Beach destination weddings are the most popular kinds of weddings in the Florida Keys. One of the many great venues for a day as special as this is Casa Marina, Resort and Spa. I love photographing weddings here because of their wonderfully thoughtful resort layout, which offers a lot of creative opportunity in terms of composition.

Christine and Chuck met through their closest friends and it was love at first sight. 
Key West is one of their favorite destinations, therfore their wedding location choice was easy.
"We chose a romantic theme with colors of champagne, gold, blush and ivories." said Christine.
These colors went really well with the endlessly changing horizon and blue ocean.

Christine and Chuck said "I do" on the beach with the presence of their closest family and friends while the cellist and violinist serenaded us all  with their music in the background during the ceremony.

The reception party went on into the night with DJ Gunz playing the soundtrack for the evening. As the light faded Christine and Chuck as well as their family and friends continued to dance away on the beach surrounded by palm trees and the cool ocean breeze. Nothing but joy and radiance filled the air with all eyes on this newly married couple.

We hope you enjoy this glimpse into Christine and Chuck's wedding. We were so happy to be a part of these special moments!!

Thank you Christine and Chuck!!!

Wedding venue: Casa Marina Resort, Spa. 
​Flowers: Milan Event
​Hair/make up: Studio Marie- Pierre 
​Shoes: Badgley Mischka

I'm very excited every time I get asked about underwater photo shoot for clients. This time my beautiful bride found me by seeing my photos displayed in one of the dessert restaurants in Key West.
She told her boyfriend if they were ever going to get engaged she will have their underwater "Save The Date Cards" done by me.

The time has come and when Regan's boyfriend Dan proposed, she contacted me immediately and we set up a date to make Regan's dream come true. 

To create these images we had a make up and hair stylist on set and also a safety person who helped out through the whole day with lots preparation and changing backgrounds while the light changed throughout the day. 
Regan had a couple of pretty, light fabric dresses that she found on amazon and the fun began.
This time I used tule fabric to create a dreamy underwater background to hide the pool in some way. 

Everything is different under the water. Light needs to be stronger and clients need to adapt to shooting in a zero-gravity environment while wearing clothes. All props and wardrobes will act differently. A gorgeous, flowing dress on land could be a tangled, transparent mess underwater, and some colors just don't work under the water either.  Props that you thought would be a great idea might be downright dangerous after it gets wet or they would look way too small and silly. 

Lots of thought and email exchange goes into preparation. The most important thing for a client is to learn how to sink. Instead of holding your breath you actually have to let the air out. The less air in the lungs, the less buoyant you are, and easier it is to maneuver under water.
When the photo shoot is done lots of work goes into post processing the images. Water is a medium, and anytime you shoot through a medium, you're going to run into some issues and lots of in between shots. All of those brilliant underwater photos you see on the internet, are not entirely straight out of the camera.
Shooting through water takes away image clarity and sharpness, adds lot of background stuff to clean up.

I'm very humbled by the fact that I have my clients from all over the world and they travel to our little pretty island for such a unique experience.

I look forward for Regan's and Dan's wedding in November!!! Thank you for letting me create these images for you!!!

Jump for joy and now off the the wedding! The Pier House Resort and Spa.

Venue: Pier House Resort and Spa
Photography: Weddings By Romi
Flowers: Karro Events and Floral
Wedding Planner: Simply You Weddings


​

What a beautiful wedding day with Natalie and Paul surrounded by close family and friends even on such a cloudy and rainy day in Key West, Florida. 

After knowing each other for 15 years and dating for 6 1/2 Natalie and Paul finally tied the knot in the tropical settings of Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, Key West followed by a romantic reception inside the Fort. "We both picked the location," Natalie explained, "it was our first vacation we took together and we met a couple that said they were married in Key West years ago and now go back every year for their anniversary. We decided then if we ever got married, it would be in Key West."

Paul proposed on their trip to Germany & Italy in the summer of 2015 near a magical castle in southern Germany called Neuschwanstein. One of the many majestic castles in Europe. First, Paul's plan was to propose in Venice, Italy but the day was just so beautiful and romantic that he couldn't wait any longer.

