A Traditional Wedding at the Steinhatchee Landing Resort in Steinhatchee, Florida

Katelyn Goodman (24 and an administrative specialist) and Austin Sowers (23 and an assistant to a Deputy Secretary) first met through a mutual friend

Katelyn Goodman (24 and an administrative specialist) and Austin Sowers (23 and an assistant to a Deputy Secretary) first met through a mutual friend and became friends soon after. “I honestly knew that this girl would change my life that very night,” says Austin. After a year long engagement, the couple had a simple wedding in Northern Florida. They chose the Steinhatchee Landing Resort for it’s natural beauty and mid-point location between their families. “Since our venue was on the river, we wanted to go for a Nantucket/Great Gatsby feel,” says Katelyn. With this in mind, olive, navy, tan and gold were chosen as their wedding colors. Katelyn and Austin had a traditional ceremony at the venue’s Dancing Waters Chapel. Two tall arrangements of white hydrangea and white accents were placed along the alter as Austin’s father presided over the ceremony. After taking a ride in a classic dark blue Rolls-Royce, the couple joined their guests for a reception at the resort. Katelyn and Austin planned a seated meal with grilled chicken, mashed potato casserole and several other options. What they didn’t expect, was a serenade during the toasts. “Austin’s brother Luke and his groomsmen surprised us with a song they wrote about us to the tune of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,’" says Katelyn. The couple spent their night dancing with guests, cutting into a two-tier white wedding cake and taking in the day. “One of my favorite parts of the day was taking a look around during one of the the last dance songs and seeing how happy everyone was to be there celebrating us!” says Katelyn. “It was such an incredible feeling that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Before her and Austin took their sparkler exit, each guest was given a bag of caramel popcorn to take home.

For a custom touch, the couple’s stationery was designed by one of Katelyns’ bridesmaids. Their invitations included an engagement photo taken by another friend.
Arranged by Missy Gunnels Flowers, Katelyn carried a bouquet of orange, yellow and pink garden roses, pink peonies, orange ranunculus, silver brunia and greenery.
Moss Covered Oak Tree Walkway
Katelyn chose an all-lace sleeveless mermaid wedding dress by Allure Bridal. She complemented it with a floor-length tulle veil, braided undo and simple jewelry.
The bridesmaids wore neutral floor-length dresses with sweetheart necklines from Belles N Beaus. Each complemented the gown with teardrop earrings and a simple necklace.
Navy Groomsmen Suit and Pink Polka Dot Tie
"The relaxed nature of the venue itself reflected us as a couple," says Katelyn. Her and Austin were wed at a chapel within the Steinhatchee Landing Resort.
The couple's flower girl wore a white dress with a rosette detail and a rosette headband in navy to match their wedding colors.
Simple White Hydrangea Ceremony Decor
Adding a personal touch to their traditional ceremony, the couple was married by Austin's father.
Katelyn and Austin’s Recessional
Whimsical Hanging Twine Wrapped Lighting
With a Great Gatsby and Nautical inspiration in mind, the couple accented each reception table with a black lantern  and ivy centerpiece.
Tiered White Wedding Cake with Garden Roses
Caramel Popcorn Wedding Favors with Navy Ribbon
The couple left their ceremony in a classic Rolls-Royce. For the reception, Katelyn and Austin made a sparkler exit.