Intimate Wedding at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida

Some weddings go big—with 200 guests, a full day of events, and a champagne tower that deserves its own zip code. And then there are weddings like Kara and Joe’s: smaller in scale, rich in meaning, and proof that a short timeline can still pack in all the magic.

A Morning Wedding at Harry P. Leu Gardens

This was a morning ceremony, which—pro tip—can be a brilliant way to skip the worst of the Florida heat. The light was bright, the skies were clear, and the vibe was joyful without anyone feeling like they were melting. They held their ceremony in the Landing, with the rose garden in full bloom behind the altar.

Proof That a First Look Doesn’t Steal the Moment

Even though Kara and Joe chose to share a First Look tucked beneath a shaded trellis, Joe’s reaction when Kara walked down the aisle with her mom was still deeply emotional. That alone said so much about the kind of day this was. The First Look didn’t take away from the ceremony moment. If anything, it added to it. It gave them a chance to connect quietly before everything began, to be present with each other before the whirlwind. So when Kara walked in, it wasn’t just surprise—it was everything they had built together leading up to that moment, all hitting at once.

Personal Touches and Picture-Perfect Moments

The front row held framed photos honoring the family members and beloved pets who couldn’t be there physically but were clearly there in spirit. It was quiet, meaningful, and deeply personal.

After the ceremony, instead of disappearing for portraits right away, Kara and Joe chose to mingle back at the ceremony site where the enthusiasm and celebration were still buzzing. Because the family formals were so well planned, we had time to snag a few fun shots with friends before heading off for their portraits. From the blooming rose garden and its dreamy four-tier fountain to the oak trees dripping in Spanish moss, Leu Gardens gave us no shortage of photogenic backdrops. 

Why Shorter Weddings Work

Shorter wedding days come with their own rhythm. Things move quickly, yes, but when the focus is sharp and the priorities are clear, you can create something truly special. When you trim the timeline, you often end up with more of what matters, fewer distractions and more intentional moments.

If you’ve ever questioned whether a shorter, smaller wedding can still feel like a big deal—here’s your proof. When the day reflects what actually matters to you, intimacy becomes the strength, not the compromise. Every guest felt included. Every moment had purpose. And every photo tells the real story of a day that meant something.