Jessica and Dan wanted to get married somewhere that meant a lot to them, and since they are the type to take any opportunity they get to travel, a destination wedding in Florida was practically their destiny. 

“Dan and I took our first trip together as a couple to Key West. Key West was it,” Jessica says.

With guests not only on board, but ecstatic about getting out of the winter snow, the planning process was full steam ahead. Luckily, the couple’s experience planning from afar was not difficult in the least due to receiving a tremendous amount of help from their wedding coordinator at Casa Marina and their day-of wedding planner.

“I really don’t think it was too different from planning a local wedding, apart from the two (very fun) trips to Key West I took after our engagement,” the bride says. 

As the day of the ceremony quickly approached, the couple prepped by making final phone calls with vendors and allowing their day-of planner to take over 30 days prior to the event. 

“I absolutely recommend a day-of wedding planner, which helped alleviate so much stress,” Jessica says, “I didn’t need to worry about anything leading up to the wedding, as everything was taken care of.”

Most of the couple’s guests flew into Key West or Miami and raved about the drive to Key West from Miami along US1. As guests arrived, they followed large wooden directional signs that Jessica creatively hand painted.

Prior to the wedding, the couple hosted a get-together so they could get the chance to say hi and spend time with everyone. 

“Your guests have all traveled a long way to come see you, so give them the face time they deserve,” the two say. 

Not worrying about having to spend time with everyone on the day of the wedding and having a day-of coordinator helped the couple enjoy admire the little things of their event like the table markers Jessica made out of vintage Key West postcards. Of course, the best part of it all for the couple was stealing sweet moments with each other, which they say may have not happened had they married closer to home with more attendees.

If you have wanderlust like Jessica and Dan, you may want to take the opportunity to travel for a destination wedding. It could be the perfect way to make a new memory in an old, treasured location.

Vendors: Photography: Stephanie A Smith, Wedding Planner: Just Save the Date, Ceremony/Reception: Casa Marina, Transportation: Key West Tours, Invitations & Programs: Alchemy Hours Designs, Bridal Gown: Allure, Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Hair & Makeup: Bella Luxe Hair & Makeup of the Florida Keys, Floral Designer: Flowers by Gilda, Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss, Groomsmen’s Suits: Tommy Hilfiger, Cake: Key West Cakes & DJ: Visualize Entertainment