Regan and David | Smathers Beach + Conch Republic Seafood
There’s a stretch of sandy beach in Key West, where visitors stroll along at sunrise, where the locals stop off on a lazy afternoon, where seagulls soar overhead and the gentle waves of the Atlantic ocean dance along the shoreline. Outstretched for miles, as far as the eye can see, are the Florida Straits, which run all the way up the coast and down toward Cuba in the other direction. The palm trees are tall and plentiful, the surroundings spacious, and the sounds as tranquil as a summer breeze - save for the occasional sniffles, giggles, and smooches coming from those gathered for a romantic wedding ceremony. The location is Smathers Beach, and the couple? None other than my bride and groom, Regan and David.
Press PLAY to relive the beautiful day!
The day started off back at their hotel, the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, where I met up with the bride for some details, getting ready, and portraits of her in her dress. I also got to sneak a peek at David while he was getting his Tommy Bahamas shirt on, and then we did some nice portraits of him as well in the newly renovated cuban-themed bar area, keeping him occupied while the bride finished preparations for the big day ahead.
Soon it was time for the ceremony. We headed over to the beach where we found a beautiful linen arch and bamboo-style chairs for the guests. Everyone was enjoying the views and seeing each other, greeting and introducing themselves, as the couple arrived and got into position. David had his kids put on his boutionniere, then waited at the end of the wooden boardwalk for his daughter, who would escort him down the aisle.
The processional began, and since the bride and groom had not wanted to see each other before, I made sure to position myself as Regan and her son passed by me down the aisle, so I could get David’s reaction as seen from Regan’s point of view. I always love seeing the groom’s reaction in this moment, and I know for the bride it’s an important memory.
The ceremony got underway, with the couple’s good family friend presiding as their officiant. Regan was all smiles as David began his vows, and the two exchanged promises to be there for each other forever. I would later learn that the couple had been together for a long time, so this was an extra special moment as it culminated a lifelong love into one ceremonious day.
As we headed out from the ceremony toward the reception by way of the Old Town Trolley car, we stopped off at a few key points, including the Key West Garden Club and West Martello Tower, the iconic Southernmost Point - would you ever believe that there were people standing in the background of this photo?…the magic of technology! - and then we headed over to the “Welcome to Key West” postcard mural on the side of Cuban Coffee Queen’s building, and finished up with a few quick photos at Mac’s Sea Garden.
The last stop arrived as we pulled in to Conch Republic Seafood Company for the reception. The brick courtyard was set up with the couples’ signage and decor, but before I could let anyone off the trolley, we had to get one fun photo of everyone out the side of the big green and orange ride. As the guests disembarked, I got to work capturing the setup and details, including a custom beach-inspired sign with the couple’s names and date, a fun wooden Wedding arrow sign, a reminder of the wedding hashtag (#gobigfordorgohome) inspired by their last name, and a colorful chalkboard sign that the venue set up as well.
The tables were set with tropical flowers, and the place settings marked with white seashells, each bearing the ribbon-tied name of the guest who would sit there. The patio area was roped off with fun colorful marker buoys and the thick braided lines off of a local fishing boat.
The guests settled in to their places as everyone grabbed a drink from the bar, the daughters bore witness to the marriage license with the officiant, and the bride and groom set about mingling with all of their family and friends who had come to join them for their celebration.
After dinner, the couple enjoyed a first dance as husband and wife, swaying together on the dance floor as their loved ones looked on. This officially opened the dance floor as everyone grabbed a partner to swirl about with, and groups formed to participate in a few coordinated numbers like the Cha Cha slide and the Cupid Shuffle.
As the evening drew more to a close, it was time to cut the cake…but not just any cake, this had been made especially for them by one of their guests, and was humorously adorned with the inscription “About Damn Time”. 😁
The evening continued well into the night, myself taking the couple out for sunset photos back on the beach and sneaking them back into the party in well enough time to live it up for the rest of the night. We said our goodbyes to all the wonderful family and friends we’d come to know throughout the day, and then wished the couple well as we headed out.
Congratulations to Regan and David, and thank you for inviting me to be a part of your special day!
Ceremony Venue: Smathers Beach
Reception Venue: Conch Republic Seafood Company
Hair and Makeup: Key West Hair and Makeup
Photographer: Karrie Porter