PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MADI ELIZABETH

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s a quote we all know, one that’s been used time and time again, but it’s also the reason I love what I do. Not just to take a picture, but to capture a fleeting moment—one you can look back on and be transported to that feeling again.

There’s something special about being a part of a memory as it’s actively being created. Not overly posed, but candid and real. I strive to give my photography a documentary leaning, romantic, softly editorial feel.

Each elopement, wedding and engagement featured in this issue showcases a different vibe, style and story, while still reflecting pieces of my work. They allow me to explore creatively while staying true to the emotion and authenticity that guide my approach.

After shooting now for more than 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing a wide range of moments and celebrations. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is getting to know each couple, understanding what makes their day unique and blending their vision with my style.

My hope is that as you look through these images, and as these couples look back on them in the years to come, I’ve done my job well. I hope to capture moments that aren’t just a fleeting trend, but a photograph worth holding onto, something you hang on your wall, share with your future kids and carry with you for generations.

Jaden + Mitchell

Jaden Mayo and Mitchell Farless’s love story began subtly in the hallways of Lake Gibson High School, where they would often see each other at lunch but didn’t immediately muster up the courage to talk. Their connection was finally sparked in 2020 thanks to a mutual friend who orchestrated a group trip to the beach. The friend, who seemed to have a romantic hunch, made sure to leave Jaden and Mitchell alone to give them the chance to talk and truly get to know each other.

This led to Jaden asking for Mitchell’s Snapchat, and a growing friendship turned into unacknowledged mutual attraction and flirting, and eventually, Mitchell asked her to be his girlfriend.

Years later, Mitchell meticulously planned a surprise proposal at the serene and stunning Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. He concealed the plan behind a convincing excuse: a joint sunset photoshoot with Jaden’s sister to help split the cost of a photographer. Unbeknownst to Jaden, Mitchell had secretly plotted with her sister and their talented friend and photographer, Madi Elizabeth, to set the stage.

The setting for the big moment was breathtaking, with the couple standing directly in front of the Singing Tower with the water glistening behind them. The photographer instructed Jaden to face away from Mitchell, let go of his hand and then turn back around. When she did, she found Mitchell down on one knee, ready to promise them their own “happy ever after.”

Jaden and Mitchell are set to be married on July 5, 2026, at the beautiful Ever After Farms Citrus Wedding Venue in Polk City. They are committed to creating a wedding day that is a warm, timeless and intentional reflection of their love, ensuring they are surrounded by those closest to them from beginning to end.

Brook + Conner

For Conner and Brooke Murphy, who first crossed paths as students working at Florida Polytechnic University’s on-campus gym, their journey to marriage was anything but ordinary. Even a well-planned proposal, which was intended to happen at CoCo Bay (the private island of Royal Caribbean cruise lines) had to be changed on the fly due to inclement weather. Conner ended up popping the question on a “tour of the cruise ship bridge,” where the couple celebrated with a champagne toast while taking in the finest views offered at sea.

As members of the Florida Army National Guard, the couple faced unpredictable schedules, which led them to prioritize intentionally and minimize stress when planning their wedding. Brooke said they agreed wholeheartedly the most important part of their wedding day was simply being together.

They chose to elope at the Polk County Court House, followed by a romantic photo shoot in Downtown Lakeland at their favorite date spots, concluding the evening with dinner at the authentic Italian eatery Scarpas. Brooke summarized the atmosphere they captured throughout their wedding day: “The entire day was slow-paced, intimate, and focused completely on us—exactly what we wanted.”

The day was filled with personal touches, including working with photographer Madi Elizabeth, who Brooke said “truly went above and beyond” to ensure the couple felt comfortable. The warmth of the community also shone through, as they received random congratulations while taking photos Downtown. The ultimate heartwarming moment occurred at dinner: an anonymous couple paid for their meal—an unexpected gesture that made the day even more special.

Reflecting on their intentional approach, Brooke noted: “What made the day so meaningful was the time we intentionally set aside to focus on our lifelong commitment to each other.”

The Murphys are excited to continue building their life together right here in the community they cherish.

