Some weddings are elegant. Some are romantic. But this one? Julie and Cody’s wedding at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms in Crystal River, Florida was an absolute blast from start to finish. It was the perfect celebration of two adventurous souls doing things their way.
I’ve had the honor of photographing Julie’s family for nearly a decade, starting with her first daughter’s newborn session. (How is she almost eight already?) Since then, I’ve captured just about every milestone in her life. From maternity photos in a street-legal golf cart in St. Augustine to a wild airboat engagement session, to her mom’s wedding, family photos and more. Every shoot with Julie and Cody has been something fun, fresh, and full of personality.
So when she told me she was planning to wear a black wedding dress and throw a party that broke all the traditional rules, I knew it was going to be unforgettable.
First Time Shooting at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms
This was my first time shooting a wedding at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms, and I hope it’s the first of many. The venue is tucked away in Crystal River, FL, and it’s a true hidden gem. It blends rustic charm with natural beauty, and the entire day was filled with joyful, hyped energy. Secretly hoping these photos make it on to their gallery page of their website because I would love to book more weddings here.
The weather was breezy, and a little moody but without a drop of rain, (Thank goodness) which matched the couple’s black, beige and terracotta vibe perfectly.
Ashley, the venue owner, was amazing to work with. Such a sweetheart, that truly loves helping couples have their dream wedding days. She’s created a space that feels both down-to-earth and thoughtfully designed with eclectic, antique style. But really every vendor was a rockstar at this wedding. The hair and make up was done ahead of schedule, which always significantly impacts me. Alexis the wedding coordinator was so helpful every step of the night. It was the ideal setting for a wedding that threw tradition out the window and focused on fun.
A Wedding Full of Personality
From the moment I arrived, the entire vibe was pure fun. Julie and Cody didn’t want the traditional “white glove” wedding day – they wanted a party, an experience, and a celebration of who they are. Truly a night that friends and family will be talking about for months.
Instead of a candle-lighting or sand ceremony, these two took a shot together as their unity moment (how perfect is that?). Later, they made their grand entrance into the reception by shotgunning beers, setting the tone for one of the most energetic and laughter-filled receptions I’ve ever photographed.
And if that wasn’t enough? They each got tattoos at their wedding. Yep, you read that right. Julie now has a letter “C” and Cody has a letter “J”—a permanent, inked-in celebration of their love story.
Why I Loved Capturing This Day
As a wedding photographer in Florida, I live for weddings like this. Weddings where the couple makes the day completely their own. Weddings filled with laughter, inside jokes, belly-laughs, hugs, and a whole lot of dancing.
Julie and Cody gave me so much to work with. Candid moments happened around every corner. Friends filled the dance floor, drinks in hand, under the glow of chandeliers. The energy never dropped — just pure celebration, start to finish.
There’s something powerful about seeing a couple toss tradition to the side and celebrate in a way that actually feels like them. It’s the kind of wedding that reminds me why I do what I do.
Final Thoughts
Julie and Cody, thank you for letting me be a part of your story again. Watching your lives unfold in front of my lens over the years has been one of the biggest honors of my career. Your wedding was full of heart, joy, and completely unfiltered fun. You inspire everyone around you to live boldly and love loudly. I love you both with my whole heart and while this in some ways feels like the perfect ending to our relationship as client to photographer, I really hope it isn’t and you keep inviting me back into the legacy of your lives over and over until one of us dies. Hahah.
If you’re planning a wedding in Crystal River or anywhere in Florida, and you’re dreaming of a day that breaks the mold and truly reflects you, let’s talk. I specialize in capturing weddings that are real, raw, and anything but traditional. Whether you’re shotgunning beers at your reception or rocking a black wedding dress, I’m here for it — and ready to document every wild, emotional, unforgettable moment.
Until the next adventure,
Taylor | Wombs to weddings Photography
Florida Wedding Photographer | Crystal River, St. Augustine, and Beyond
Photographer | Wombs to weddings Photography
Venue | The Packinghouse at Sugarcane Farms, LLC
Wedding planner | Keep it Calm events (Alexis)
Dj | Elite sounds
Hair | The hair house
Make up | Alexis Young
Bakery | Jen’s sweet treats
Catering | Gourmet affair
























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































