I'm so happy to show you, at least, a teaser from this beautiful Key West wedding that happened at Casa Marina Resort. I met Becky for the first time when I photographed her sisters wedding in 2015 in the Audubon House, so this wedding was even more special for me to see all the familiar faces and witness the evolution of their family into a larger loving group. Wait until you scroll down and see how much fun they had dancing. ;)

I asked Becky and Kevin some questions for my wedding blog...

How did you meet, who proposed, and how?
"Kevin and I met at the beach in Avalon, New Jersey, through mutual friends. It will be 5 years ago this Memorial Day weekend. Kevin proposed on the beach in Sea Isle City, NJ September 5th 2016. 
Hurricane Hermine was forecasted to hit the Jersey shore that weekend but we really only experienced some rain and wind, but VERY high tides. After the water finally receded that Monday, Kevin dragged me to the beach to "say goodbye" to summer. After sitting on the beach for a bit, Kevin proposed and I was 100% surprised. Even with the hurricane that weekend, it couldn't have been more perfect."

Why did you choose your wedding to be in Key West?
"I have been visiting Key West with my parents for many years and I introduced Kevin to the island in 2015 when my sister was married there. He instantly fell in love with Key West and understood why we would want to travel to the same place year after year. Kevin and I love everything about Key West and can honestly say it's our favorite place to visit."

Why Casa Marina Hotel?
"We knew we wanted a destination wedding but we, surprisingly, didn't wanted to get married in Key West since my sister and brother-in-law already did so. We wanted to shift the plans first, but when we were on our vacation in Key West in 2017, we decided to look at the venues anyway because we were really struggling to find another wedding destination that we would love as much as Key West. When we visited Casa Marina Resort, we knew it was the perfect wedding destination with access to the beach, vintage looking style, and now looking back it means so much more to me that my sister and I were both lucky enough to get married in Key West."

What was your inspiration for the wedding?
"Unintentionally, my inspiration for our wedding came from wedding invitation. I spent months searching for beach themed invitations. On one of many browsing trips, my mom came across the most beautiful vintage rose invitations at a shop called Persnickety in York, PA. Even though they weren't beach themed, they were perfectly suited for Casa Marina's vintage feel and beauty. After that, I had my invitations in mind for all decorative decisions. "

Describe some of your favorite moments at the wedding.
"Our "First Look" was was extremely memorable for both of us. After spending the day apart, it was so exciting and wonderful to see each other for the first time on the most important day of our lives. We loved the ceremony because it meant so much to us that Kevin's brother-in -law, Patrick, was able to marry us and that his sister and my brother-in-law did the readings. During the wedding reception, we absolutely loved the speeches, because they were all so heartfelt but also funny. And of course our first dance was a favorite moment because Tom Sartori learned to play Pearl Jam's "Future Days" for us and he did a tremendous job."

What would be any advice you could offer to other brides?
"Advice to other brides would be: Try to relax and appreciate every moment. The time goes by way too fast. I would also recommend getting a wedding videographer , best last minute decision we made!"

What are your future plans? Honeymoon?
"Kevin and I flew from Key West to Hawaii for our Honeymoon. We spent 12 days touring and relaxing in Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. I think the only thing that could have made up for how sad we were that our amazing destination wedding was over, was spending almost 2 weeks in paradise, this time in Hawaiian Islands."

Congratulations Becky and Kevin!! We were thrilled to see your family again, it makes our job even more special!!

Key West Wedding Photography: Weddings By Romi
Wedding Venue: Casa Marina Resort
Wedding band: Tom Santori Band
Wedding Flowers: Duarte Floral Design
Key West Videographer: Soundwave
Wedding Planner: Swankey Events
Wedding Cake: Key West Cakes
Make up/hair: Studio Marie- Pierre 
Wedding gown designer: Watters (Taylor)
Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Wedding Band/Engagement Ring: John Napoli (Kaneli Jewelers)

To see more weddings from Casa Marina Resort: Lauren and Joe
                                                                                          Katy and Martin
                                                                                          Daniela and Andrew 
                                                                                          Crystal and Chris

It was Christmas time in Davos, Switzerland. Joe and Lauren were on holiday, and Joe was planning to pop the question and ask Lauren to be his wife. Overlooking the snow capped mountains from their balcony, Joe got down on one knee and proposed. "I was so surprised that I blacked out and I asked if he would say the proposal again!" Lauren recalled of that moment. 

Later on, they met Lauren's family at a little cafe to celebrate the engagement. There, Lauren found out her dad had been keeping the secret with Joe throughout the vacation…a true test between groom and father-in-law to be.