Natalie along with Duarte Floral Design chose mostly green and white flowers, succulents that were incorporated into wedding bouquets and centerpieces. The accents of gold such as gold lanterns and the gold chairs made such  beautiful decor for their reception table. 

The day went beautifully and the rolling clouds created a nice dramatic background for our wedding pictures. 
Natalie and Paul's ceremony ended with the song "What a wonderful world" performed by Jeff Clark of the Key Lime Pirates who later on lead the couple in their first dance at the romantic set up in the Fort. 

What a lovely wedding day!! Congratulations Natalie and Paul, we loved being part of your special day!!!
Thank you for treating us as part of your wonderful family!

Photography: Weddings By Romi
Videography: Docklight Production ( Matthew Dockery )
Venue: Fort Zachary Beach ( Kirsten Corpion - wedding planner )
Flowers: Duarte Floral Design
Officiant: Rev. Steve Torrence
Music: Jeff Clark ( Key Lime Pirates )
Make up: Studio Marie-Pierre 

I have to start by saying that, the love was pouring down all day long. 
I had a hard time choosing the images for the blog because between two wedding photographers we ended up with so many photographs that I wish I could share them all with you.
I can't, so at least, let me give you a little teaser from this wonderful beach sunset wedding.

Angus and Katie met 9 years ago while they both were working in the emergency department in Pittsburgh, PA. When they saw each other it was really love at first sight!! They went on their first date one month later . Now 3 states and 9 years later they are finally husband and wife!

Angus proposed to Katie 2 1/2 years ago in Key West at the Casa Marina Resort. Key West has been a very special place since then and they couldn't have imagined a better location for their wedding with all their family and closest friends!!
You can't go wrong with the combination of a Key West sunset and a beach wedding!

Their favorite moment from their wedding day: Leading their guests on the "train" down to the ocean during their reception. All barefoot, dancing in the ocean under the moonlight with the sound of waves in the backround and a fine tune by Visualize Entertainment. Followed by finally Angus as a husband dipping Katie by the sea.

Tips for other brides from Katie: If you are thinking of planning a destination wedding in Key West, it is possible to find all of your vendors on your own. It takes some time and research! We are so thrilled with the vendors we selected and happy we had the privilage of working with them!!

DIY: Angus created their wonderful cake stand.
​
Congratulations Katie + Angus, we hope our paths cross in the future as well!!! The pleasure was ours!!!
 

Venue: The Reach Hotel Waldorf Astoria
Photograpahy: Weddings By Romi
Videography: Mark J. Pierson Wedding Films
Florist: Milan Event
Make Up: Studio Marie- Pierre
Dj: Visualize Entertainment 
​

A beach wedding was on the top of Allyson and Amir's list.
​
The original plan to tie the knot on one of the Carribean Islands was changed to a closer location, so that Allyson and Amir  could still get married on the beach while having their older dog Tito be a part of their special day as well.

Tito made Allyson's and Amir's wedding memorable and was most mesmerized by the ocean. Right after the ceremony Tito went straight for the water dragging Amir the groom with him, causing Amir to lose his sandal, but thankfully he was able to retrieve it.

The wedding was small in numbers but those few intimate friends and family made it feel much larger, full of love, excitement, and joy. Their little niece had a big personality and did not hesitate to get in front of the camera.

To top it off the bohemian fairy-tale-like decorations by Duarte Floral Design gave the wedding a very enchanted kind of feel. Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West combined with the pleasant winter weather, billowing clouds, and blue ocean was the perfect choice.

​Allyson wore a beautiful bohemian Beatrix wedding gown by Houghton Bridal and looked absloutely stunning. For the accent colors she chose orange, pink, yellow, and green. Amir wore royal blue suit with yellow/orange boutanier and these two, after seeing each other during the first look, were inseperable.
​
Congratulations Allyson and Amir once again!!!

