Kimberly and Jason | Pier House Resort and Opal Key
What do you get when a couple meets up for margaritas and hits it off from day one? You get the start of a love story that can only culminate with a wedding in Key West, where “5 o’clock somewhere” is a state of being and margaritas are a way of life. Kimberly and Jason’s relationship may have been initiated online, but it grew over dog walks, Netflix binges, and evening on the back deck sipping whiskey or having a glass of wine.
When a birthday trip to Portsmouth resulted in pouring down rain thwarting their visit to the local lighthouse, the couple ended up sitting by the fireplace in the cocktail lounge of their hotel, and it was there that Jason surprised Kimberly and asked her to be his wife!
Press PLAY to relive the beautiful day!
When I discussed the vision for the wedding with the bride, she shared that she wanted more than anything for it to be fun and seamless. Like so many clients, even though they were working with a planner - Kelly Fowler from Just Save the Date, and Erica Furhman on site the day of - there is always that added pressure when trying to coordinate things over any distance for a destination wedding.
Walking into the Pier House resort hotel room where Kim was getting ready, it was all smiles as Kim finished getting her hair and makeup done with Key West Hair and Makeup Artistry. Showing off her long beautiful hair was a sideswept style that allowed her to also feature a stunning sparkly accessory on one side as well. We captured photos getting ready, with her mom and other family members present, and then I headed to see Jason and meet the guys.
The groom was calm but excited for the day to get underway, so we kept it casual with the guys enjoying their time together, while I started on some of the details he had to photograph. Getting into his jacket and shoes, the groom gathered his guys together and we did some photos by the window and out on the balcony, even pulling together a set of time pieces that were a signature feature of his ensemble.
Soon it was time to head down to the ceremony, where I found a lovely and picturesque setting overlooking the harbor, and guests began to file in and be seated.
As the couple had decided not to see each other beforehand in a ceremonial “first look”, that moment when the doors opened and the bride walked down the aisle was the first time Jason had seen Kim that day, and the two beamed smiles at each other as the father of the bride escorted his daughter toward the altar.
Led through the ceremony by officiant Aaron Wechter, with his heartfelt reminders of what love means, encouraging the couple to share in the good times and the bad, 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 least, and sealed their promise with a kiss to the delight, applause, and cheers of everyone in attendance.
After some warm wishes, hugs, tears, and handshakes, the newlyweds were congratulated heartily by all their guests, and then made their way back out to the beach where we could pull them together for family photos. Parents and guests alike gathered around as Kim and Jason took photos with them, me taking care to ensure everyone on the list was accounted for, and working quickly to get the guests to the party and the couple out of the sun.
Before heading to the reception, the couple joined me for photos of just the two of them, both on the beach and around the Pier House grounds with it’s lush greenery and tropical backgrounds.
We then headed to the reception over at the Opal Key Resort. DJ Scott Gerke of Visualize Entertainment was there to make sure everyone was having a great time. Cocktail hour was well underway, and the bride and groom make their entrance with everyone cheering them on as the new Mr and Mrs!
Upon the Opal Key’s “Sunset Deck”, overlooking the Key West Harbour, with it’s picturesque schooners and palm tree silhouettes, the evening continued with the couple’s first dance, and then taking a turn around the floor with their parents as well. Guests enjoyed the festivities and wonderful food amid the tropical tunes and the stunning scene of the Key West sunset going down over the horizon in the distance.
Congratulations Kimberly and Jason! Wishing you a beautiful and happy life together, and a toast to that fateful first date that ed you to a very fitting wedding day in the land where a little salt and lime are the order of any good time spent with friends, family, and the people we love.
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO THESE AMAZING WEDDING VENDORS, WHO MADE THIS DAY POSSIBLE!
Planner: Kelly Fowler
Venue: The Pier House
Hair and Makeup: Key West Hair and Makeup
Florist: Milan Event Florals
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Groom’s Attire: Mens Wearhouse
Rings: Blue Nile
Cake: Key West Cakes
DJ: Scott Gerke | Visualize Entertainment
Officiant: Aaron Wechter