FLORALS: Bloom Shakalaka

SUIT: Jos. a Bank

DRESS: Versona

PHOTOGRAPHER: Madi Elizabeth Photography

CEREMONY LOCATION: Polk County Court House

PHOTO LOCATION: Downtown Lakeland and Palace Pizza

DINNER: Scarpa’s Italian

Kristina + Luis

The foundation of Kristina and Luis Dávila’s heartwarming Lakeland romance began simply, with a shared desk in algebra class freshman year. Years later, their easy companionship blossomed into an intentional love story that culminated in a spectacular surprise engagement.

Luis, a true romantic who had already secured the perfect Gaines Jewelers ring, masterfully orchestrated a dream proposal in September 2023. Kristina believed they were heading to Bonnet Springs Park for simple “family photos,” but their amazing photographer, Madi Elizabeth, was covertly capturing moments until a beautiful rose walkway appeared by the lake. The surprise intensified when Kristina turned to find both their families waiting, including their sisters who traveled from out of state, creating a moment “filled with so
much love.”

Their faith-filled journey culminated in a joyful wedding on October 11, 2025. Reflecting their deep Catholic values, the couple exchanged vows at the beautiful St. Joseph’s Church. The celebration, held at Uliana Estate, was infused with special, personal elements. They celebrated their heritage with a meaningful bilingual Mass
and honored their personal history by having each of their mothers read special selections.

Memorable moments abounded: from an emotional private first look in the silo, to sharing time getting ready with their grandmothers and fathers. They lovingly created an honor sign and reserved an empty seat to hold space for lost loved ones. The evening, catered by the beloved Palace Pizza team, felt like one big, joyful family celebration. The final unforgettable flourish was an electrifying Hora Loca surprise—a traditional Hispanic tradition where the energy and atmosphere is amplified at the peak of a celebration—proving that the love between Kristina and Luis is
truly infectious.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, honestly you would be the only one to notice if something didn’t go exactly to plan,” Kristina shares to soon-to-be brides. “Be in the moment and truly enjoy all those who came to celebrate
with you.”

DJ: Eric, Graingertainment

RENTALS: Marilyn’s Linens & Under One Tent

HAIR AND MAKEUP: Bella Grace Beauty LLC.

SUIT: Indochino

DRESS: Truly Forever Bridal

JEWELER: Gaines Jewelers

PHOTOGRAPHER: Madi Elizabeth Photography

CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Joseph’s Church

RECEPTION LOCATION: The Uliana Estate

CATERING: Palace Pizza

BAKER: Publix

BAR: Chrismixinitup Bar Services

FLORALS: Uli & Co

Allison and Carlos

The art of marriage is something Carlos and Allison Salas are working wholeheartedly to perfect following the 2025 wedding of the gifted creative couple.

Carlos and Allison both ended up in Miami—Carlos via Colombia and Allison via Lakeland—in pursuit of careers in the arts, and they ended up finding an additional pursuit—each other—in the process.

On a beach date in Hollywood, Fla., the couple was in the midst of doing a craft Carlos had planned when he popped the question to his would-be bride.

“I knew he had asked for my parent’s blessing but he surprised me with the ring and the timing. He knows me so well and did a great job with all the planning and making it something special and romantic in a way I would love,” Allison says. “He’s very thoughtful in that way.”

When it came to planning their wedding day, it was very important for the couple to put God at the center of it. They opted to get married at the church Allison’s parents attend, Church for the One. Allison commented how incredible the staff was, including Pastor Tim Mahan, to create an intimate, spiritual experience. The church even live-streamed the ceremony so Carlos’ family and friends in Colombia could join in the celebration.

For the reception, more home-town vibes led the way, as family friend Mick Pugliese, the owner of Il Forno, and his staff took impeccable care of the couple and their guests.

“Our guests from out of town who hadn’t had the privilege of eating there were really impressed,” Allison says. “Also, the waitstaff were really kind and personable with us, even taking the initiative to save a piece of cake for us to eat at our first anniversary.”

Not surprisingly, the little details were dialed in the entire day, thanks in big part to Allison’s cousin Emily Vila. She handled all of the flowers and decor for the ceremony and reception to create “just what the couple had imagined,” and her brother-in-law Alec Fuller captured the moment in real-time as the videographer.

Allison says she and Carlos were truly able to enjoy every moment of their wedding day because they allowed their trusted family, friends and highly recommended vendors to do what they do best.