It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on Blossom Bride. The longest break since I started this boho wedding blog back in 2015. But I’m back, with a truly beautiful, Pinterest-worthy real wedding. Krysten & Jack’s rustic boho wedding at The Orange Blossom Barn is full of beautiful on-trend details like macramé, a gold-drop naked cake and donut wall. And like all good weddings, there’s a beautiful story behind it too.
The Couple
Krysten was born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida, before later moving to St. Petersburg, where she met Jack, who was born and raised there. The first time Krysten met Jack, she was just 14. They dated for six years throughout high school. “Our lives led us down different journeys in life. Not all love stories are perfect, ours felt first love and first heartbreak,” says Krysten.
Six years later, they reconnected and hit it off right away, with a chemistry stronger than before. Despite being complete opposites, this gorgeous couple have a general consideration for and eagerness to understand each other. “He’s very practical, logical, and a planner. Whereas, I am spontaneous, a hopeless romantic and a vivid dreamer. When we stress our points of view, we also do our best to listen carefully to each other’s needs and understand the depth of not always agreeing but understanding.” – Krysten
The Bride
Jack describes Krysten as the ying to his yang. “I’ve never met anyone who is more different than me in so ways. She makes me look at the world from a completely different perspective. But there’s no question she continues to make me a better person for it. We balance each other out, and we love each other so much, and we appreciate each one another. We challenge one another to constantly grow individually and together.”
“I love that the small things mean so much to her. I love that any day can be turned around with a good dessert. I love that she is such an amazing mother, she wants to give our son the same amazing childhood memories that she received and experienced as a kid, and more.”
“I had a second look with my dress, I purchased detachable skirt, which I changed into for the reception. It was a perfect change. I was able to twist and twirl and flow throughout dancing. And eat without working about a tight fitting dress. I loved the idea of having two looks.” – Krysten
The Groom
Krysten loves Jack’s patience and family values and can’t find anything not to love about the guy! When they got back together, Krysten had a two year old son, Rylan. “I didn’t think stepping into the father role would come so easy, but he sure made it look easy. There’s nothing Jack wouldn’t do for Rylan.”
“That’s something I cherish so dear in my heart. It fills me with so much joy as I watch him transition into such a role model and idol. He includes him in everything, including our vows and first dance. It’s so fulfilling and admirable, my heart is so full. We have truly been blessed. I cannot wait to continue to grow our family, see where the future takes us.”
The One
Echoing Krysten’s words on how Jack is always very practical and she’s a hopeless romantic. When I asked each of them how and when they each knew the other was “the one.” Jack said, “I couldn’t say there was an exact moment, so many little moments leading up. Along the way I just felt it, and those are the feelings you follow.” And Krysten said, “Our history, our chemistry. We were just made to love one another. He was my first love and last. Through the small and big moments, you just realize you honestly couldn’t see life without this person by your side.”
The Proposal
Jack planned an amazing surprise vacation to celebrate Rylan and Krysten’s birthday. They took a cruise out of Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas. During a surprise excursion to Atlantis water park, which Jack had also planned. As they stood in front of the beautiful Atlantis resort, Krysten wanted a family photo. “I thought this was the perfect opportunity to pop the question. I asked a park employee to film us, while pretending to take a photo, and I got down on one knee and asked her and Rylan to spend the rest of our lives together. We spent the rest of the cruise celebrating our engagement as a family.” – Jack
Rustic Boho Wedding Theme
In keeping with Krysten’s free spirit and love for nature and the outdoors. She wanted something whimsical and romantic, vibrant and earthy for a rustic boho wedding. Krysten loved the combination of deep romantic burgundy colours, with pops of bright colours, like magenta, to compliment lots of greenery.
“I had a vision of a bohemian-themed wedding, and this brought out all my creative visions and ideas. I shopped for each unique, hand-picked décor piece for my wedding. I wanted to incorporate something for everyone. From the handmade tambourines and dream catchers I put together, to the custom-made macramé. It was a fun journey putting each piece together.” – Krysten
The Food
Krysten & Jack had two food trucks at their wedding. Southern comfort soul food and Asian fusion food. “We were so excited to have something so different and unique to make a statement at our wedding. We didn’t want the average cold food buffet, or plated dinner. But fresh food, bold flavors, and something enjoyable for everyone!”
They had a dessert bar set up as well with pop rock candy donuts, a donut wall, lavender macrons, gold dipped rock candy, and amazing little soufflé desserts. The wedding cake flavour was lavender and earl grey. Cupcakes were peach soaked amaretto, creme brûlée, and triple mocha chocolate Nutella. And if that wasn’t enough, they also had a bonfire with a smoke cart station and a hot cocoa stand!
