Kellie and Austin’s wedding at Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop in Jacksonville, Florida, was a dream come true for any couple with a sweet tooth. Their special day perfectly combined their love for candy and music, creating a fun and unforgettable wedding theme centered around the unique charm of Sweet Pete’s Candy. This venue provided an exceptionally sweet backdrop for their nuptials, making their celebration truly stand out.
Their story began back in 2013, a Halloween meeting orchestrated by mutual friends. It seems destiny had a hand in bringing them together, as their paths had crossed numerous times before, from shared travel experiences to the surprising connection of their mothers being high school classmates. After several years of dating, Austin knew Kellie was his only sweetheart. He proposed to her in a romantic gesture at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, the day before Halloween. Kellie, of course, said “yes,” and the exciting journey of wedding planning began, naturally leading them to consider a venue as unique as their love story.
The wedding day started with capturing the excitement of Kellie and her bridesmaids getting ready at a nearby hotel. As Kellie was putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup, her stunning dress was carefully transported to the lobby for some dramatic photographs beneath the chandelier. Upstairs, the bridal party shared toasts, brimming with anticipation for the ceremony at Sweet Pete’s. The atmosphere was buzzing with joy as they prepared to head to Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop, ready to celebrate Kellie and Austin’s sweet union.
Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop, the heart of their wedding, was founded in 2010 by Peter Behringer. Quickly gaining local acclaim and media attention, Sweet Pete’s soon relocated to the historic Seminole Club. This iconic candy store is not just any candy shop; it’s one of the largest in the United States, boasting three floors and over 23,000 square feet dedicated to all things sweet. For anyone with a love for confectionery, like Kellie and seemingly the wedding photographer, stepping into Sweet Pete’s is like entering a sugary wonderland. The sheer variety of treats, from mountains of cotton candy to handcrafted chocolates, lollipops, bubblegum, and every other candy imaginable, is truly a delightful, albeit tempting, experience.
Before the ceremony, a tender moment unfolded as Kellie’s bridal party arrived at Sweet Pete’s a few minutes early, allowing for a heartfelt exchange. Kellie had written a love letter for Austin, a surprise that deeply touched him. These pre-ceremony love letters are always a cherished element, serving as a beautiful reminder of the profound love and excitement the couple shares as they anticipate walking down the aisle. Adding to the emotional anticipation, Kellie and Austin shared a prayer in a ‘first look no look’ moment, separated by a curtain, heightening the emotion without spoiling the traditional first glimpse.
Their intimate ceremony was truly beautiful, followed by charming family portraits taken on the porch of Sweet Pete’s. The wedding party’s playful and energetic spirit was immediately apparent, eager to celebrate. While the wedding party headed off to enjoy cocktail hour, Kellie and Austin stayed behind for some enchanting newlywed portraits amidst the candy shop’s colorful backdrop. The couple’s laughter filled the air as they posed with a giant lollipop and classic pink cotton candy, special requests facilitated by the friendly staff at Sweet Pete’s, adding a touch of whimsy and fun to their photos.
Following the portrait session and their grand reception entrance, Kellie and Austin joined their guests for dinner. As the evening progressed, Austin had a special surprise planned for Kellie. Before the dancing commenced, he serenaded her with a heartfelt love song. His beautiful vocals and the emotion in his performance moved everyone, bringing tears of joy to many eyes and creating a deeply romantic moment. The atmosphere shifted to celebratory as dancing began after Austin’s serenade, and the night culminated in a joyous send-off with streamers. Kellie and Austin’s Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but also a testament to their fun-loving personalities and shared passions, wishing them a future as sweet and colorful as their wedding day.
Venue: Sweet Pete’s Candy
Jewelry: Kate Spade
