This wedding is the perfect embodiment of DIY, elegance, and the beach. To pull off the three of these themes on point made us really excited to show you guys their album. The ensembles of the bride, the groom, and their entourage were elegant but not to the point that it would be uncomfortable for the beach setting. The decors and details, which were mostly in blue to embrace the sea, were really pretty and the fact that it was DIY made it extra special. I really liked the way they wrapped up the favors and of course, their glorious cake. Congratulations on such a beautiful beach wedding, Christy & Bob!
Bride
What inspired your wedding décor? Why did you choose the things that you did?
We went to Key West on vacation the past 2 years and fell in love with it. When we visited Fort Zachary Taylor State Park we knew that this is where we would like to be married some day. The photos capture the love and support from our family and friends in addition to the love we have for each other. The groomsmen suits were
gray with an orange tie. We didn’t want to do the common beige “beach” suits. The palm tree socks were added for fun. The girls dress color was inspired by the tropical blue waters. Their jewelry was a coach bracelet with a swarovski crystal starfish and earrings that were made by a local vendor from Mallory Square.
Where did you save the most money?
We had many Do It Yourself elements for the wedding!
What inspired the wedding day outfits?
- The groomsmen suits were gray with an orange tie. We didn’t want to do the common beige “beach” suits. The palm tree socks were added for fun.
- The girls dress color was inspired by the tropical blue waters. Their jewelry was a Coach bracelet with a Swarovski crystal starfish and earrings that were made by a local vendor from Mallory Square.
What was your favorite part of the day?
There are too many favorites to pick just one. It started during our first look photos when I walked down the sidewalk at the Little White House and tapped Bob on his shoulder. The look on his face was just what I had hoped it would be. He turned to me, smiled, and said “you look beautiful”.
Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?
- Helped design the save the dates, invitations and water-colored painted KW map.
- Assembled the welcome bags that we gave to all our guests upon their arrival. (beach towels, sunscreen, drink koozies with wedding date, lip balm, snacks, water and “just in case” bags that had aspirin, tums, dental picks, disposable toothbrushes, tic tacs and hand sanitizer.)
- Wrapped the favors, tied raffia ribbon and attached a starfish to each one that was purchased in the shell store in Mallory Square, KW.
- Purchased the centerpiece lanterns at Home Goods, battery powered candles from Hobby Lobby, added sand and shells. Hand tied raffia ribbon with starfish on handles.
- Glued miniature starfish on the straws for welcome drinks at reception.
- Assembled starfish on rope with blue colored ribbon to hang on the chairs during the ceremony.
- Bamboo fans with blue ribbon tied on handle placed on every guests chair during ceremony.
- Gals and guys seating signs printed by close friend. Gals – starfish picture holder with seating tag. Guys – patron bottle with seating tag.
- Message for Mr and Mrs sign printed by close friend. (signs purchased at Home Goods)
- Starfish based vase with sand for sparkles. Each sparkler had a tag attached with twine. Tag said “Let Love Sparkle light the way for Bob and Christy”
- Unity Sand – bought the sand, bottles and attached the twine to each bottle with the dangling shells.
- Basket of flip flops with sign and hand tied twine with size tag on each pair.
- Bought the ribbon and starfish brooches for cake.
Everything was shipped or transported by my parents from NJ. Assembled in KW.
What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?
- My nephew Alex walking down the aisle moments before me carrying a sign and giving it to Bob that said “Hi Bob, Here comes your Bride”(Hi Bob was one of the first phrases Alex said and it became an inside joke within the family). We didn’t know how this would turn out because Alex was barely 2 years old at the time. He walked
right down the aisle handed Bob the sign and gave him a kiss. Couldn’t have asked for it to go more smoothly.- Right after we said our vows a cruse ship was leaving port in Key West and sailed right past the beach. - Driving around Key West in an electric car to take photos at some of our favorite spots.
- Seeing the reception all set up on Ocean Key’s Sunset Pier was beyond what I envisioned it would be.
- A perfect sunset with the DJ playing Kenny Chesney’s When the Sun Goes Down.
Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?
Beach
What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for you? (& your guests?)
Mine was walking down the aisle with my Dad towards my best friend Husband to be with our closest family and friends looking on. Bob’s was when when our officiant Steve Torrence pronounced us Husband and Wife
Vendors
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Cinema and Video: Cineaverde
Invitation Designer: Inspirations by Amie Lee
Dress Store: Jon’s Bridal by Suzanne
Cake Designer: Key West Cakes
Event Venue: Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Event Planner: Simply You Weddings
DJ: Sound Wave Key West
Hair Stylist: Studio Marie-Pierre