Megan + Jerry

A Natural Elegant Wedding

Who would have guessed you can meet your soulmate from across the room in Chemistry class, of all places? Not only did Megan get an A from her handsome TA, but she began dating the man that would one day become her husband. After months of planning, Megan and Jerry celebrated their love story with friends and family in a natural elegant wedding at Up the Creek Farms.

rustic natural arbor florals featuring seeded eucalyptus greenery and pale pink flowers

Tell us the story and inspiration behind your wedding

I’d like to first start out with our proposal story since that is a story within itself! It was Thanksgiving day and we were gathered with all our family. Jerry was as nervous as ever! We were at my parent’s house and Jerry’s family came to visit so we could all celebrate the holidays together. All our family was in the backyard when Jerry chose the moment to get down on one knee. The box was still in his pocket, and as he attempted to get it out of his pocket my grandpa yelled: “he’s got a gun!” It definitely made the day one we would never forget!

rustic elegant sweetheart farmtable with lace accents and textural florals

Rustic natural reception centerpieces with wooden table numbers and textured florals

What was the overall theme for your wedding?

We knew we wanted lots of green in terms of floral and design with a natural elegant approach. I loved the idea of having semi-unstructured and natural florals with soft colors and creams mixed in. I knew I wanted Jerry to wear a succulent somehow. We both LOVE succulents. After the wedding, I was able to take the succulent he wore and the succulent on our cake and re-plant them. It’s been about a year and they are still growing strong! I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted other than some basic details, but the floral team at Up the Creek Farms made dreams come true that I didn’t even know I had! I adored the garland that was used as part of the backdrop as we said our vows.

What were the reasons you chose Up the Creek Farms for your wedding?

When we first visited Up the Creek Farms, we immediately fell in LOVE. We enjoyed having the ceremony outdoors with an indoor reception. Jerry grew up in Northern Florida and we both went to FSU for undergrad, which played into us loving the northern Florida vibe Up the Creek possessed. The beautiful Spanish- moss Oak trees were what sealed the deal for us! Our friends and family love to dance so it was important for us to find a venue that could accommodate a band. We live about 1 1/2 hours south of UTCF and they made it so easy to plan the wedding from afar. We used Crystal and Crates and the floral service provided by UTCF, and they did not disappoint!

Vintage lounge set with antique furniture and boho inspired neutral knit poufs

Groom and groomsmen matching blue three piece suits with pink bow ties

What were the personal details of the wedding that are a great reflection of you as a couple?

Family is a huge part of both of our lives so we wanted to incorporate them as much as possible. It all started from where I got my dress, Patricia South’s Bridal. I had looked at many places and didn’t find a dress I was in love with until I went there. After picking my dress, my mom told me that my grandmother got the dress she wore to my mom’s wedding from the same place. Unfortunately, both of my grandparents passed away earlier in the year, but we know they were there in spirit. We had GoGo ( Jerry’s grandmother) be our flower girl, and it was his Auntie Avis that pushed her down the aisle as she threw flower pedals.

Lace wedding dress back detail from Patricia South Bridal in Florida

Wedding dress with custom hanger from Patricia South Bridal

Patricia South Bridal lace wedding dress with diamond trim veil

One of Jerry’s favorite memories was a little surprise I had waiting for him. He is OBSESSED with Star Wars so when we were officially introduced as a couple and walking into the reception, I had the Star Wars Imperial March begin to play. He was shocked and he had the biggest grin on his face as soon as he heard it. For me, I think one of my favorite moments was the first look. There was so much stress and anxiety leading up to the moment, and as soon as Jerry turned around to see me, it all disappeared. I remember feeling a complete wave of calmness overtake me, knowing that everything was going to be perfect. Another special moment was when we were dancing with everyone. I remember looking around, seeing everyone dancing and singing and experiencing so much joy. Neither of us wanted the party to end! To this day, we still get compliments on the band and how much fun our guests had at the wedding.

What advice would you give to future Up the Creek Couples?

Enjoy the process and truly embrace every second of your special day. There is so much planning leading up to the day and it is going to FLY by. I could not have asked for a more perfect day to marry my soulmate. Be decisive and following a timeline. I am so thankful to UTCF’s team for keeping me on track with my planning. Briana (the best wedding coordinator) put together a new floor seating arrangement the week of the wedding when we had multiple guests cancel due to a family emergency. At the end of the day, relax and have fun planning, you only get to do it once!

Thank you to all the Vendors who made this day possible!

Photography Liz Cowie // Catering Executive Catering // Entertainment Hot Property Band // HMUA Salon 44 // Dress Patricia South Bridal // Accommodations Captain Hiram’s // Venue, Florals, Planning Up the Creek Farms