Dreamy Vintage-Inspired Florida Camp Wedding: Val + Lee – Part 1

elizabeth messina wedding

Boy do we have a treat for you lovelies today – a beyond gorgeous two part camp wedding feature from the ever-talented Elizabeth Messina! Val + Lee are all kinds of adorable + they just so happen to be the very lucky winners of Cupcake Vineyards’ “Love Deliciously Dream Wedding” contest, which took place via Pinterest last year. As the winners, they were gifted with the ultimate wedding package, which included photography by Elizabeth as well as the brilliant design + planning services of Alison Events. We’re super in love with their dreamy, laid-back day and all of the romantic + ethereal details they incorporated into their celebration! Val shares a bit more about their inspiration with us below:

Lee and I are both adventurers, we love the outdoors, love hiking, camping, canoeing, etc. Mixed with our appreciation for design and movies, we decided the inspiration for our wedding would be Wes Anderson’s film Moonrise Kingdom. The first big element to reflect our style was our venue; a remote private campground in the middle of the Ocala National Forest, with a 1930’s refurbished dining hall. We incorporated details such as a canvas tent, oil lamps, a custom made flag that said “Camp Waters”, small design elements such as stamps that also mentioned our camp, and  even vintage inspired postcards for our guests to fill in with best wishes and funny remarks for us.

camp watters wedding

protea bouquet11

spanish moss trees

bridesmaids in robes

piggie

getting ready

getting ready

camp bride


Val wore the most ethereal gown by Chaviano Couture, which she paired with a delicate halo headpiece by Twigs & Honey. We’re madly in love with her romantic + sophisticated look!

jeweled hair piece

relaxed bouquet


And that’s a pinworthy bouquet if we ever did see one! It’s the gorgeous creation of the San Francisco based floral studio, Natalie Bowen Designs. Loving that giant king protea!

flower girl 123

bridesmaids in gray

groomsmen

rustic cermeony

rustic cermeony

rustic cermeony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

So hard to pick one!!! There were two that really stayed with me.

1. At the altar, when Keith, our officiant and friend was reciting the ceremony of hands, and Lee and I held hands, my eyes started welling up. I couldn't hold the tears any longer, but had completely forgotten to bring with me my handkerchief, and as my first tear fell down my cheek, Lee took out from his pocket his handkerchief, and gave it to me. It was so tender, so impromptu, but so, so perfectly sweet.

2. At the end of the night when all our friends and family gathered at the dance floor to dance the last song with us. As Lee and I held hands and jumped up and down, it was as if time slowed down; we could see so much joy and love in the faces of all those present. It was a wonderful moment, to feel so much support and blessings from those we love.

rustic cermeony

rustic cermeony

rustic cermeony

bride and groom

bride and groom


Such a pretty, muted palette…

wedding party

wedding party

bride and groom

bride and groom

champagne toast


Seriously gorgeous, right!? Be sure to check back in a bit for Part 2, where we share highlights from Val + Lee’s stunning reception!

photography: Elizabeth Messina // venue name: Lake Doe Campground in Umatilla, Florida // planning: Alison Events Planning & Design // florals: Natalie Bowen Designs // wedding dress: Chaviano Couture // bridesmaid dresses: Katie of Coralie Beatrix // hair stylist: Shelby George // makeup artist: Shelby George // groom attire: J.Crew // paper goods: Designed by Lee and Val, Owners & Founders of 48 Savvy Sailors // catering: Green Coat Catering // cake: Michelle Calabro, Owner of Bakers Cottage Cakes // desserts: Michelle Calabro, Owner of Bakers Cottage Cakes // linen rentals: La Tavola // music: Jacob // officiant: Keith Kolakowski // bridal headpiece: Twigs and Honey // bridal jewelry: Free People // dish rentals: Dishie Rentals // décor: Wish Vintage Rentals // lighting: Jacob // ceremony: Landon Pontius // cocktail music: Landon Pontius // robes: Girl with a Serious Dream // tent: Shelter-co // invitations: Designed by Lee and Val, Owners & Founders of 48 Savvy Sailors // invitations: Letterpressed by Mama's Sauce

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