Wedding Day

Baughman Center

Wedding Ceremony

1908 Grand

Reception

Our Wedding

Joe and Jess met 7 years ago at a going away party for mutual friends (special shoutout to Andy and Lori!) at First Magnitude Brewing Company in Gainesville. Joe thought Jess was cute and struck up a conversation. They instantly clicked, but after Joe left without getting her number, Jess figured she would probably never see him again. A few weeks later, he reached out on Facebook, and the rest was history.Their first date was at The Top in downtown Gainesville, sharing burgers and lasted nearly 8 hours! From the very beginning, being together felt easy, fun, and natural. What started as a simple first date quickly turned into seven years of adventures, laughter, and building a life together.Over the years, Joe and Jess have traveled all over the U.S., making memories everywhere from weekend road trips to bigger adventures. They love exploring new places, trying unique restaurants, and spending time with their sweet dog, Coco, who is such a special part of their lives. Along the way, their love continued to grow, and together they found the perfect balance in one another — bringing out the best in each other through laughter, adventure, and life’s everyday moments.In March 2026, during a birthday weekend getaway to Providence Canyon State Park with Coco, Joe finally decided it was about time to make things official. After a weekend spent hiking the canyons, exploring Columbus, eating their way through town, and walking along the Riverwalk, Joe proposed on the last day of the trip on a peaceful rock island along the Chattahoochee River. Of course, Jess said yes — though she will jokingly tell you it was about time he finally asked!Now, they’re excited to start their biggest adventure yet — married life together.

Our Story 

Photos

Joe and Allan have been close friends since growing up together in Miami and have shared countless adventures over the years.

Allan

Zach and Joe met in Gainesville while working together at the fire department and quickly became close friends.

Zach

Joe and Alek met through mutual friends and have shared years of great memories, adventures, and even better laughs.

Alek

Jessica and Kaitlynn met in college and lived together for a few years, creating a friendship filled with countless memories. Through every season of life and many of life’s biggest moments, they have remained incredibly close over the years.

Kaitlynn

Jessica and Skylar met while working together at UF Health and quickly became close friends. Over the years, they’ve shared so many memories, adventures, and unforgettable moments together.

Skylar

Jessica and Leah met in college and later became roommates after graduation. No matter where life has taken them, they’ve always stayed close — even traveling the world together along the way!

Leah 

Jessica met Rachel in Gainesville, and she quickly became one of the kindest and most genuine friends in her life. From fun memories working together to spending time with Joe, Rachel has been such a special part of their lives.

Rachel

Wedding Party

Q + A

While we do not have a hotel room block reserved, we recommend the following hotels located close to our reception venue for guests traveling in for the weekend. There are also many great Airbnb options in the downtown Gainesville area. We suggest booking early!

AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown is a modern hotel conveniently located near the University of Florida campus on University Avenue. Just a short drive from both our ceremony and reception venues—including only 2 miles to 1908 Grand, it's a great choice for guests looking for a central and comfortable stay.

AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown

For guests looking to stay close to the celebration, we recommend Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown, located in the heart of downtown Gainesville and within walking distance to our reception venue. It’s a great option for guests wanting to enjoy the weekend without needing to drive. Please note that parking options for this hotel are limited to downtown street and paid downtown garage parking.

Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown

Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida offers modern boutique accommodations just a few miles from both our ceremony and reception venues. Its convenient location near the University of Florida campus and downtown Gainesville makes it a great option for guests looking for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Hotel Eleo

Another wonderful nearby option is Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging &amp; Events, a charming historic inn located just minutes from the venue. Its cozy atmosphere and beautiful grounds make it a perfect stay for out-of-town guests looking for a unique Gainesville experience

Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events

Travel

Whether you’re visiting Gainesville for the first time or returning to one of our favorite places, here are a few local spots we love and recommend checking out during your stay!

One of our favorite spots to walk with our dog, Coco! Be sure to check out The Boxcar for great food and drinks while you’re there.

Depot Park

Perfect for hiking, exploring nature, and spotting wildlife unique to Florida.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

A Gainesville favorite and a special place to us since it’s where we had our first date!

The TOP

One of our favorite places for a relaxed brunch or coffee stop when the weather is nice. We especially love Opus Coffee and Humble Wood Fire!

4th Ave Food Park

Things to Do

Registry

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?