A spring wedding day in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Black and white photo of a bride in a strapless gown and groom in a suit walking outside a grand Southern estate.

The Lovdahl Wedding


Abby and Bo's March wedding day brought together two of the most beautiful settings along the Gulf Coast — the gardens at Eden Gardens State Park and the water at Tops'l Beach Resort. Abby had a simple vision for the day: let the natural beauty of the gardens shine and fill the day with plenty of joy. And somehow, the weather couldn't have been more perfect.



While no one planned their Florida wedding as an escape from winter, their guests enjoyed a dreamy day of sunshine while everyone back home was watching the snowfall.

Black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a romantic kiss on a elegant white columned porch.
Images by McKinley Made
Bride in white gown raises bouquet joyfully while groom in navy suit carries her outdoors under oak trees.
Bride in white gown surrounded by bridesmaids in pink dresses holding bouquets outdoors in a lush green wooded setting.
Black and white photo of bride and groom sharing a first look moment on a classic white Southern plantation porch.
Wedding party celebrates as bride and groom kiss outdoors, bridesmaids in pink dresses under moss-covered trees.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom walking outdoors, bride holding bouquet aloft, long dress trailing behind.
Dapper groom in navy suit with floral boutonniere stands confidently on green lawn at outdoor wedding.
Black and white photo of bride and groom posing by white columns on a porch surrounded by lush greenery.
Bride in white gown and veil holding pink bouquet standing on green lawn under oak trees.
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing in park setting, bride holding floral bouquet.

Vendors

Photography + Videography

McKinley Made

Coordination

Anchored by Grace

Ceremony

Eden Gardens State Park

Reception + Catering

Tops'l Beach & Racquet Resort

Florals

Bella Flora

Hair + Makeup

Destin Mobile Makeup Box

DJ

GTS Entertainment

Rentals

850 Rentals

Dress

Our Shop Bridal


Bride in white gown walks with bridesmaids in pink dresses holding bouquets outdoors in a tree-lined garden.

Eden Gardens

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs under a large oak tree draped in Spanish moss on a sunny day.

Abby chose to get married beneath a beautiful live oak at Eden Gardens, with wooden chairs and baby's breath as the only additions to the already beautiful setting. It was simple in the best way, allowing the gardens to be the backdrop rather than trying to transform them.

Emotional father wiping tears during wedding day first look with bride in white gown outdoors.

The morning was full of sweet moments before the ceremony — first looks with her dad and three brothers, followed by her first look with Bo. With first looks, Abby and Bo were able to do the majority of their photos before the ceremony, and the golden afternoon light made the gardens even more beautiful.

Bride in white gown surrounded by bridesmaids in pink dresses holding bouquets of baby's breath at wedding.

Abby's 13 bridesmaids each wore a different styles and shades of pink, bringing so much personality to the bridal party. Just before the ceremony, Abby shared a quiet moment of prayer with her mom and bridesmaids before meeting her groom at the end of the aisle.

A couple embraces on a white sand beach at sunset, the groom kissing the bride as she smiles in a white gown.
Outdoor wedding reception on a deck at dusk with string lights, white chairs, and a hotel backdrop.

From the Gardens to the Water


While guests made their way from Eden Gardens to Tops'l Beach Resort, I headed over to check on the reception space and take care of the final details. By the time everyone arrived, the pool deck was ready, and the water beyond it was glowing in the evening light.


Abby and Bo slipped away for a few beach portraits before settling in for a plated dinner and family toasts. And then, as so often happens at a great wedding, the dance floor took over the rest of the evening.


Groom embracing bride in a tender hug during outdoor wedding ceremony in black and white photo.
Elegant baby's breath floral arrangements tied with white ribbon adorn wooden folding chairs at outdoor ceremony.
Woman in lace dress signing a wedding guest book at a white table with gold pen and framed photo.
Two young ring bearers in tan suits blow bubbles down the wedding aisle at an outdoor ceremony.
Emotional father wiping tears while walking bride down outdoor wedding aisle lined with baby's breath floral arrangements.
Guest reads a wedding program while seated in a rattan chair with floral cushions at an outdoor ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony under large moss-covered oak tree with small intimate guest gathering.
Black and white photo of bride and groom sharing intimate moment during outdoor wedding ceremony under arch.
Bride and groom share a romantic dip kiss under a large oak tree in a lush green outdoor setting.
Black and white wedding photo of bride with flower girls and ring bearer outside a grand white Southern plantation mansion.
Elegant outdoor beachfront wedding reception with white chairs and tables set under a clear blue sky overlooking the ocean.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception with white round tables, folding chairs, string lights, and palm trees on a deck.
Elegant wedding reception table centerpiece with baby's breath flowers, candles, and a gold-framed table number card.
White floating letters B and A with a heart symbol in a turquoise swimming pool at a wedding venue.
Outdoor wedding reception on a beachfront terrace at sunset with white-draped tables, palm trees, and a pink hotel backdrop.
Bride in white gown hugging guest in black dress outdoors near a white building with palm trees.
Bride and groom seated at sweetheart table during outdoor evening wedding reception.
Bride and groom share a romantic kiss on a beachside boardwalk with a coastal hotel in the background.
Bride and father sharing an emotional first dance under string lights at an outdoor evening wedding reception.
Large group of wedding guests and newlyweds celebrating together outdoors at night under string lights.
Elegant wedding donut tower display with glazed and powdered donuts stacked on white stands with baby's breath floral accents.

Behind the Scenes


With so many guests traveling in from different places, one of the biggest parts of my role was simply being available. There were questions to answer, people to direct, and transitions to keep moving throughout the day. With guests moving between two venues, keeping everyone on track was especially important.


A lot of coordination happens quietly behind the scenes — checking details, helping wherever needed, and making sure the next part of the day is ready before anyone has to think about it. Sometimes that meant something as simple as helping one of Abby's bridesmaids with a particularly complicated bustle before dinner.


Those aren't necessarily the moments anyone sees, but they're some of my favorite parts of the job. Abby was one of the most bubbly and joyful brides I've ever had the chance to coordinate, and being able to take care of the behind-the-scenes details meant she could stay exactly that way — fully present and enjoying her day from beginning to end.

Ready to Be Present on Your Wedding Day?

Let's talk about day-of coordination and how I can help you enjoy every part of it.

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Wedding Film by McKinley Made

A glimpse into Abby + Bo's beautiful wedding day.