When you think of a Florida Keys wedding, “playing it safe” usually means white linens and sandy toes. But at the brand-new Lunara Bay, a creative team led by Vicky Furman Events decided to set aside the rulebook (and a few dozen fabric swatches) to prove that high-octane color and coastal elegance are a match made in heaven. This wasn’t just a styled shoot; it was a masterclass in “Tropical Maximalism.”

The Vision: Texture, Pattern, and “All of It”

The inspiration began with the venue itself. As a fresh addition to the Florida waterfront scene, Lunara Bay offered a blank canvas of lush greenery and expansive water views.

“We absolutely love waterfront venues, so the vision was influenced by the ocean and the bright colors of the Florida staples,” says planner Vicky Furman. To achieve a look that was vibrant yet sophisticated, Vicky engaged in a high-energy collaboration with Duarte Floral Design and Eventfully Yours Rentals.

“We met at the studio and basically tore apart every swatch book available and disagreed for hours until we found the right blend and concept,” Vicky laughs. “We wanted texture, asymmetry, rattan, stripes, patterns… we wanted all of it. The result was amazing.”

The table design is a testament to that “more is more” philosophy. Striped linens from Nuage Design Inc. served as the foundation for a feast of details: scalloped placemats, ikat-patterned napkins, and modern green-tinted glassware. Overhead, oversized rattan pendant lights hung from a verdant floral arch, bringing an indoor lounge feel to the great outdoors.

Capturing the Glow

While the design was loud and proud, the photography needed to capture the ethereal, romantic side of a destination wedding. Photographer Alyssa of Alyssa Morgan Photography focused on the interplay between the Florida sun and the rich textures of the decor.

“In a tropical environment, natural light is your greatest asset,” Alyssa explains. “I harnessed the golden hour glow, softening shadows and letting the foliage filter light. When the sun was high, I leaned into shade pockets, letting dappled light create depth and mood.”

The model, Rikki Shea Gage, stunned in a sleek, open-back silk slip dress…a perfect juxtaposition to the busy, textured floral arrangements. Whether draped across the dining table or catching the breeze by the lime-green satellite bar, the movement of the gown added a layer of effortless “cool-girl” luxury to the shoot.

The “Main Character”: Florals

If the ocean was the backdrop, the flowers were undoubtedly the star of the show. Monika of Duarte Floral Design leaned into a palette of coral, hot pink, and sunny orange, mixing classic roses with exotic anthurium and lush greenery.

“In my opinion, no budget is wasted in florals,” says Vicky. “If couples want to have a high-impact design, florals are the way to go, and Monika Duarte always delivers.”

From the dramatic “growing” installations at the base of the table to the whimsical bouquet tucked into a cane-back chair, the flowers transformed the green lawn and surrounding landscape into a botanical garden.

Advice for the Bold Couple

For couples looking to replicate this high-energy destination look, Vicky has one piece of advice: trust your team.

“Do not play it safe,” she urges. “Let the professionals you hire guide you through the creative process. Color can be tasteful when used right.”

By mixing traditional tropical elements (like rattan and palms) with unexpected pops of lime green and bold stripes, the Lunara Bay shoot proves that your destination wedding can be as joyfully colorful as the sunset over the bay.

Vendors: Planning: Vicky Furman Events; Venue: Lunara Bay; Floral: Duarte Floral Design; Photography: Alyssa Morgan Photography; Rentals: Eventfully Yours Rentals; Videographer: Giselle Films; Tableware: Table Seven; Hair & Makeup: Frankie Key West; Linens: Nuage Design Inc; Model: Rikki Shea Gage; Menus: Set The Table Key West