I’ve known Jono and his family since before I can remember… They are all some of the most kind, open-hearted, others-centered, FUN people I know. When they do things, they do them to the fullest and make sure everyone feels loved, included, and special.
Jono has a smile on his face every time I see him. He’s makes hilarious clever videos and is always on some kind of adventure, it seems. He’s loves his circle so much… And it’s a big circle with many people he loves and who love him in return.
Because of who I know Jono to be, I knew Kenzie would be super special too. And just from the couple of times I’ve been around her, I can see that they are the perfect compliment for one another. She’s sweet, smart, beautiful, and also seems to share in a bit of that adventurous spirit that Jono has.
They met in Florida while Jono was helping his sister move. He walked into a coffee shop where barista Kenzie was working, and was so taken by her that he pursued her intentionally until after weeks of FaceTiming and getting to know each other, it was obvious there was something more between the two of them. They would fly to one another, spending in-person quality time when they could, with much of their relationship being long-distance. But now they can finally able to be together all of the time. :) I know they will do some incredible things alongside one another and I’m excited to see what life brings them!
So this is the story of their wedding day… And that is why it was in Florida. :)
I flew into Orlando Thursday, spent the day by the pool, and the night out with my cousin Evan. He’s lived in Orlando for several years and I hadn’t seen him in so long, so that was great! It was nice to have a day to settle in before the wedding the next day.
Friday morning, I enjoyed a delicious smoothie and juice down the street from my hotel at the cutest pop-up juice bar, got ready, and got a Lyft to the venue. “The Acre” is such a cool spot… I’m not sure the history of it, but it’s an interesting layout of small buildings on a single acre of land. Many of the structures are covered in ivy and foliage, and there are palm trees, fountains, hibiscus flowers, and twinkle lights everywhere!
I arrived about an hour early to scout everything out and get a feel for the space. The sun and lighting is so different in Florida than it is here at home in MD/PA. It was so nice to spend the day outside in the fresh air and warm breeze, with the sun beaming down and skies so blue.
Jono and his friends were going over the ceremony setup just before Kenzie and the girls arrived. It was so fun to see so many familiar faces, friends of theirs who were helping to bring everything together, including my brother Jesse and SIL Karlie! He was set to play guitar and sing during the ceremony, and Karlie was helping with the live stream! I love when everyone comes together for people they love like this. :)
Meanwhile, the girls were all upstairs in the main building getting the last of their finishing touches dolled up, and putting on their dresses, peeking out the window every now and again to see how things were coming along outside.
A couple of tiny buildings down, Jono was getting dressed too, while his barber from back home spent time doing all of his groomsmen’s hair, which was so cool.. He flew down and brought all of this equipment with him and had a whole setup going for the guys. They looked so sharp once he was done!
Just before the ceremony, Kenzie’s dad and brothers came up to see her which was such a sweet moment. Her dress was amazing! I’d never seen something so unique and ethereal. It was both simple and exquisite and looked stunning on her…
After seeing her family, Kenzie went outside to share in a sweet and tender prayer with Jono, on either side of the corner, without seeing each other. :) Guests were beginning to gather and they didn’t want to be seen so they kept it quick, but it was still so perfect. Kenzie gave Jono a bracelet she had made too.
Their ceremony was so special and sweet. I loved the arch and the simplicity of the way they decorated. They had a special time of worship, communion, readings, and hand-written vows.
Family photos! Always so important. These are the images that future generations want to see. :)
I loved how the bridal party consisted entirely of Jono + Kenzie’s siblings! Jenna and Kaila are Jono’s sisters and were bridesmaids as well as Kenzie’s sister Emerson and her sister-in-law Morgan. David and Josh (Jenna and Kaila’s husbands) were groomsmen alongside Kenzie’s brothers, Hunter and Nic. And Kaila’s daughter Charlotte was the little flower girl. :)
This was such a beautiful highlight of the day. Jono + Kenzie were announced into their reception first, so they could then announce the rest of their bridal party in. They said something beautiful and incredibly heart-felt about each of their siblings and in-laws. Everyone loved to watch as they made them feel so loved, honored, and special. They finished by speaking about their parents and thanking them for all they guidance and love they’ve given them throughout their lives. It was so special and sweet…
Dinner was breakfast! Mixed with a few other things too. :) Cute little quiches, fruit, waffles, apple crisp, and more!
After a couple of speeches, Kenzie + Jono shared in their first dance, to a beautiful original song that Kenzie’s sister wrote and played live for us with her brother Nic. Then were the parent dances… Jono and Janice’s was so fun, it was I Love My Mom by Blake Rules which gave everyone a laugh, and Kenzie and her dad danced to Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, such a sweet classic. :)
For the remainder of the evening, guests mixed and mingled, enjoyed a few cocktails, and danced… As the sun was going down, the twinkle lights became more prominent and the big tree in the center of the property lit up in such a magical way!
I loved watching everyone laughing and enjoying being together having such a great time. And all of the colors of the Hawaiian shirts was so great to capture.. Oh and instead of cake, there was an ice cream bar!
We took some special “friends” group shots, including one of all of the people that have lived at Jono’s parents’ house! Told you they have open hearts!
Kenz changed out of her gorgeous wedding gown into such a fun two-piece outfit, which looked Havana-inspired to me. I just loved it! And Jono’s Hawaiian shirt had Kenzie’s face all over it lol… They are such a fun couple and their zest for life is truly infectious!
I didn’t want the evening to end… It seemed to come so quickly so we were holding onto every last second until it was time to go… But alas, it was time. They wheeled down the aisle to their getaway car in their two-seater together, with all of us surrounding them, wishing them well as they began their journey together as official Mr. + Mrs!!
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Being present to photograph this day was so incredibly special to me for so many reasons! I felt like family. Everyone was so kind, loving, happy, and sweet and the whole day was just awesome…
Sending SO much love to these two and their amazing, special families. <3 This was a day I’ll never forget!
Venue: The Acre, Orlando, Florida
Hair + Makeup: Kaila Moseley, @km.hmuartistry
Gown: One + Only Bridal, Watters (designer)
Suit: Casey Rowe
Barber: Zay Bonilla, @_zaycutz_, Westminster, Maryland