David and Jimena | Surprise Wedding in Key West on Fury Catamarans

I’ve done every kind of wedding you can think of in my 20+ years in this industry….airplane weddings, garden weddings, fantasy weddings, beach weddings, weddings on boats, weddings on islands, in churches, in courthouses, you name it, I’ve done it.

But it was not until recently that I’d ever done a surprise wedding! Yes, you read that correctly. The couple had been engaged before the pandemic, but plans kept getting pushed back, and pushed back, and pushed back. The bride Jimena is herself a wedding planner, and as David would share later, he worried planning their wedding on top of taking care of her own clients would be just too much.

So, he decided to take up the reins and plan their day as a complete surprise! That’s where I came in, able to capture it all for them on a sunny day in Key West, where they and all their guests had flown in to give the bride the ceremony she never could have imagined!

Press PLAY to Relive The Beautiful Day!

I arrived to the boat docks to greet the friends and family who had gathered for the festivities. The staff for the Fury were busy getting the boat “Reef Express” ready to head out, as I and the officiant devised the best plan for me to capture their approach and then board the boat without them seeing me.

I waited until I saw them, snagged a few quick incognito candids, then bolted up the ramp to join the guests huddling on the back deck of the boat. My heart pounding with excitement, I waited for the moment the couple would come around the side of the cabin and in a rush of cheers and applause, captured the bride’s reaction as she gasped in surprise and delight. The sight of everyone she loved - some traveling from out of the country to get there - culminated in emotional embraces all around, and David being able to breathe a sigh of relief as the catamaran got underway.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt speech by the groom, as he explained the events leading up to this moment, from meeting his beautiful bride, to the aforementioned hurdles that had kept them from their nuptials up until now. It was so sweet to see the love between them, as Jimena gleamed with happiness and David made it clear of his love for his long-time-fiance, now soon-to-be-wife.

Overlooking the sparkling blue ocean, the couple exchanged vows and placed rings on each other’s hands as their family watched with tears in their eyes, no doubt honored to be part of such a momentous day for both of them.

After the ceremony, the guests gathered on the bow as I climbed precariously over the deck to the front railing to get a better vantage point. Family members enjoyed a quick photo with the couple, and then we set to capturing the magnificent sunset that was gracing their day with firey orange and bold azure hues on the horizon.

There was food and drink for all, and the couple cut their lovely 2 tier wedding cake in the cabin before the crew sliced and served it to everyone on board. The groom’s brother Jonathan also gave a lovely toast with a few laughs and lots of well wishes for their future.

The evening continued until the captain brought the vessel into the dock, and the guests departed for Duval Street.

With plans to head to the Reach Resort for dinner at the Four Marlins, the group disembarked for a lively walk through Key West, stopping along the way for photos, taking in the night life and energy of Old Town as they strolled hand in hand toward their futures together.

Congratulations to the happy couple and thank you for making Key West your destination for your big day!