Key West, FL Wedding ft. Sailboats and Cocktails

KATIE + KAITLIN | FEATURED IN THE KNOT

It’s incredible how a wedding can have over 100 guests and still feel intimate. Surrounded by their dearest friends and family, and a few sailboats, Katie and Kaitlin exchanged vows at Ocean Key Resort in Key West, Florida. These two did not skimp on any details.

The couple’s invitation, by Lumaca Paper, to their destination nuptials was personable and illustrated the views to come. As you opened the trifold you were given all the details of the weekend along with a special keepsake, a water-colored painting of the destination itself done by Kaitlin’s mom. They were also adorned with blue imprints of palm leaves; the very same leaves present in the brides’ dancing bouquets that created the perfect contrast to their flowing ensembles. As the brides stepped into their gowns and hugged their moms, emotions grew. Katie looked stunning in her Galia Lahav, the shoulder resting ball gown caught every ray of light with its romantic puff sleeves. The two prepared for their first look and when it happened, it did not disappoint.

Laughter filled the air as they saw each other and exchanged their more intimate vows. Katie surprised Kaitlin with her dad’s handkerchief, who passed away last year, which brought tears down her face. It was a special way to remember someone who was extremely missed. After their moment on the porch, they then had first looks with their brothers and Katie’s dad who was gifted a tie that included their favorite photo together.

As the rest of their most loved people arrived, they were greeted with the cocktail of the evening, a “Mallory Mojito”, a classic, that gave ode to Kaitlin’s last name and Mallory Square in Key West. During their breezy ceremony, sailboats went by as the couple’s rings were passed around to each guest, a ring warming ceremony, where everyone got to pray and send a message over the symbol they chose for their marriage. With the warm sun glowing behind them, the two said “I do” and shared their first kiss as bride and bride. Everyone cheered and the party began.

Guests made their way onto the pier where Eventfully Yours Rentals filled translucent tents draped with soft tulle and lively greens filled the space. Every single person got to see just how valued they were from the moment they arrived to when they sat down. A mirror reflected the sun onto the seating chart which wasn’t a chart at all. Displayed on rattan shelves were custom Miller Lite bottles, Kaitlin’s favorite beer, welcoming each guest as they walked into the scene. At each wicker place setting, a handwritten note of love and appreciation awaited them along with botanical sugar cookies made by Katie’s mom. The tables were filled with braids of tropical greenery by Duarte Floral Design, along with romantic candle lighting and white blooms. To elevate the space, lush floral gatherings and wicker light fixtures hung above as everyone enjoyed the most perfect sunset.

Once the moon came out, the pier filled with hundreds of lights, imitating the stars above, and the sounds of joyful dancing never stopped. The night was one many wished would never end but the details you got to take home ensured you had something tangible to cherish forever.