Venue : Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West
Wedding Planner :  Kirsten Corpion
Photography : Weddings By Romi
Floral Design : Duarte Floral Design
Make up : Studio Marie- Pierre 
Officiant : Reverend Steve Torrence
​

It's my biggest pleasure to introduce you, Minjoo and Norman!  One of my favorite wedding days of all times had finally arrived and I'm really happy to share at least a glimpse of this beautiful couple and their destination wedding.

Minjoo and Norman met during their undergrad years. Fate brought them together at the university library when Norman sat down to share a study table with Minjoo, and the rest was history, as the saying goes.

Norman proposed to Minjoo at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. On several occasions, Minjoo had shared with Norman all of the fond memories she had there with her parents, watching the amazing whale sharks in awe. This inspired Norman to plan an incredibly romantic surprise for Minjoo  where, not only would they visit her favorite aquarium together, but would also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the entire facility, which he had helped coordinate. Being the largest aquarium in the western world, Minjoo was far beyond excited to suspect any more surprises waiting for her at the end of the tour. 

With the help of the scuba divers inside the whale shark tank, Norman, amongst a picturesque backdrop of aquatic life, gave Minjoo the surprise of a lifetime when she turned around to find the divers holding up a sign reading "Will you Marry Me" and Norman on one knee.

Minjoo and Norman both wanted a location for their wedding that was unique, warm, sunny, and just far enough away for the location to serve as a vacation spot for their friends and families. Casa Marina Resort in Key West offered just that.

Minjoo looked absolutely stunning in her ivory Nicole Miller wedding gown and Norman looked sharp and handsome in his custom fitted tuxedo from Combatant Gentlemen and bow tie from Burberry. 
Norman was gifted the cuff links from MJ's dad, who received them at his wedding as a gift from his father-in-law.

Norman designed and made leather boutineers for himself and all of his groomsman, and presented the guests and wedding vendors with beautifully custom made luggage tags as a sweet thank you for being for part of their special day.

Congratulations Minjoo and Norman! You treated us all as your family from the beginning to the end and your wedding felt like being home!!!
​ 
Thank you!!! 

We wish you long life of happiness and love!!! Until next time......

Venue: Casa Marina, Waldorf Astoria Resort
Photography: Weddings By Romi
Wedding Planner: Soiree Key West ( Nika Stroble )
Make Up/ Hair: Studio Marie-Pierre 
Flowers: Duarte Floral Design 
​Band: 30Vice
Officiant: Kendell Ali
Ring bearers: Havoc + Photon
Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller
Wedding shoes: Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo
Wedding Rings: Cartier 
Tuxedo: Combatant Gentlemen 
​Bowtie: Burberry 

What a wonderful day and wedding celebration we had with Lisa, Steve and their close family and friends. 

Lisa and Steve planned a trip to their favorite place, Napa Valley, right after San Francisco and Steve plotted his proposal at their favorite winery, Far Niente. However Steve got so nervous carrying the engagement ring around that he proposed the first night at their arrival to San Franciso at a roof top lounge overlooking the city.
Shortly after they started to plan their destination wedding. 

Lisa and Steve got married in Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort situated on 1,100 feet of private beach, only 0.6 miles from Duval Street nightlife but enough of privacy for a perfect escape and wonderful marriage ceremony. We also had the opportunity to drive to 2 locations  ( Fort Zachary Taylor and Key West Lighthouse ) for more photography from this special day. 

Country chic and classic elements were just a perfect fit with the Casa Marina Hotel and wonderfully  executed by Duarte Floral Design. I couldn't get enough of these beautiful color pallets used for the bridal bouquet and wedding table decorations. 

Lisa wore Badgley Mischka wedding shoes and had a stunning lace spaghetti strap mermaid ivory wedding gown with subtle crystals. Lisa's wedding veil combined with light winds during the day worked their magic and we couldn't stop photographing. 

Big Congratulations to Lisa and Steve. We wish you a long life of happiness!! Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

Photography: Weddings By Romi
Venue: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Key West
Wedding Planner: Swankey Events 
Wedding Officiant : Rev. Steve Torrence
Music: Soundwave
Wedding Flowers: Duarte Floral Design
Cake: Key West Cakes
Hair/make Up: Studio Marie- Pierre 
​Rentals: Eventfully Yours

Love, tears of joy, a beautiful sunset, a beach ceremony and much more happened at this lovely destination wedding at Casa Marina Resort in Key West, Florida. 

