Hey stop eye rolling - sure, there was certainly some uncertainty but we are still standing and we're grateful for oh-so much! This is what happens when you LOVE what you do. Luckily for you, we have two doses of wedding obsessed planners to keep you moving steadily into the New Year. But before we fast forward, we'd love to reflect on all the celebrations of the last twelve months! 
​

Hosted the 3rd Annual Florida Keys Destination Wedding Show
4th Year of the Florida Keys Vendor Networking series
Collaborated & styled 2 Inspiration Shoots
Celebrated 6 Years of Business and 30+ years of experience
Planned celebrations in 6 Cities throughout Florida
Worked with over 15 Different Venues

The Florida Keys Destination Wedding Show is the event that really kicks off the year for the wedding industry. Bringing vendors and couples together to create lasting relationships and stunning weddings is what we live for. While the next show is keeping us on the edge of our seats for 2022, we're here to help you make those perfect connections. All those wedding ideas you've been dreaming up during quarantine naps? Time to bring them to life, let's get to it!

#3 Panoramic Atlantic View
We were thrilled to not only introduce, but also feature the exciting new venue Fisher Inn Resort! With new ownership and a much needed mod-tropic face lift, you can quite literally fill in the wide open sugary beach with all your favorite Pinterest ideas. 

#2 Eco Friendly Luxury
This is where we (Wendy & Carin) started our own love story that is now Key Destination Weddings. As prior wedding specialists here, we find Baker's Cay Resort to be a personal fave as we reminisce on how far we've come - and how much the property has improved. With a stunning green-forward & Instagram-worthy renovation, it's no wonder why this boutique Hilton property is often at the top of our couples wish lists. 

#1 Fun & Fabulous in Islamorada 
And the most desired venue of 2020 is Post Card Inn Resort & Marina! With a unique swim-up bar and private beach cabanas, this expansive property gives guests a Caribbean all-inclusive feel without needing a passport. Endless activities, several dining outlets, and live entertainment keeps your guests living their best lives outside of the wedding festivities. And for the main event? Impressive thatched pavilions offer weather-friendly reception spaces along a stunning Atlantic beach line. And that is just one option! Open beaches, a large wooden deck suspended out over the ocean, modern indoor meeting spaces, and of course the historic  charming 'Bimini Row' are all options to celebrate your wedding weekend! 

​#2 Destination Inspiration
Did you know that wedding design is a specialty of ours? We are so proud of our vendor team for producing this ultra dreamy 'My Reflections' styled shoot at the newly-improved Bayside Inn - a go-to recommendation now for our engaged couples!

#1 The Love Boat Session
​We are still OBSESSED with this ultra-romantic next-day cruise following Mr. & Mrs. Healey's sparkling Islamorada wedding day! Seriously, there are no words, so please enjoy this mini gallery:

We are suckers for retro style, something about classic tradition hits us just right. When Lisa & Greg Poland Photography came to us with the idea of a photoshoot with one of their rad vintage cars, we were smitten. We hope you enjoy the charm of this fun-loving shoot, as much as we had bringing the details together and working with this stellar vendor team:

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. A warm breeze kissing your skin with sand and salt. Perfectly placed palm trees framing the two of you as you unite your love, and your lives. Everyone you know and cherish is there awaiting the celebration, with gratitude for the paradise you have invited them to.

Islamorada of the Florida Keys is filled with history, and your love story is about to become a part of its charm. Re-introducing Fisher Inn Resort: a tropic-mod escape in the heart of the Purple Isles that will have you dreaming of a sea-side soiree. Featuring an unbelievable coastline for your private wedding weekend retreat, your guests will be gushing over this vacation for years to come.

We love giving a new perspective to show there are no limits to what you can create. Your destination wedding is waiting for you in the Florida Keys. There is no passport required for your dream getaway. Here, you can have your cake - and it eat it too! Can you dig it?

Dainty details, slick greaser hair and rad wheels brought this 1950’s styled shoot to the present day. We’re pretty sure if you turn up the volume you’ll hear Elvis’s “Love me Tender” coming from the cassette radio of the super cool Chevy Bel Air. ​By the way, have you ever heard the old-school term 'playing back seat bingo'? So cheeky!

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Fisher Inn Resort
Planner: Key Destination Weddings
Photographer & Classic Car: Lisa & Greg Poland Photographer
Florist: Island Blooms
Rentals & Linens: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Wooden Benches: Floral Fantasy
Stationary: Blue Thistle Studio
Hair & Make Up: Florida Keys Bridal Team 
Wedding Cake: Unique D'Lites

Florida Keys Weddings are so special. They not only celebrate the union of love connecting two hearts, they create an experience – a true adventure among family and friends that generates wonderful memories from the start of each happily ever after.  

