Meet Jenna and Ryan. They were originally married at the courthouse on January 14th, 2022 and now, 1 year later, they celebrated their wedding with their closest friends and family at the Sanford Women’s Club with a small reception.

Jenna and I grew up together in the same neighborhood. We were close friends and frequently spent our summers babysitting her little brother, JC. When she reached out to me to capture her wedding day, I felt so honored! She had wanted a photographer she personally knew because she wanted to feel comfortable in front of the camera. That is my specialty, so thank you for choosing me <3

Jenna and Ryan met through mutual friends and are both so easy-going; which is the exact vibe of their day. Their wedding was intimate and very relaxed, with nowhere to be but with each other in their families presence. And that’s why I love small weddings so much.

And because they held a small wedding reception, Jenna hired me for 2.5 hours. She told me exactly what she wanted to be captured and I created a photography timeline for those 2.5 hours to photograph all of her wants! In our short time together, I captured her getting ready, her details, their first look, bride & groom portraits, family formals, reception details, dances, and cake cutting.

Here are the other participating vendors that helped to execute such a wonderful day.

Venue: Woman’s Club of Sanford

Photography: Dena Ray Photography

Food Truck: Bill’s Grill’s on Wheels

Cake: Publix

Dj & Entertainment: JQ Entertainment Services

Getting Ready & Details | Sanford Women’s Club

Jenna kept her details simple with just her dress, shoes, and their rings. Jenna’s mother helped her get into her dress and right after, Jenna’s aunt made a surprise, heartfelt appearance to her wedding day.

First Look

Right outside on the patio, we captured their first look moment. Ryan’s reaction was so sweet!

Bride and Groom Portraits

Reception Details | Sanford Women’s Club

Family Formals

Florida delivered a cold and windy 50 degree day so we moved family formals indoors to keep warm. Thankfully, The Woman’s Club of Sanford boasts a beautiful brick fireplace that was perfect for photos.

Introductions and Dancing

There were some special moments during reception that made their wedding especially unique. During introductions, Jenna was introduced through the doors with her dad, Steve, who then walked her to Ryan, to give her away for their first dance. A special way to “give her away” which he hadn’t done yet.

During the mother and son dance, Ryan and Gilda took everyone by surprise by their unplanned, goofy, and fun dance that made everyone laugh! They had no rhythm, rhyme, or reason to the song other than to have a good time, and they did exactly that.

Cutting of the Cake | Sanford Women’s Club

Overall, their day was so very special. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity of capturing their day. Congratulations Jenna and Ryan! I am wishing you both a lifetime of happiness <3