If you’re wondering about a rehearsal dinner or wedding venue close to home, The Pointe in Gulf Breeze is everything you need and more. White walls, gorgeous aesthetic and oak trees with a golf course back drop, I mean.. what more can you ask for?

I saw a meme on Facebook a few weeks back that made me laugh out loud. It read “Ladies, if you find a man who prays with you, serves you with pleasure, and always has a smile on his face- he ain’t the one. You need to move on because you’re holding up the line at Chick-Fil-A.”

I died laughing. I mean, how relatable is that, right? Surely, no man is that perfect. Some men might have one or two of the qualities, but very few of them have all three. But, as I had the pleasure of photographing Chris + Mika’s Rehearsal Dinner at The Pointe the night before their wedding, I saw how Chris interacted with Mika. Chris is the guy from the meme (even though he doesn’t work at Chick-Fil-A).

Not only does Chris treat Mika this way, but the way he interacted with her best friend, Ashlee and her daughters was just the sweetest thing.

It wasn’t until the actual wedding day when I heard several more speeches, I realized.. Mika might be the sole reason Chris found happiness. She is so worthy of nothing but the best treatment and a true fairy tale. Mika might have one of the purest hearts ever. As we were in the getting ready room, there was a little mishap with her best friend running behind because she had to turn around. Mika’s reaction was so thoughtful. “I’m sure she is just so stressed.. I feel bad.” Wow. What a spin on how I’ve seen most people handle stress. Nothing phases her and she took the entire day in stride. She literally radiates beauty from the inside out. If you don’t believe me, two men pulled up in a golf cart and asked if they were celebrating their high school graduation.

I can’t wait to share more of Chris + Mika’s wedding day with you!

But, while we’re on the topic.. This was my first rehearsal dinner to photograph.

I usually have major FOMO on the morning of the wedding while the bridal party talks about how fun the rehearsal dinner was and wish I could have been there. No doubt, the wedding day and night is a blast. But, the rehearsal dinner is something worth photographing and here’s a few reasons why.

1. It’s the closest of the close people in your life. At the actual wedding, you’re hugging and greeting every person who traveled from near and far and your Great Aunt Susan you haven’t seen in years. At the rehearsal dinner it’s typically immediate family and bridal party. It’s intimate, close, and special.
2. The anxiety is wearing off. All of the decisions have been made and it’s time for you to let it all go. The bride and groom have taken a deep breath and have now put their faith in the vendors hands. The weight lifted is truly almost a physical one.
3. It’s your last night together engaged. You’ll cheers, have a few cocktails but call it early to try and get some sleep before the wedding, but you’ll be taking in every moment in a more slow manner with your fiance. It doesn’t go by in such a blur like the wedding day.

More to come on Chris + Mika very soon!

All my best,

Jordan West

Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Pointe, Gulf Breeze, Florida