Baker’s Cay Wedding {Sophia & Mark}

Baker's Cay WeddingBaker’s Cay Wedding Bliss

What a pleasure to be a part of Sophia and Mark’s Baker’s Cay Wedding day! I feel so blessed as I find myself saying again and again, after each wedding, my couples are the sweetest. And Mark and Sophia are certainly no different! They are the SWEETEST!

Mark treasures Sophia–she is the kindest, gentlest soul with a heart of gold. Mark is from the UK. He had some of his immediate family and closest friends here for the wedding. Their adoration and support of the duo was incredibly moving! Sophia is one of 3 girls, 2 of them being twins, and their maids of honor speeches were THE best, incredibly funny and heartfelt.  The amazing couple and their loved ones enjoyed the gorgeous day with grace and love aplenty. It was an absolute honor to witness! To hear more about their sweetest day, dive in below as Sophia shares all the details!

bridesmaids smile with heart shaped glasses and personalized tank tops and jogger pants for a unique bridesmaid getting ready lookbaker's cay wedding ceremony

Let’s hear it: tell us your Love Story!

“On our wedding day, we were lucky enough to be together for 9 years! We met while we were in college attending Missouri State in Springfield, MO. We met one night out on the town in Springfield at a local bar called Boogie! Mark is from London, England and I am from St. Louis, MO. We always knew we wanted a destination wedding somewhere beautiful. We got engaged at Baker’s Cay in Key Largo, Florida in March 2021 and we fell in love with the resort and decided to have our wedding there one year later! :)”

What overall experience were you hoping for for your loved ones?

“We wanted our guests to have the absolute best time–to feel a blend of relaxation, enjoyment with great company and amazing views–to overall have a great vacation in the Keys! Lastly, we wanted them to feel connected to one another…as destination weddings have the ability to do! You get to connect with your wedding guests days prior or after your big day to soak in all of the quality time. Everyone truly gets to know one another.”
groom emotionally watches smiling bride walk down the aisle during destination beach wedding bride and groom smile at one another during beach wedding ceremony in the Florida Keys
bride and groom smile with wedding party on the beach during luxury wedding in the Florida Keys

What was your favorite moment of your Baker’s Cay wedding day?

“For me…walking down the aisle. It was very surreal walking down and seeing all of my family and friends stand up looking at me…seeing my future husband at the end of the aisle. Mark said watching me walk down was his favorite as well.. trying to hold back the tears.. as he was unsuccessful at ;)”

Who designed you and your bridal party’s attire?

“My wedding gown was purchased from a local store near St. Louis, Missouri called Clarice’s Bridal. My bridesmaids dresses were purchased from David’s Bridal. (Very  convenient when you have bridesmaids living all over the US, being a nation wide company it was very helpful for them to get sized and order their dresses)
Groomsman suits were purchased from Next. It is primarily located in the UK. Very affordable and looked amazing!”

bride and groom kiss during baker's cay resort wedding ceremony bride and groom descend down aisle as husband and wife during beach wedding ceremony in key largo florida baker's cay wedding ballroom receptionbaker's cay wedding in the florida keysballroom wedding reception in the florida keys at baker's cay resort in key largo, florida bride and groom stand bayside during sunset at baker's cay wedding in key largo floridaAny words of advice you would share to couples currently planning a wedding?

“To be present and have the absolute best time. This day is for you, and only you. You planned this special day to enjoy yourselves and celebrate your love as a couple. Take in every moment..as you will never get these moments back!
My second advice..is to hire Frond and Feather (Olivia & Team) because the peace of mind you will have to plan and execute your big day will allow you to fully be present and enjoy your day with no worries! 🙂 I mean that!”
Sophia and Mark, we adore you both! Sending endless hugs and many congratulations. Cheers to you both!
Saxophone: Lina Saroza
Photography: Endearing Studios
Sweet Treats: Maggie’s Bakery
Planning and Production by yours truly: Frond and Feather Events
Love & Light,
Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events
By |2022-04-30T14:57:42-04:00April 30th, 2022|

Islander Resort Wedding {Ashley & Chris}

coastal bridal details and coastal wedding invitation suite for Islamorada wedding

