A Fairy Tale Beginning

A dresser drawer opened as Nestle, Hershey and Chewy munched on their bedtime spring mix. This wasn’t the planned Florence, Italy proposal, rather hometown Jacksonville, FL. A ring box snapped open, all eyes on Matt. He dropped to one knee. “Yes.” Erin cried! The guinea pigs and hamster gave their consent. March 23, 2020. This was the best time in the worst of times. An engagement ring gleaming on her hand. Resplendent and sugarcoated with love in a world confronted by a global paradigm shift.

This love story started in 2011 at Merrill Lynch’s café with a lunch wrap—she said “hold the mayo and ranch!” Chef Matt looked at Erin, who had just relocated to Jacksonville from Chicago, and said “Oh, I definitely will remember you!” After a few dates and delicious dinners cooked by Matt, timing was not right, so they went their separate ways. To Matt, she was the girl that got away. After some life and job changes, they reconnected. Talk about irony. While unwrapping dishes in her new apartment, Erin found a red plate left by Matt almost a decade ago. Kept all those years. Another first date and it was perfect. The old cliché of finding your person, your best friend and one true love is not just stuff of fairy tales.

Which brings us to Disney and Erin’s family’s pilgrimages to “Mouse Houses” since she was 5 years old. Erin's parents moved to beautiful St. Augustine also in 2011—beaches and closer to WDW! Matt joined them, and he + Erin have started their own magical traditions. While travel overseas is still a huge goal, in these uncertain times, holding Erin’s hand with his eyes open and head up on every rollercoaster, literally and figuratively—well, isn’t that what commitment is all about? Yes, the elaborate honeymoon has to wait but they are here, amidst a pandemic, together. A Covid love story, proposal, and marriage. And now their 3 “little piggies” and hamster will live with them in a new home, excited by a much bigger space with room to grow.

THE STORY OF THE DAY

This was ALWAYS the wedding Erin + Matt had envisioned, even given the current circumstances, because they were able to have one of the most beautiful days ever— their family and guests were part of it, wishing them many years of happiness. Misty gray skies at St. Johns Golf & Country Club, St. Augustine, could not dampen the love radiating from them during the First Look photos at 7:30 am Tears of joy and pride. Off to the course in golf carts, along with Erin’s father, swathing Erin in sheets, to protect her mermaid dress from morning rain and dew, for more “romantic” captures with the bride and groom on the bridge and rolling hills. The skies brightened as guests arrived for the 11 am outdoor ceremony and a soft palette of muted greens and browns, combined with the tranquil water view of the 9th hole, provided a spectacular backdrop. Erin had her personal vows on paper--Matt read his from his phone! Both heartfelt and sincere. Moments after Dr. Buford Adams pronounced them husband and wife, a slight breeze nudged aside the gray clouds and blue dotted the sky. Erin whispered to Matt “we got this” as they walked up the aisle to “You’re My Best Friend.”

Before entering The Bridge Room, steps away from the peaceful ponds, a group photo of guests posed at their seats was taken before masking and included those who had just come for the ceremony. Keepsake image for only the 4th wedding in the newly renovated venue appointed with reclaimed wood beams and stunning barn door.

“Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Two large framed photo collages of invited wedding guests were on display. Curated by Erin and her mother, family and friends asked “where did you get that photo?” Collages of family members coupled with young and adult Erin + Matt brought laughter and tears. Against floor to ceiling windows, overlooking panoramic vistas, father/daughter and mother/son danced to “Tomorrow’s Child” and “So Glad You Are A Child of Mine.” Five videos, with photos and music, created by Erin, played throughout the reception, allowing everyone to experience the same emotions.

From the emotional first look pics, as Matt turned around and saw Erin in her wedding dress, wearing Matt’s grandmother’s 68 year old diamond ring guard as her very treasured something old, tears flowed as hugs and kisses were shared. Silence. Words. Their coming union, vows, and happy memories of the past. Laughter. Joyful tears were shed as Erin walked down the aisle to her groom as her father gave her away. They became husband and wife, holding hands, and with glowing smiles, took their first walk as The Gilligan’s—signed and sealed. Emotive moments created by the wedding participants and guests magically unfolded around Erin + Matt during the reception. Quick fire emotional moments flowed like a dream come true coupled with profound sentimental attachment. A matrimonial must see, and, at the end of the day, Erin + Matt playfully made their getaway. Erin, decked out in a pink jacket embroidered with their monogram, joined Matt in a golf cart, cheered on by family and friends. Off to dote on the dreamy details……