​I first met Lauren and her mom, Jan, about a year ago when they started planning the big event.
I felt an instant connection and knew this wedding would be one for the books. I couldn't wait to be a part of their special destination wedding day in the Florida Keys. 

Time seemed to stand still on that magical Saturday in Key West. Lauren and Joe were surrounded by friends and family and I was lucky enough to be caught in the middle of it all. 
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“We decided to get married in Key West because Joe's family visits the island so often,” Lauren explained of her destination wedding. “We thought it would be a perfect getaway. We love the beautiful architecture and historical appeal of the Casa Marina Resort. Flagler era meets simple elegance like our style.”

Looking back, the couple shared some of the their favorite moments from their wedding day. “The first dance to Doobie Brothers Long Train Runnin’ while the whole crowd was dancing with us. So much energy!” Lauren continued, “Also, the father daughter dance to Edleweiss.” 

“My advice to other brides would be to enjoy the moment and make sure you have reliable maid of honor!" says Lauren. “Our future plans are traveling to Greece this summer. Mykonos and Santorini and other little less traveled islands that we plan to explore.”

Congratulations Lauren and Joe to a lifetime of adventures together. Your wedding was full of joy and laughter and We were honored to be a part of it!

Photography: Weddings By Romi team 
Wedding venue: Casa Marina Resort, Key West
Wedding Planner: Monika Morreno - Swankey Events
Make up: Bella Luxe
Hair: Studio Marie- Pierre 
Flowers: Karro Events
Band: Sultans of the South
Wedding Gown: Pronovias by Gianvito Rossi 

Lauren and Dan met in high school through mutual friends at a New Years Eve party and dated for 7 years.

They both have a passion for travel and a year ago decided to head out to Breckenridge, Colorado for a long weekend. On the last day Lauren and Dan went for a beautiful hike.  They passed majestic waterfalls and finally reach the top with a view of the Rocky Mountains where Dan pulled out the engagement ring and asked Lauren to marry him. 

The wedding planning began, and because they both love the ocean and the beach they wanted to get married in a place that made them happy. Lauren said, "We have been to Florida many times, but Key West is it's own island getaway. The island life, beach, destination wedding, and warm weather is what we wanted."

"We originally chose The Reach Resort, Key West because of the amazing gazebo but Hurricane Irma did a lot more damage than we had thought. We  decided to keep the wedding at The Reach Resort because it still was a great beach location."

"One of my favorite moments from our wedding was simply walking down the isle. It's a moment every girl dreams of and mine was just perfect, including our first kiss as husband and wife." said Lauren. 

After Lauren and Dan's wedding the couple spent their mini honeymoon in Miami for a couple of days. Finally now they are planning a trip to go somewhere exotic for their real honeymoon.

Congratulations Lauren and Dan!! It was a pleasure to be a part of your destination wedding day!!

Wedding venue: The Reach Resort
Wedding Photographer: Weddings By Romi
Wedding Planner: Just Save The Date 
Wedding Videographer: Mark J. Pierson Weddings
Wedding Decor and Flowers : Milan Events
Wedding Dress : Christina Wu
Entertainment: Sound Wave Key West

Wedding venue: Casa Marina Resort
Wedding Photography: Weddings By Romi
Wedding Decor: Karro Events and Floral
Wedding Gown: Grace Loves Lace, L.A.
​Wedding Planner: Simply You

Daniela and Andrew met at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. It was love at first sight, but Andrew left to work for the Watson Institute in Boulder, Colorado and nothing came out of it...

Until Andrew returned to Lynn University for some meetings and the two of them went on a date!

Since then, Daniela says, "we have met incredible milestones, including a long distance relationship for 9-months (which featured countless overnight flights to one another), our love for our wonderful pup Chunky Peanut Butter and, most importantly, our youthful relationship in having fun and being our most authentic selves to each other!"

Daniela and Andrew chose to marry in Key West because it is one of their favorite places to be as they love the ocean, exploring the beaches, kayaking, playing basketball and eating the Key West local food. It is also Andrew's hometown.

Their Key West destination wedding was exactly how you would want a beach wedding to be. Many of the guests kicking off their shoes before taking their seats, toes in the sand, warm golden sun light gleaming down, waves lapping the shore in the backdrop at Casa Marina Resort. Daniela was wearing a lace wedding dress designed by Berta, with beautiful Yves Saint Laurent wedding stilettos. Duarte Floral Design provided the perfect decorative touch with mostly white and hints of pink, orange and green flowers. 

After the beach ceremony this medium sized wedding of around 70 guests celebrated with great food and a whole lot of dancing into the later evening hours. We were so happy to be a part of this special new milestone in your ever growing relationship Daniela and Andrew, and we truly wish you the best!

​From all of us at Weddings By Romi.

