As an Orlando Destination Wedding Photographer, I have the privilege of capturing love stories from all over the world. But there's something special about shooting a wedding at the most magical place on earth, and that's exactly what I got to do for Andrew and Julie's big day.
It was a windy November day at Paddlefish in Disney Springs, and the bridesmaids were dressed in beautiful deep green velvet dresses while the groomsmen wore sleek black suits. The atmosphere was electric with excitement as the couple exchanged their vows on the top deck, surrounded by their closest family and friends.
As the reception kicked off, the Louisiana State University fight song played and everyone cheered, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Julie and her bridesmaids danced and danced there on the top deck of Paddlefish, one of my favorite locations for a Disney Area Destination Wedding, surrounded by their loved ones, and it was clear to see the love and adoration they had for each other.
But their love story didn't start on this windy November day. No, it began way back when they were just teenagers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They met when Andrew was 16 and Julie was 15, and although they initially friend zoned each other, they became the best of friends. They even went to prom together, but as often happens, they went their separate ways for college.
Years passed and Julie moved an hour and a half away from their hometown, where she had a beautiful baby girl. Tragically, her daughter's father passed away and Julie moved back home when her daughter was 1 and 1/2. It was at a local festival that she ran into Andrew again, and their love story was reignited. Andrew has been the biggest blessing in Julie's life and the best father figure to her daughter. He treats her as his own and they've been together for almost 5 years now. And when he proposed on January 4th, 2020, he made sure to include Julie's daughter in the special moment. He gave her a teddy bear with a diamond necklace on it, and when Julie picked it up, she saw the ring under it. It was such a perfectly romantic proposal and exactly what Julie wanted.
As I captured their special day, it was clear to see the love and devotion Andrew and Julie have for each other. It was an honor to be a part of their love story and to capture it for them to cherish forever.
