Elopement at Harry. P. Leu Gardens
Natalie and Patrick tied the knot at the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens during their intimate wedding elopement surrounded by their parents and siblings. You may remember this sweet couple from their engagement session at the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead in Ferndale, Florida a few months back. Their engagement was my first official Air Force engagement, and their elopement was my first official elopement! I have to admit I am a big lover of “firsts,” and I couldn’t have picked a more beautiful couple inside and out.
From Middle School Friends to High School Sweethearts
Natalie and Patrick actually met back in middle school in sixth grade, but didn’t start dating until senior year in high school—they just needed a few years of growing up first! The two have an incredibly strong foundation that began with a friendship which naturally evolved into love. Patrick loves how incredibly passionate, caring, and understanding Natalie is and how she brings that into every aspect of her life. Her happiness is consuming, and you can’t help but feel joy when near her. As Patrick lovingly says it, “I’m lucky enough to get to look into her eyes and see all of that.” Natalie loves how caring Patrick is with her and that she is one lucky girl to see the sweeter side of Patrick every single day.
A Movie-Worthy Proposal in Savannah, Georgia
During a trip to Savannah, Georgia, Patrick took Natalie sightseeing around historic downtown. The two enjoyed walking the charming cobblestone streets and, after a while, stumbled upon a familiar spot. Patrick asked Natalie if she recognized the area, because it was the very same location from the movie Forrest Gump where Forrest realized he was only a few blocks from the love of his life. Dropping down to one knee, Patrick asked the love of his life for her hand in marriage, and of course Natalie said yes!
Planning an Orlando Garden Elopement
After their engagement session, we kept in touch. Wedding planning was a little difficult for them with Natalie starting school soon and Patrick traveling periodically for his career. That was until the one fateful email I received where Natalie asked if I would capture their elopement at Harry P. Leu Gardens! I couldn’t have been happier that the two kept me in mind and was so excited to capture another milestone in their life together.
After bouncing a few location ideas back and forth, the two decided on Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida. They chose the charming white gazebo in the Idea Garden for where they would exchange their vows. This intimate Orlando elopement ceremony was the perfect way to celebrate their love with the people who mean the most to them.
We took our time with family portraits under the cooling shade of the trees and moved on to breathtaking newlywed portraits throughout the scenic botanical gardens. Some of my favorite portraits are of the two with Lake Rowena as the backdrop and along the walking path in the Butterfly Garden near the historic cottage. Our elopement wrapped up with a few detail shots of Natalie’s gorgeous bouquet by Katerines Florist alongside their wedding bands and engagement ring. I love the simplicity and elegance of the rose gold on Natalie’s ring set paired with the sporty look of Patrick’s wedding band.
Wishing my darlings Natalie and Patrick a beautiful life together and safe travels as they move west!
