So, I kind of want to steal this wedding.  And when I say “kind of,” I mean I most definitely do.  Because this is the kind of day that you think only exists in your dreams, until you see it in all of its gorgeousness in the full gallery captured by Jen + Ashley.  I’m talking the perfect mix of preppy and island chic with bursts of billy ball bouquets from Milan Events, a stunning Casa Marina backdrop (where the bride and groom were engaged!) and a fun-filled reception boasting late night treats (sliders and grilled cheese).  See it all in the full gallery.

 

From Jen + Ashley… Karen and Jeff got engaged in Key West, so it was perfectly fitting for them to say their personal vows overlooking the same pier where he proposed. With the gorgeous Casa Marina Resort and the ombre sea as backdrops, it was everything they had dreamed of when they decided to have a destination wedding. Both living in Washington DC, they knew their guests would jump at the chance to spend a few days in paradise while winter raged on back home.

Surrounded by 110 of their closest friends and family, Karen and Jeff celebrated exactly how they wanted: with an elegant and classy reception with a fun and low-key Key West vibe. Focused on good food, good drinks, and the vibe of the island, Karen and Jeff’s main concern was that their guests feel like they were enjoying a great vacation while a wedding happened to take place. Both the bride and groom are fun-loving, easy-going people, so it was important to them to hand pick vendors that would carry out their vision from hundreds of miles away, without stress or worry.

With a fun color palette that was a contrast to the pastels and colors of the sea, the bridesmaids dresses, billy ball bouquets and succulent boutonnieres added a touch of whimsy and East Coast preppiness to the island affair. With a perfect sunset ceremony, a few minutes together on the same pier where he proposed, late night grilled cheese and hamburgers sliders and a band that kept the energy up and people dancing all night, Karen and Jeff 100% accomplished everything they wanted to with their wedding. We were more than honored to have been a part!

Wedding Photography: Jen + Ashley | Wedding Venue: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Key West, Florida | Event Design: Jennifer Levering from We’ve Got The Keys | Floral Design: Milan Events | Catering: Reina Todd from Casa Marina | Chairs, Up Lighting, + Linens: Prestige Party Rentals | Wedding Cake: Key West Cakes | Band: Robert Williamson Band | Wedding Dress: Demetrios Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Glint | Bridesmaids’ Attire: J.Crew | Groomsmen Attire: Timmy Tuxedos Key West | Hair+ Makeup: Kimberely from Beauty Boutique

There’s nothing better than escaping the cold + snow for a long, relaxing weekend on the beach. And if that sunny escape just so happens to include a gorgeous toes-in-the-sand wedding? Count me in! Whether you’re a seriously lucky year-round Florida couple, or a duo looking for the perfect destination locale to tie the knot, the gorgeous Key West properties of The Southernmost Hotel Collection are a must see! From the The Southernmost Hotel in the USA, located on popular Duval Street, to the relaxing and quaint La Mer Hotel & Dewey House and the modern luxe Southernmost on the Beach, there is a perfect spot for any bride + groom looking to wow their guests!

Not only are The Southernmost Hotel Collection properties gorgeous, but they can also take care of your entire wedding weekend for you. From your ceremony right on down to the day-after brunch (catered by the on-location Southermost Beach Cafe!), they’ve got you covered! Big or small, modern or traditional, you’re bound to find the most fabulous destination location through The Southernmost Hotel Collection. The amenities are top-notch (and totally affordable), which is always a plus, and your guests will be thanking you for bringing them to gorgeous Key West with all of the amazing restaurants, water sports and shopping right all in walking distance.

Stunning, am I right? But it’s not over yet!  The Southernmost Hotel Collection is offering a Summer 2013 Special for our amazing readers! Book $6,000+ in food and beverages, and receive 50% off your ceremony package! I know! It’s just so good….Happy planning, lovelies! xo

An intimate beach wedding never EVER fails to make me swoon, so when this pretty little Islamorada affair came our way, let’s just say I got all kinds of excited.  Set against a stunning seaside backdrop and boasting the sweetest of blooms by Floral Fantasy Weddings, it’s everything I love about a sandy wedding day – a light-filled ceremony and a casual meets elegant vibe that is crazy gorgeous.  All styled to absolute perfection by Sheila Camp Motley Event Design and Management (the bride!) and captured in amazing images by Anna Eli Photography, this, my friends, is PERFECTION.  Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride, Owner of Sheila Camp Motley Event Design and Management… Mat and I had been engaged for almost two years and were waiting for the perfect time when things calmed down with our schedules to plan a small wedding with family and friends. Mat is British, and his parents scheduled a visit for August of this year. It seemed like the perfect time to tie the knot while they were in the US and could be included. I am an event planner, and Mat a chef, so we were pretty comfortable knowing what details we wanted. We live in Wellington, Florida, and wanted to find a location that was casual and laid-back but represented a celebration for us. My dad has always loved fishing in Islamorada and Cheeca Lodge, so we booked rooms there sight unseen! Likewise with our florist and catering — no demos or tastings! We had visited Pierre’s Restaurant and Morada Bay just across the road and knew they had the feeling we wanted for both our rehearsal dinner and wedding evening dinner. We kept the guest list small with just our immediate family, son and best friends.

Mat and I love that we were able to keep all the details close to heart. Mat made the cake. My best friend owns the Badgley Mischka store in Palm Beach, Florida, so we worked together to find the perfect dress and jewelry for my something borrowed. She even did my hair and makeup! Instead of a wedding band, Mat gave me an eternity necklace. Mat’s father wrote and officiated the ceremony, his brother provided cinematography, and we wrote our own vows. It was so special to have our 10-month-old son there and be able to recess down the aisle with him in our arms — our family as one. Having such a small group there really let us enjoy every moment with each and every one of them.

Wedding Photography: Anna Eli Photography / Wedding Venue: Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida / Event Design: Sheila Camp Motley Event Design and Management (The Bride) / Floral Design: Floral Fantasy Weddings / Officiant: The Groom’s Father / Wedding Cinematography: The Groom’s Brother / Wedding Cake: DIY by the Groom / Wedding Dress: Badgley Mischka in Palm Beach (561-655-0721)