Shandi and Jason | Smathers Beach and Conch Republic Seafood
Time is a funny thing. How is it that 15 minutes can feel like an eternity, but 15 years can fly by in an instant? When Shandi and Jason first met, it was as coworkers 15 years ago. Besides an old photo of the two of them at a Virginia Tech football tailgate way back when, their journeys were otherwise destined for two separate paths. Life happened, they had both moved on personally and professionally, but then as if by magic, they were reunited via Facebook in early 2018, and realized they loved a lot of the same things. A few digital chats turned into a few early dates, and they also realized they loved spending time together too.
When I met them originally, it was when Jason contacted me because he was surprising his girlfriend with a proposal on the beach of The Reach Resort. He’d made dinner plans, and asked me to hide out and capture the proposal undercover. Shandi of course said “Yes!” and I got to be there to capture their engagement. Fast forward a year later, when the couple decided it wasn’t enough just to get engaged in Key West, they wanted to get married here too!
Press PLAY to relive the beautiful day!
As the wedding plans got underway, Shandi would share with me that she loves to sing, hanging with her fam, and working out. Jason’s hobbies were plentiful as well, often centered around their kids and their sports, plus golfing and playing the guitar. Besides that, the duo still to this day enjoy a good Virginia Tech football game, checking out local breweries with live music, a good sip of bourbon, and time with friends.
The friends portion I got to see in real time, as I arrived on the wedding day, to the Salt Ponds Condominiums where the couple were surrounded by friends as they got ready for the big day! Everyone was laughing, recounting memories, doing each other’s hair, helping each other with their outfits, smiling, cheers’ing with a cold beverage, or just hanging out and watching the festivities get underway.
We started with some detail shots of the bride's accessories, and once Shandi was in the dress, captured some images of her on the balcony, followed by Jason’s individual portraits as well. The couple had planned a special gift for their boys, who opened their presents to find that much-treasured mark of time….new watches!
A short drive to Smathers Beach followed, where the ceremony site was set up by Say Yes in Key West, with a lovely aisle runner, arch, and white chairs overlooking the ocean awaited the arriving guests. The vows were exchanged, the rings were placed on each others’ hands, and in that moment we all love so much, they were pronounced husband and wife at last, sealing what was now 15+ years of a slowly growing relationship into a life’s promise and future together.
After some congratulatory hugs and cheers from the attending party, we gathered everyone for group family photos with the newlyweds.
Before heading to the reception, though, we had to make use of the sprawls of sandy beach, the slowly setting sun, and the epic rock jetties out over the water for the couple’s wedding portraits.
A short trolley ride over to Conch Republic Seafood had everyone ready to party, and they arrived to a sectioned off area of patio with a small array of wedding decor and an attentive staff ready to ensure everyone was having a great time.
Taking a few minutes to dance, the couple celebrated with guests looking on and joining them to the sway of the music, as a close friend proposed a toast, the couple shared their array of cupcakes and desserts, and finally wrapped up the evening with a fun “getaway” photo as everyone blew bubbles over the exit to the harbour walk and boat docks.
Congratulations Shandi and Jason! I’m so honored to have been part of your journey from the moment you got engaged to the evening when your lives together were united as one.
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO THESE AMAZING WEDDING VENDORS, WHO MADE THIS DAY POSSIBLE!
Planner: Say Yes in Key West
Getting Ready Location: Salt Ponds Condominiums
Ceremony Venue: Smathers Beach
Reception Venue: Conch Republic Seafood Company
Hair and Makeup: Friend of the Bride
Florist: Karro Events
Transportation: Old Town Trolley
Invitations: Zazzle ; watercolor by Emily Masters
Cake: Key West Cakes
Officiant: Matt Barber