Part of me is a little mad at Becca Borge for sending this Florida Keys beach wedding our way, but only because I’m beyond jealous of her and all the guests. Because a much, much bigger part of me is obsessed with this wedding – the colors that mimic a perfect Florida sunset, the outdoor locale in plain site of the water, the sweet couple, so in love, at the center… I’m absolutely obsessed!
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From the stunning bride… The Keys have always been a special place for us. It is where we vacation three weeks out of the summer, it is where Brian fly fishes, and where I spent many spring breaks and my college internship. As soon as we were engaged, we knew we would get married in Islamorada, and more specifically, at the Drop Anchor. The inspiration for the day was the beauty and history of the Keys and the old Florida style of the Drop Anchor. We wanted our decor to be an extension of the natural beauty surrounding us, so we created our own tablescapes that had multiple textures with the manzanita branches, sand colored burlap runners ,which we made, and ivory tablecloths, and we used rich colors in the loose flowers and succulents to continue the vibrant color palette the Drop Anchor provided as a backdrop. The bridesmaids gowns provide that “pop” of color to compliment the beauty of the ocean. The Keys, especially Isalmorada, also has a rich fishing history and with Brian being an avid saltwater angler, we wanted to incorporate an old nautical feel to the day. We used old lobster traps and netting on our cocktail table, brought in an old driftwood boat to display for drinks, and used copper and gold mercury glass lanterns and votive holders to give the tables a soft romantic feel.
For another layer of fun we our photobooth as another DIY element, where we incorporated a huge Polaroid cut out. My mother has always been a wonderful seamstress and made my birdcage veil and our flower girl’s dress. Brian made all the fishing flies for the boutonnieres.
We both grew up with our fathers owning and running small businesses and when we are at home we try to always support local small businesses, so in planning our wedding we wanted to continue that trend. Most of our vendors were small businesses, including our DJ, Videographer, Photographer, Rentals, Caterer, and the Drop Anchor. We brought in flowers and design elements from local Jacksonville Beach small businesses, Liz Stewart Floral Design and MOS. All of our invitations and programs, as well as the groomsmen’s suspenders and ties, and some of the bridesmaid jewelry, were ordered through Etsy.
If we had one element that was incredibly special to us, it would have been the In Memoriam table, where we honored some very special people that were missed greatly that day, including Brian’s father and my stepmother.
Photography: Becca Borge Photography | Cinematography: Adam Pressley Films | Floral Design: Liz Stewart Floral Design | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Bridesmaid Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Catering: Green Turtle | Hair And Makeup: Ciao Bella Salon | DJ: Kiss Me Entertainment | Boutique Resort: Drop Anchor Resort | Bridal Gown Salon: The White Magnolia