This Rustic Laurel Hill Wedding Is a D.I.Y Dream

By Janecia Britt

You could say there was love in that Chili’s the night Brooke and Jacob Zagaruyka met though, they might not have known it yet.

“We first met in 2014 we worked at Chili’s in Destin.

We decided it was time for a new adventure so we moved to Colorado and met some great friends, made some amazing memories and even rescued a dog together.

After living in Colorado for a year we decided to move back to Florida. Jacob has been so supportive of me and my dreams and I to him.

I wanted to go back to school to finish my degree and he has stood by my side through it all. The day we got engaged was the best day of my life while until we got married.

We got engaged in July and got married in September. My brother was joining the air force so it was extremely important to me for my brother to be there.

The day of our wedding was absolutely perfect. It was small just family and I could t have asked for a better way to spend.

My wedding planning was fast and fun. I had a lot of help from my brothers’ soon to be mother-in-law. She played a huge part in putting my dream into reality.

We built our own bar and backdrop. Did a lot of the details ourselves so it was very hands-on and a lot of fun.

We decided to write vowels to each other and read them before I walked down the aisle and the heartfelt note I received was the best words I have ever read.

Leading up to the wedding he told me I was going to cry all day but as soon as the barn doors opened and my dad and I stepped out his smile reached ear to ear and tears rolled down his face.

My dads toast to us had me in tears the love my family has for me is not equally shared between myself and Jacob. He is my best friend my, my partner in crime and my adventure buddy.

I love living life and with him, by my side, it just makes it so much more special.”

Her advice for brides-to-be? “Enjoy every moment of it. I know it is stressful but it goes so fast. Take every little detail in and savor the moment.”

Photography by Mandie McElroy