Rob and Bill | Schooner "When and If" + DoubleTree Grand Key Resort

If there’s one thing that I can easily say is the common thread in my work, and the thing that almost all my couples comment on, is my love of color. Sometimes that’s the bright greenery of the natural foliage at the park, sometimes it’s the true blue hue of the afternoon sky, sometimes it’s the bold color of a wall or brightly trimmed interior of a room. But every now and then, I get clients like Rob and Bill, who bring a whole new meaning to having a bright, vibrant, colorful kind of wedding day!

Press PLAY to relive the big day!

Immediately upon arrival the day of the event, I knew we were going to have a great time. In the grooms’ shared getting ready room was a soft robin’s egg blue suit, and next to it, an amazing geometric designed jacket with splashes of tangerine, royal purple, aquamarine, lime green, and bold stripes of black, white, and gray.

The guys had picked out bright yellow and blue shoes to match their ensembles, and some of the guests had donned festive costumes to wear to the wedding.

After heading out from the hotel, we arrived downtown to take in the sights and scenery of Duval Street, but first, we had a very special rendesvous planned with the wedding guests at Higgs Beach. After a few fun photos with their party on the beach and the rock sea wall, it was time to break out the real showstoppers….rainbow colored smoke bombs!

After a few jovial jumps and energetic embraces, it was time to head downtown. The colorful themes continued as we stopped off on Petronia Street, with its bold reds and soft pink colored buildings, and of course I had to have the couple enjoy a stroll across the colorful rainbow crosswalks!

Rob and Bill were all smiles as we made our way around town, visitors wishing them well and calling out congratulations everywhere we paused for pictures. Soon, it was time to head to the ceremony, so we wrapped up and drove to Stock Island Marina Village.

We arrived to the marina to find that the boys’ ship had - quite literally - come in! The historic Schooner, the “When and If” was docked and ready to go, with the wedding guests were already boarded and ready to celebrate. The two grooms arrived in style, and the boat got underway.

Out on the water, with the waves of the big blue Atlantic Ocean lapping up against the hull, the sounds of bare feet padding about the antique wooden deck, and the reassuring creak of lines tightening in their blocks, the captain steered the soiree out to sea, where the promise of their future together lay only moments away.

The officiant gathered everyone around, and through heartfelt vows, clasped hands, an exchange of rings, a song, a kiss, and the final proclamation, Rob and Bill were now well and truly married!

We enjoyed the sunset over the horizon as the schooner pulled down its sails and motored into its slip. As the couple disembarked with their guests, we broke out the festive parasols brought along to keep the sun at bay, and used them to create a kaleidoscope of color around the newlyweds!

After that, it was off to the reception, held at the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort in Key West. The DJ was set up playing music for everyone, the food was laid out beautifully ready for everyone to dive in, and the cake was presented for all to enjoy.

I spent the evening capturing moments as Rob and Bill enjoyed their first dance together, guests gave heartfelt speeches and shared humorous stories, everyone kicked back with food and wine and a little bit of dance floor action to boot.