Natural & Timeless Islander Resort Wedding

Ashley & Chris’s Islander Resort wedding was the most perfect, effortlessly fun day! The new Mr. & Mrs. are an adorable couple with a true love for the Florida Keys, fishing, and of course, each other! Included in their dreamy day was custom signage and “guest book” made from actual swordfish bills, a seating chart made from coconuts, and endless joy. The day was very tropical and unique, but deeply classy. And the celebrations were aplenty! Once the dance floor opened, it was packed and never slowed down. DJ Buggy and Rusty really got the crowd partying and man, did everyone have a blast! Ashley and Chris are fun, kind and gracious. Truly, they are all the things that make up the “why I love what I do” list 🙂 It’s a joy to share their wedding day with you all. To dive in, read all the details from Ashley herself below!
blue and white bridesmaid getting ready robes for destination wedding in the Florida Keystropical bride holds white and green tropical bridal bouquet for Florida Keys wedding

Tell us about you two!

“Chris and I met through one of my bridesmaids during Lobster Mini season under a tiki hut in July of 2018. Chris and I enjoy being on the water. We are always on the boat– fishing, diving, or enjoying a sunrise or sunset. Officially becoming Chris’s first mate could not have been more perfect than in Islamorada on the water, surrounded by our family and friends.  We were both so excited for a natural, tropical wedding under the palm trees. I could not wait to have my toes in the sand during our ceremony as I said “I do” to the man I could not wait to spend forever with!”

Florida Keys wedding bride and groom first lookIslander Resort Wedding Islander Resort WeddingHow did you want your guests to feel on your Islander Resort wedding day? What overall vibe were you hoping for?

“Chris and I wanted our guests to be able to enjoy themselves as they embrace the sights of the palm trees and the sounds of the ocean. We both wanted our special day to breeze on easily. That is exactly what happened on the day we officially tied the knot!”
Islander Resort WeddingIslander Resort Wedding blue bridesmaid dresses and blue groomsmen suits for Florida Keys wedding
“As far as the overall vibe, we really wanted it all to be uniquely ours, from the food to the decor, like the swordfish bills for our guest book + directional signage, to the coconuts used for our seating chart. It was all so special to Chris and I, because it was so personal and reflected us as a couple. We really loved the farmhouse tables with arrangements of palms, plus the touch of coconuts and then being surrounded by bamboo folding chairs. Also, being able to incorporate the natural touches of rattan and wicker was such a special touch.  It was an overall chic island style of a wedding!”
Islander Resort Wedding

What was your favorite moment of the day? 

“Too many moments were our favorite. Overall the entire wedding weekend was full of so much love, laughter, and smiles that left your cheeks hurting.”

Islander Resort Wedding Reception in Islamorada, Florida

Who designed all of the wedding day attire?

“My dress was designed by Made with Love from Lighthouse Bridal in Fort Lauderdale. Lighthouse Bridal shop is a DREAM. Megan is so sweet and made the process so fun! She had recommended going to Fiona at The Little Seamstress in Oakland Park, FL for alterations and I am so happy I did. Fiona was so kind and did an amazing job!”
beach bride and groom celebrate with bridal party on the beach in the Florida Keysbride and groom enter reception holding flags celebrating in Islamorada, Florida

What is your biggest piece of advice to those currently planning a wedding?

“Try to not focus on the little (or big) things! Trust your vendors and soak in every detail because the wedding day will go quicker than you can possibly imagine. Also, just remember- it is a special day celebrating your love. Planning a wedding incorporates a lot of moving pieces, but ultimately it is about you marrying the catch of your lifetime!”
bride and groom hold hands Oceanside at Islander Resort in the Florida Keys
Ashley and Chris, thank you so much for inviting us along to be a part of your day. We are so thankful, and wish you every sandy toed happiness in the world!
Big hugs and endless congratulations to you both!
Videography: Kurtis Cinema
Florals: Flowers by Ro
Bridal Gown: Made with Love 
Planning & Production by yours truly: Frond & Feather Events
Love & Light,
Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events
By |2022-04-16T16:05:39-04:00April 16th, 2022|

Islander Resort Wedding {Jackie & Jake}

beach bridal gown for Florida bride

Incredible + Idyllic Islander Resort Wedding

I have so many things to say about Jackie & Jake’s Islander Resort wedding, and yet no words can quite sum it up well enough! From the planning period to their wedding day, Jackie and Jake left me smiling so hard my cheeks hurt–more times than I can count! Alongside the adorable duo, their loved ones were just as wonderful. Following to the tune of pure joy the couple brings, the whole crowd just exuded FUN. I’m not sure I have ever seen a crowd love the dance floor and the camera so much.  They were all made for the spotlight, and were not afraid to own it! The energy of the entire day, from getting ready to getting down on the dance floor, was so perfect. Everyone, wedding vendors included, had such an incomparably fun time. Smiles and solid senses of humor were abundant! To find yourself enjoying that same Cheeks Hurt From Smiling So Much feeling, dive in to more photos and details of their wedding day below!

