Donna and Grant | Key West Courthouse + “Tour About Town” Key West Elopement
I know most photographers write home about the big elaborate weddings, the ones with 300 guests and chandeliers and black tie wardrobes, but for me the true enjoyment comes when I meet a couple who are just so happy and in love, that the beauty of their wedding comes out in the joy they exude.
Such was the case when I met Donna and Grant, as they reached out because they were going to elope to Key West and wanted to celebrate with some fun photos not just of the ceremony, but of them enjoying the island as well. Check it out!
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The day started with Donna coming to the studio to get ready that morning. Makeup artist Roberta with Beauty Boutique & the Glam Squad did a beautiful airbrush makeup and short hair style on the bride, while I spent some time getting photos of the groom. Once Donna was ready, we went out as well into the beautiful foyer of the historic Building 21 where my studio is located and got some beautiful bridal portraits of her.
Donna looked lovely in a soft pink sheer dress and Grant so handsome in his white linen button down.
Utilizing the greenery of the surroundings, not to mention the morning position of the sunlight, we got some great images of the two of them after having seen each other before the ceremony for the first time in their wedding attire.
The ceremony was scheduled for the Monroe County Courthouse on Whitehead Street in Key West. We drove over together, and I captured a few moments leading up to the actual wedding as the couple arrived and entered the building.
Once inside, the couple shook off a few final nerves, and a court officiant read them their vows as they exchanged rings and promised their love to each other.
After the final kiss, it was time to head outside for photos around the courthouse. With its tall white pillars and interior stairwell and hallways, it made for a very picturesque setting for some artistic photos of the couple. One of my personal favorites was a contrasty black and white image that I’d envisioned beforehand, using the open doorway to silhouette the groom, and the dark wood of the door to allow the bride to stand out against it.
In recognition of Grant’s family history with the Masons, we got some photos of the plaque outside the building as well, then hit the road to stop off at Casa Antigua, which boasts the iconic rounded weathered wooden door of the former “Pelican Poop” shop in Key West.
After that it was time to hit Duval Street. We took in sights like Sloppy Joe’s and Hog’s Breath Saloon, before relocating to Caroline Street where the famous “Welcome to Key West” postcard mural by Letty Nowak, is painted on the side of the Cuban Coffee Queen building.
More photos continued as we made our way through the Mac’s Sea Garden shop, Turtle Kraals building, wooden docks overlooking the marina, and the historic Turtle History Museum.
One of my favorite images was when Donna was game to replicate the famous “Eat it Raw” sign that sits atop Half Shell Raw Bar. Even in her stylish gown, she had no problem climbing on top of one of the pylons and comporting herself into the icon pinup girl pose!
With the downtown photos out of the way, we then headed over to the historic Fort Zachary Taylor fortress. The couple snuggled up in the brick arches, danced in the dimly-lit domain, and climbed to the top of the roof so they could nuzzle up with the ocean in the background.
Followed by a few quick photos on the beach, we made one last stop at St Paul’s Episcopal church, where we wrapped up the wedding day with a final walk across the church grounds.
Congratulations to the happy couple, and many happy wishes in your future travels!
Special thanks to all the locations who made these photos possible!
Truman Annex, Monroe County Courthouse, End of the Road Gift Shop, Casa Antigua, Sloppy Joe’s, Mac’s Sea Garden, Cuban Coffee Queen, Half Shell Raw Bar, Turtle Kraals, Key West Bight Dockmaster, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
And to Mary Veal for her assistance helping me that day!