It’s 4th of July, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot of BBQ yumminess in our future… what a wonderful day to celebrate. So wonderful, in fact, that we couldn’t help but spice it up even more with this breathtaking Key Largo affair by Bob Care Photography. Filled to the very brim with gorgeous florals by Parrish Designs, clear blue skies and perfectly pretty hues, it’s just what we needed to get us in the festive, fireworks watching mood. See sooo much more right here.
From the Bride… I wanted a laid-back, beachy wedding with colorful corals, sun, the beach and tropical drinks where guests would be able to relax and get some sun in May, away from the hustle and bustle of cold NYC. A beautiful place where the setting would take over and minimal decoration would be needed. I also wanted to have a fun dance party that would go on all night with lots of energy and party music. Our guests were able to kayak, paddle board, play soccer, swim, tan and drink plenty of planter’s punches. I love in Ocean Reef — the setting, the indescribable view during the ceremony at The Point, the gorgeous blue ocean and sky … you don’t even need decorations. I wanted to incorporate details from my Brazilian culture: I had the Brazilian wish bracelet on the escort cards, and I knew I wanted samba dancers. They were a blast and set the tone for a fun dance party. It was a surprise for the guests, and they loved it!
My best advice to future brides and grooms of destination weddings, is try to visit the location if you can to get a feel for the space. Sometimes just being there will inspire ideas and help with the planning. Have a wedding planner at the location — someone who knows local vendors and has experience throwing events at your location. Be flexible because things will go wrong or not as expected, but it’s not the end of the world, and it will still be the best night of your life! Make sure you have a plan about your wedding gown. How are you taking it? I would recommend shipping it and having the dress pressed at the location (trying to get the dress wrinkle-free to the location through airports, layovers, etc. will just stress you out)!
The best memory of the wedding was after the wedding when we walked over to the bridal suite, sad everything was over (it goes by in a flash!) and our wedding planner had set up a cheese platter, champagne on ice and little gift for us (an Ocean Reef picture frame). It was so unexpected and so sweet, not to mention so welcome since we were starving! Ocean Reef provided complimentary wedding planning, which was key to a successful event. Having someone at the location with experience planning weddings at the location was wonderful because she was able to provide advice on best vendors, day-of timeline, etc.
Wedding Photography: Bob Care Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida / Event Planning: Amanda Gilbo of Ocean Reef Club / Floral Design: Parrish Designs / Wedding Cake: Ocean Reef Club / Musicians: AA Musicians + Brazilian & Latin Sounds Co. by Paulo Gualano / Wedding Dress: J.Crew / Hair + Makeup: Ocean Reef Spa / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse