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There’s something so magical about a wedding that combines rustic charm with elegance, and Lauren and Jason’s wedding at Protea Wedding and Events in Ocala, Florida, was just that. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque barn on a sprawling plot of land surrounded by horses, cows, and majestic trees draped in Spanish moss, their wedding day was the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and heartfelt moments. It was an unforgettable celebration of love, family, and joy, and I had the honor of capturing it all as their photographer.
A Picture-Perfect Venue: Protea Wedding and Events
Nestled in the heart of Ocala, Protea Wedding and Events offers one of the most stunning and serene settings for a wedding. The large white barn, with its clean, classic aesthetic, is beautifully surrounded by lush greenery, and the gentle presence of horses grazing in the distance added a unique, country feel to the entire day. The towering trees, with their graceful Spanish moss hanging from the branches, created the perfect backdrop for Lauren and Jason’s elegant celebration.
For a couple that wanted an unforgettable, intimate wedding surrounded by nature, this venue was truly the perfect fit.
A Heartfelt Ceremony Under the Spanish Moss
Lauren and Jason’s ceremony was nothing short of magical. They exchanged vows beneath the canopy of a massive tree, with the Spanish moss swaying gently in the breeze and a peaceful lake shimmering in the background. It felt like something out of a fairytale—a moment frozen in time. Their one-year-old son, Jett, played a special role in their wedding, and his joyful presence made the ceremony even more meaningful. You could see the love in every glance they shared, and their ceremony was a beautiful reflection of their love for each other, and their family.
Playful Moments with Family & Friends
One of the sweetest moments of the day was when the groomsmen helped little Jett get ready. The guys, in their black tuxedos, took a moment to dress their tiny ring bearer and help him with his little tuxedo—such a sweet and playful part of the day. The bond between father and son was palpable, and it was clear that family was at the heart of everything Lauren and Jason did.
Meanwhile, the bridesmaids had their own fun moment outside the bridal suite with a champagne spray. As Lauren and the girls celebrated together, it added an extra touch of joy and excitement to the morning, setting the tone for a fun and lively day ahead.
First Touch
Lauren and Jason wanted their first look to be special, and they opted for a “first touch” moment before the ceremony. They stood back to back, reaching out to touch each other’s hands without seeing one another, sharing a private moment before the big reveal at the ceremony. This quiet moment was a beautiful reflection of their deep connection.
When it came time for the actual first look, the ceremony down the aisle was filled with emotion. As Lauren walked toward Jason under the beautiful tree with the lake behind them, you could see the love and excitement in both their faces. It was the perfect start to their wedding day.
Portraits Surrounded by Nature
After the ceremony, we took some time for portraits around the property. The surrounding land, with horses grazing in the distance and large trees draped in Spanish moss, created the perfect rustic yet elegant setting. Lauren and Jason looked like they stepped out of a dream, with the natural beauty of the property serving as a stunning backdrop for their portraits.
Whether standing together beneath a tree or sharing a quiet moment in front of a row of grazing horses, every shot felt like it belonged in a storybook. It was easy to capture their love with the stunning landscape surrounding them.
Reception Fun and Champagne Tower
As the sun began to set, Lauren and Jason’s reception was a celebration like no other. The barn, illuminated with warm lights, was the perfect setting for the festivities. One of the most memorable moments of the reception was when Lauren and Jason poured champagne into a tower of stacked glasses. The champagne cascaded down in a perfect flow, creating a picture-perfect moment for photos. The elegance of this gesture was matched only by the fun and joy that filled the barn as they celebrated with their friends and family.
The wedding cake, a beautiful naked cake topped with white roses, was just as elegant and simple as their color palette. It was a sweet, understated touch that fit perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the day.
Trendy Flash Photography and the Bride’s Outfit Change
In addition to the beautiful natural light, we took some time during the reception to step aside and create a set of trendy, fun flash photography portraits of Lauren and Jason. These shots were filled with energy and gave a modern twist to their classic wedding photos, capturing the couple’s fun-loving and playful side.
Lauren also made a stunning outfit change during the reception. As always, an outfit change adds an extra layer of excitement and fun to the day, and Lauren's second look was the perfect way to keep the energy high and the celebration going.
A Private Last Dance and Sparkler Exit
As the evening wound down, Lauren and Jason shared a private last dance together—just the two of them. This intimate moment allowed them to soak in the beauty of the day and reflect on the journey they had just begun. It was the perfect, quiet end to a day full of joy and love.
Finally, the night ended with a spectacular sparkler exit outside the barn. With friends and family cheering them on, Lauren and Jason ran through a tunnel of sparkling lights. The excitement and happiness were contagious, and it was the perfect send-off to end a perfect day.
Protea Wedding and Events: A Dream Venue
Protea Wedding and Events in Ocala proved to be the ideal venue for Lauren and Jason’s wedding. Its natural beauty, paired with the elegant white barn, made for a wedding that was both rustic and refined. From the picturesque ceremony under the Spanish moss to the lively reception and sparkler exit, everything about this venue contributed to making their wedding day unforgettable.
Lauren and Jason’s wedding was a perfect celebration of love, family, and the beauty of nature. With a mix of timeless elegance, playful moments, and heartfelt family connections, it was a day that they, and all their guests, will never forget.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines rustic charm with elegance, Protea Wedding and Events in Ocala is the place to be. It’s a venue that offers the perfect blend of nature and luxury, making it one of the most beautiful locations in Florida for any celebration.
As a wedding photographer, I would absolutely love to be back at this venue!