Jennifer and Ben | Smathers Ceremony & Barbary Resort Reception
What’s the perfect prescription for when two doctors fall in love? A little bit of Vitamin Sea! This is what Jennifer and Benjamin found when they brought their wedding plans to the little island town of Key West, Florida, to celebrate with their closest family and friends in a beachfront ceremony by the ocean.
Press PLAY to relive the beautiful day!
The couple had plans to stay and host their guests at the Barbary Beach Resort, so the nearby Smathers Beach was the perfect spot to exchange their vows. We started the day with some getting ready shots in the bride’s room. With just a few moments to spare while Jen was getting her dress on, I grabbed her gorgeous Badgley Mischka shoes, her rings, and a few other items to catch some detail shots.
She came out in her stunning wedding dress, and her mom and brother helped get her laced up. We chuckled as the two resorted to several techniques to get the tiny loops over the buttons, both of them determined to make sure they lined up correctly and every stitch was in place.
With the bride all dressed, I had her sit in one of the decorative bamboo chairs that decorated the room. Despite the best lighting angle being one that faced directly into the door in the background, I knew that with the right combination of lens choice and angle, we would not see that at all in the final shots. I’m so happy with how her bridal portraits turned out…doesn’t she look GORGEOUS!!??
Now it was time to get into the shoes, which her brother stepped in to help with.
With the earrings in, shoes on, garter in place, and flowers in hand, it was time for Jen to hang out for a few minutes while I went over to the groom’s room to get photos of him as well.
I found Ben in his room, quietly contemplating his vows and writing them down in preparation for the ceremony. Once he was done, his mom helped him get into his jacket and bouttoinniere. It was a very big day for her too, with her son about to walk down the aisle, and it was very sweet to see these moments unfold for the groom’s big day as well.
Once outside in the beautiful lush green walkway areas of the Barbary, I got some photos of Ben by himself as he waited for his bride to come down the stairs so they could see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
The first look gave them a moment together alone, before all the hubbub of activity took over for the rest of the afternoon. We had a few minutes to do some portraits of the two of them together. I always love doing this early in the day when I can. Besides the functional aspect of everyone looking their best right out of their getting-ready room, it also ensures we get these more classic portraits while the couple aren’t tired, hungry, or needed for other activities.
With the “first look” and couples portraits finished, it was time to head over to the ketubah signing. The family had gathered near the tiki hut where the rabbi was preparing for this part of the ceremony.
After some educational sentiments about the meaning of the ketubah, and instructions on how to add their signatures, the bride and groom took turns signing, along with the witnesses signing the marriage license as well. It was then time to head to the beach for the wedding service!
The ceremony got underway with a few hugs, a little emotion, and a traditional exchange of vows, rings, and the love of everyone looking on and enjoying the event.
The couple drank from a ceremonial cup as part of the service, served by each of their mothers. They exchanged their rings, vows, and received lots of advice and love from the officiant as he led them through the ceremony.
With a final blessing, it was time for Ben to break the glass to the triumphant cheers of “Mazel Tov!” by the guests. With their first kiss as husband and wife, the couple walked back down the aisle with nothing but smiles, excited to now officially be “Mr and Mrs” - or in their case, “Dr and Dr”!
With the ceremony completed, it was time to gather the family around for some group photos. Parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and all manner of special guests were nearby to take their turns getting a photo with the couple.
Once the guests headed to the reception, the couple and their best man and “bridesman” (the bride’s brother!) hung back for some cheeky beach photos with a very “this is our band’s album cover” vibe! 🤘🏻😊😜
Jen and Ben (I love writing that, by the way!) then spent some time together on the beach, where we got creative with some fun shots of the two of them just walking together, and with some cool backlit night shots before heading to the reception.
Back under the tiki hut, the couple were greeted by their gorgeous wedding cake and family and friends waiting to celebrate witih them!
During the reception, we enjoyed some dances with the parents, and some candids of everyone enjoying themselves, before the couple headed over to the cake table so they could cut the cake and give each other a small slice.
It was a beautiful day filled with joy, smiles, laughter, and a lot of fun! Congratulations to Jennifer and Benjamin on your Key West wedding!
Venue: Barbary Beach House
Ceremony: Smathers Beach
Planner: Ana Aguilar from Key West Wedding Day on behalf of Say Yes in Key West
Hair and Makeup: Studio Marie Pierre
Cake: Key West Cakes
Flowers: Karro Events
Entertainment: Soundwave Productions
Videography: Soundwave Productions
Photographer: Karrie Porter