Key West is without a doubt one of the most beautiful destinations for weddings. Only 90 miles north of Cuba, famed for it's pastel-hued, conch-style houses and known for its coral reefs.
Elana and Joe's wedding was planned at beautiful Fort Zachary Taylor beach but all wedding plans and decoration that day had to be shifted into the fortress at the last minute while Hurricane Eta rolled into Key West with powerful winds that unleashed heavy rains and flooding.
No force of nature could stop Elana and Joe's love, not a pandemic or a hurricane. Despite the obstacles, their wedding was even more beautiful, memorable and enjoyable than planned.
Big congratulations to both of you!! It was a pleasure to be a part of your day!
Elana and Joe's wedding was planned at beautiful Fort Zachary Taylor beach but all wedding plans and decoration that day had to be shifted into the fortress at the last minute while Hurricane Eta rolled into Key West with powerful winds that unleashed heavy rains and flooding.
No force of nature could stop Elana and Joe's love, not a pandemic or a hurricane. Despite the obstacles, their wedding was even more beautiful, memorable and enjoyable than planned.
Big congratulations to both of you!! It was a pleasure to be a part of your day!
1. How did you guys meet?
I met Elana on May 25th, 2013, it was the Saturday night of Memorial Day Weekend. At that time in our lives, Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore was probably the biggest “event” of the year and everyone would party accordingly.
Most nights the timeline was the same... everyone would congregate at the local’s bar Jack N Bills, and eventually make our way down the boardwalk to other bars. This night was no different. After I had my fill of Jack N Bills I rallied the troops to head out, leading the way, and marched down the boardwalk.
Half way to our next destination, I turned around to address my friends and in the middle of the group I see this drop-dead gorgeous girl that I had never seen. I yelled, “Who the HELL are you!??!” I introduced myself, and that night we would wind up talking. We had an instant chemistry, I found her magnetic and beautiful, inviting. I learned about her studies in college and how intelligent she was, quickly realizing that she was much different than a lot of the others, much deeper. Ever since we met, we were very connected and, although we maintained a platonic relationship for some time after meeting, we always felt close to each other even though we were just getting to know one another.
We started dating in January of 2015. We spent the next 6 years growing together, traveling the world, cooking, entertaining, developing our careers, and building their home at the beach. I asked Elana to marry me on March 29, 2019 at Island Beach State Park, one of our favorite bay-side hiking spots just down the street from our home.
2. Why did you choose Fot Zachary as you wedding location?
We always knew that we would get married at Fort Zach Taylor in Key West. We didn’t wedding venue shop at all; we got engaged on a Friday and I booked our wedding date at Fort Zach that following Monday.
My mom has a house in Key West, so Joe and I have been coming here regularly throughout our relationship.
Fort Zachary is very special to us.
We have made countless memories laying in hammocks below the canopies of palm and pine trees, grilling on the beautiful beaches, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear turquoise water, and exploring the 19th century historic brick fortress.
It is truly our "happy place" and we felt very blessed to be able to share it with our closest friends and family.
3. What was your inspiration for the wedding?
The wedding was entirely custom and illustrative of us. Every little detail leading up to the wedding was so intentional and planned with so much thought and love. I just wanted it to be a beautiful celebration with our most treasured family and friends, delicious food, amazing live music, and reflective of our love and everything we embody as a couple.
4. How would you describe some of your favorite moments at the wedding.
It’s hard to explain how profoundly poignant the ceremony was. It took place in our plan B location under the arches of the fortress rather than on the beach due to hurricane ETA.
The 200-year-old brick arches of the fortress were illuminated with perfectly placed lighting and garnished with stunning floral arrangements of pampas grasses, sprays of dried palms, monstera leaves and white roses and orchids. Visually it was unlike anything I’ve seen. You could see and hear the rain coming down on the outside of the fortress like our own private waterfall. The background noise of the rain hitting the ground just outside of where we were standing, committing to one another forever, was enchanting. This setting, energy and mood combined to create the most intensely raw and beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.
Joe and I are both decent writers, so our vows were that much more powerful because of the magic surrounding us. The band and the food were amazing. I wish I ate more but we ALL got our fill of dancing. Believe me when I say the dancefloor was rocking. I don’t think anyone sat after speeches and dinner; the entire wedding party danced together all night long. We had so much fun. It was awesome.
5. What would be an advice to other brides from you?
Be present. This day is about the two of you and your love. Revel in this, come back to it when you are stressed, and never lose sight of it.
Accept the things you can't control. If you grip tightly to things out of your control, you will suffer.
People will disappoint you- take the high road.
Have endless gratitude for the incredible people in your life who are there for you, celebrating with you, and love you.
It's not bad idea to save money and elope.
6. What are your future plans? Honeymoon?
We are still in the middle of a global pandemic so this entire process has looked a lot different than what we originally planned. We hoped to honeymoon internationally but since we couldn’t travel we spent a week after the wedding at the brand-new Isla Bella Resort in Marathon. It ended up being amazing: exactly we needed and definitely satiated our craving for a big honeymoon. We will do some traveling when things open up. In the meantime, we will continue enjoying every day together and will eventually start a family.
