If you ever feel stuck in your planning, or are unsure of a decision on design or tradition - ask yourself, is this timeless? This question answers most hesitation as every couple wants to look back 10 years later and still fall in love with their wedding design and celebration.
Olivia and her mom came to us unsure of their vision for the overall wedding weekend, but knew it had to be tropical, modern and timeless. Olivia also has a very cool and edgy vibe, so we wanted to incorporate her personality.
With Kenny living across country in Alaska, Olivia also wanted to highlight how they met - on a cruise! Coming full circle back to the Ocean's edge for their union felt perfect. And so, they chose the luxurious Cheeca Lodge & Spa for their I Do's!
The design included classic colors, with black & gold lines, and lush greenery to accent the tropic setting. 
Stacia Morgan captures on the details below!

The wedding bliss continued with a stunning intimate photo shoot the following day!

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Lighting: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Furniture Rentals: Elements & Accents
Linens: Nuage Design
Florist: Lavish Event Design
Photography: Stacia Morgan
Hair & Make Up: Ciao Bella
Entertainment: Miami DJs
Wedding Cake: Maggie's Bakery
​Signage: Blue Thistle Studio

It was March 2020 if I remember correctly, when Kaley and Michael came to us with over-the-moon excitement to plan their  wedding day - I correct myself - their best day ever. The rest of the world was in chaos, yet they found everlasting light in their love and eagerness to share in celebration. We welcomed their ignited passion and were ready to plan all the details - even though we were over a year from their big day. As planners, we know that day comes too quickly, and jump at any opportunity to begin the creative process. 
Kaley's vision was clear: neutral & lush bohemian oasis. And the first step was easy - Largo Resort was an ideal venue for the island-whimsy ambiance of the celebration. And the rest of the vendors fell into place like the confetti over our bride-to-be.
Please take your time to enjoy this special occasion, and in our hearts, everything that wedding day vibes should be!
Photography and video (at the end!) by our very talented friends at La Vie Studios :

Scent-sory Inspiration: gift each other a signature scent for the big day. Anytime you wear it following your wedding, your all the best memories will fill the moment!

Planner Tip: Use social media as place for inspiration. Be sure to include your own style and personal touches. This is your day and it should reflect the two of you. 

A sweetheart table allows you to have your first dinner as husband and wife. With so much happening on wedding day, it's such an important time together to slow down and connect as newlyweds. And we love the idea of creating an extra-special design with lux seating and full florals just for your VIP table!

Just us note on how obsessed we are with this ice cream cart. Dessert perfection!

Vendor Applause & Ovation:
Venue: Largo Resort
Planning: Key Destination Weddings
Photography: La Vie Studios
Catering: Dade County Food Group
Florals & Installation: Floral Fantasy
Entertainment: Rusty Lemmon X DJ Buggy
Sparkler Boxes: HNO Productions
Local Rentals:Keys Audio Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals:Elements & Accents
Tent: Sperry Tent
Officiant:Ceremonies by Kat
Beauty: Lashes & Curls Studio / Industry Hair Company
Ice Cream Cart:Key Largo Chocolates
Balloons: The Balloon Faktory
Transportation: Island Time Trolley

Of all seasons, Spring is a time to embrace color and sunshine! Something about the color fuchsia pops just right among a tropical landscape and Caribbean blue water. During our planning sessions, we loved that Jessica & Paul weren't afraid to show their personality while keeping the design for their  best day ever truly timeless. 
In the theme of vibrant and classic, they chose Margeaux Boles to capture their love and all the details. Her vivid perspective was the perfect pairing - and after two years of waiting to shoot this special day, she absolutely delivered! From the groom:
"She was so wonderful to work with. She kept Jessica and I smiling the entire time. She knew just how to capture the perfect picture. We have since received our sneak peak and WOW!!! Jessica and I are beyond speechless with how unbelievably beautiful these pictures are!!! The quality, the color, the lighting, the amazing backgrounds."
Please enjoy this stunning day, every single second:

Baker's Cay Resort will always have a special place in our hearts, and this elegant ceremony design has become one for the books! Hugging the natural arch of the Buttonwood trees, lush greenery and pops of Phalaenopsis compliment the white sugary sand of this Key Largo coast. Bravo Floral Fantasy on this gorgeous arrangement!