bride and groom share first look with their fathers on destination wedding day in the Florida Keys wedding day first look in Islamorada, Florida tropical bridal party attire for destination wedding in the Florida Keys Florida Keys beach wedding ceremony in Islamorada, Florida

A Determined Flower Girl & Lyrical Best Man

During the ceremony, the littlest flower girl, Olivia, was wanting to march to the beat of her own drum. A gal after my own heart, should’ve known with the matching names! 😉 She was not up for her long walk down the beach to reach the official beginning of the aisle. But the ceremony must go on! I was honored to get to carry her most of the way, clipboard in hand and all, before situating her tiny little flower crown, and sending her off with the others for her moment to shine. Pure sweetness!
During the reception speeches, one of the Best Men closed by sharing a custom rap song he had written for the couple. He nailed it–a truly unforgettable lyrical genius! From the duos adoration for one another, to the groovy dances moves from all and more, it’s safe to say the video footage from this wedding day will be a true treat to watch!
Florida Keys beach wedding ceremony in Islamorada, Florida
His view during the ceremony + her view during the ceremony…love birds through and through!
Islander Resort Wedding Islander Resort Wedding Islander Resort Wedding Islander Resort Wedding Tropical wedding reception in the Florida Keysbride and groom dance with mother and father on Florida Keys wedding day bride and groom share first dance on Florida Keys wedding day

Hugs + Happily Ever Afters

I always get so sad when each wedding day comes to a close. It’s an honor to grow close with each and every couple through the engagement season. Watching their dream day come true and being able to feel the joy for them is such a gift. After the big day ends, I find myself missing the couples so much. Thankfully,  Jackie & Jake come to Islamorada often, so we will get to catch up again soon! Counting down the days for a reunion already!
Jackie and Jake, you two are simply wonderful. Thank you both so much for choosing me to enjoy this adventure with you all. Wishing you every happiness–now and forever!
Thank you so much to fellow Florida wedding vendors!
Entertainment: The Music Machine
Sweet Treats: Key Lime Pie Lady
Phootgraphy: Endearing Studios
Videography: CJF Films
Planning by yours truly: Frond & Feather Events
For even more wedding inspo, come see us over on Instagram.
Love & Light,
Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events
By |2022-01-27T12:18:05-05:00January 27th, 2022|

Largo Resort Wedding {Katherine & Zach}

Florida wedding plannerBoho Luxe Largo Resort Wedding

Katherine and Zach’s Largo Resort Wedding was remarkably special–much like the sweet newlyweds themselves. Katherine was THE most organized bride! All throughout the planning process, she was so on top of it, so incredibly beautiful, and equally sweet and kind.  Zach is paired perfectly with her: a teddy bear heart who so clearly is head over heels for his special girl!
Their wedding day vibe was high end bohemian. If that’s not a thing, they certainly made it one now! 😉 It was extremely classy and elegant, yet bohemian and warm.  Their celebration was a gathering of a very intimate group. Surrounded by the closest of friends/family, Katherine and Zach’s day was such a treat. We are honored beyond measure to share their day and their story with you. Straight from the gorgeous new Mrs. herself, Katherine shares all the details below.

Tell us about you two!

“Zach and I met in 2014 while working at the same bar in Des Moines, Iowa. We were friends for a bit before we decided to go on a date. Zach is so easy to love. We both knew soon after we started dating that we wanted to spend our lives together.”

What made you decide on a Largo Resort Wedding?

“It was our dream to have a small wedding that was also an adventurous and fun vacation for our friends and family. The whole goal was to spend quality time with each one of our guests and make memories all together as a big family.”

One and only bridal boutiqueFlorida groomHow did you want your guests to feel on your wedding day?

“We definitely wanted our guests to have fun, feel taken care of and share a meaningful experience with us!”

Largo Resort WeddingWhat was the best part of your wedding day?