These islands are surrounded by sparkling seas, and when thinking of a design we were immediately inspired by the reflection of water. Running with the idea we included reflections from mirrors, tablescapes, and the Florida Bay to challenge our photographer’s incredible skills. She was able to capture emotion and beauty with every shot – offering a never before seen perspective on the destination beach wedding. Pairing that with romantic lyrics by Justin Timberlake’s ‘Mirror’ ballad, it all came together perfectly. 

Claudia of Claudia Rios Photography initially came to us requesting to collaborate on a styled shoot. We were looking at different venues, and came to the selection of Bayside Inn. Shooting at their newly renovated Key Largo property was the perfect way to show off this hidden gem. They feature a harbor surrounded by two piers for a ceremony backdrop of the famous Florida Keys sunset. Couple’s choice of a poolside cocktail reception or an evening of beach front dining and dancing are available to celebrate with up to 150 of their family and friends. And the best part is everyone can stay on property to enjoy paradise all weekend! 
 
With a venue in mind, it was time to reach out to our dream vendors for this project. Working with a group who are fearless enough to show off their talents, and mindful enough to fall into our vision seamlessly was key. From the coastal floral designs of A Lavish Event Design to the rustic tiered bundt cake from Baked DeBilzan, every detail went towards the final product. We even created a Caribbean themed menu by Blue Thistle Studio featuring the Key Lime Caipirinha, a refreshing signature drink that we often suggest to our clients! 

We hope you thoroughly enjoy!

Our models are actually engaged in real life, so when it comes to our favorite moments of the shoot, it was all about their chemistry! Every smile, laugh and kiss were entirely genuine and true reflection of the love they hold for each other. Even the first look was a completely honest moment that they get to keep and cherish forever.  ​

We also loved working with our twin flower girls, another nod to our reflection theme. When they decided posing wasn’t for them, they jumped in the hammock and enjoyed modeling candidly – as kids do!  ​

Overall, we wanted to offer a new look on destination weddings to go along with the new style of planning in the current times. The biggest piece of advice we can give is to work closely with a local planner to make sure you enjoy every single second of your planning and your wedding day. Our mission for this shoot was to inspire couples looking for a destination in the Florida Keys to think out of the box with their designs, and ignite their hearts to create a celebration worth the journey!  ​

Cinematic production of the love put into this day captured by Kyle of Falcon HD Videos:

Vendor Applause!
Venue: Bayside Inn, Key Largo
Planning & Design: Key Destination Weddings & Events
Photography: Claudia Rios Photography
Videography: Falcon HD Videos
Floral Design: A Lavish Event Design
Rentals: Elements & Accents
Signage & Stationary: Blue Thistle Studios
Wedding Cake: Baked DeBilzan
Hair & Make Up: Florida Keys Bridal Team
Bridal Gown: La Vie en Blanc

Working closely and long-term with our couples is our favorite part of planning. Getting to know their vibe and creating a friendship is everything to us. Julianne & Michael worked with us from start to finish including website design, digital floral & table-scape renderings, and polishing all the details in between. On the wedding day seeing their happiness and watching them truly enjoy every single second was magical!

Since the day they met, this power couple adventured across the globe, purchased their first home, and slayed the work force to set themselves up for a life of adventure and happiness. They brought their lifetime motto, “work hard and play harder” to the Florida Keys this past July where they celebrated an exciting and beautiful life together as husband and wife. 

Did we say July? Yes, we did! Celebrating love continues in paradise and Meg Marvels Photography & Wonderdog Weddings did a phenomenal job capturing this Islamorada wedding day - healthy & happily ever after!

A seas-side first look at Cheeca Lodge & Spa to sweep away any butterflies and capture some real time romance on the beach!

Mr. & Mrs. Julianne & Michael Healey!

Cocktail hour surprised guests with a tasty craft cocktail, social-media mirror booth, and a sparkling first dance! 

Pierre's dining room is designed with the ambiance of Bali-imported architecture. Lush & warm floral garlands with golden accents blended well for an intimate experience with their family & friends.

We love when tradition & modern ideas mesh - this fun cake cutting was followed by a custom gelato bar, perfect for dancing on a Florida Summer night!

Julianne & Michael decided to sneak away the following day with their photographer, and we are just dying over this trash the dress session! These newly weds created some serious magic to follow their epic wedding celebration. Enjoy!

