Amber & Phillip’s backyard wedding in Arcadia, FL
Backyard ranch country home wedding in Arcadia, FL | Orlando Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Author Made team photographer Maddie and team videographer Austin captured this rustic, heartfelt backyard wedding in quiet Arcadia outside Sarasota and Fort Myers in West-Central FL.
Amber & Phillip’s wedding day was riotous fun, a perfect reflection of their relationship as best friends and their chaotic yet laid-back personalities. The couple met on Tinder but quickly realized they had mutual friends and had probably crossed paths before. From their first date, they basically never separated, and 4.5 years later, it was obvious to everyone there that they still thrive off each other’s energy.
Their proposal story fits them perfectly too: Phillip originally planned to propose in Nashville, but when the ring didn’t arrive in time, he pivoted. With the help of a friend, he pulled off a sunset proposal on a boat, dolphins in the background. For real…it’s hard to top that.
A backyard wedding that felt like home
Set on a friend’s property in Arcadia, in rural Florida about 2hrs drive south of Orlando and a bit near Sarasota/Fort Myers area, this wedding leaned fully into the rustic, outdoor vibe. It was about having the space to bring their people together and celebrate without limitations. With around 150 guests, a tented reception, and wide-open land, it gave everyone room to spread out, connect, and settle into the day.
When Author Made team members Maddie (photo) and Austin (video) arrived, groom Phillip was already outside playing ball with some of the, completely at ease. That pretty much set the tone for the entire day. Amber arrived later with her bridal party, got ready in the house, and the energy slowly built as everything came together.
Private vows & a heartfelt ceremony
One of the most emotional parts of the day happened before the ceremony even began. Amber and Phillip chose to read private vows to each other in their separate locations, to be recorded and preserved on film, and both of them completely broke down. Maddie and Austin were there to capture the respective moments silently to be relived later.
Amber and her father rode in on a golf cart to their ceremony under a lakefront tree on the property. Surrounded by family and friends, it was simple, heartfelt, and had a sacred feeling being among nature. Afterward, family photos stayed right there under the same tree, keeping everything easy and natural before we snuck away for a few portraits by the pond.
A reception that really ramped up
Once the reception started, it didn’t stop. Amber, who’s a professional dancer, was on the dance floor basically the entire night, and Phillip matched her energy right alongside her. The DJ brought a hype man (which elevated everything), and the dance floor turned into a full-on party within minutes!
Phillip being a firefighter added its own layer to the night too. There was a display of helmets set up during the reception, and once the music started, let’s just say… firefighters know how to party. There may or may not have been some Magic Mike-level moments happening on the dance floor.
What stood out most about Amber and Phillip wasn’t just how fun their wedding day was, it was how natural everything felt. They’re the kind of couple who can be emotional and grounded one minute, then completely let loose the next.
Between the quiet tears during their vows and the absolute chaos of the dance floor, their wedding never tried to be anything other than what it was: a celebration of two people who genuinely love being together. And we feel those are always the best kinds of weddings. Congratulations to you both!
Author Made Team Photographer: Maddie Zahn
Author Made Team Videographer: Austin Taft
Hi, we’re Author Made, a wedding photography & videography studio based in Orlando, FL & Columbus, OH. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer or wedding videographer who believes weddings of all sizes and budgets deserve stunning images to cherish forever, we’d love to have the honor of capturing your wedding day.
If you’re interested in capturing your wedding photography or videography with us, please contact us - we would love to help your special day be all it can be!
