Riverside Wedding at Azaleana Manor

Alison and Raphael tied the knot during a breathtaking Azaleana Manor wedding in Orange Park, Florida, surrounded by the warmth of their closest family and friends. Nestled right along the banks of the scenic St. Johns River, this stunning historic venue provided the ultimate backdrop for a celebration filled with classic beauty and genuine joy. Alison looked absolutely radiant in her classic gown, while Raphael looked so dapper in a sharp black tuxedo. Dressed in soft sage green, their wedding party perfectly complemented the graceful charm of the grounds and the peaceful river views.

A Bumble Match with a Surprise Connection

My sweet couple first connected on Bumble, leading to their very first date at Hurricane Grill & Wings on February 21, 2022. While chatting over dinner, they uncovered the most amazing coincidence: they had actually attended the exact same high school together for three whole years and shared tons of mutual friends, yet their paths had never officially crossed until that night! They have been completely inseparable every single day since.

Family is at the absolute center of their hearts. Raphael adores how wonderful of a partner Alison is and how naturally she loved his son Jaxon as her very own. Alison deeply appreciates how Raphael makes her feel entirely safe and protected, along with seeing what an extraordinary father he is to all of their boys. After welcoming twin baby boys in March of 2023, their incredible family unit was complete.

A Surreal Sunday Football Proposal

Knowing how hard it is to pull off a surprise for Alison, Raphael planned a proposal she would never forget on October 29, 2023. As huge Sunday football fans (with Raphael rooting for the Steelers and Alison cheering on the Jets), they headed to Hyperion Brewing Company to catch both of their teams playing at 1:00 PM. Alison assumed it was just a casual afternoon out watching the games, but as she walked onto the beautiful outdoor patio, she was greeted by an archway featuring a custom “Will You Marry Me?” sign. Raphael stood underneath surrounded by their closest loved ones waiting to celebrate. It turned out to be the ultimate, most surreal surprise of her life, and of course she said yes!

Waterfront Vows & Patio Reception at Azaleana Manor

Fast forward to November 2024, and their long awaited wedding day finally arrived. Under clear skies, Alison and Raphael exchanged vows overlooking the peaceful waters of the St. Johns River. Following the ceremony, guests gathered on the manor’s elegant open air patio to toast the newlyweds. The evening was packed with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and endless dancing beneath the stars as everyone celebrated the incredible journey of this sweet family.