Intimate Mirco Wedding at the Baughman Center | Gainesville Wedding Photographer

Ana & Brian are the kind of people who instantly make people feel included like their joy is yours to share in. They were so real and truly present during the moments that folded on their wedding day.

I’ve said this before, but it is magical seeing the differences between micro weddings and pre-Covid weddings. We have seen quite our share of micro weddings to date – each event has had different settings, reasoning, and of course couples. While shifting your wedding plans comes with many challenges, what we continue to see is how micro weddings remind us what wedding days are all about. Most micro weddings have the traditional elements of a wedding day – getting ready, chapel ceremony, portraits, and delicious meal. The biggest difference I’ve seen is the energy of a micro wedding can be calmer, simpler and the result is a bride and groom who get to be present with each other and their guests. This is what matters after all. Celebrating the love you share with the people you love.

This day began with Ana getting ready at Hotel Eleo. It is such a beautiful space. The hotel rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows – a photographer’s dream! Ann was so relaxed and calm as she got ready with her family around her. My favorite moments were her interactions with her Grandmother as she got into her dress. You will see below, the look of pride and love her grandmother had as she helped Ana get dressed.

The wedding ceremony took place at the University of Florida’s iconic chapel, The Baughman Center. The chapel has floor-to-ceiling windows and is located on UF’s campus right next to a large lake. Baughaus designed floral arrangements at the entry of the chapel and for the couple to stand next to as they said their vows. The officiant led the couple through a lasso (El Lazo) ceremony. It is a traditional Hispanic wedding ceremony to symbolize unity between the couple. Ana’s grandmother and sister placed a lasso over the couple as a symbol of the oneness in their marriage. I’ve never seen anything like this!

Ana’s parents hosted the reception in their backyard. Tables were nestled under a big white tent with twinkling market lights hanging above. Arrangements of white florals and greenery say atop a crisp white linen alongside taper candles in gold candlesticks. They had a wall of greenery and a custom neon sign with their names were installed in the backdrop. Instead of doing a sparkler exit, they did a sparkler entrance which led straight into their dances. What a fun way to enter the party! Each of Ana & Brian’s guests gave a toast to the couple, including a family member who was on facetime because they weren’t able to travel to the wedding. It was really sweet and intimate – you could truly feel that the union was not just between Ana and Brian but also their two families. These smaller celebrations where the bride and groom can celebrate with each cherished individual remind me what weddings are truly all about.

Ana & Brian, thanks for including us in your special day. Congratulations to you both as you start this next chapter!