As a Jacksonville wedding planning expert and your strategic partner, I’ve experienced my fair share of venues. From rustic barns to elegant ballrooms, I’ve seen it all. My experience has taught me that a truly exceptional wedding venue doesn’t just have Instagram-worthy aesthetics (though they don’t hurt!).
What causes me to fall in love with a venue is when they combine flawless logistics and expert attention to detail. When these elements come together, you get to soak in the best day of your life while your dream team handles every last detail behind the scenes.
And it’s why I love Bowing Oaks in Jacksonville, FL so much. It’s a versatile wedding venue that couples rave about, and causes the hearts of wedding planners, like me, to sing their praises.
Let’s look at why!
It goes without saying, but exceptional service is a MUST in any luxury wedding venue. Not only does Bowing Oaks meet that service standard, but they also exceed it.
The amazing venue manager, Heather Canada-Randall, always makes sure that the couples, and the vendors’ teams, have everything they need on time. When you’re planning a big day, this is a must.
There’s also so much included with draping, uplighting, and other DJ-specific services. They go above and beyond for their couples.
Bowing Oaks is beautiful, but their thoughtful organization is what really takes the cake.
There is a second entrance in the back kitchen, which means we don’t have to go through the guests to keep the show running. We can keep our production pretty private from the rest of the setup.
I also love that clients can bring their own alcohol. It’s a huge savings, and they’re right in the middle of multiple ABC liquor stores and Total Wine, where we can schedule deliveries. How easy is that!
When it comes to rental companies, it’s very easy for them to deliver because there are no stairs. This venue has SUCH a flexible layout too!
I also love the on-site parking, getting-ready suites, and full-on ceremony space. It’s not just converting the dancefloor; there’s a fully covered outdoor area that still has a power source for entertainment! It really elevates the whole experience.
And I cannot forget to mention that they have a full-on outdoor Plan B! This is so critical in Florida, as Mother Nature can be wrathful at times. Built-in protection from the heat and the rain is such a great perk!
Bowing Oaks is also in a great location. They’re in a pretty central hub and aren’t too far away from the airport. Couples and their guests can choose to stay in Ponte Vedra, Jax Beach, or Saint Augustine. There are plenty of options!
Now that I’ve shared why I love Bowing Oaks so much, let me show you exactly what makes it so special with a few weddings we’ve planned in the past.
This is a wedding I’m still dreaming of. The Stanleys sure knew how to throw a party! Not to mention, the beautiful decor they chose goes so well with Bowing Oaks. And perhaps the lighting was the best part of it all (besides the love story, of course).
H + S’s Vendors:
Photo: @christinakarst Rentals: @luxepartyrentals Floral: @marbleandpine | Video: @rickerfilms | Entertainement: @thebandbeeasy
This was quite possibly one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever witnessed. The couple was married on Valentine’s Day weekend, which meant sourcing reasonably priced red and pink florals would be tough. Thankfully, we were able to pivot, and Bowing Oaks was still dressed up in some beautiful flowers. It turned out great
It just goes to show you that the wedding is about so much more than just the event. What’s more important is celebrating love, and the Dressels did just that.
M + C’s Vendors
Full Planning + Design: The Eventful Gals | Photo + Video: We are the Bowsers | Florals + Design: Marble + Pine | DJ + Lighting + Custom Frontboard: Party Solution Ent | Catering + Bar: Designed Events Inc. | Rentals: All About Events | Cake + Desserts: Creme de la Cocoa | Hair: Blush + Mane | Makeup: Lia Croke | Wedding Gown Boutique: Love, a Bridal Boutique | Security: Overwatch Security Group
I loved the warm and inviting reception space we created. Sara had such an exquisite sense of style, and if there was a place that we could monogram, we did! Having the same fonts, flow, and structure throughout all of the paper goods and builds brought the elegance of Bowing Oaks to life.
S + P’s Vendors:
Photography: @sheexposure | Floral: @sheahopely | Rentals: @vivantrentals + @treasuryrentals | Entertainment: @partysolutionent | Stationery/Paper @heatherobriendesign | Beauty: @oshea_styles + @studiobride (Pssst: There were over 30 creatives that made this day happen! If you have questions about any of the details, just ask!
Learn more about our strategic wedding planning services here.
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We’re The Eventful Gals, experts in luxury wedding planning and design in Northeast Florida. From big ideas to tiny details, we handle it all, giving you the freedom to soak in the best day of your life.