Some love stories spark in the most unexpected places. For Tori and Jacob, that spark happened years ago at a local kids' water park. Tori’s high school friends worked there alongside Jake, and the moment the two crossed paths, they were absolutely smitten with each other. From those sunny poolside afternoons, a deep and lifelong partnership began to grow.
Over the years, they built a relationship centered on shared adventures and a mutual love for exploring. One of their absolute favorite memories together takes them back to a 2019 cruise, where they found themselves snorkeling alongside sea turtles. A curious turtle swam right up to them, allowing them to gently pet it and swim side-by-side for a few unforgettable minutes in the open water.
When it came time to propose, Jake masterfully pulled off a surprise that Tori never saw coming. Under the guise of taking Mother’s Day family portraits at a local golf course and resort, Tori arrived to find Jake’s entire family waiting. To her absolute shock, Jake had even arranged to bring home their new Golden Retriever puppy early just for the moment. Handing her a sweet puppy in one hand and a ring in the other, Jake asked her to be his wife. The thoughtfulness didn't stop there, as Jake had already arranged for all of their closest friends and family to gather for a celebratory brunch immediately afterward.
When looking for a team to document their legacy, Tori and Jake received a glowing recommendation from the team at The Treasury. Looking through Bow Tie Photo & Video's portfolio, Tori fell in love with the classic elegance and breathtaking style of the imagery, knowing it would perfectly match the grandeur of their vision.
Classic Elegance in the Heart of St. Augustine
Tori and Jake knew exactly what they wanted when choosing a venue. They envisioned an indoor space that offered a sense of high-end luxury while remaining fundamentally welcoming, timeless, and classic. The moment they walked into The Treasury on the Plaza, they completely fell in love with the towering architectural columns and the historic charm of the old bank vault, making it the easiest decision of their planning process.
Their wedding theme beautifully embraced this historic grandeur, leaning into an aesthetic of timeless, classic sophistication. The details were kept clean, romantic, and elegant to allow the breathtaking architecture of the venue to shine.
For Tori, the morning was filled with anticipation as she got ready with her favorite girls, leading up to the long-awaited moment she would walk down the aisle to marry her best friend. Beyond the sacred exchange of their vows, Tori was most excited for a massive milestone: officially changing her last name to Schmitt and taking the first step toward building a family of their own.
Good Food, Epic Dancing, and Chocolate Cake
If you ask Tori what always makes her laugh, she’ll tell you it’s the unmistakable face Jake makes whenever he takes a bite of truly incredible food. As dedicated foodies who love going on food tours and trying new local eateries, dining was a major highlight. For dessert, the couple treated their guests to a classic wedding cake featuring rich chocolate layers and delicious buttercream icing.
Once dinner concluded, the celebration truly began. Both Tori and Jake were incredibly excited for the reception entertainment, and the dance floor did not disappoint. With the music turned up, the newlyweds and their guests kept the energy at an all-time high, celebrating under the hashtag #ohschmittit’shappening.
As the spectacular evening drew to a close, the new Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt looked forward to putting the finishing touches on their upcoming honeymoon plans. Whether they head out on another cruise or jet off to a new culinary destination, their future is bound to be filled with endless love, incredible food, and beautiful memories.
Tori and Jake, thank you for letting us capture the magic of your gorgeous wedding day. Your love story is absolutely beautiful, and we wish you a lifetime of joy, family, and countless new adventures together!
The Creative Team
Venue: The Treasury on the Plaza | @treasuryontheplaza
Photography: Bow Tie Photo & Video | @bowtiephoto
Videograph: Kim's Creative Co | Yong Kim | @thekimscreativeco
Baker: Kristen’s Cupcake Cafe Kristen | @kristenscupcakecafe
Entertainment Amplify | Nate Long | @amplifydjs
Florist: Roots and Flora | MG Icaza
Hair: Travis Kinkade | @traviskbeauty
Makeup: Masters artistry | Alaina DeBarnardis | @masterartistry
Rentals: St. John’s Illuminations | Anessa/Sydney | @stjohnsilluminations
Lighting Package: Hollywood Package | Cold Sparks