This Lakeview Gardens wedding was one of those days that reminded everyone why Florida weather forecasts should be taken with a grain of salt. Despite chasing storms all day, Marissa and Jeff were gifted sunshine, beautiful gardens, an emotional ceremony, and a sunset that appeared just when we thought it wouldn’t.

For Marissa and Jeff, their wedding day felt even more meaningful because it wasn’t just their wedding day. It was also their 10-year anniversary.

Ten years after being introduced through their siblings, these two best friends stood together at Lakeview Gardens and promised forever in front of the people they love most.

Their day was filled with colorful florals, emotional moments, a surprise sunset, and one unforgettable pool jump to end the night. But beyond the beautiful details, their wedding is also a perfect example of how to create a wedding day that feels authentic to who you are as a couple.

Meet Marissa + Jeff

Some couples finish each other’s sentences.

Marissa and Jeff spend most of their time making each other laugh.

When I asked what they love most about one another, Marissa’s answer was simple:

“Our personalities are so similar. We are always cracking up. Literally my best friend.”

Over the last decade, they’ve built a relationship centered around friendship, adventure, and spending time outdoors. Whether they’re fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, camping, or enjoying a day at the beach, they genuinely enjoy doing life together.

That connection was visible throughout every moment of their wedding day.

Why We Love a Lakeview Gardens Wedding

If you’re searching for a Florida wedding venue that feels both elegant and relaxed, Lakeview Gardens offers the best of both worlds.

The venue’s gardens provide a naturally romantic setting that requires very little additional decor. The greenery, open spaces, and beautiful ceremony locations create a timeless backdrop that photographs beautifully throughout the day.

One of my favorite things about Lakeview Gardens is the variety it offers for portraits. Couples can enjoy intimate garden portraits, wide landscape views, and beautiful sunset opportunities without ever needing to leave the property.

For Marissa and Jeff’s wedding, the venue perfectly complemented their vision of a romantic garden celebration filled with bright, joyful colors.

A Blind Touch vs. A First Look

One of the most emotional moments of the day happened before the ceremony. One of the biggest benefits of a blind touch is that it allows couples to connect before the ceremony while still preserving the emotion of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle. As part of every Salt + Heart wedding experience, I help couples with planning their wedding day timeline so we can create moments that feel authentic to them.

Rather than doing a traditional first look, Marissa and Jeff chose a blind touch.

Standing back to back from one another, they held hands without seeing each other and shared a quiet moment together before the ceremony began.

For couples trying to decide between a first look and waiting until the aisle, a blind touch can be a beautiful middle ground.

You still experience the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony, but you also get a private moment to connect and calm your nerves beforehand.

For Marissa and Jeff, it created one of the most emotional moments of the day while preserving the magic of that aisle reveal.

And when Jeff finally saw Marissa walking toward him, every bit of emotion was written across his face.

What Happens When Rain Is In The Forecast?

If you’ve ever planned a Florida wedding, you know how stressful weather forecasts can be.

Throughout the week leading up to Marissa and Jeff’s wedding, storms seemed to be everywhere.

Even on the wedding day itself, we spent hours watching radar maps and tracking potential rain.

The funny thing?

The rain never came.

Instead, we were gifted sunshine, beautiful skies, and ideal weather for nearly the entire celebration.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give couples is not to panic when rain appears in the forecast.

Florida weather changes constantly. Professional venues have backup plans. Experienced wedding vendors know how to adapt.

Some of the most beautiful wedding days I’ve photographed have started with intimidating weather forecasts.

Marissa and Jeff’s wedding was the perfect example.

Colorful Florals for This Lakeview Gardens Wedding

While many couples choose neutral palettes for garden weddings, Marissa and Jeff embraced color.

Their florals featured vibrant shades of pink, yellow, and orange, creating a joyful contrast against the natural greens throughout the venue.

The result felt fresh, romantic, and full of personality.

Colorful florals are one of my favorite ways for couples to make a garden wedding feel uniquely theirs. The bright blooms photographed beautifully throughout the day and added energy to every detail, from the ceremony space to the reception.

For couples considering a garden venue, don’t be afraid of color. Sometimes the most memorable designs are the ones that feel bold and personal.

Sunset Portraits During This Lakeview Gardens Wedding

As the evening approached, it looked like the clouds might win.

After spending the day tracking storms, we weren’t sure whether a sunset portrait session would happen at all.

Then, just when we thought the opportunity had passed, the sky opened up.

The soft golden light that appeared during the final part of the evening created some of my favorite images from the entire wedding day.

This is exactly why I always encourage couples to stay flexible with their timeline.

Sunset portraits don’t always happen exactly when expected, but when the conditions come together, the results are worth the wait.

Those few extra minutes gave Marissa and Jeff some truly incredible images to remember their day.

Pool Jump Wedding Exits: The Perfect Alternative To Traditional Send Offs

Not every wedding needs a sparkler exit.

Not every wedding needs a grand send off.

Sometimes the best ending is the one that feels most like you.

For Marissa and Jeff, that meant jumping straight into the pool.

Surrounded by laughter, cheers, and their favorite people, they ended their wedding day with a splash and created one of the most memorable moments of the entire celebration.

Pool jumps have become one of my favorite wedding exit alternatives because they’re fun, spontaneous, and completely unforgettable.

Most importantly, they create genuine moments that reflect a couple’s personality rather than following a tradition simply because it’s expected.

And honestly, I can’t imagine a more perfect ending for these two.

Planning Your Own Lakeview Gardens Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a romantic garden wedding at Lakeview Gardens, I’d love to help you create an experience that feels authentic, stress free, and completely centered around your story.

Whether you’re planning colorful florals, debating a first look versus a blind touch, or wondering how to handle a rainy forecast, I’m here to help every step of the way.

At Salt + Heart Photography, wedding photography is about more than beautiful images. It’s about creating an experience that allows you to be fully present while preserving the moments you’ll want to relive for decades to come.

Ready to start planning? Let’s connect.