Jera and Zach’s Epping Forest Yacht Club wedding in Jacksonville, Florida was everything I love about fall weddings. It was classic, elegant, and full of tender emotion. From our first conversation, I could tell Jera and Zach trusted me, valued the details, and wanted wedding photos that feel joyful and timeless. That’s exactly the kind of celebration I love to capture!

Epping Forest Yacht Club: A Stunning Florida Wedding Venue

Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club is one of my favorite Florida wedding venues. Known for its old-world charm and classic coastal vibes, this historic waterfront venue overlooks the St. Johns River and features stunning views from every angle. 

If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Jacksonville that can serve every purpose, Epping Forest Yacht Club is the perfect all-in-one space. You can host a ceremony with waterfront views, transition into cocktail hour surrounded by romantic gardens and fountains, and then celebrate with an intimate reception or an elegant banquet—all without ever leaving the property. 

From the beautifully manicured English Gardens and outdoor terraces to ballrooms within the mansion and the iconic outdoor staircase, this Jacksonville wedding venue is a dream to photograph. 

Getting Ready on the Property

The morning of Jera and Zach’s Epping Forest Yacht Club wedding started right on site, which is perfect for a couple who wants an elevated experience without chaos. It keeps everyone grounded—no rushing around Jacksonville, no bouncing between locations, just a calm, steady start. Because we didn’t need to move from location to location, I got to do what I do best: focus on the storytelling, the details, and all the in-between moments that make a wedding uniquely personal.

Epping Forest Yacht Club provides so many special locations for intimate photo moments. Photo-worthy getting ready spaces? Check! Jera’s dress and veil moment on the stairs in front of the window? Stunning! We also carved out time for an emotional first look with Jera’s dad, and that one still sticks with me—quiet, sweet, and full of meaning.

First Look by Epping Forest’s Outdoor Staircase

If you’re planning an Epping Forest Yacht Club wedding, you already know the venue has so many beautiful backdrops—but the outdoor staircase is one of its most popular spots for a reason. Jera and Zach chose the staircase for their first look, and it gave us the perfect blend of elegant architecture with private, emotional energy.  

The way Jera’s veil and train moved on the steps gave us that effortless, editorial feel as she caught the light in incredible ways. Her bridal details were so fall-forward in the prettiest way—white and forest green with burnt orange tucked into the florals for that warm autumn pop. 

Outdoor Wedding Party Portraits 

After the couple’s first look, we were able to flow right into wedding party photos without ever feeling rushed. The bridesmaids’ dresses were that rich, mossy green that photographs so beautifully in true-to-color edits (my favorite). The guys took advantage of classic groomsmen style in black tuxedos and everyone looked so stunning against the venue’s classic architecture.

Waterfront Ceremony & Cocktail Hour on the Terrace

Jera and Zach’s ceremony had that tender, emotional feel that makes me grateful I get to witness love for a living. Afterward, everyone flowed into cocktail hour with the most gorgeous waterfront view—seriously, cocktail hour at Epping Forest Yacht Club is such a highlight because you’re surrounded by yachts and that classic Jacksonville riverfront backdrop. I grabbed a black-and-white perspective looking over the guests as the conversations and laughter filled the space—and it’s still one of my favorites because it feels so timeless.

If you’re looking for a Jacksonville Florida wedding photographer who cares just as much about the atmosphere as the portraits, this is exactly what I mean—capturing how it all felt, not just how it looked.

Indoor-Outdoor Wedding Reception Details

Taking full advantage of both indoor and outdoor spaces at Epping Forest Yacht Club, Jera and Zach’s reception featured romantic floral arrangements, warm fall color, and elegant details. All of the toasts and speeches gave touching snapshots of their sweet and playful relationship. And when late-night espresso martinis appeared for guests? Iconic. 

Fall Wedding at Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club

Jera and Zach’s wedding day at Epping Forest Yacht Club was the perfect blend of classic elegance and real, heartfelt emotion. Talk about fall color done in a timeless way, meaningful moments (that first look with her dad still gets me), and a venue that brings the wow factor from morning to night! 

If you’re looking for a Florida wedding photographer who will capture your story in a way that looks exactly how it felt, I’d love to chat about your wedding day vision. Send me an inquiry to get the conversation started! 

Vendor Team

Photography: Snapshots by Gabriela
Venue/Catering: Epping Forest Yacht & Country Club
Planner: A Lavish Event
Videography: Jay Grubb Photography
Florist: Amazing Wedding Productions
DJ: Party Solution Entertainment
Hair: Gracie Wainright
Makeup: Shelby Davis
Bridal Gown: Calla Blanche from White Magnolia Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey
Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Classic Cakes