A Novel Wedding at the Hemingway Home in Key West

A man in a suit and a woman in a wedding dress cross a street holding transparent umbrellas in front of the Hemingway House on a rainy day in Key West, Florida.

A Novel Wedding at the Hemingway Home in Key West

August 13, 2025
Words by Kinsley Brown
Photos courtesy of Dani Parada

Just as the famous, late 20th-century novelist Ernest Hemingway lived an adventurous life, Sara and Matt decided their first act as a married couple should be nothing less than a great story. And where better to begin than at the very house set in sunny Key West where Hemingway himself penned some of his most famous classics?

“We wanted something that felt like a vacation with warm weather and palm trees, a bit of a historic vibe, and a laid-back atmosphere,” Sara says. The island’s walkable charm and tropical backdrop checked every box.

Of course, Hemingway would probably approve of a bit of drama in the plot. Cue: hurricane season! On the morning of the wedding, the sky rolled in gray and moody. The rain plan had the ceremony moving to the lighthouse lawn across the street. “Our planner, Guadalupe, and the entire team were so great in activating our rain plan,” Sara recalls. Instead of disappointment, the mist created a cinematic quality, turning their ceremony at the Key West Lighthouse into an intimate, cozy affair. “Honestly, the pictures and the day were so much more moody and romantic,” she says. And with two venues just a short stroll apart, guests got a double dose of Key West charm.

The design vision blended elevated dinner party elegance with subtle nods to Hemingway’s era. “I created nearly 20 mood boards,” Sara says. Menus printed on silk and tied to abalone shells, handmade ceramic plates sourced from Etsy, and vintage shells hand-painted with table numbers added thoughtful texture. Even her Danielle Frankel gown inspired design choices—its pleated detailing echoed in the glassware for a cohesive, tactile look.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day happened before the guests even arrived. “We exchanged personal vows in the morning, just the two of us, in our pajamas with coffee,” Sara shares. The ceremony itself was personal to the core: a childhood friend officiated, Matt’s mom sang Stand by Me alongside a live guitarist, and his nieces presented the couple with a handcrafted horseshoe for good luck.

In hindsight, the decision to have a destination wedding changed everything for the better. The weekend felt like one long celebration, with guests mingling across events and truly connecting. “Something about being away from home gives people vacation energy,” Sara says. “People relax and enjoy themselves.”

Her advice for future couples? Keep calm, plan smart, and trust the locals. “Hire the experts—especially ones who know your destination inside and out,” she emphasizes. “Go with the flow, you can’t plan for everything. Relax, enjoy—it goes by so fast.”