Heather and Kay's United Methodist Church and Casa Marina Wedding
Happy 2015! If you were engaged over the holidays, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope you will find inspiration from the amazing couples who've commissioned me to capture their wedding day memories. All of my wonderful clients have inspired me and I plan to blog more this year so hopefully they can do the same for you.
The first post of the year I've promised to Heather and Kay and I'm so very excited to share their gorgeous wedding with you!
Heather and Kay, traveled from the United Kingdom to have their wedding in Key West, Florida and brought their nearest and dearest from all over the world with them to witness it. You see, Heather is originally from Texas and so her family is in the US but Kay and his family hail from Germany and our lovely couple lives in the UK along with many of their friends so their wedding at the United Methodist Church (The Old Stone Church as Key West locals know it) with their reception at The Casa Marina promised to be an event for all in attendance to remember! Thanks to their planner, Peggy, at Destination Wedding Studio, it was!
Heather's mom, Gale, worked closely with me throughout the entire process since Heather was overseas and concentrating on her job and it was such a pleasure getting to know them both along the way. You know the traditions...Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, right? Well, you may not want to wear your great grandmother's wedding band but you could always have your mom sew it in your gown with blue thread and you'll conveniently have all 4, assuming your gown is new. ;)
Heather is a natural beauty, with piercing sapphire eyes that the team at Beauty Boutique and the Glam Squad knew just how best to emphasize! They finished off her sophisticated look with a stylishly intricate updo that held beautifully and helped to keep her cool all night long!
Her gorgeous flowers were impressive and full of texture! I love when brides have rememberences of loved ones who've passed on attached to their bouquets. Being experienced with loss myself, I feel it is such a nice gesture to include these meaningful elements that help make your wedding even more personal to you.
Heather was escorted by her dad and given away by both of her lovely parents during a touching, candle lit ceremony performed by both Pastor Rueben and their close friend, Rev. Billy.
Too many ceremony shots? Never! Especially when you have a ceremony filled with special songs and readings from loved ones!
Dramatic exits are always fun!!! Rose petals during the day are an excellent option. Just please make sure they are real flowers because our sensitive island ecology depends on it!
Why not incorporate a unique tradition too, like the German custom of cutting a log?
An excerpt from Southern Bride Magazine sums the tradition up perfectly: "An old German wedding custom, the tradition of cutting of a log represents the first obstacle that the couple must overcome in their marriage. They must work together to "overcome the obstacle" by sawing through the log. Using a large, long saw with two handles, the couple demonstrates their teamwork to friends and family, and their willingness and ability to master the difficulties that inevitably arise in a marriage. Hopefully the log will not take too long to saw through!"
Lucky for them and their guests (because of the brutal July heat here in The Florida Keys) it didn't take very long and they were off to their reception!
The celebration was held at the unparalleled Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, with their cocktail hour on the patio and reception in the Flagler Ballroom which was decorated perfectly to create the sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere the couple envisioned. Tall, colorful structured, yet flowing centerpieces were elegant and took center stage among the other natural elements used throughout.
Their cakes!! LOVE them both! How cute is this Groom's cake though?????? Kay driving the boat while Heather lays out, with the flags from both of their home countries! Grooms cakes are a great way to infuse a little whimsy into your wedding day!
Their entertainment, Brian Roberts, kept the crowd moving to the music all evening! This was a fun crowd!
As always, the day went by in the blink of an eye and it was over all too soon but the sunset did not disappoint and we had fun with some couples portraits!
Heather and Kay, it is my wish that you two enjoy and carry the bliss you've shared for the past 4 and a half years, for the remainder of your days. Thank you two for allowing me to share in and document the special beauty that was your wedding day!!! Congratulations!!!
Many Thanks to the amazing vendors who helped make Heather and Kay's wedding dreams come true!
Vendor Team:
Photography: Mary Veal Photography
Venue: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Church: Key West United Methodist Church
Officiants: Pastor Ruben and Rev. Billy
Event Planner: Destination Wedding Studio
Hair and Make Up: Beauty Boutique and The Glam Squad
Band: Brian Roberts Music
Flowers: Mama Flowers
Cake: Amazing Cakes and Creations
Rehearsal Dinner: The Roof Top Café
Transportation: Old Town Trolley
Linens: BBJ Linens
Chairs: Prestige Party Rentals