Our garden wedding in Pensacola Florida

I know I’m still playing catch up but I had to blog about my big day! I married the love of my life, Ashton on March 18th in a garden ceremony in Pensacola, FL. We had a small, intimate gathering with our nearest and dearest and it was perfect. We chose the Barkley House Gardens as our ceremony site. Located in historic downtown Pensacola, with views of the bay and on a road lined with cozy cottages, the small garden was quaint and exactly what we were looking for. I loved the arches, walk way, majestic old trees, and tree swing! Another plus: because it’s a public garden it was free!

We chose the The Lee House Bed & Breakfast as our reception site. We also rented the honeymoon suite for the night and used it to get ready beforehand. The suite, with french doors opening to a balcony overlooking Fountain Park and Pensacola Bay, was romantic, spacious and had perfect natural lighting for our pictures!

My Matron of Honor: Lisa, Best Man: Michael, and Maid of Honor: Connie

My Dad walking me down the aisle. Such a special moment for us, I am truly Daddy’s Little Girl!

My Uncle Mike officiated the ceremony. He wrote some lovely words including this saying:

“Audrey
Hepburn once said, “The best thing to
hold onto in life is each other.” This is my wish for Nicole and Ashton and
I ask them to take that quote with them when they leave today.

You may now kiss the bride! I now present Ashton and Nicole Hood!

A group shot, with all our family and friends!

We had custom pennies engraved with our initials and wedding date. After the wedding we made them into keychains and necklaces. We bought them from Sarah on Etsy

Thanks to Robert at Forever Young Photography for capturing our special day and taking gorgeous pictures!

(Cutting board made by Taylor Crafts on Etsy)

For our reception, our guests simply walked (Ashton and I rode the two seater bike!) down the street to The Lee House Bed and Breakfast. We had a reception in their courtyard, with acoustic guitar tunes by Justin Rogers and passed Southern style appetizers by Nancy’s Haute Affairs. We chose to serve Deviled Eggs, Crab Cakes, and Fried Green Tomatoes and they were enjoyed by everyone!

My boys! I have known Vince since middle school and Nathan and I have been friends since our days at FWBHS!

Our first dance was to “Your Song” by Elton John. I was sung by my Maid of Honor, Connie.

The toasts by our wedding party were funny and heartfelt! We love you guys!

Bouquet toss. Caught by my Gma!

Garter toss. After a short tussle, the Best Man Michael got it!

After the reception we had dinner in the beautiful dining room inside The Lee House

Our guestbook picture frame with sign by 421 South on Etsy

The sign said:

Welcome! We’re so glad you came.
We’d love to have you sign your name,
And write perhaps, a line or two
by which we can remember you.
Then, when our wedding day has passed,
Our memories of this day will last
For when we look at it we’ll see
Kind words from friends & family!

Our favors: Lavender sachets by Vivian on Etsy

Spinach Salad and BBQ Chicken with Succotash, cheese grits, and cornbread made by Nancy’s Haute Affairs

Ashton and Michael having fun!

Dad had seconds and thirds of cheese grits!

My lovely Grandma

My beautiful cousin Lauren, my friend Nathan, and me

I made my famous Pecan Tassies and we ordered these adorable mini cupcakes in Key Lime, Butterfinger, and Pineapple from Oh Snap Cupcakes in Pensacola.

The boys enjoying dessert.

Cupcakes and my Mom’s red velvet mini cakes.

The perfect way to end our celebration? Dancing outside to the “Cupid Shuffle” with my favorite people! So many great memories in just one day! I am so very grateful to have my friends, family, and my Ashton in my life!