 “Every moment. I wouldn’t change a single thing because my memories of this day are so precious to me.
Some good moments to mention that make me smile:
-When Olivia arrived at the venue, and I could turn my phone on silent and just be the bride, truly.
-Getting ready with my mom, sister, and my two brothers. In lieu of booze and loud music, my brother made a pot of coffee. We sat on the couch while I got my hair done reminiscing about childhood and laughing… totally my family. (Don’t worry there was booze and loud music later).
-Dancing and laughing with Zach through our first look photos.
-Crying and laughing with Zach through our vows.
-Our ceremony was a surprise to us. My best friend wrote the script and my brother did a reading. It was beautiful and very meaningful.
-Everyone’s speeches at dinner and at the rehearsal dinner. I was moved to tears over and over.
-Having memories of my Dad included throughout the wedding. I was touched that he was included and honored by so many.
-Dancing barefoot on the beach.
-Sitting by the pool at the end of the night like a happy mermaid watching all my favorite people laugh and smile.”

Largo Resort WeddingYour wedding day look was show stopping! Who designed your wedding dress? Where was it purchased?

My dress was Martina Liana from One & Only Bridal in Orlando. I went to O&O to check out a Martina trunk show. My wedding dress was the first dress I pulled and first dress I tried on that day. I have a very good sense of what I like and what I don’t like. As soon as I tried this dress, I knew I was off the dress market.

Largo Resort WeddingAny advice to share for currently engaged couples?

“The climate for planning weddings is so different now than it was even a few years ago. And it’s constantly changing! Have grace with yourself and others. If you can figure out your taste and go with your gut, decision making will be so much easier. Lastly, try not to get caught up in the little details. Hire someone to do that. If you and your spouse are relaxed and having the happiest day ever, your guests will feed off of that joyful energy. You set the tone.”
Florida Keys wedding

Katherine and Zach, we send immense gratitude in choosing us to journey toward your big day with you. You are both so special, and your dreamy day reflected your warm hearts so beautifully. It was an honor to be a part of it. We send endless congratulations, many cheers, and tons of hugs for your happily ever after ahead! <3

Vendor Team:

Love & Light,

Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events

By |2021-09-12T17:59:27-04:00September 12th, 2021|

Dreaminess at Dream Bay Resort: Laura + Jake’s Valentine’s Day Wedding

Florida beach bride

Ready for the sweetest couple celebrated on the sweetest day of the year?

Sharing their love story and Dream Bay Resort Valentine’s Day wedding day details, get ready to swoon along with me and hear from the bride, Laura, below!

The Story of Laura + Jake: From Daydreams to Dream Bay Resort

“Jake and I met on a 911 call, in the Winter of 2016.  We happened to work an overdose together, and remained close ever since.  After being friends for upwards of a year, I kissed him and sealed the deal!  We picked the Keys for a couple of reasons.  The first thing we knew is that Jake definitely wanted a beach wedding. The next was that I have a timeshare in Key Largo that has been in my family since the condo was built in the 70’s.  It was truly the perfect combo – we had to pay minimal to stay and could make it our honeymoon too, and there are a bazillion resorts that have beautiful beaches to have our wedding on!  Perfect!”

Dream Bay ResortDate & Detail Selections

“So the date we picked was all because we drove down to the Keys from MA, and were initially set to arrive to Dream Bay Resort on Friday, 2/12.  To have the traditional Saturday wedding, on the 13th, would be just too much work after driving 24+hrs, so we picked Sunday.  Go figure – it’s Valentine’s Day.  So we basically wanted anything BUT red/pink/purple.  We sat and thought for a bit – blue and yellow say chill beach vibes, and it’s not valentines colors!  I love yellow flowers, and dusty blues are a stunning pairing.

Our absolute most favorite details were the flowers on the natural tree under which we got married.  I love how grounded to nature it felt.  Jake and I are not over the top people, so that really hit home.  And then to be able to enjoy the sunset and get stunning pictures during that was incredibly important to Jake.  To be able to have all those memories to hold on to means so much to us.”