Color us in love! We are obsessing over Jessica & Paul's paradise postcard station! Oh, and that view ;)

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Baker's Cay Resort
Planning & Design: Key Destination Weddings
Photo: Margeaux Boles Photography
Officiant: Ceremonies by Kat
Florist: Floral Fantasy
Beauty: Green House Salon
Steel Drums: Bob Lyons
Welcome Sign: Art by Ginger
Napkins: Keys Audio Party Rentals
DJ & Cold Sparklers: Kiss Me Entertainment
Wedding Cake: Unique D'Lites Custom Cakes

A tropical, simple and stress-free day was the goal for Allison as she planned her Florida Keys wedding with her best friend and husband-to-be, Tony. “We both joke that if it were possible, he would have been my maid of honor and I would have been his best man. I know it’s cliché but we’re really each other’s best friend.”

With that goal in mind, Key Largo was the perfect wedding destination for Allison and Tony. Not only does Key Largo embody this winning wedding combination, it’s also home to Allison’s parents, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the U.S.

Including a magical bayside sunset was important to the bride because it was her way to include her grandmother, who passed away in 2018, in her special day. “We used to watch sunsets together on vacation. I felt like as long as we could watch the sunset, I knew I’d feel my grandma there with me.”

Tropical? Check.
Key Largo is also home to newly renovated Baker’s Cay, a beautiful 15-acre bayfront sanctuary. Adorned with an abundance of classic white peonies, lush evergreen garlands and monstera leaf accents, this nature inspired Florida Keys wedding venue perfectly achieved the tropical theme Allison and Tony were after.

Simple? Check.
Allison and Tony agreed not to sweat the small stuff. Their advice to newly engaged couples is to keep your eye on the prize – a long and happy marriage. “I keep telling engaged couples, that it’s not worth stressing the details. As long as you’re marrying the love of your life, nothing else matters.”

Stress-free? Check.
The simple act of hiring a top-notch team of local professionals for their Florida Keys wedding day covered this detail with ease. “Working with Wendy and Carin made the entire day so seamless and I can’t imagine that day without them and the team at Baker’s Cay.”

Mission accomplished Allison and Tony! Best wishes to you both for a long and happy marriage. It was a pleasure and a privilege working with you on your big day!

Vendor applause:
Wedding Planning/Day-Of: Key Destination Weddings & Events
Venue/Catering/Rentals: Baker’s Cay Resort
Wedding Cake: Maggie’s Bakery
Florist: PCS Events
Photography: Michelle Lawson Photo
Videography: Peach & Orange Films
Church: San Pedro Church
Ceremony Singer & Music: Vic Garcia
DJ & Hora Loca: Event Factor
Hair & Make-Up: Make Up Artistry by Jessie
Live Painter: Canvas and Confetti ​

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

An everlasting love! From the first time they met in preschool .- yes you read correct! - these two love birds knew there was a special chemistry between them. Their first *date* was at 5 years old (dying over how cute this is!), and after reconnecting in high school, they have been inseparable ever since. What an incredible thing to find your soul mate as a child, and we were honored to have been a part of their love story.
The small details were most important to Gabrielle. Showing her guests how much her and Brandon appreciate the love and support towards their relationship after all this time was a priority. Custom paperwork and thoughtfully filled welcome gifts are just few of the personal touches she included. And with their large group of family and friends to shower them with best wishes, they said yes to happily after on the Ocean's edge at Ocean Reef Club. Please enjoy this elegant soiree captured by Ailyn La Torre Photography:

Oh the personal touches! From hand painted stationary to true puppy love, Gabrielle & Brandon made sure that everything important to them was included in their fabulous wedding weekend!

 The reveal! How special are these moments?! Applause to Ailyn for creating these stunning candid images!

We will forever be swooning over this ultra romantic love note session following their first look!

Luxurious tropicals, a sparkling first dance, and a rockin' band made for an unforgettable celebration!

Vendor Applause:
Venue: Ocean Reef Club
Photography: Ailyn La Torre Photography
Video: Monroe Films
Florals: Gerilyn Gianna Floral
Rentals: Keys Audio Party Rentals
Officiant: Dr. Kenneth Claus
Band: Private Stock
Beauty: Hair & Make Up by Demy

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. ​