Wedding Photography: Weddings By Romi
Wedding venue: Casa Marina Resort
​Wedding Flowers: Duarte Floral Design
Cakes:  Key West Cakes 
​DJ: Dj Buggy 
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Located in historic Old Town, Southernmost Beach Resort expands over 6 acres on a serene part of the island with Atlantic Ocean front views, gorgeous Key West architecture, and all the amenities you desire in a beach resort. The Southernmost Beach Resort is a short walk or bike ride from all the boutique shops, art galleries, eclectic restaurants, and non-stop nightlife. Spanning over two city blocks, the resort offers guest rooms that are located within easy reach of both the beach and the world-famous Duval Street. Southernmost Beach Resort offers the perfect location for your vacation or wedding in Key West.  

I asked my bride a couple of questions to share her love story and why she chose Key West and more specifically  Southernmost Beach Resort as her destination wedding location. 

​Aleks and Greg met at work. They were best friends and colleagues for years before they realized there was a romantic connection. Greg brought Aleks to Key West with the intention to spoil her, show her our beautiful island and ask Aleks to marry him. He had arranged a special 7 course tasting menu with the chef and owner of Latitudes restaurant and in between meals he popped the question. "It was the most perfect evening ever!"  

Why Key West as your destination wedding location?
We chose Key West because it's such a special and beautiful place. We wanted a destination wedding, and there's literally something for everyone here. It has history and soul. Our guests had fun getting to Key West with the Key West Express and because almost everything is walking distance, it was fun walking around town and enjoying each other. I put on about 10 pounds in the 5 days ;) because Key West has just so many amazing restaurants. Our absolute favorite were Little Pearl, Martin's and Louie's Backyard. 

What was your inspiration for the wedding?
Stargazer lilies because they were grandmas favorite flower. She was my best friend, and would always have a bouquet for me when I would visit her. She passed two years ago, so it was an homage to her, reminded me that she was there with me. That's also why I chose hot pink accents, bows and napkins. 

Describe some of your favorite moments at the wedding.
Greg and I both agreed that "The First Look" was our favorite moment. It felt like the most intimate and pure moment between us. I an so grateful that Romi you had us do it. It didn't occur to me how special that moment was. 
We also loved being surrounded by our favorite people all at once and feeling so loved and adored! It's on rare occasion that you get to have literally all of your favorite people in one place. 

What would be any advice to other brides from you?
Be prepared to go over the budget, internet is your best friend. Many weddings items are non-refundable. Research items before you buy them. For example I bought simple veil at David's Bridal and then I found similar/exact same online for $15. I decorated my own gift bags, and printed my own wedding invitations. It was lots of fun and added a personal touch . Be creative. 
Enjoy every moment of your wedding day because it goes by so quickly. Also make sure you spend time with each other. 

Who were your wedding vendors?
Shoutout to the best wedding planner Anna Turowska from Say Yes in Key West! She did an impeccable job planning. I don't know what I would have done without her. She had great suggestions, was always in contact. I felt like she was was there for me through the whole process, and now I miss her that the wedding is over. 

Galina and Laura from Studio Marrie-Pierre. They were both spectacular, delivered exactly what I requested and were so fun to be around. 

Karro Events and Floral did the decor and flowers. Katherine was a sweetheart.

Publix made my cake, I literally phoned the order and it turned out exactly how I had envisioned it! Southernmost catered the food. 

Romi Burianova was our photographer. She came highly recommended by Anna and was wonderful. Very professional and experienced. She knew the location and didn't waste any time posing us from spot to spot. I felt like a model with her! 

Thank you Aleks and Greg for choosing us to be a part of your special wedding day here in Key West. All of us at Weddings by Romi wish you the absolute best with your future as a married couple.

Venue: Southernmost Beach Resort
Wedding Photography: Weddings By Romi
Wedding Planner: Say Yes in Key West (Anna Turowska)
Make Up/Hair: Studio Marie Pierre 
Flowers/Decor: Karro Events and Floral
Wedding Cake: Publix
​Wedding Dress: Sherri Hill 

Our lovely couple met at a bar in Worcester, Massachusetts and Alison thought Chris was really funny after he started using his pick up lines. "He made me laugh" she said. 

I asked why Key West was their choice for a destination wedding...

"We chose Key West as our tropical wedding destination because we both wanted to get married in wonderful weather and we needed the time to be the off season for baseball. I have visited Key West a couple of times prior and fell in love with the fun atmosphere and beautiful views. Having such a large amount of people that we wanted to invite Key West offered many locations for large groups with the weather we were looking for for our Key West beach wedding. 

