dustin prickett 6/9/25 dustin prickett 6/9/25

Alyssa & Brian

St. Joseph Catholic Church and Venue 650 Wedding in Winter Haven, Florida

**Winter Haven Timeless Wedding at St. Joseph Catholic Church and Venue 650**

Elegant Florida Wedding

As a Central Florida wedding photographer, documenting weddings like Alyssa and Brian’s reminds me why I love what I do. Alyssa, a Winter Haven native, returned to her roots to say "I do" at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, the very place where she once attended school. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at Venue 650 , a rustic-meets-modern warehouse space that perfectly accommodated their 250 guests for a Florida indoor wedding reception and featured a beautiful outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour.

The day flowed effortlessly thanks to Jennie Maretti of Pixies and Petals, who brought the couple’s vision to life with seamless coordination and light, airy florals that tied everything together beautifully.

Getting ready with your best friends.

Alyssa and her bridesmaids got ready at Venue 650 in Winter Haven, Florida, while Brian and his groomsmen prepped at Staybridge Suites nearby. Alyssa stepped into her gown from Solutions Bridal in Orlando, surrounded by family and friends. Brian kept it classic in a black tux and white bow tie from The Black Tux.

Take time during your wedding for moments that matter to you.

Before the ceremony, Alyssa shared a series of first looks, one with her father, another with her brother, and a sweet reveal with her bridesmaids. In a playful twist, her father even pranked Brian by stepping in for the couple’s first look before Alyssa made her actual entrance. When she and Brian finally saw each other in the courtyard at Venue 650, it was a calm, genuine moment that allowed them to pause and soak in the day together.

To make the most of their day, the couple also chose to take full wedding party photos before the ceremony, giving them more time to enjoy cocktail hour and celebrate with their guests afterward.

Formal Catholic Wedding Ceremony

A short drive away, the ceremony took place at the stunning St. Joseph Catholic Church. This Winter Haven wedding venue offered the perfect blend of tradition stain glass and architectural beauty, made even more special by the fact that Alyssa grew up attending the church. The couple was married by a priest who had known them for years, adding a personal touch to the ceremony with heartfelt words and a few well timed jokes that had everyone smiling.

Alyssa and Brian exchanged vows in front of 250 guests, surrounded by soft florals, meaningful glances, and happy tears. With formal portraits and family groupings planned for after the ceremony, the church altar served as a breathtaking setting for capturing the joy shared between the newlyweds and their families.

One of the decisions Alyssa and Brian made was including a second photographer in their coverage. This allowed for unique angles—like a stunning overhead shot of Alyssa walking down the aisle—and beautifully candid moments behind the scenes.

Modern Industrial Charm Wedding Reception

Guests were welcomed back to Venue 650 for cocktail hour in the outdoor courtyard, followed by a full evening of celebration. Known for its modern industrial charm, Venue 650 was transformed with mirror accents, soft lighting, and a vibrant LED dance floor from I Rock Your Party.

Jennie Maretti at Pixies and Petals expertly designed a reception that beautifully balanced modern style with classic elegance, creating a timeless atmosphere for Alyssa and Brian’s celebration.

The reception featured thoughtful details like a custom wood guest book, DIY seating display, light-up foam wands, and bride and groom foam fingers, all of which added personality to this Florida wedding celebration.

Perfectly Curated Wedding Photography Coverage

Alyssa and Brian’s wedding balanced meaningful tradition with modern style, from their ceremony in the bride’s childhood church to the reception at the sleek Venue 650. With careful planning and thoughtful details, their day was a true reflection of who they are—and a celebration their guests won’t forget.

If you want to capture your wedding day with the same level of care, from candid moments to the big highlights, consider full-day photography coverage with an optional second photographer for added coverage. Reach out today to learn how we can help tell your story.