Dream Bay Resort

Dream Bay ResortDream Bay ResortLaura’s Love Note: Encouragement from the Bride

“To anyone getting married in the Keys (or anywhere, for that matter): hire a wedding planner.  100% worth every penny.  I have friends here in MA planning weddings too, and I’ve told them all the same.  A wedding planner has connections to vendors, people, and business owners that no amount of internet research can make for you.  They know things the internet does not.  Trust them. They have done this before.  We were also limited in that we couldn’t travel for the planning, so we placed full faith and trust in Olivia when it came down to the things that it’s usually helpful to touch or taste or sample. It pays for itself when you have a trusted local who knows the local places to get you the best for your money.  A wedding planner can spend your money better than you and can make your perfect wedding come true.  Olivia did all of that and more for Jake and I.  From the bottom of our hearts, we can’t thank her enough for the work she did for us.  She made it feel seamless for us, even though I have no doubt she worked incredibly hard behind the scenes.”
Florida Keys weddingFlorida Keys wedding
Laura and Jake, thank you for giving me the sweetest Valentine’s Day! I am overjoyed and extremely grateful to have been a part of your journey to “I Do”. Cheers to your happily ever after! Cheers to YOU!
Hair & Makeup: Elaine Hampson
Floral: Studio South
Bridesmaids Gowns: Birdy Grey
Planning & Coordination: Frond & Feather Events
Love & Light,
Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events
By |2021-04-16T17:49:51-04:00April 16th, 2021|

Rainy Wedding Day: Managing Weather for your Florida Keys Wedding

Even though legend has it that a rainy wedding day brings good luck, it’s likely not something on your wedding day wish list. When selecting the Florida Keys as your destination wedding location, the stunning weather is likely a top reason. But just like any tropical climate, sometimes that sea breeze picks up a bit too much. Rain showers can decide to invite themselves into your wedding day. But just like anything else, there are ways to navigate this wedding storm! Below I am sharing my tips on how to ensure those sandy feet will keep dancing on your wedding day—even if a rain cloud or two stops by.

Rescues on Your Rainy Wedding Day

Planning for a potential rainy wedding day has many facets involved. But the most important factor in navigating inclement weather on your wedding day depends largely on your wedding venue. If you decide to host your big day at one of the many Florida Keys wedding friendly resorts, chat with your contact at the venue about your back-up location. Most venues offer one included in your contract, but not all. If your venue does offer a back-up location, ensure it is in your wedding day contract before signing. If the venue does not offer a back-up location, be sure to ask them what kind of tents are allowed on property.

When thinking about your back-up location, be sure there is enough space for not just your reception, but your ceremony, too. Just in case the rain comes before your ceremony, you will need space to place your full ceremony set up too. Space can be saved using the dance floor as much of the “stage” for the ceremony space, but be sure this is enough, just in case!

If you opt for a tent, be sure to chat thoroughly with the tent company about what size your party will be, as well as any furniture rentals, stages, etc. you will have. This will help them ensure your tent will safely fit everything underneath. Be sure to also discuss tent siding options, as these are an added cost and additional labor.

Rainy Wedding Day Plan A, B, & C

Backup included in your venue? If not, tent secured, with proper accessories? Ceremony space also protected? Check, check and check! Planning for a potential rainy wedding day is far from fun, but it’s extremely important. However, often, even when planned perfectly, rain can come in rapidly and unexpectedly. In this event? Ensuring you have hired a team of local wedding vendors who are seasoned in this scenario is key! Which wedding vendor to start with? You know who! Chat with us today about how to keep a chance of rain from stealing your wedding day sunshine.

Love & Light,

Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events

 

By |2021-01-24T16:13:36-05:00January 24th, 2021|

The Number One Florida Keys Wedding Budget Saver

There are so many things I hope to armor my brides & grooms with, but it all begins with swooping in and being their very own Florida Keys wedding budget saver. Sure, the budget is far less important than the union, the loving attendees, and the love surrounding the big day. However, since you already have your best friend ever perfectly picked out, I am here to help give you both the best day ever. And to do that? Budget is most important!

You have started off your engagement with your left hand. Let’s make sure you are starting off your planning season with the right foot. We know finances are tight for so many in the current season we find ourselves in, so staying comfortably within your budget is more important than ever before. To do this? Spend money to save money.

Florida Keys Wedding Budget Saver Top Tip

Hire a local Florida Keys wedding planner. It seems like the most counterintuitive thing to do. Handed a budget, especially during uncertain times of 2020, spending money before the planning even officially kicks off seems a bit silly. But here is why it is absolutely undoubtedly necessary.

Hiring a wedding planner local to the area you plan to wed in straight off the “Yes!” of engagement sets you up for utmost success–in both your wedding day and your wedding budget. A Florida Keys wedding planner for a Florida Keys wedding will be able to look at your budget and instantly think of trusted vendors in the area who can accommodate you. Instead of wasting time pouring through Google, trying to rely on gut feeling alone to hire your entire wedding day crew, you are hiring a source who knows the vendors personally.

