Every so often, we wedding vendors love to step away from the hustle of real weddings and dive into a creative project that lets us push the boundaries, explore new ideas, and simply create for the love of the craft. As a wedding photographer, I can also play with different photo techniques and styling! Our recent styled shoot at The Old Spanish Quarter in Jacksonville was one of those magical moments where everything came together beautifully. If I were to get married right now, this would 100% be my vibe—a blend of moody lighting, intimate evening settings, and a design that feels both timeless and fresh.
The Old Spanish Quarter is one of Jacksonville’s newest gems, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase it in this shoot. From the moment we toured the venue, the black-and-white architectural details sparked our imagination. The Old Spanish Quarter is perfect for couples seeking a wedding venue brimming with character, history, and old-world charm with its exposed white brick, rustic wood ceilings, tile floors, and black iron chandeliers.
This venue is incredibly versatile, offering a flood of natural light and a neutral color palette that can adapt to any style. It also has a romantic outdoor space perfect for ceremonies and cocktail hour. The venue can host up to 200 guests, and it includes everything you need for a seamless wedding day, from an on-site preparation suite to a built-in bar and lounge.
For this shoot, we leaned into a design that embraced moody lighting and the cozy, intimate feel of a late-night reception. We wanted to highlight how you can transform a space like The Old Spanish Quarter into an enchanting setting perfect for an evening wedding—a trend we see gaining traction in 2025. The black-and-white architectural details of the venue inspired us to play with darker tones, creating a modern and nostalgic vibe.
Within Weddings, which also owns Beauty Within Bridal, had the most stunning gowns that perfectly complemented our vision. Let Destiny Design took the concept to the next level with breathtaking draping across the dining table. They continued the draping overhead to make this larger space feel more private and inviting.
We also embraced the current trend of bows in this shoot, adding them as a chic and playful detail throughout. From black bows on the coffee martinis to bow drink stirrers and even the bride’s pearl necklace with a black bow cascading down her back—every element was carefully curated to enhance the overall aesthetic. The wedding cake, a two-tier white confection adorned with large black bows, was the perfect finishing touch.
Collaborating with such talented vendors at The Old Spanish Quarter was truly a joy. The creativity and passion everyone brought to this project made it a day to remember! As a wedding photographer, I can’t wait to capture a real wedding here. The venue’s charm, stunning design elements, and intimate atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. Dreaming of your perfect wedding at The Old Spanish Quarter or anywhere in Jacksonville and St. Augustine? Let’s make it happen together—get in touch, I’d love to chat!
Photographer: Nikki Golden Photography
Venue: Old Spanish Quarter
Planning: Within Weddings
Florist: Let Destiny Design
Cakes: Breakable Hearts
Hair & Makeup: True Bridal Glow
Bridal Boutique: Beauty Within
Rentals: Event Works
Jewelry: @discoraven22