Key West Weddings

We had a few free days last week and wanted to take a short getaway. After considering MANY different destinations, which proved to be either too costly or too much travel time (thanks to the remote location of Key West) - we decided to take a cruise. Even though we enjoy the water, we had always thought cruises were not for us. The idea of being “trapped” on a boat with a thousand other people didn’t seem like a vacation. However, after speaking with our friend Ben, owner of the International Cruise Center, we decided to give it a try. Our only criteria was a short cruise on a newer ship that departed from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The destinations didn’t matter. Ben recommended the Norwegian Jewel departing from Miami for a 5 day cruise with stops in Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We splurged and booked a mini-suite with balcony located at the back of the ship. This was the best part! We loved just sitting on the balcony, reading our books and looking at the sea. Also, by coincidence, some friends from Key West were on the same cruise. So, when we tired of the peace and quiet of our cabin, we met up with our friends in one of the MANY bars. One evening, we even had a sunset happy hour in our cabin. It was really a perfect getaway.

We schedule our sunset weddings to begin about an hour before sunset. This allows plenty of time for the ceremony and posed photos around the beach. Recently, we had a very “close call”. Sunset was at 6PM, so our meeting time was at 5PM. I received a call from the groom, saying they would be about 15 minutes late. No problem, that would still give us plenty of time. Gary and I arrived at the beach around 5PM. At 5:15…there was no sign of our couple. By 5:30 we were really getting worried. I tried the groom’s cell phone but only got voice mail. As each minute passed, we were planning our strategy. “Okay, if they arrive now, we’ll skip the beach walk and rock photos”. “Okay, if they arrive now, we’ll take a few photos first by the surf; then perform the ceremony”. The sun was sinking lower and lower. Finally, at 5:55 they arrived! They had locked their keys in the rental car and had to break the window! Then, to make it worse, they followed the rental car GPS directions, which took them the long way around the island (always consult a local map!). Luckily, it was a beautiful, cloudless evening and the sky was still bright well after sunset. Gary was able to take some wonderful photos and, most importantly, they were married!

We perform lots of weddings for couples arriving on cruise ships. While in the planning stages, I tell them not to worry if the ship is delayed. Last Sunday was a perfect example. We were scheduled to perform a vow renewal ceremony plus photographs at noon for a couple celebrating 8 years of marriage. They were unable to have a wedding when they were married, so this was a very important event for them and their young daughter. Thanks to a massive cold front making it’s way across the country, we had an 80% chance of rain and lots of wind in the forecast. I was a bit nervous. Gary and I were checking the radar constantly! Their Disney ship was scheduled to arrive at 11:30AM. They were to call upon docking. We waited and waited…no ship. Finally, at 1PM, we heard the distinctive Disney ship’s horn (”when you wish upon a star…”). After disembarking, the anxious family gave us a call, caught the first available taxi and headed to the beach. Luckily, their delay had given the weather a chance to improve. The “front” had passed over, it was windy and a bit gray but not a bad day after all!

Last night’s wedding couple chose a wonderful way to celebrate 15 years together - they eloped to Key West! After contemplating various wedding locations, including Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Positano, Italy, they decided Key West was the best choice. Their Smather’s beach ceremony, which included a dove release, began at 5PM. Afterwards we strolled the beach taking lots of posed photos. Then dinner for 2 at the Commodore restaurant. They plan to break the news to friends and family back home today. Everyone will be able to view a gallery of their photos on our web site by end of day.

We kicked off the busy holiday season with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at our friend Nadene’s. Not only is she is the owner of a Key West event and wedding planning business - We’ve Got the Keys, she also makes an awesome asparagus soup. If you want a BIG and fabulous Key West wedding - she’s the one (brave, brave girl!).

Last Saturday’s wedding was in the garden of the Heritage House museum. The wedding consisted of the bride and groom plus 15 guests. The groom’s family traveled from England to join in the celebration. Afterwards, they strolled to the Roof Top Cafe for their wedding dinner.

Saturday morning we married Alex and Julia on Smather’s beach. They were joined by her parents and brother. This was our only scheduled wedding for the weekend, leaving us time for a little rest and relaxation before our VERY busy wedding week. On Sunday the Southernmost Beach Cafe held a benefit for Reef Relief, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to protect our wonderful coral reef. There was a barbeque, drinks and entertainment by Mile Marker 24. We’ve included a little movie for your viewing pleasure.

Sunday was the last day of the Super Boat races. It’s not one of my favorite events but, I have to admit, they are fascinating. The roar of their engines can be heard all over the island. While they race, helicopters soar overhead within a few feet of each other.

On Saturday night the Blue Heaven restaurant hosted a benefit for WomanKind - a local woman’s health clinic. The Survivors had everyone dancing in the dirt with their mix of reggae, Brazilian and island style music. It was great to see lots of old friends.

We had a busy wedding weekend. Maybe because of the holiday? We had four beach weddings and a sunset sail aboard the beautiful Liberty Clipper - the prettiest schooner in town. The evening was perfect. A nice wind for sailing but not too chilly. There were 25 people on board. Instead of catering, they opted to order platters from Publix. The bride’s parents took care of the pick up and delivery. It was a nice way to end a busy weekend.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting the Botanical Garden located on College Road on Stock Island. The address is Key West but it is actually on the next island up - just over the bridge as you leave the island. It’s a “hidden oasis” that is actually very easy to find - if you know about it. The garden was beautiful! Acres of native shade trees, flowers and orchids, all accessible by a walkway. While strolling a hawk flew right over our heads and landed in a tree. In the center is a large butterfly garden. There are benches and tables throughout. It’s a great location for a tropical Key West wedding or just a bit of meditating. We left feeling very lucky to have something so special in our city.

The weather has been beautiful. Clear blue skies, 80 degrees and low humidity. I think November is one of our best months here in Key West. It is also fall migration time so hundreds and hundreds of birds are flying over the keys on their way south. Each morning we see vultures, hawks, falcons, etc riding the thermals. It is quite an amazing site. As we walk past the Key West cemetary, we spot an American Kestral perched on the top of a palm tree, looking for breakfast. Click here for a checklist of common keys birds.

Our wedding last night was at Smather’s Beach. Our couple, Chris and Patrick, were joined by two friends. The light was perfect. We were all treated to a lovely sunset. Afterwards, they headed off in their electric car for some fun at Finnegan’s Wake and then Duval Street. The sunset photo below was, of course, taken by Gary.

This weekend was the Parrothead festival. Key West was full of Jimmy Buffett fans with styrofoam parrotts on their heads. It’s a fun, yet civilized, party atmosphere. We spent a few minutes watching Mile Marker 22, a local “Buffett” sound-alike band, performing outdoors at the Conch Republic Seafood Company. The band makes margaritas onstage, using a blender powered by an old outboard boat motor.

Had another “Sail Away” sunset sail wedding last night. It’s was a lovely evening but a bit chilly for me. Temps are now dropping into the 70’s. On our return to Key West, the captain sailed us past Mallory Square. Hundreds of tourists waved and shouted congratulations to the new couple. It made a very exciting “receiving line”.