Seriously, we just can't get enough of these two! We're getting all the romantic feels with these images!

South Florida & Florida Key Wedding Vendor Applause:
Wedding Venue: Pierre's Restaurant
Accommodations: Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Wedding Cake: Unique D'Lites Custom Cakes
Gelato Cart: Hip Pops
Rentals: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Sparkler Boxes: HNO Productions
Florist: Floral Fantasy 
Photography: Megs Marvels Photography
Videography: Wonderdog Weddings
Photo Booth: Mirror Me 24kt
Ceremony Guitar: Leah Sutter
Cocktail Hour Steel Drums: Bob Lyons
Reception Music: DJ Maynor
Hair & Make Up: Lashes & Curls Studio
Transportation: Island Time Trolley

The future is looking a bit brighter for our wedding and event celebrations here in the sunny Florida Keys! With an opening date to tourism on June 1st, we’ve been brainstorming ideas with our fellow vendors on the best way to transition back into weddings and events! Together, we’ve compiled the things that you can expect when finalizing details with each of your vendors. ​
​All photography by La Vie Studios

Kat Newman, owner of Ceremonies by Kat, brings good news: you do not need to worry about your wedding officiant wearing a surgical mask during your ceremony! Could you even imagine those wedding photos? Rather, expect your officiant to keep 6’ away from you and your bridal party during the ceremony.  

With distancing in place, we want to make sure your guests can hear every magical moment! Unfortunately, microphones have always been subject to germs. For that reason, your wedding officiant will likely request a personal lavaliere (aka clip on) microphone. “I will be using my wireless lavaliere mics for all officiants so they never have to touch it”, says Florida Keys wedding DJ, Russ Ginsberg of Florida Keys Wedding DJ.  

In addition, Kat Newman strongly suggested against the ‘exit detail’. Throwing dried petals, confetti, beach balls or blowing bubbles will need to be placed on hold to avoid a cloud of germs around our beloved couple’s ceremony finale. Instead, may we suggest elegant satin streamers with wedding bells like these? ​

Russ Ginsberg may also be implementing a new way to request songs; Offering the guests a special phone number or portal to text their favorite tunes will reduce the amount of face-to-face contact and still keep everyone out on the dance floor. Russ also intends to have at least two microphones, one for Master of Ceremonies and one for guests’ speeches.  
Another way to collect wedding song requests will likely be in the form of request cards. 

Florida Keys wedding DJ, Shawn Stazzone of Aries Entertainment explains that the cards would be placed at the guest tables, and can be collected throughout the night (while wearing gloves) to keep everyone’s favorites on the playlist!  

A wedding song request book (similar to a guest book), where guests could write in their preferences could be placed in a convenient area for the DJ to reference. Some DJ’s have also been seen with plexiglass facades, and even LED masks! The point? No matter which options you choose, you can be sure that the Florida Keys wedding celebration will go on! ​

Florida Keys Bridal Team owner Linda Schonning gave us insight into how her team will operate. She wanted to be clear that their make up & hair kits have always been sterilized before and after every wedding, and they will continue to do so.  

As Florida Keys wedding hair and beauty stylists, it’s part of their job to lean in close and create the perfect bridal look you’ve always envisioned. The lips, the lashes, the curls! So to continue with social distancing while still creating a flawless look, their team will have face shields, masks and gloves for the safety of both parties. In addition, they will be limiting services to no more than two ladies at a time. And as always, Linda works closely with your Florida Keys wedding planner to ensure the timeline remains smooth and stress free! 

Something we loved to hear that is so important is how they are avoiding a ‘double dipping’ situation with their products. Linda ensured that each bridal party member will have a unique set of brushes. In addition, items like wax paper, spatulas, and disposable brushes will assist in the effort as well.  

And for our favorite part! Florida Keys Bridal Team is now offering custom make up brush sets for your leading ladies! What a great way to make your gals feel extra special while getting ready! It’s little touches like these that will create silver linings during the transition! ​

Your Florida Keys wedding photographer is with you almost all day, from getting ready to the grand farewell. Most photography teams are made up of 2-6 shooters so it’s important to know you are safe while working with them.  
​
So what to expect? Florida Keys wedding photographer, Claudia Rios Photography informs us that she will be using a stronger camera lens so that she can zoom in close enough for those intimate ceremony & sunset moments and still keep to the required 6’ distancing standard.  