Chris proposed in a romantically decorated backyard with overhead lights, and a feast of oysters. Inside one of the empty shells he hid the engagement ring. Meghan, in happy tears, said yes....32 times. Meghan and Chris followed this theme to their wedding day with a nautical decor full of shells and ocean ornaments.

Key West was an easy choice for their destination wedding, because Meghan grew up in the Florida Keys and often returned to visit her parents.

The wedding celebration was full of joy, lively music, and a lot of aircraft pilots along with their pilot jokes. People traveled from all over the world to celebrate this special day with Meghan and Chris. Furthest wedding guest traveled from Japan and many of their friends came from Europe to enjoy our tropical island of Key West.

Meghan's dad had one of the funniest speeches I've heard at the wedding. Not one eye stayed dry. 

Meghan looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown and 41 year old cathedral veil worn by her mother on her wedding day at the church. 

Congratulations Meghan and Chris, we wish you long life of happiness!!

​Thank you for letting us be a part of your amazing day!

Key West Wedding Photography: Weddings By Romi
Venue: Casa Marina A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Wedding Planner: Swankey Events
Reception Music : Robert Williamson Band 
Wedding Flowers: Milan Event 
​Hair/ Make Up: Studio Marie- Pierre 

Amanda and Mike met at Indiana University as freshmen during "Little 500 week", a famous bike race and the biggest college party week in the United States. After the school year ended they continued to stay in touch dispite the distance between them.

A week after they graduated, Mike proposed to Amanda. The setting was at Wrigley Field during the Cubs vs. Mets series in May of 2013 (their favorite teams), perfect weather, right behind home plate, and their friend Will (soon to be groomsman) came along with them.

Together Will and Mike went to "grab a hot dog". When they came back Mike offered Amanda some Cracker Jacks and she found her surprise! A wedding ring in the bag. Mike got down on one knee and officially asked for her hand in marriage, while Will recorded the whole thing on video.

When it came to planning the destination for their wedding day, they both decided together, that Key West would be the place. They shared the same dream since childhood of having a beach wedding, but they also valued a traditional Catholic wedding in a church, therefore they decided on having two wedding ceremonies.

They were married by a dear family friend who also married Amanda's mother and stepfather, and the rest of the family that were there, were able to enjoy the celebration as well as the vacation that came along with this tropical destination of their choice.

Amanda and Mike decided to go through with their beach ceremony although there was a chance of rain that day, and miraculously it held off for them. Amanda said the weather instead was perfect, which made the day that much sweeter. "We'll never forget what the sky looked like on our wedding day."

Their wedding inspiration was a vintage beach, elegant style with coral and gold tones and Amanda's wedding gown was just so lovely. A mermaid style with sweetheart neck line and cathedral veil! And I love photographing veils!
They bring so much magic into any wedding pictures.

Favorite moment for my lovely couple was stopping at Amanda's and Mike's cottage between the ceremonies to take pictures and spend time with their lovely dogs. Next would be dancing to their favorite song during reception which they picked first thing when they start planning their wedding after being engaged for 3 years.

Honeymon was sweet and playful in Orlando visiting Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios before saying I do, and romantic after the wedding for an extended vacation in Key West.

Congratulations Amanda and Mike!!! We wish you a long, playful, and beautiful life together!

Photography: Weddings By Romi
Ceremony: St. Mary's Church, Fort Zachary Taylor
Reception: Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West
Wedding Coordinator : Kirsten Corpion 
Wedding Videography: Mark J. Pierson Weddings
Key West Hair & Make Up: Lorri Bolander 
Florist & Decor : Duarte Design 
Catering : Catered Affairs ( Amy Lay )
Conch Train: Historic Tours of America
Cake: Key West Cakes 
Cigars: Key West Cigar Club
Limo: Key West Limo 
Dj/Music: Dj Buggy