The kind that happens when everything is exactly as it should be—not because it was orchestrated to perfection, but because the people at the center of it were deeply grounded in what mattered most. Jason and Cherokee’s wedding at Coldwater Gardens was a celebration not of performance, but of presence. And after six years together, they were ready to do it their way—with laughter, calm, and a few quiet tears tucked in between.

They didn’t want a posed production. They wanted peace.

Why They Chose Coldwater Gardens in Milton, Florida

Tucked into the pine woods of northwest Florida, Coldwater Gardens offers a kind of earthy, unfiltered beauty that resonates with couples like Jason and Cherokee—people who find joy in the natural, the intentional, and the not-too-fussy.

Jason got ready in the Treehouse, surrounded by light and leaves. Cherokee, in one of the eco cabins, finished her own makeup using Harry Potter wand brushes—a whimsical little detail that felt like her, through and through.

They chose Coldwater Gardens not just for the scenery, but for the mood. “She liked the creative pictures,” they told us. But more than that, they wanted the day to feel like them—

free-spirited, meaningful, and real.

It was the perfect setting for a laid-back Coldwater Gardens wedding rooted in real connection. It’s the perfect forest wedding venue in Florida that doesn’t “look” like you’re in Florida.

A Wedding Built on Ease and Intention

From the very beginning, they made it clear: this was their day, and they weren’t going to let a timeline dictate their experience. “We’ll get all the photos we want and not stress too much about the time,” they told us. And they meant it.

Rather than doing a shared first look, Jason and Cherokee chose to read private vows separately—a moment that gave them each the space to feel it all, in their own way. There were also sweet first looks with her mom and bridesmaids, unfolding naturally in the quiet calm of the afternoon.

There was no rush, no pushing. Just a soft unfolding of moments.

They were married in the Garden Ceremony space—a lush, open-air setting surrounded by wild green and golden sunlight. No frills. No distractions. Just wind through the leaves, people they love, and the kind of vows that make you pause and hold your breath for a second.

After the Ceremony: Laughter and Light in the Greenhouse

After the ceremony, instead of rushing into a tightly packed portrait session, we made our way to one of the most magical corners of Coldwater Gardens—the Greenhouse. That’s the beauty of a Coldwater Gardens wedding—the freedom to explore, laugh, and let your love unfold without pressure or posing.

The light was soft, the air warm with humidity, and the energy? Playful. Jason and Cherokee didn’t want stiff poses or perfectly choreographed frames. So we didn’t give them any. We let them wander, touch the petals, laugh at inside jokes, and just be together. They explored. They danced a little. They goofed off a lot.

And every image from that part of the day holds not just beauty—but joy.

This wasn’t about capturing what they looked like.

It was about holding onto what it felt like to be there, wrapped in warmth and love and a kind of freedom you don’t often see in traditional wedding albums.

The Kind of Day You Actually Get to Feel

The reception that followed was full of lightness—four heartfelt toasts, a cozy dinner, and the kind of music that invites dancing without pressure. It felt like an evening with friends more than a scripted event.

And when it was all over, Cherokee sent us a message that said everything we hope our couples walk away feeling:

“Jason and I cannot thank you and Matt enough for yesterday. After we laid down and were talking about the day, we both kept saying how the best decision we made for the whole wedding was hiring y’all. You helped make the day so easy for us and did such a great job. Thank you!!”

That’s the heart of it.

Photos and films that feel like memories, not performances.

A wedding day you actually get to experience—not one you have to work your way through.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like you—

laid-back, emotional, and full of the kind of moments you can actually feel—

we’d love to walk alongside you.

We’re not here to direct your day or turn it into a production. We’re here to help you slow down, stay grounded, and remember what it felt like to be there. Every laugh. Every quiet breath. Every little moment that might’ve gone unnoticed. If you’re considering a Coldwater Gardens wedding and want your day to feel relaxed, meaningful, and fully you—we’d love to walk alongside you.

If that’s what you’re looking for—

Reach out here →

Or browse more weddings and stories on the blog

Vendors

Photographer and Videographer – Lother Co.

Venue – Coldwater Gardens

Florals – Chrissy Helvenston Floral Design

Hair – Peach Fuzz by Courtney

Band – Honey Daze

Catering – End of the Line Café

Dress – Selkie

Cotton Candy – Whim Cotton Candy