And when it is required to be in the bridal suite or other contained areas, a mask will be worn. Knowing that photography is often of the highest importance at weddings, Claudia reassures her couples: “I will also be taking precautions such as sanitizing my hands and my photography equipment throughout the day. I will ensure that the environment my guests are photographed in is safe and comfortable. My clients are a priority.”  ​

Let’s keep things sweet! We spoke with Florida Keys wedding cake maker Nancy Davila at Unique D’Lites Custom Cakes to see what ideas she’s been baking up for her clients. With the restrictions on travel, she is offering the option to ship Tasting Boxes to the customer for larger events (weddings, quinces, etc.) for a package price. Nancy explains “Since travel is going to be limited for now, this would be something customers can look forward to. Especially couples planning on their wedding for next year.”  

She has also updated her website to make browsing designs and flavors, and even ordering cakes (yes, wedding cakes too) online possible.

Lastly, Unique D’Lites is not requiring deposits as a way of showing empathy to her customers. As planners, we always suggest putting some type of deposit down when booking any vendor, but knowing that your vendor has a warm heart is worth it’s weight in cupcakes. ​

The Florid Keys wedding vendor on everyone’s mind? Food & beverage services. Elena of Green Turtle Catering confirms that yes, they will be wearing masks and gloves when in the presence of your food, service items & your attendees. We suggest offering them comfortable masks that fit your wedding theme to keep the situation as light as possible. There are so many options for custom designs via Etsy, we love trendy printed ones like these. 

As wedding planners, if you intend to have stations or a buffet, we like to invite your guests as a personal touch and to limit the line. This is especially important now, and we plan to limit this to 10 persons at a time in a steady flow. We will also be ensuring that the wedding catering service staff is assisting on buffet (wearing masks and gloves) so that guests will not be handling serving utensils.  

With everyone trying to keep safe, it seems like disposable items are currently at war with sustainable living. We suggest using biodegradable items wherever it seems reasonable, especially at your bar. These cups are the perfect way to show your guests you are thinking of them and our planet. ​

​"Wendy & her team helped to execute our day flawlessly and bring our vision to life! From ensuring our vendors, bridal party & overall event remained on schedule to navigating last minute adjustments due to weather, Wendy handled it all, and made it so that we could relax and enjoy our special day as a couple.

We knew that planning an Islamorada wedding in FL while living in NY would be a challenge, but with Wendy & her team guiding us thru it, our dream wedding was able to become a reality.

Thank you so much, we couldn't have done this without you!"
​- Mrs. Kelsey Rubin

THE PARADISE DESTINATION: This Islamorada wedding took place at Postcard Inn in the Florida Keys.

BUBBLES + BRIDESMAIDS

THE ENTOURAGE

THE FIRST LOOK (break out the tissues!): Postcard Inn had a ton of great photo opps for this Islamorada wedding!

MAKING IT OFFICIAL

THE CELEBRATION

THE FRATERNITY SERENADE

THE EPIC LOVE

Vendor Applause:
@ashtynbrooke
@shutdownproductions
Bongo D
@keys_audio
@linensandmorefl
@marathonflorist
​@pciholidayisle

If you are a bride-to-be reading this, then you can very likely relate our beautiful Alison with a smile. She had been building her Pinterest board for months with glamourous romantic florals and details for their Islamorada wedding at the luxurious Pierre's Restaurant. Creamy white peonies & garden roses among succulents and soft greens filled her vision board,. but like many of us who have fallen into the overwhelming whirl-wind of trends and ideas, Alison changed her mind. She reached out to us and explained that she always dreamed of classic wedding romance, yet she was pulled by the warmth of the tropics. Together we came up with a design to fulfill her island heart and white wedding dreams. 
Please enjoy the details of Alison & Paul's epic evening captured by Elaine Palladino Photography

Let's talk 'something blue'! What better way to incorporate a class tradition than by donning your bridal party in stunning ocean blue to play off the tropic greenery of the Florida Keys? Planner approved!

 Paul was very thoughtful about the timing when he proposed to Alison. They were in need of a vacation after a busy begining  to the year, so he scheduled a romantic getaway to Marco Island for a fresh start. To Alison's surprise is was afresh start to their life together forever! He walked Alison out to the beach for an intimate serene moment to pop the question - you bet she said yes!

The Newlyweds Alison & Paul, in love.

Unique market lighting was a big priority for Alison & Paul, and this fan-effect enhanced everything about their venue!

Hello flora & fauna, meet stemmed candle ambiance. This simply classic look was perfect for the rustic tropical vibes of the Pierre's dining room, with candles for dayyys!

