Irelis & Dillon’s classic elegance wedding at The Baughman Center in Gainesville, FL
Classic elegant church wedding at the Baughman Center in Gainesville, FL | Orlando Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Author Made team photographer Kelly and co-owner Michael (on video) captured this stately, classic wedding in Gainesville, FL.
Some weddings are filled with extravagant details, while others remind you that the heart of the day has always been about two people making a lifelong commitment. Irelis and Dillon’s wedding at the Baughman Center in Gainesville was one of those weddings. It was simple, intentional, deeply rooted in their Christian faith, and centered on the people who mattered most.
Their story began on Upward, a Christian dating app, where they met in mid-December. Just a few months later they officially started dating, and after a little over a year together, Dillon proposed during a trip to Paris with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop. Their relationship also came with a few fun coincidences along the way, including discovering they had once lived in apartment buildings with the exact same apartment number! Long distance was part of their journey too, with Irelis’ family rooted in Florida while Dillon’s family traveled from London to celebrate alongside them.
For their wedding day, returning to Gainesville felt especially meaningful. Irelis had attended the University of Florida and had always loved the Baughman Center, making it the perfect place to exchange vows.
Baughman Center: the beauty of nature in an intimate, elegant setting
The Baughman Center is one of Gainesville’s hidden gems for couples planning an intimate wedding. Nestled along the shore of Lake Alice on the University of Florida campus, the chapel combines soaring architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and peaceful waterfront views in a surprisingly affordable venue. Even though it’s compact, the space feels grand thanks to its dramatic wood ceilings and natural light. One of our favorite features as photographers is that once guests have exited, the chapel becomes an incredible portrait location all on its own, while the nearby bridge and lakeside pathways offer even more variety without ever leaving the property.
One thing to keep in mind is that the venue’s size requires a little extra planning. If you’re hoping to do a first touch before the ceremony, it’s absolutely possible, but because of the tall windows and relatively small footprint, it takes careful coordination to keep the couple from accidentally seeing each other beforehand.
Quiet moments and a religious ceremony
The day began with one of our favorite traditions: a first touch. Rather than seeing each other before the ceremony, Irelis & Dillon shared a quiet moment around the corner of the chapel, exchanging letters and holding hands while keeping the anticipation of the first reveal at the ceremony intact.
Shortly afterward, Irelis shared an emotional first look with her father before everyone gathered inside the chapel. The ceremony itself reflected the couple perfectly in its warmth, emotion and centering on their faith. Their vows were easily one of the most emotional moments of the day, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room!
Following the ceremony, the couple intentionally built time into their schedule to simply be together before joining everyone else for portraits and the reception. Although that unexpected pause pushed family photos back a bit, it was a reminder that sometimes the best wedding timelines leave room to simply breathe and soak it all in.
Before leaving the Baughman Center, we explored both the chapel and its surrounding grounds for portraits. Between the elegant architecture, the lakeside bridge, and the quiet paths around the property, there was no shortage of beautiful backdrops.
A relaxed reception at Gainesville Woman’s Club
The celebration continued just a few minutes away at the Gainesville Woman’s Club with an intimate daytime reception. Instead of an evening dance party, the reception focused on sharing a meal together, heartfelt speeches, cake cutting, and time spent catching up with family and friends. If there was an unofficial MVP of the reception, it had to be Dillon’s dad. Between his constant photobombs and playful sense of humor, he kept everyone smiling throughout the afternoon.
One of our favorite moments happened after lunch when the couple stepped outside for a few portraits with Irelis & Dillon’s Mustangs. Yes, they both own Mustangs and it made for a wonderful, personality-filled portrait session! It was a fun change of pace that reflected a little of their personalities outside of the wedding itself. The local lovebugs (the actual insects, not the newlyweds…) tried their best to steal the spotlight during those portraits, but thankfully we all kept laughing through it.
As guests gathered outside for the grand exit with ribbon wands, the weather finally decided it had waited long enough. Rain began falling during the last few minutes of the day as if it had held off until every important moment was finished.
Congratulations again to Irelis & Dillon! It was such a joy documenting the beginning of your marriage, and we’re so grateful we could be part of a day that reflected your faith, your love for one another, and the families who came together to celebrate you both.
Author Made Team Photographer: Kelly Jazwa
Author Made Team Videographer: Michael Kuo
Venue: Baughman Center in Gainesville, FL & Gainesville Woman’s Club
Caterer: Mi Apá Latin Cafe
Hair & Makeup: Pretty n Pinned
Florist: The Flower Shop
Dress: Lily’s Bridal Outlet
Groom’s Outfit: Don Alans
Rings: Beré Jewelers & Jared
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey
Groomsmens’ Outfits: Men’s Wearhouse
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