Monica and Michael | Casa Marina Resort
When a couple reaches out to me to say they’re planning a Vow Renewal, that’s when I sit up a little and take notice. Those are the couples, like Monica and Michael, who I know have hit the bumps, been through the stuff, and come out on the other side ready to not just continue the next chapter of their lives, but want to shout it from the rooftops with a second ceremony in front of all their family and friends, proclaiming to both each other and the world, “we’re in this for the long haul.”
Press PLAY to relive the beautiful day!
The day started out in Monica’s luxurious hotel suite at the Casa Marina Resort. Getting ready with her were her family and friends, so while she finished up her makeup, I got to work capturing some details of her dress, her ring, and some special jewelry she had made with special family members who the couple wanted to keep close.
Once she was ready, we got some lovely bridal portraits of Monica with her stunning flower bouquet, showing off that gorgeous sideswept hair style, the romantic undulations of the train of the dress, and of course, that beautiful smile!
Meanwhile, Michael was over in his room getting ready as well. He sported a crisp white button-down and stylish light khaki linen pants, adorned with a tropical green boutonnière. The guys were all smiles and laughs as they helped him get ready, and then we went outside to get some photos of the boys before the ceremony.
The ceremony was set up on the quiet and private sand beach on the Casa Marina resort property, facing out toward the water with the picturesque Atlantic Ocean seascape serving as an azure backdrop for the couple’s commitment.
When it was time to walk down the aisle, Michael was joined by the two flower girls, and Monica enjoyed her entrance with her son, as they meandered over the winding path under the angled palm trees, toward the guests as Michael looked on in awe at his beautiful bride. As they had not seen each other before the ceremony, this was the moment that he had been waiting for all day!
As the ceremony began, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, remembering moments both recent and long-since-forgotten, as they recapped what it meant to each of them to be married to each other, what they looked forward to as their journey continued, and recommitting themselves to this relationship that they held so dear.
To the applause and delight of their friends and family, the couple made their way back up the aisle, smiling from ear to ear the whole way. They were greeted by the resort staff with flutes of champagne to celebrate, and everyone gathered around to offer their congratulations and well wishes after the ceremony.
With family having traveled from far and wide to be in attendance, it was important that we took the time to gather them for group photos. Again the lovely ocean views made a stunning scene for the couple to stand with their loved ones as they hugged, laughed, and smiled for the camera.
After the group photos, it was time for Monica and Michael to enjoy some photos around the resort, so we made use of the beautiful center walkway with the historic Henry Flagler hotel in the background, the lush green lawns, and the sprawling sand beach.
Finally it was time to party! The couple headed to the reception, which was set up with beautiful string lights overhead, linen napkins and shining silver cutlery, gleaming champagne glasses and tropical foliage to accent perfectly against the soaring palm trees overhead and the soft sand underfoot.
Between toasts, laughter, dancing, and even some impromptu photos of the couples in attendance, the couple stepped out for a few minutes to grab some pictures against the breathtaking sunset Key West sky, and as the night wrapped up, their guests all joined in a double row of sparklers as Monica and Michael ran through laughing and smiling the entire way, sending the couple off to their newfound future as husband and wife.
And so, while there’s no doubt that planning a wedding is quite an undertaking, but put it in perspective against the totality of your life together with another person, and you quickly realize it’s a piece of cake (no pun intended)! Young love, the early days being still enamored with everything your significant other says and does, the butterflies and the moments your heart skips a beat…all to lead up to a momentous day as you make that ultimate commitment.
It sounds big, but really, that is the easy part! Fast forward through 10, 20, or even 50 years, and that…THAT is the moment that really matters. That is when you know you’ve done something.
Congratulations to Monica and Michael, and thank you for inviting me to be a part of your special day!
Venue: Casa Marina
Hair and Makeup: Studio Marie-Pierre
Photographer: Karrie Porter