s reception.

There are so many unique aspects about this wedding. Ashley signing a karaoke song to Sam and watching them both tearing up with joy, Ashley being in charge of basically everything from flowers to songs, Sam and her bestie’s relationship, and the warmth + love the two clearly have for each other.

The first look and the couples portraits were done in a tiny park right by a road in Riverside. Not one of the prettier parks either. It is all about the lighting. Ashley and Sam chose to trust me when I was telling them where to stand and which way to look and the results are amazing!

But perhaps, my favorite part was how during their first look and couples photos, Ashley and Sam slowed down and just took it all in and trusted me to capture their intimacy. This is why I want to talk about a few ways to slow down at your wedding and enjoy moments together.

Sometimes it’s hard to, but it’s important to remember to slow down on your wedding, to breathe and to take in each moment in order to be more present.

A few ways you can achieve this:

1. Make sure you have plenty of cushion room around each part of the day. I always do this when I make the timeline for my couples. I will also review a timeline your planner sends to see how we can work in breathing room.

2. Schedule and make it a priority to be at your own cocktail hour. Often this is the only time you get to truly connect with your guests.

3. Consider some non-traditional approaches such as breakfast together, first look with your partner and your family members or even a first glance (this can be done after the makeup and hair but before dress).

4. Think about doing speeches during the ceremony. It can be a nice addition and a very simple way to free up more time at dinner and for dancing. I recommend this if you’re doing portraits and family formals before your ceremony - which generally requires a first look.

5. Whisk away your partner for five min alone time either after cake cutting or right after the ceremony (or both). Whether you bring your photographer highly depends on you but I’m happy to stay quiet and let you bask in your alone time while I do what I do best and document it.

What are some other ways couples can be more present at their wedding? Comment below.

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