The Venue
Krysten & Jack spent months looking for a venue that had stunning scenery as well as a blank canvas, so they could put their own stamp and style on it. “I wanted something in the middle of nowhere, with trees sweeping across the landscape. I wanted to be married under beautiful trees.”
The second Krysten drove down the long lane of The Orange Blossom Barn at Belle Brooke Ranch in Florida, with trees cascading over the pathway, she knew she’d found the perfect venue! “This path was taking me to where my heart belonged. Sure enough as I pulled up to the white barn sitting so beautifully next to trees, that was it! This venue spoke to me on so many levels and the owners were just so amazing and accommodating.” – Krysten
A Very Special Someone
Krysten & Jack chose a wedding date exactly one year to the day from when they got engaged. Krysten’s mother was a big part of the proposal and wedding planning. Unfortunately she passed away before Krysten & Jack’s special day. “It’s been a hard year but there was no doubt I wasn’t going to keep the vision we had built alive. I put so much energy to perfect every detail. I wasn’t going to give up on the ideas and DIY projects we had in store for our wedding. It was breathtaking and there was no doubt she was there the entire wedding day. She was so celebrated and honoured.” – Krysten
The Music
Krysten walked down the isle to A Thousand Years by Christina Perri. “No other song felt more romantic and intimate for that special moment, we had a violinist who played it perfectly.”
Their first dance was to Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. Despite initially thinking they needed a choreographer, they decided to just wing it instead. “Our dance was magical. It was so beautiful the way we flowed through the entire song adding twirls and spins in my flowy reception skirt.” – Krysten
They also added included Landslide by Fleetwood Mac in remembrance of Krysten’s mother. “It had to be a Fleetwood Mac song, that was her favourite band. The words brought tears and many emotions. I danced with my brother and my sister danced with my father. It was a great moment to forever cherish in her honour.” – Krysten
Guests & Drop Out Rate
Krysten & Jack invited a lot of guests from out of town. Jack has a huge family from all over the States. Friends and family came to Florida from California, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York. They invited a total of 235 guests. 175 of which RSVP’d and 169 guests showed up on the day.
Our Favorite Memory
For both Krysten and Jack, the first look was their favorite memory from their wedding day. “The second I walked out into that open field, the moment Jack turned around and held me, was the best moment of our entire day.” – Krysten
“On the wedding day, before I saw her, it was chaos. I had a million thoughts and worries on my mind, until the moment of our first look. When I first saw her, WOW! How beautiful she looked and I gave her a kiss. It was the first moment that day where I was no longer overwhelmed and knew everything was going to be perfect from that moment on.” – Jack
If we could change one thing…
“As with most weddings, it came with it’s hiccups. Some of those hiccups turned into moments of laughter and added to our day. Jack forgot his tie, one of the groomsmen had to run to Walmart moments before photos started. Sometimes you have to with roll the punches.” – Krysten
“I would extend the videographers hours or shift them more towards the end of the night. I wish he was there to capture our sparkler exit. Unfortunately, I had him booked up until an hour prior to end. I did get it on camera though, so that is a blessing! Overall our video is tear jerking and breath-taking, I am so happy with the turnout.” – Jack
Our Tips & Advice
“What isn’t done a week before the wedding, let it go. Don’t sweat the small stuff, remember nobody will know its missing besides you. During your wedding, take moments to just take it all in. Inhale all the beauty, the love, all the joy on your guests faces. The moments go by so quickly. People say this, but it truly does!”
Our Best Spent Money
It’s so difficult to decide on one thing. Everything was honestly worth it. But ultimately, our photographer left us with so many beautiful photos we will forever cherish and relive. Pictures are everything! Dewitt for Love truly captured breath taking moments that we can look over again and again. After all, a picture speaks a thousand words.”
Photographer: Dewitt for Love Photography | Cinema and Video: 5 Star Productions | Bakery: The Dessert Bar | Photo Booth Equipment: ML Productions LLC | DJ: Fast Breaks Entertainment | Band: Sunset Strings | Transportation: Not Your Mother’s Taxi | Caterer: Tampa Bay Food Trucks | Hair Stylist: Styled by Haley | Hair Stylist: Styled By Niki | Makeup Artist: A. Reno On Loacation Hair & Makeup | Other: Southern Chairs | Event Designer: Ever After Vintage Weddings | Event Planner: Lynmar Events and Design | Floral Designer: Flowerchild Florist | Bakery: Trudy Melissa Cakes | Event Venue: The Orange Blossom Barn
If you’re planning your wedding and working on your guest list, check out this post on the average wedding guest drop out rate.
Also, check out this popular post of 12 things wedding guests hate.
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