STEPHANIE + ROBBY STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT | SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH | LAKELAND, FL

A rustic style wedding is full of sentiment and designed to pull the heartstrings. The wedding of Robby and Stephanie surely did just that!

Stephanie and Robby both have huge hearts and easy going personalities. They exude warmth and love and they were a delight to be around from the instant we first met. This dear couple met all the way back in kindergarten! Robby proposed to Stephanie down on the water where they had their first date on his boat. They enjoy fishing, hunting, playing tennis, watching sports, watching movies and playing with their dog AJ together.

Stephanie's father is a part owner in Safari Wilderness Ranch, and they both have a special place in their hearts for the property and the animals. The bride and groom decided that the barn at the Ranch was the perfect backdrop for their nuptials and celebration. Sandy Rule, with help from CONCEPTBAIT's design guru Lynn McGhee, brought Stephanie's vision of a romantic, simple, rustic, yet elegant wedding to life. Filled with many vintage details such as authentic butter churns, mason jars, mini cobbler favors made on site, custom made beer bar, to the customized mason jar place cards. The day included the most perfect weather for an outdoor intimate ceremony, breathtaking flowers and gorgeous dresses. Stephanie and Robby were wed surrounded by their loved ones and wild African and Asian animals.

The 10 month planning and design process led to a plan filled with textures and natural organics. Natural flowers in shades of ivory and white in wooden boxes accented with berries, succulents, grapevine, baby's breath and candles adorned the guest tables that were covered in a gorgeous ivory glamor linen with a vintage floral overlay. Just giving it the glam! The bridal feasting table had an abundance of welded rust colored candelabras with trailing flowers in mason jars, gold cups, and various sized vessels all sat on top of a custom lace runner on the mahogany barn table helped fill the room with rustic glamor. It created the perfect mix of rustic chic and elegance. Cafe lights strung overhead provided a perfect ambient touch.

To sum it up...... The lace, burlap, authentic vintage barrels, handmade signs, and personalized mason jars along with many other elements helped to create a rustic glamorous chic vintage wedding which fit perfectly in the family owned Safari Wilderness Ranch.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | PJ Ricketts