When a hurricane blows through the Florida Keys, the effects are often much further reaching than you would first expect. Vida and Elom had been all set for their Casa Marina wedding, when Hurricane Irma decided she had other plans. Luckily, we connected well enough in advance of their newly rescheduled big day, and the celebration was SO worth the wait!

Couple giggling at each other with pink flowers on Sunset Key

The couple had family members from all over the world joining them, so we started off the morning with some getting ready shots in their room, complete with artistic bridal portraits and details of the dress, rings, and flowers.

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The couple looked awesome, Vida in her lace accented wedding dress, and Elom in his handsome navy suit.

Once they were ready, we set up a private moment for the couple to be able to see each other for the first time, with Vida hiding out in the Casa Marina ballroom, while Elom stood under the arch waiting for his beautiful bride to appear.

Bride sneaking up on groom for first look at Casa Marina.jpg

Before the ceremony, we had a few minutes to then take some photos with family. To keep the couple in the cool air, we made use of the Casa Marina ballroom where all the family could congregate before the ceremony.

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When it was time for the ceremony, the family gathered on the beautiful private beach on the Casa Marina Resort grounds, overlooking the ocean with a soft sea breeze coming in, swirling the tropical music around as the bride walked down the aisle - appropriately lined with stately palm trees - with her father.

Junior bridesmaid pulling baby flower girl in wooden wagon at Casa Marina Resort.jpg

Bride makes her way down the aisle at Casa Marina Resort.jpg

As Vida walked down the aisle, all eyes were turned toward her and all faces were smiling, as Elom waited to greet her at the altar. Her veil blew gracefully in the wind, as seagulls and pelicans flew in the distance, bearing witness to the seaside ceremony as well.

Wedding Ceremony setup at Casa Marina Resort in Key West.jpg

Their daughter was also able to take part in the ceremony, being towed down the aisle in a beautiful wooden wagon, though the sand did make it a bit tricky to navigate! The couple exchanged their vows, gave each other rings and promised their love to each other forever, sealing the moment with the kiss!

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We then had a chance to get the full family out onto the beach for one large group shot. This is a fun shot to do, ensuring that everyone who is in attendance is captured in a single image. With this group, we ended with a triumphant cheer at the end.

As the family made their way to cocktail hour, we were then able to capture some stunning sunset shots of the couple on the beach, even bringing their little one into the session, and she was happy to oblige.

Once the sun went down, it was time to party, and the couple were introduced into the reception by DJ Scott Gerke from Visualize Entertainment, enjoying a first dance under the disco ball provided by PSAV audio and video.

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The Best Man and Maid of Honor gave heartfelt toasts, sharing stories of their friendship with the couple, while family members laughed at the jokes and teared up at the memories. Vida and Elom also got up to thank their guests and express their gratitude for everyone coming from far and wide to join them in Key West for their wedding.

Their beautiful cake was a naked style three tiered vanilla by Key West Cakes. Cutting the cake under the glow of the string lights over the dance floor, friends looked on as they enjoyed their first slice and fed each other a bite (very nicely, I might add, with no cake smash). :D

There were jovial celebrations with traditional African music and dances, hours of smiles and laughs, cocktails, delicious fare, and everyone had a great time the entire evening. We concluded with photos on the beach of the couple, as they wrapped up the evening and bid farewell to their guests at the end of the night.