​We just wanted to throw a really fun wedding party! The beach itself is such a beautiful back drop. I wanted to use jewel tones for the statement colors and simple grey. The twinkle lights helped to make everything look  spectacular.

Our whole day was spectacular and it's hard to choose a favorite moment. From the wedding ceremony to the last wedding dance. We both loved the speeches that our friends gave for us and sharing the day with our families. 

My advise to other brides would be to be present in every moment , the day goes by so quickly!

As far as future plans, we just purchased our first home earlier this year, so we are planning  on spending as much time there with our dog as we can.  We will plan our honeymoon in the next couple of years to Italy for a long holiday where Chris grew up and we would like to visit his friends and just enjoy the Italian country."

Venue: Southernmost Beach Resort
Wedding Planner: Say Yes Key West (Anna Turowska)
Wedding Photography: Weddings By Romi
​Hair/Make Up: Studio Marie Pierre 
Flowers: Karro Events and Floral 
​Music: Soundwave entertainment 
​Wedding Dress: The White Closet
​

Crystal and Chris planned their wedding for about a year and half ago after their engagement on Memorial day in 2016.  I was curious how much their plans changed after they found out about hurricane Irma. 

" Initially, our plans didn't change at all after hurricane Irma hit. We kept in contact with most of our vendors to make sure they were doing ok, especially those who stayed in town. About two weeks before we received a phone call from The Reach Resort informing us that the gazebo we planned to have for our ceremony, had structural damage and it was no longer usable. First, we were devastated and extremely frazzled as the wedding was around the corner. The staff at The Reach and the Casa Marina bent over backwards helping us come up with a solution that we would be happy with.

About one week out from our wedding day, we finalized the plans switched the entire wedding from The Reach Resort to the Casa Marina Resort, Key West. We let all of our guests know and our wedding planner Nicole made sure all the vendors were informed. We were disappointed about the gazebo part but we just kept reminding ourselves that it didn't matter, we were still getting married in Key West and to each other. Switching the venue a week before the wedding date went smoothly and a great choice. We couldn't be happier with the Casa Marina Resort. Our guests continue to rave about how perfect the day was and how delicious the food was that day. " said Crystal. 

"Our wedding day was intimate and romantic with a natural bohemian vibe. We met at the beach therefor a beach ceremony was just perfect for us.  
My favorite part of the day was seeing Chris for the first time during The First Look and hearing his vows at the ceremony. 
The most important part of the day was also Grand-mom being part of my wedding day and walking me down the isle. I had 3 people being present at that moment even those other two, my deceased parents, were there in my heart. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life. Our wedding was perfect because we were able to share it with all the special people that are close to our hearts. 

The inspirations for the wedding were watercolors, mussels and oyster shells with accents of deep rich navy blues with hints of white and gold.
Crystal's wedding dress was designed by Hayley Paige (Leigh Gown) and she looked absolutely stunning. Shoes were made by Stuart Weitzman and engagement ring was by UNeek from Bailey, Banks & Biddle. Both wedding bands are from Milanj. Chris's choice was a blue men's suit from Suit Supply. Bridesmaids wore Bouquet Beauty printed gowns from Show Me Your Mumu and groomsman wore pants and vests by Jos A. Bank. 

Karro Events & Floral was our florist and they did an amazing job with bouquets, centerpieces and the ceremony arch. Lots of other decorations we purchased on Etsy site and had them delivered to Casa Marina Resort one week before the wedding."I tried to be as hands-on as I could be to save some money with wedding decor."  Crystal mentioned. 

"We stayed in Key West after the wedding and were able to enjoy newlywed bliss, so it was like a mini-moon for us! We're having a delayed honeymoon in Hawaii for 12 days in February and will be traveling to Garden Island Kauai and Maui. We can't wait to explore the Hawaiian Islands, relax and enjoy them together. As for the future, we plan to enjoy being happily married, with lots of trips back to Key West... our favorite place." 

"If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing except I would have insisted to have a wedding videographer, so that we could relive the day over and over again. My advice to other brides: Stay true to who you are as a couple when planning a wedding. Don't sweat the small stuff. On the actual day you'll be so excited and will overcome everything with joy, and you won't even notice those small hiccups. Lastly, give yourself a few moments to soak it all in and really enjoy your wedding day... together. "

Congratulations Crystal and Chris and thank you for letting us be a part of your amazing wedding day!!

Venue: Casa Marina beach Resort
​Photography: Weddings By Romi
​Wedding Planner: Simply You Weddings
Officiant: Steve Torrence
Wedding Gown: Designer Hayley Paige
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Groom attire: Jos A. Bank
Engagement Ring: Bailey Banks& Biddle
​Florist: Karro Events & Floral
Wedding Rings: Milanj Dimaonds
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