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Pierres's Restaurant at Morada Bay
Planners & Design: Key Destination Weddings
Photography: Elaine Palladino Photography
Florist: Designs by Darenda
Rentals: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Ceremony Music: Chris Thomas
Reception Music: DJ Mayner
Cake: Maggie's Bakery
​Photo Booth: Mirror Me 24kt
Beauty: Gia Despo Hair & Make Up
Palm Rentals: Island Home

Tropic, boho and blue - the inspiration for this wedding gave a whimsical setting along the coast of Duck Key at the luxurious Hawk's Cay Resort. While we don't often see blue mixed with neutrals, the pop of unexpected sapphire was a surprising complimentary choice for this ocean-side soirée. Even the bride's dark locks against her lace gown made a statement. We are so excited to be able to share our stunning bride Georgia's take on her special day:

The Proposal:
Brian and I met in college and lived adjacent to each other on the 18th floor of our off-campus apartment in Philly. It started with the subtle “hello”s in the hallway and the flirtatious wall knocking back and forth. We eventually became extremely close but only on a best-friend level at first. It wasn’t until one of us transferred schools that we realized we were meant to be together in each other’s lives forever.

 The Best Day Ever:
Our wedding was a dream come true. Family means everything to the both of us and having our family and friends come together in the Keys for a big vacation to celebrate our love was a profound and indescribable feeling. The wedding was the best time of our lives and we were so blessed to experience a whole weekend of it. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

On the Planning:
The perfect planner!
Let me start by saying how incredibly fortunate we were to have chosen Wendy as our planner! She was the BEST. Our perfect day would not have been what it was without her. She was extremely organized and didn’t skip a beat throughout the whole process. She quickly responded and followed up on emails, gave honest recommendations, reassured us if we had any concerns, and was there the day of with her team to make sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you, Wendy!

Now please enjoy all the magic from La Vie Studios photography & cinema!

Swooning over the warm desert tones to contract against ocean inspired hues of her florals. Just stunning.

It's all in the details! How cool is this wedding date patch in Brian's jacket? And we love when our bridal parties have just as much fun as our couple making everything exciting and personal!

How fast can you type #bridalpartygoals? Because this is it!

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Hawk's Cay Resort
Planning & Design: Key Destination Weddings
Photo & Videography: La Vie Studios
Wedding Cake: Unique D'Lites Custom Cakes
Flowers: Marathon Florist
Rentals: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Linens: Linens & More
Photo Booth: Mirror Me 24kt
Officiant: Key West Wedding Day
DJ: Prime Events
​Hair & Make Up: Lashes & Curls Studio

A vibrant event with a stellar menu, amidst an unforgettable weekend of celebrating - this was everything Colleen & Michael looked forward to on their South Florida wedding day. Working with Colleen on the design was so exciting, combining her love of bright colors and tropical touches was perfect for the Florida Bay backdrop at Coconut Palm Inn. 
Guests were welcomed with a refreshing Rum Punch and bamboo weaved hand fan to keep them cool as they awaited the bride, and the theme of paradise continued through the entire event. Gorgeous images by Stacia Morgan Photography. 

The beautiful lush tropical arrangements by the talented South Florida wedding team of A Lavish Event Design!

The final design made our hearts sing, the colors and elements feel so joyful!

Vendor Applause:
Venue - Coconut Palm Inn
Photography - Stacia Morgan Photography
Rentals - Keys Audio Party Rentals
Catering - Chef Drew's Island Catering
Music - Florida Keys Wedding DJ
Florist - A Lavish Event Design
Beauty - Ciao Bella Salon
Shuttle - Emerald Transportation
Signage - Art by Ginger

They say if you love something, let it go and it will come back to you. Colleen & Michael reconnected after many years, and for a second time they felt that spark. The spark turned into chemistry, and the chemistry turned into a love that they knew would last a lifetime. They decided to make it official, and what better way than to celebrate with their toes in the sand in paradise?!
Coconut Palm Inn is an intimate tropical setting to invite their family & friends, and take over the resort for themselves. This allowed them to keep the party going for the entire weekend, taking in the sunny days and good times. 
Wedding day images below by Michelle Lawson Photography, you can just feel the joy come through the photos that was had that day!

Frozen essential oil towelettes were a refreshing way for guests to cool down before the ceremony.

Bright tropical florals by Floral Fantasy complimented the joyous celebration!

Mouthwatering action stations by Chef Drew's Island Catering added to the fun-loving feel of the event!

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Coconut Palm Inn
Officiant: Ceremonies by Kat
Photography: Michelle Lawson Photography
Caterer: Chef Drew's Island Catering
Florist: Floral Fantasy
Rentals: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Entertainment: Rusty Lemmon