A destination wedding is the perfect place to bring everyone together, especially if you know from the start that your family and friends will have to travel. Laurence, from England, and Kate, from the United States, live in England and got engaged in Florida, so what better place to tie the knot than Key West? The couple’s small wedding was shared with 60 friends and family who got to enjoy a fun weekend getaway full of events – from a sunset cruise to the Key West Conch Tour Train.

“We wanted a place that could feel like a fun getaway for our guests and we also wanted to have lots to do, so Key West was perfect,” says the bride. 

After a lot of Internet searches, reading wedding magazines and hiring a planner, the couple’s wedding came together in the courtyard gardens of the Hemingway Home. “An array of white flower centerpieces stood at the front and beautiful lanterns at the back,” says Kate. “Guests were greeted with Champagne and rum punch so that everyone could have a drink during our ceremony. We wanted a relaxed atmosphere with a brief, heartfelt ceremony and I think we accomplished just that.”

The reception kicked off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a delicious buffet dinner and lots of dancing. The couple even added a few personal touches, including the groom’s favorite rum and mini-cakes and tarts for dessert, instead of a traditional wedding cake.

Laurence and Kate felt that having a destination wedding was best for them and offered a bit of advice for couples planning their own. “If you can fit it into your budget, I recommend thinking about a planner or at least using a coordinator package, so that you don’t have to worry about anything on the actual day of the wedding,” the bride says. “My planner was there every step of the way and I honestly couldn’t have done it without her. No matter what you choose, planning and the day itself will be stressful, so anything you can do in advance to relieve that stress will be beyond worth it!”

Vendors: Photographer: Care Studios, Wedding Styling & Planner: Destination Wedding Studio, Ceremony/Reception Site: Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Florist: Duarte Floral Design, Stationery: Serendipity Beyond Design, Rentals: Eventfully Yours Rentals, Catering: Key West Catering Company, Desserts: Amazing Cakes And Creations, Gown Designer: Allure Bridals, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Reiss, DJ: Kiss Me Entertainment, Steel Drum Services: C&S First Class Caribbean Steel Drum Entertainment. 

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2018 issue. You can order a copy here.