There was something about being in Key West, Florida that had Mark and Tori without question that they’d hold their dream destination wedding there. The bride’s family has had a vacation home in the lower Keys since 2000, and when the couple started dating they visited the Keys for many vacations. The lovely couple not only fell in love with each other there, but also with the island’s culture, food and people.

When the two announced their plan to have the ceremony in downtown Key West, their families were thrilled for the most part. It was a risky decision, though, “the time of year did worry some people it turned out to be a beautiful day despite it being hurricane season.”

The planning process turned out just as smoothly as the weather. Having never visited Audubon House, the couple booked it as their venue for its stunning pictures online and their desire to be in a garden setting.

Referrals and preferred vendor lists were most helpful for the excited pair to nail down exactly what they wanted for their Key West ceremony.

“On such a small island everyone knows everyone,” the two say, “but we also used our gut when coming to our vendors and everything turned out amazing.”

Email became the couple’s best friend with all of the back and forth communication that came with planning remotely. The bride stayed organized during the entire process by saving all emails and printing out all the agreements and contracts with vendors.

“I had a great time planning our wedding from afar,” Tori says, “we traveled down a few months prior to have some run-throughs with our caterer and hair/makeup which I would definitely recommend.”

Imagining their wedding any other way would be impossible for these sunshine seekers. They achieved the custom wedding they wanted, all while saving money on smaller things like signage by doing fun DIY projects.

For this couple, staying organized was the KEY to success! (See what we did there?)

“Make sure you have your timeline, shot list and points of contact for issues. It really makes a difference if you don’t have a wedding planner,” the two say.

Ultimately, if you want a destination wedding regret- and stress-free, stay true to you as a couple! Tori and Mark are the perfect example of the outcome of keeping your eyes on the prize: a beautiful union in a special location!

Vendors: Photographer: Lavryk Photography, Ceremony/Reception Site: Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, Florist: Love In Bloom Florist, Cake: Cakes by Karol, Hair & Makeup: Amri Key West, Gown Designer: Hayley Paige, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Stafford, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Amsale & Stafford