Cleo’s love story with Evan started long before they met—rooted in her childhood dreams. When her brother married last year in Colorado, she was a bridesmaid, and that’s where we first crossed paths. Fast forward a bit, and Cleo reached out to me just over a month before her own wedding, asking if I was available for her elopement in Florida. Thankfully, the stars aligned, and I was free! So, we booked the trip, and off I went to Eden Gardens. Cleo’s family has been vacationing in Florida for years, a tradition that started when she and her brother were kids. And here’s the kicker—when Cleo was 13, they took a tour of Eden Gardens State Park, and she casually told her family, “I’m going to get married here one day.” Talk about manifesting your own love story!

When their annual vacation rolled around this year, Cleo and Evan had the perfect idea: why not bring his closest family along and turn it into a wedding? It seemed almost too good to be true, but Cleo decided to call the state park anyway—knowing they typically book out 6+ months in advance. As fate would have it, there was one recent cancellation for a Saturday wedding, and it just so happened to be the exact week they’d already planned to be there. All the pieces fell into place like it was meant to be, and Cleo’s 13-year-old dream became a reality.

Finding “The Spot” at Eden Gardens State Park

The day before the wedding, we gathered at Eden Gardens—Cleo, her mom, her uncle (who also served as their officiant), and her soon-to-be in-laws. Everyone was excited but still savoring the calm before the big day. As we walked through the park, Cleo’s mom pointed out the giant oak tree, “the spot.” She shared the sweet story of why it meant so much.

Eden Gardens State Park has this quiet, Southern charm from the moss-draped oak trees, grand old mansion, and wrap-around porch. There’s something magical about a spot that holds memories from over 100 years ago, and for Cleo, this place was more than just scenic—it was part of her story. You can’t really argue with fate when it gives you a backdrop like that.

Dreamy Destination Wedding Photos in Florida

It was a warm summer day in Florida, but we found relief in the shade of Eden Gardens’ oak trees—and, of course, cooled off by the ocean later that evening. Despite the heat, you could feel the calm and contentment radiating from Cleo and Evan. Surrounded by their closest family, they were finally married and officially a family of three. The ceremony was perfectly intimate.

After exchanging vows, we wandered the park’s lawn for some portraits, capturing them in those quiet, candid moments. Naturally, we couldn’t miss out on Destin’s iconic white sandy beaches for a few more shots by the water. As the evening drew to a close, we celebrated at a local restaurant in 30A, ending the night with a bubble send-off that perfectly matched the lighthearted vibe of the day. It was simple, meaningful, and everything they had hoped for.

Stick around! Click here to see this small beach wedding in Negril, Jamaica.

Vendors

Videographer | Taylor Longcrier

Chairs & Podium | 30a Tents + Events

Cake | Sweet Henrietta’s