I met Elana on May 25th, 2013, it was the Saturday night of Memorial Day Weekend. At that time in our lives, Memorial Day Weekend at the Jersey Shore was probably the biggest “event” of the year and everyone would party accordingly.
Most nights the timeline was the same... everyone would congregate at the local’s bar Jack N Bills, and eventually make our way down the boardwalk to other bars. This night was no different. After I had my fill of Jack N Bills I rallied the troops to head out, leading the way, and marched down the boardwalk.
Half way to our next destination, I turned around to address my friends and in the middle of the group I see this drop-dead gorgeous girl that I had never seen. I yelled, “Who the HELL are you!??!” I introduced myself, and that night we would wind up talking. We had an instant chemistry, I found her magnetic and beautiful, inviting. I learned about her studies in college and how intelligent she was, quickly realizing that she was much different than a lot of the others, much deeper. Ever since we met, we were very connected and, although we maintained a platonic relationship for some time after meeting, we always felt close to each other even though we were just getting to know one another.
We started dating in January of 2015. We spent the next 6 years growing together, traveling the world, cooking, entertaining, developing our careers, and building their home at the beach. I asked Elana to marry me on March 29, 2019 at Island Beach State Park, one of our favorite bay-side hiking spots just down the street from our home.
2. Why did you choose Fot Zachary as you wedding location?
We always knew that we would get married at Fort Zach Taylor in Key West. We didn’t wedding venue shop at all; we got engaged on a Friday and I booked our wedding date at Fort Zach that following Monday.
My mom has a house in Key West, so Joe and I have been coming here regularly throughout our relationship.
Fort Zachary is very special to us.
We have made countless memories laying in hammocks below the canopies of palm and pine trees, grilling on the beautiful beaches, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear turquoise water, and exploring the 19th century historic brick fortress.
It is truly our "happy place" and we felt very blessed to be able to share it with our closest friends and family.
3. What was your inspiration for the wedding?
The wedding was entirely custom and illustrative of us. Every little detail leading up to the wedding was so intentional and planned with so much thought and love. I just wanted it to be a beautiful celebration with our most treasured family and friends, delicious food, amazing live music, and reflective of our love and everything we embody as a couple.
4. How would you describe some of your favorite moments at the wedding.
It’s hard to explain how profoundly poignant the ceremony was. It took place in our plan B location under the arches of the fortress rather than on the beach due to hurricane ETA.
The 200-year-old brick arches of the fortress were illuminated with perfectly placed lighting and garnished with stunning floral arrangements of pampas grasses, sprays of dried palms, monstera leaves and white roses and orchids. Visually it was unlike anything I’ve seen. You could see and hear the rain coming down on the outside of the fortress like our own private waterfall. The background noise of the rain hitting the ground just outside of where we were standing, committing to one another forever, was enchanting. This setting, energy and mood combined to create the most intensely raw and beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.
Joe and I are both decent writers, so our vows were that much more powerful because of the magic surrounding us. The band and the food were amazing. I wish I ate more but we ALL got our fill of dancing. Believe me when I say the dancefloor was rocking. I don’t think anyone sat after speeches and dinner; the entire wedding party danced together all night long. We had so much fun. It was awesome.
5. What would be an advice to other brides from you?
Be present. This day is about the two of you and your love. Revel in this, come back to it when you are stressed, and never lose sight of it.
Accept the things you can't control. If you grip tightly to things out of your control, you will suffer.
People will disappoint you- take the high road.
Have endless gratitude for the incredible people in your life who are there for you, celebrating with you, and love you.
It's not bad idea to save money and elope.
6. What are your future plans? Honeymoon?
We are still in the middle of a global pandemic so this entire process has looked a lot different than what we originally planned. We hoped to honeymoon internationally but since we couldn’t travel we spent a week after the wedding at the brand-new Isla Bella Resort in Marathon. It ended up being amazing: exactly we needed and definitely satiated our craving for a big honeymoon. We will do some traveling when things open up. In the meantime, we will continue enjoying every day together and will eventually start a family.
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Wedding Venue: Fort Zachary Taylor
Wedding Photography : Weddings By Romi
Wedding videographer : JAG
Hair/Make Up: Talie Ayers
Food : Great Events
Flowers: Love in Bloom
Decor, Invitations, Wedding Stationary : Bonfire and Co.
Rentals : Eventfully Yours
Transportation: Key West Historic Conch Tour
Band: Ross Brown and Cayo Ritmo
Key West wedding planner : Keys Planning
Dress: Grace loves lace
Rings: Michael F & Co
Suit: Suit Supply (Custom linen)
Wedding Photography : Weddings By Romi
Wedding videographer : JAG
Hair/Make Up: Talie Ayers
Food : Great Events
Flowers: Love in Bloom
Decor, Invitations, Wedding Stationary : Bonfire and Co.
Rentals : Eventfully Yours
Transportation: Key West Historic Conch Tour
Band: Ross Brown and Cayo Ritmo
Key West wedding planner : Keys Planning
Dress: Grace loves lace
Rings: Michael F & Co
Suit: Suit Supply (Custom linen)
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