Kelsey & Alex

Highland Manor in Apopka, Florida was the perfect rustic venue for Kelsey and Alex engagement. The two will actually be going all out in celebration of their October wedding next year by having TWO ENGAGEMENTS! I am so excited to spend so much time with the couple before. They are such a lively duo and had me laughing the entire time.

For our first engagement session, Kelsey wanted a rustic venue with tons of character. I knew that it would be hard to find the perfect spot; that was until I found the Highland Manor in Apopka, Florida. Many know the manor for its grand Victorian home set among rolling hills and large oaks, but a little known secret is just across the main entrance. The sweetest chapel made of wood and stained glass stands quietly almost going unnoticed as you drive in. The chapel’s small wrap around walkway shelters local baby ducks and peacocks from the rain and heat of hot summer days. Standing next to the chapel, is a grand old oak and wooden shed. Beautiful vines with shades of purple and green crawl up the tree and shed as they reach up for the sky. It is really just magical and the perfect start to saying your ‘I do’s’ before heading in for a grand reception in the Victorian home.

The sweet chapel was perfect for my sweet couple. The two met back in 2013 while Kelsey was attending Florida State University, or as she puts it “the greatest university” ever! Their personalities clicked and they both loved one another’s family. Of course, it was no surprise as close as their families were, that Alex would include everyone when asking for Kelsey’s hand in marriage.

One night during their stay at Kelsey’s family’s condo in New Smyrna Beach, her dad started to play music out of nowhere. Kelsey was incredibly confused as they were all about to head out to get dinner and he needed to be getting ready. He turned on “Give It All We Got Tonight” by George Strait, which was Kelsey and Alex’s song. When she came into the room, a banner came down from the blinds that said, “Kelsey, Will You Marry Me?” Alex popped down on one knee in front of her family and asked her the big question. Kelsey of course said yes and couldn’t wait to share their song for the rest of their lives with one another.

I will give you a hint of where their second engagement session will be… with the sand in their toes and love in their eyes, it is only right we capture where their journey together began.

Venue: Highland Manor