Organic, Handmade Florida Vow Renewal: Jenn + Derrek

Florida Nursery Wedding

Jenn + Derrek are the talented photographers behind Flora + Fauna and, although they photograph weddings for a living, this sweet duo never had a wedding of their own. They always had intentions of celebrating five years of marriage with a vow renewal and, after traveling all over the world and seeing weddings of all sorts, they decided to keep it local to Florida where they are rooted. They incorporated all of their friends from the wedding industry into their day – including the photographer behind these pretty images, Christina Lilly – and made sure the celebration was true to who they are.

Jenn shares, We wanted our wedding to feel simplistic, organic, & timeless. Our wedding was more about celebrating together with our closest friends and family. We wanted to be surrounded by our loved ones in a beautiful setting with delicious food & fun dance music. There’s something to be said about gathering all of your loved ones in a space at once. It’s truly a once in a lifetime event.

green invitation

ring

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

Christina Lilly tells us, The history of their venue dates back to 1882. You drive through a tropical oasis when you arrive. The roads twist around giant oak trees with sweeping Spanish moss and swaying palms. Derrek and Jenn got ready together in the Georgian style mansion. All of the bedrooms are lined with wedding photos from the last century. It was fitting that they would invite all of us to this place. They both have such a sense of nostalgia, and could potentially come from another era themselves. Jenn wore a blush two piece Grace Loves Lace dress, and Derrek wore a fitted burgundy suit from J. Crew. Their wedding style will sit nicely on the walls of The Glen Venue  for centuries to come. They were a nod to a victorian couple, but with a very modern twist.

ring bearer

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

two piece dress

Jenn, just looking all beautiful! :)

Grace Loves Lace Dress

Florida Nursery Wedding

Grace Loves Lace Dress

Florida Nursery Wedding

The Wilding Collective crafted Jenn’s bouquet + the reception florals and Casey from Modern Classic Beauty went with an understated braid + romantic makeup to give Jenn the perfect vow renewal look.

braided hair

Florida Nursery Wedding

floral tie

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

Having lost her father early last year, Jenn walked down the aisle with her + Derrek’s 5 year old son, Liam, and her mother. She wore her mother’s opal ring that carries the sentiment of her parent’s marriage. With vintage photos of her parent’s youth scattered around, it was as if her father was still there.

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

J + D chose Ramona by Night Beds for their recessional.

Florida Nursery Wedding

Florida Nursery Wedding

calligraphy menu

honey favor

As the sun was setting, everyone gathered under an arbor of Magnolia trees. Jenn draped the tables with hand dyed silk and crepe fabrics + Restaurant Orsay provided a delicious celebratory meal.

Florida Nursery Wedding

calligraphy mneu

cake table

naked cakes

Florida Nursery Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Accept that all things won’t be perfect on your wedding day & be okay with that. Hire a day of coordinator. Take the time to step back away from everyone and appreciate everything.

photography: Christina Lilly // venue name: The Glen Venue, Glen Saint Mary, Florida // florals: The Wilding Collective // wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace // hairpiece: Free People // bride's shoes: Schutz Shoes // hair stylist: Casey with Modern Classic Beauty // makeup artist: Casey with Modern Classic Beauty // catering: Restaurant Orsay // cake: Marisa with Sweet 'N' Flour // music: DJ Kevin Snow // officiant: My brother-in-law, Joe // groom attire: Ludlow by J. Crew, General Knot & Co., Weiss Watch // paper goods: Claire Hudson with Pennys & Stamps, Mary Kate Moon // rentals: St. Augustine Illuminations

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