As I mentioned in some previous posts...2016 has been a year of FIRSTS for Shawn Morrissey Photography. Another one for the books is my first Florida destination wedding!

Key West was the setting for Jodie and Marc's intimate, non-traditional, outdoor ceremony. The beautiful, tropical garden of the Sheraton Suites Key West was where the ceremony would take place. When I asked the bride-to-be, "Why Key West?"....She told me,"Because it was on our bucket list. We thought that the history, the beauty of the water and beaches, and the fun that engulfs the Keys was perfect to have our celebration!"

Long time friends and close family of both the bride and the groom-to-be traveled from all over to witness all the months of Jodie and Marc's planning be played out in front of them near the radiant Florida seascape.

A casual "meet and greet" at the Conch Republic the evening before the wedding gave family and old friends a chance to catch up with each other in a laid back, ocean-side environment.

On the wedding day...Nicole, the wedding and event manager, with SAY YES IN KEY WEST made sure every detail was perfect and kept the moments moving without a hitch the entire day! And though the ceremony was brief, it was filled with tears, laughter, joy, excitement, pride, and pretty much all the other emotions you could think of. The mother's and father's of the new husband and wife were all beaming with pride and happiness.

The reception and dance followed on the resort's poolside deck and the night was capped off with amazing food, plenty of drinks, wild dancing, great stories, laughter, and a couple sharing their first evening as husband and wife together with those closest to them.

I also asked the Bride-to-be, "What's the one thing you are looking forward to the most on your wedding day?" She said, "Sharing a very intimate, yet fun moment with the people that mean the most to us! It is a day of celebration and joining of family and friends together for a tropical day of laughter, fun, love, dancing,...more fun, and amazing memories!!" Looking back on Jodie and Marc's wedding day...I think the new bride got everything she hoped for.

I feel lucky and honored to have been asked to be a part of their amazing journey.