On a beautiful day in July, Jason and Catie embarked on a new chapter of their story, surrounded by family and friends at their enchanting Highland Manor wedding in Apopka, Florida. This historic venue, with its timeless charm and breathtaking surroundings, provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Both Catie and Jason work for Disney and there were little hints here and there of Disney throughout the day. First of all, I think Catie’s ring looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale! Paired with the heels of her shoes just below the rings… nothing short of magical!

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This day was so filled with emotions from Catie and Jason but also their friends and family. As Lizzie helped Catie into her dress, she just kept saying, “I’m good, I’m good, don’t cry, don’t cry!”

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Here is Catie’s mom giving her dress a little fluff as Catie fixes her earring.

Bridesmaids & Parents First Looks

These are some of the best reactions from a Bridesmaids First Look I think I’ve ever seen!

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The spin and twirl!

Catie’s parents got an exclusive first look…

… as well as her in laws! I love this so much!

The patio just outside Catie and Jason’s home was the perfect spot for the above mentioned first looks as well as a few fun portraits of just Catie! This girl has got her spin DOWN!

Bride & Groom First Look at Highland Manor

As Jason waited to see Catie for the first time, he pulled his pocket watch out to check the time. A timeless symbol of sophistication, Jason’s pocket watch was a standout detail on his wedding day. This elegant accessory, with its delicate chain and ornate design, perfectly encapsulated the historic charm of Highland Manor, blending past and present in harmony.

I could tell from the way Jason was rubbing his hands together that he was both excited and nervous to see Catie in her wedding dress. I’ll let the pictures from here on out tell the story of the first look at their Highland Manor wedding in Apopka.

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Immediately following their First Look, I loved that Jason and Catie exchanged their own private vows.

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Huge shoutout to Andrew who captured SO many of the photos in this blog including the one below!

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Nestled in the heart of Apopka, Highland Manor boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Its majestic oak trees, elegant architecture, and immaculate landscaping provide so many beautiful elements for creating “many layered” photos with foreground, middleground, and background!

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All the florals for the wedding including Catie’s bouquet were beautifully arranged by Maria at Impekable Flowers! Aren’t they gorgeous?!

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I love this photo Andrew took of Catie and Jason!

Highland Manor was originally built for one of Apopka’s first residents, the Eldridge family in 1903. In 1920, a physician named Dr Thomas McBride and his wife Helen bought the stately home to use as his medical practice and family residence. Today it’s owned by the city of Apopka but managed by Dubsdread Catering who catered Catie and Jason’s wedding!

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The front porch that wraps around part of the mansion is a beautiful spot for portraits! It affords great light (and shade from the summer Florida sun!)

Bridesmaids Photos on Highland Manor’s Porch

These ladies were so much fun!…

… in fact the whole bridal party were seriously such a blast to work with!

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Groom & Groomsmen Portraits at Highland Manor

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I just love how Jason and his groomsmen’s sharp navy blue vests stand out from the mansion’s white-covered, windowed porch. Truly, the huge smiles on their faces really encapsulated the joy and camaraderie of this moment right before the wedding ceremony.

They be stylin’!

Just moments before the ceremony…

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This historic home really has no shortage of awesome spots for Highland Manor wedding pictures in Apopka! I love this one of Catie on the stairs!

Highland Manor Wedding Ceremony

The massive oak trees scattered throughout Highland Manor’s landscape are truly breathtaking. One of these majestic oaks serves as the primary spot for wedding ceremonies. Its sprawling limbs stretch and climb in all directions, evoking images of the fantastical world of Pandora from Disney’s movie Avatar! Here is Jason waiting for his bride!

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I love Catie’s happy tears.

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Just look at this tree!!! Even though Catie and Jason got married in the middle of July in Florida, I love that they chose to have their ceremony outside!

Both Catie and Jason work as bartenders for Disney, so it seemed fitting for them to share a “Unity Shot” in their Disney shot glasses during the ceremony.

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The kiss!

The driveway leading to Highland Manor is lined with these majestic oak trees. It made the perfect spot for one final portrait of Catie and Jason before their reception! Another really fun note is that Catie’s dress had a removable skirt! She could opt for the long and full tulled skirt or simply take it off for a more relaxed and spunky dress for the reception!

Highland Manor Wedding Reception

I had been speaking with David, the venue coordinator, who told me that Highland Manor was actually moved across town from the original location where it was built. After it was moved and renovated, many additions were made to the historic building, including this beautiful ballroom and its chandeliers!Hats off to Catie and Jason and their venue choice!

And this wedding cake… complete with their mischievous dog! I love it so much!

First Dance at their Highland Manor Wedding Reception

Wedding toasts…

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I totally cracked up when one of their friends iced them!

The father daughter dance…

… and a glimpse of the mother son dance through the ornate, solid doors to the ballroom.

I’m telling you… these two had so much fun with each other, especially during cake cutting!

His and hers Signature Drinks!

Catie and Jason, thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful Highland Manor wedding! You both, along with your bridal party, were SO much fun to hang out with that day! We can’t wait to see what the next chapter of your life brings!

And thank YOU, friend, for coming by to celebrate with Catie and Jason! If you’d like to see more of our wedding work, you can find it here on my wedding blog page. Be sure to click the title of each blog to see the full post. And if you’re getting married and looking for a photographer, shoot me a message! I’d love to connect with you and send you more info!

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