bowing oaks plantation wedding: carl + nikki

It was fitting that the boutonniere he wore on his lapel was made of the same material as her gown, because the two of them are woven together in just the same way. They have resided in each other’s souls for so long they are simply a part of one another, their lives entwined into one in a way that could never possibly be taken apart. And that day as she stood on the altar in her dress, he wore a little piece of it near his heart, and they promised their stories would be interwoven just like the fibers they shared . . . .

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Carl and Nikki are married! They had a gorgeous wedding day up in Jacksonville at Bowing Oaks Plantation that we couldn’t have loved being a part of any more. There was such a laid back ease about the entire day, and that combined with the incredibly kind hearts of the two people at the center of it all made for such an amazing day. Nikki wore a custom made wedding gown, that included detailing made to look like branches and an off the shoulder neckline that we just adored. And that combined with the fall palette of florals and the gold accessory in her hair made for the most ethereal bridal look. It was absolutely no surprise when Carl wore the most giant smile when he got to see her walk down the aisle that day.

The two of them opted for a smaller bridal party that included their closest friends. And we loved that on Nikki’s side this meant including her brother as a “brides-man”. We always tell our couples that every bit of their wedding day should be about them, and this wedding most definitely was! There were so many adorable Lego-themed details throughout the day, from the invitation suite to the replicas of the bride and groom, to the Lego station where guests got to recreate themselves. The reception and cocktail hour were filled with succulent arrangements, and a cake adorned with a Lego topper overlooked the dance floor. And after some super sweet, laughter-filled speeches by the best man and maid of honor everyone filled up on comfort foods like mac-n-cheese and pulled pork before hitting the dance floor.

Carl and Nikki, you obviously know that we adore you two to bits, but we hope you also know how much we loved getting to be the ones to save each and every one of these memories. We hope you love these favorites as much as we do!

Love + Laughs,

Sarah & Ben

Sign of Bowing Oaks Plantation wedding venue and some white rocking chairs shot by Sarah Ben photography in Jacksonvile,FL Lego themed wedding invitation suite by Sarah & Ben Photography The bride's dress draped over a blue bench next yo her bouquet of flowers The brides wedding bouquet on a blue bench by Tampa Wedding photographer's Sarah & Ben Gold bar earrings dangle from the bride's florals on her wedding day The bride's red wedding shoes against the lace of her wedding dress and a close up of her bracelet Bride and groom lego themed invitation with two succulent plants used as centerpieces Bride and groom custom lego figures holding the wedding ring by Sarah & Ben Photography based in Tampa, FL The Bride getting into her wedding dress in Black and White at Bowing Oaks Plantation Detail of the lace in the bride's dress and a picture of the bride putting her red shoes on Bride seeing herself in her wedding dress for the first time in Jacksonville, Florida's Bowing Oaks Plantation Custom engraved ring box with the bride and groom's rings balanced on top The groom's tie and watch on the wood top of a steamer trunk by Sarah & Ben Photography Classic portrait of a groom by Sarah & Ben Photography in Jacksonville, FL The Best Man helping the Groom with his navy jacket The groom sitting on a brick wall and a detail picture of the grooms custom boutonniere Groom and his groomsmen in matching Navy suits by Sarah & Ben Photography Solo portrait of the groom in Navy with red accents at Bowing Oaks Plantation Black and White image of a groom laughing on his wedding day Groom and his groomsmen underneath some old oak trees in Jacksonville, FL Groom smiling at the camera in a Navy Suit with red pocket square The Bride holding her dress and her bouquet as she walks a brick path by Sarah & Ben Photography The bride ina classic pose holding her flowers and a close up of the florals against her dress Waist up shot of the Bride holding her flowers as she looks into the camera Bride and her wedding party walk a brick path at Bowing Oaks Plantation in Jacksonville, FL Bride and her Maid of Honor laughing against the greenery of the property Bride and her Maid of Honor share a laugh as they touch their foreheads together Classic black and white image of the bride posing with her flowers by Sarah & Ben Photography Reception details at the Bowing Oaks Plantation in Jacksonville, FL including a small succulent Sarah & Ben Photography took this photo of the Bowing Oaks Plantation wedding ceremony site The golden light shines through the oak trees at the wedding ceremony The groom smiles and laughs as he sees his bride for the first time walking down the aisle The bride and her father walk down the aisle at Bowing Oaks Plantation The wedding ceremony under an oak tree by Sarah & Ben Photography The best man knees as he hands the rings to the officiant at Bowing Oaks by Sarah & Ben Photography A genuine look from the groom to his bride during the wedding ceremony Bride and Groom walk back up the aisle to their wedding reception at Bowing Oaks Plantation Maid of Honor holding her full bouquet of flowers against her Navy dress The wedding party pose along a brick path at Bowing Oaks Plantation in Jacksonville, FL Bride swinging on a flower swing being pushed by her Groom by Sarah & Ben Photography Close up picture of the rings on the bride's hand holding the swing The bride and groom dance under the twinkle lights by Sarah & Ben Photography Bride and Groom about the share a kiss at the Bowing Oaks Plantation Bride and Groom sharing loving glances after their wedding ceremony The newlyweds pose in front of the reception barn at the Bowing Oaks Plantation Bride and Groom sharing a kiss under the oak tree before their reception Kissing during golden hour against a white fence Reception details of a table under white drapery in the ceiling at Bowing Oaks Plantation A white and blue cake with lego figures as the topper and a centerpiece of flowers Full room shot of all the tables and chandeliers in the reception barn at Bowing Oaks Plantation First dance smiles by the Bride and Groom by Sarah & Ben Photography Father Daughter dance as family and friends watch in the backgroundThe wedding couple laugh as their friends give speeches to the reception hall The Bride and Groom sneak a hand hold during dinner service by Sarah & Ben Photography at Bowing Oaks Plantation Hand holding bride and groom at Bowing Oaks Plantation in Jacksonville, Fl by Sarah & Ben Photography

Credit Where Credit is Due:

Photography: Sarah & Ben

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Bowing Oaks Plantation

Hair: Sam Stark

Wedding Dress Designer: Joshua Winchester

Groom and Groomsmen Apparel: Men’s Wearhouse

Caterer: 4Rivers

Coordinator: Coastal Coordinating

Florist: Feather & Bloom

Cake Design: Publix

DJ: Ancient City Sound Experience

Invitation Designer: M.C. Pressure

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  1. Teresa & Peter Flinders says:

    Nikki looks beautiful in her wedding gown I Carl looks very distinguished! They look so happy! The venue, flowers, everything looked beautiful! Everyone looks like they’re having so much fun! We were sorry to miss it all but thank you for bringing it to us in such a beautiful montage!

    We wish Nikki & Carl a happy long life together!

  2. Kathleen Flynn Irion says:

    Nikki and Carl –
    Your wedding looked magnificent and you both
    looked like happiness itself – my wishes for you are
    that this happiness remains forever and ever, and I truly know it will.
    My love to you both,
    Aunt Kathleen

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