Luxury Key Largo Wedding Day | Samantha & Andrew

October 13, 2023

Luxury Key Largo Wedding Day | Samantha & Andrew

Samantha and Andrew’s luxury Key Largo wedding day still has us starry-eyed and happy dancing! I really am so blessed with the very best couples. Time and time again, I’m left pinching myself at the pure sweetness and genuine fun each duo brings into my life. Samantha, Andrew, and their incredible families were a genuine delight to get to work with. I could go on and on, but I figure to best lead us through their story, from first date to unforgettable speakeasy after party, is the s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g bride, Samantha herself. She’s sharing alllll of the dreamy deets below!

Tell us about you two! How did you meet?

“Like most modern love stories do…on a dating app! We connected before my family trip to Colorado December 2018 and chatted throughout the whole trip; discovering tons of similar interests and even mutual friends and acquaintances. We had to wait a whole two weeks before meeting in person, but we talked everyday, which made our first date so much more comfortable.

On January 6, 2019 we went on our first date and shared our love for family, friends, food, the beach, all things Marvel, Star Wars, and much more. A few weeks later, we started to introduce our friends and families to each other. Since then, we have both made incredible and lasting friendships which has made this love like no other.

After two and a half years of cooking together, traveling, spending beach days with friends, and binge watching shows, we got engaged! Andrew planned a beautiful proposal near our home on July 31, 2021.

We had plans to go to dinner with my family, but on the way, Andrew pulled into a beautiful riverfront park steps from our home. Andrew walked us over to the dock and got down on one knee to ask me to be his best friend forever. Without hesitation, I said yes!

Afterwards, in a state of shock, we went to dinner with my family. Full of love and not ready to let the celebrations end, Andrew pulled off one last surprise at the Wharf where so many of our close friends and family were there waiting to celebrate with us.”

What made you decide on a destination wedding?

“We quickly realized the perfect place to have all our family and friends join us in celebrating our marriage would be somewhere on the beach. Andrew’s family all came from out of town (mostly Washington and California) so we figured, why not take everyone on a vacation with us.

It also gave us undivided time to spend with family and friends. It didn’t feel like we were rushed to connect with everyone there to celebrate with us.”

Playa Largo Resort & Spa Wedding

How did you want your loved ones to feel on your luxury key largo wedding day?

“We wanted everyone to feel they were on a getaway; with amazing music, entertainment, and so much love surrounding all. We wanted everyone to feel like family by the end of the night. The wedding day was as much tailored for Andrew and I as it was for our guests. To really feel like they could let loose, relax, and celebrate in our love.

We wanted a Bohemian/Tulum resort vibe, with Spanish touches, which is what determined our decor choices. We chose 3 locations to take advantage of at the venue, and to extend the night as long as possible.

The ceremony and cocktail hour took place beachside. Dinner was under the stars and bistro lights out on the event lawn. And we took the party into our ballroom “speakeasy.” Andrew and I (friends and family included) like to get out and party. So we really felt keeping the ballroom tailored towards dancing was perfect.”

You and your guests really brought the party! Tell us about your entertainment choices.

“I’m a MASSIVE music junkie, so the music/entertainment was very important. When I told Olivia my vision, she knew exactly who we needed. I cannot express how perfectly she understood who would work for our goals. Leah Sutter performed live for the ceremony and cocktail hour and she did a beautiful job! My dream of walking down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” performed live came true! I received so many compliments on Leah’s performance.

We also wanted the energy up the whole night, so we opted for live entertainment during dinner (electric saxophone) and more lively music. Our DJ, Michael Sarz, was soooo on point with our vibes for dinner and beyond. The whole night was just electric!

The dance floor was packed the WHOLE night. Michael was incredible, and took my inspiration playlists to another level! Our guests have not stopped raving about our wedding; especially the music choices. They all say it felt like we were at a music festival, which is exactly what I was hoping for.”

Luxury Key Largo Wedding reception at destination wedding venue Playa Largo Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys

What was your favorite moment of the day?

“That whole weekend was a dream! There was a point at the end of the night where Andrew and I got on the DJ booth stage for our last song: Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight.” All of our guests were still going strong on the dance floor. Looking out at all of them with the biggest smiles and so much love standing next to my new husband was just incredible. My heart could burst with how happy that night made us. We truly have the best friends and family!”

What advice would you give to couples currently planning a wedding?

“Remember to take the time to enjoy planning the wedding. Keep it light. If you try to overthink or over plan, it might take the fun away. Have all the basics covered with really great vendors. Give up some of the control, and rust that they will pull it all together for you. If you have the budget, hire the wedding planner. It’s 100000% worth it, especially Olivia and her team!

It’s so crazy to think back and knowing that some things went “wrong” or like not exactly to plan, but I can’t imagine a more perfect day. I put my trust in my team and it was the best decision for me to enjoy the events”