Walker's Landing Lesbian Wedding in Amelia Island [VIDEO]

Walker’s Landing, a part of Omni Hotels, in Amelia Island, is the perfect intimate wedding venue. For Anne and Megan’s lesbian wedding, it was right up their alley. The ceremony was held outside under a tree canopy, and the reception was in the clubhouse. The overcast weather made for excellent lighting during the portrait and candid sessions. I also got some amazing drone shots of the surrounding chain of lakes. Anne and Megan love each other deeply, which really shows through in their film. Read on to learn their backstory and the details of their beautiful lesbian wedding!

ANNE AND MEGAN’S BACKSTORY

The two met through a mutual friend, Emily. Anne and Megan went to college together and were roommates throughout their time at The University of Kansas. They remained close friends and Anne was a bridesmaid in Emily’s wedding (and then Emily was one of Anne’s bridesmaid’s!). Megan and Emily became close friends during their 3 years of medical residency training. This occurred at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

One Sunday morning, Emily and Megan had worked a difficult overnight shift at the hospital. Instead of going to bed, they opted for a relaxed “Sunday Funday” at Emily’s house with homemade Bloody Mary’s. Anne just happened to check in with Emily that day, and was invited over to join their “Sunday Funday.” It was in yoga pants, hoodies, hats, and the enveloping smell of vodka and spicy Bloody Mary mix that Anne and Megan immediately felt a connection.

THE PROPOSALS

As is common before a same-sex wedding, there were two proposals. Anne initially proposed to Megan on September 25th, 2020. Anne was working from home during that period of time and was constantly scheming proposal details and planning. This included custom designing Megan’s engagement ring through hundreds of sketches and frequent Zoom meetings with the out-of-state jewelry designer. She also interviewed and hired a local engagement photographer. Lastly, she booked an after party with close family and friends at their favorite neighborhood Irish pub. Anne proposed to Megan on a late Friday afternoon. It happened at sunset when Megan got home from work in the backyard of their first home.

Megan then proposed to Anne the evening of Christmas Day 2020. After the September proposal, the two agreed that Megan would propose sometime by Christmas. However, she wanted to leave any other details and timing expectations as a surprise. The day had been filled with joy and gathering around Anne’s family for Christmas celebrations. Megan knew Anne would be anticipating a special Christmas gift while the family was opening presents Christmas morning.

To Anne’s dismay, no ring/proposal…yet. The family separated that afternoon with plans to reconvene that evening for dinner and a drive around town. It was a family tradition to look at Christmas lights. Anne and Megan were about to walk into Anne’s parents’ home when Megan pulled Anne aside to a small, quaint island in front of the home. It was surrounded by trees with white Christmas lights, and Megan pretended her boot zipper was broken. She got down on one knee and proposed to Anne with her entire family eagerly peeking through the windows.

WEDDING VISION

The vision for their lesbian wedding was an aspiration for a unique combination of elegance, classic simplicity, and easygoing feels. They also wanted to include influences of bohemian/natural/coastal elements. They wanted to keep the focus on their core values and the natural beauty of the Florida marsh setting. However, they also wanted to add their own flavors and style to the overall decor and feel for their guests.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

They describe their wedding as, “Quite literally the best day ever. It was FUN, exploding and overflowing with all forms of love. Love for one another, love for our families, love for our friends, both life-long and new. As well as love for what Amelia Island means to us, and getting to share it with everyone we both love. All in one place, together. Celebrating, letting go, and just being together. As health professionals we worked in hospital settings during the entire course of the pandemic. Combined with having just recently moved across the country, buying a home, and both starting new jobs just months before the wedding, we had quite a bit on our plate as a couple. Although, that is JUST our style!

We were happy to be able to briefly disengage from the “real world” and dive head first into being fully present to absorb every ounce of love, joy, and happiness. To celebrate our love, our health, our family, and our friends encased by the backdrop of Amelia Island. This is a place that holds a very special meaning for us. It was truly magical. It was the best day ever.”

THEIR FAVORITE MOMENT

Anne’s favorite moment was that brief moment Anne and Megan spent together after having just recessed from the ceremony site to an area under the Spanish moss. Once there, getting to look at one another – just them two – and realize what just happened. It was so pure, so private, and so honest. Her other favorite moment was the private last dance. In fact, Anne loved it so much, they danced twice.

PALETTE AND STYLE

Their color palette was emerald/forest green, champagne, white, gold, and clear/glass/acrylic. They had a vision of their lesbian wedding as “classic, simple, and elegant” with regards to flowers, cake, and general decor. They wanted a touch of coastal/tropical touches while maintaining a simple “white and green” color scheme for the most part. For their wedding favors, they included a mini bottle of bourbon (as Megan is from Kentucky), a mini bottle of KC bbq sauce (as Anne is from Kansas City), and a mini bag of popcorn from a local Amelia Island creamery shop.

Due to several conflicting issues, they tried to think of an alternative exit celebration to the traditional one with sparklers. Instead, they ordered small bags of lavender for the guests to toss on them as they recessed down the aisle. They also asked each of their elder family members to write them letters with marriage/life advice for them to keep in a memory box. Their “guest book” was a custom live wood slab. They drilled two holes into opposite sides and strung it up into a tree in their backyard. It now hangs as a memorable swing they get to look at every day.

WORDS FOR BRIDES AND COUPLES-TO-BE

“On the day of, be present, let go of all the planning, and just CELEBRATE. During the planning process, be intentional about how you want to hold onto the memories of that day so that you can feel confident in just being present that day.”

Walker’s Landing is an amazing venue for your lesbian wedding or any other wedding!