An American girl. A Chilean boy. A dog, a goat, a shipping container, and a beach wedding in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Do I have your attention yet?

Rion + Cristian’s love story is easily one of my favorites. Rion had just arrived in Chile, where she’d planned to spend a year learning Spanish and teaching English, when she decided to take a quick ski trip for the weekend. Turns out that was an excellent idea, because that’s where she met Cristian — at a party to celebrate the close of the ski season. They fell for each other quickly and soon built a life together in the mountains of Chile, where they live in a home built out of shipping containers, along with their dog and goat.

They planned an October wedding in Ponte Vedra, Florida, where Rion’s family has a home. When I say that it was the most perfect weekend, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Friends and family traveled from near and far (literally) to celebrate with them, and though not everyone spoke the same language, it didn’t even matter. It was magical. They said their vows on the beach at the Ponte Vedra Inn + Club on the beach, and guests danced under stars and stringed lights for the reception. It was perfect.

There are so many things I loved about the day itself — a Rion and her bridesmaids jumping on the bed before getting ready, their family dog who putzed around the house and beach throughout the festivities, Rion’s incredible bouquet of the aptly-named Blushing Bride Protea, the fact that her two big brothers were her “dudes of honor,” Cristian’s precious family and the pride on his mother’s face throughout the weekend, Rion’s parents who walked her down the aisle, their “cheesecake” (aka, WHEELS OF CHEESE stacked on top of each other… the list goes on.

But what struck me most, though, was Rion + Cristian themselves.

I’ve known Rion for a looong time, and she’s always been one of my favorite people. Her joy for life is infectious, and it’s clear that she’s found her perfect counterpart in Cristian. Their love for each other, their respect, the way that they look at each other — it’s adorable. There’s no doubt that these two are the real deal, and you better believe that I’ll be stopping by if I ever find myself in Chile.

Rion + Cristian, my happiness for you knows no bounds. Thank you so, so much for allowing me to tag along and document such an incredible weekend. Cheers to a lifetime of bliss!

SHOUTOUT TO THE AMAZING VENDOR TEAM WHO MADE IT HAPPEN:

PLANNING + DESIGN: P. HASTING DESIGN
VENUE: PONTE VEDRA INN + CLUB
FLORAL DESIGN: ALBRIGHT’S FLORIST
BRIDE’S GOWN: MADE WITH LOVE BRIDAL + HAILEY PAGE VIA VILLAGE BRIDAL
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: SHOW ME YOUR MUMU
CUSTOM MONOGRAMS: SHULER STUDIO
HAIR: GRAZYNA MERCADO
MAKEUP: MONICA HAYES
WEDDING BAND: EVOLUTION PARTY BAND
INVITATION SUITE: BY INVITATION
RENTALS: LUXE RENTALS

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Ponte Vedra Inn + Club Wedding Photographer, Eliza Morrill