There’s a stillness that sometimes settles after the vows—when the world keeps spinning, but you feel completely suspended in your own.
That’s what it felt like with Ethan and Amanda.
Their winter elopement at Fort Pickens wasn’t about grand entrances or Pinterest-perfect details. It was about being together, even when everything around them was uncertain—Amanda carrying new life, the wind unpredictable, the fort fuller than expected.
And still… it was beautiful. Not because the day was controlled. But because it was honest.
Why They Chose Fort Pickens (and What It Meant to Their Family)
When Amanda and Ethan reached out, they weren’t looking for a vendor. They were looking for someone who could help them create something gentle and intimate for their elopement. Something real.
We guided them through our Fort Pickens Elopement Planning Guide, and together we found a quiet ceremony spot near a weathered tree with benches already aligned underneath. Amanda’s dad, whose health limited his mobility, could be there comfortably.
Their family being there mattered more than any backdrop.
Presence over performance. That’s what this day was rooted in.
The Ceremony They Didn’t Expect and the Joy in the Unscripted
They arrived separately, seeing each other for the first time at the start of the ceremony. The winter light was soft, golden. We thought we’d have the fort mostly to ourselves—but it turned out to be one of those rare Florida winter days that draws people out.
And so, as they stood under that tree and read their vows, a quiet crowd began to gather in the background. Strangers, gentle and curious, became witnesses. When they kissed, a spontaneous cheer rang out. Laughter, claps, heartfelt congratulations from people they’d never met.
Some couples might’ve been thrown off. But Amanda and Ethan just smiled. And later, they laughed about how they’d shared that sacred moment with an unexpected audience, and somehow, it made it all feel bigger. Like love had overflowed.
A Sunset, a Song, and a First Dance for the Baby
After family photos wrapped, we moved deeper into the fort with just the two of them. The tourists had trickled out. The wind had settled. The sky began its slow surrender into sunset.
They brought a little speaker. Ethan pressed play. And with no one watching, they held each other and danced. Amanda’s hand rested on her growing belly. The song was soft and personal—maybe one they’d played in the kitchen at night. Maybe one they’ll play again one day when rocking a newborn to sleep.
This wasn’t just a first dance. It was a prayer. A promise. A pause.
Later, Amanda told us through tears that she’d already picked out which photos to print for the baby’s room.
We’ll never forget that.
What We Helped With (Because Eloping Doesn’t Mean Doing It Alone)
Some people assume elopements are spontaneous or unstructured. But Ethan and Amanda’s day was crafted—gently, thoughtfully, with care in every detail.
We helped them: choose a ceremony location with meaning and accessibility; create a relaxed, intention-led timeline; plan what to bring (vow books, speaker, flowers, rings); sign their marriage license, as a friend would.
This is the heart of what we do. We don’t just show up with cameras—we help shape the experience. Not to control it, but to protect it. To make space for what really matters to unfold.
Amanda said it best:
“All we cared about was making our day special and intimate. We gave them ideas and they created the vision… What you get from Matt and Erin isn’t like anyone else.”
If you’re wondering what “gentle guidance” looks like, it looks like this: walking beside you, not ahead of you. Listening closely. Reading the energy of the day. Being quiet when silence matters. And anchoring you in the moments you’ll one day want to relive.
For the Ones Who Want a Wedding That Feels like Ethan and Amanda’s
Maybe you’re planning something small. Maybe you’re not sure yet what your day will look like—but you know you want it to feel like you.
Not a performance. Not a production.
Just something true.
If that’s you, we’d love to walk with you.
📚 Or browse more stories of presence and connection on our blog
And if you’re considering eloping at Fort Pickens, we’d be happy to help you find a spot where the wind can dance through your vows, the light can hold your first dance, and your story can be told exactly as it happened.