Happy Budget, Happy Life

Seeing so many couples disheartened after unknowingly hiring someone who may not be able to stay in line with the couples budget, be it DJ or decor and more, in turn causes the couple to spend even more money. Maybe their biggest desire is good food, but they unknowingly went forward with signing agreements with floral and entertainment teams whose minimum spends are over and above what the couple needed. This then forces the couple to cut back on their most important dream of great food, costing them to potentially go over budget just to end up cutting corners.

Knowing a wedding vendor personally allows the wedding planner to explain to you what they can do for you, what their typical price range is, and more. From there? Your planner can take your visions, match it with your budget, and pass it along to said trusted vendors. With this, multiple options from each area, from florals to catering and more, will be brought back us to then be presented to you for you to choose from. No endless Google searches, no contracts signed feeling uneasy, and certainly no wedding budgets blown. That easy breezy feeling you get when you are in the Keys? Imagine that during your entire planning process. That is what you both deserve.

Florida Keys Wedding Budget Win

Your Florida Keys wedding budget should be as carefully thought out and respected as the cherished details you choose for your special day. While most couples choose the Florida Keys as a destination wedding, some have an even trickier time figuring out budget stipulations while being so far away. To help mitigate this, we have created Consultation Packages. With this, we chat with you both and review your dreamy desires and budget needs. From this information, we can then present you with venues and vendors who are in line with your needs.

Sometimes, couples are surprised to find how much more expensive or inexpensive the Keys may be. After reviewing all of this with them, they find they may be better off opting for a different destination, or even better, they find they can afford a larger, more extravagant wedding in the Keys than originally thought. Either way, we are here to help steer your ship! Happily Ever After can begin at the beginning of your planning story–in turn gifting you the fairy tale day you dream of alongside a cast of characters best suited to bring it to life. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Love & Light,

Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events

By |2020-12-08T15:26:37-05:00December 8th, 2020|

How To Plan Your Postponed Florida Keys Wedding

It’s official: the Florida Keys has reopened, which means it’s time to start planning your postponed Florida Keys wedding day once again!

First comes the storm, then comes the rainbow. There is no way to sugarcoat it: the last few months have been tough for all of us. The global pandemic has impacted us all in some way. Though a postponed wedding day is “small peanuts” in the grand scheme of things, that big day of yours is still important, and the heartache you feel over its postponement is very valid.

As we have poured our hearts into conversations with brides and grooms facing the many questions in this season, we wanted to share some general tips to other couples who have also found themselves in postponed Florida Keys wedding day shoes. Below, take a deep breath with us. Help is on the way, and your wedding day is, too!

Postponed Florida Keys Wedding Planning Tips

1.) Is your vision still 2020? If you have re-booked your wedding for late fall of 2020, for now, we recommend waiting until August before making final decisions. “Wait…two more months doing nothing???” Nope! Far from it, actually! There are plenty of things you can do without making final official decisions. In a re-booking scenario, you already have your dream vendor team re-booked for your new date. Final decisions include things like increasing the guest count with your venue and catering team, opting for add ons and upgrades in your floral and decor choices, and more.

Since you have your vendor team re-booked, stay the course, and don’t make any final official decisions until late summer. Guidelines may change, traveling may look different, and because of these things, your guest list may be impacted one way or the other. You may be able to have the large celebration you originally envisioned! Or, you may decide to stick to a more cut back guest list, allowing yourself the luxury to add some upgrades to your bouquet, wine selections, etc. that you may not have otherwise had room for in your budget.

2.) Swooning over a smaller day? For couples who have not yet booked your wedding date, and still want their intimate beach wedding but are wrestling with the worry of investing in planning a destination wedding right now, we see you! As we have studied and kept up with the shift in the wedding industry, we have been increasingly encouraged by the potential of micro weddings, elopements, and intimate weddings. Even more encouraging? The Florida Keys has the best spots for a small but mighty wedded bliss party. Shake the fear off, and give us a call today. We would love to share with you the many options you have down here in paradise to suit just the small wedding you desire.

The mightier the storm, the more vibrant the rainbow.

Though the planning of your wedding day has been far from ideal thus far, have faith! We know for certain your wedding day will be all the more celebratory when it does come.

Love & Light,

Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events

By |2020-06-05T15:53:42-04:00June 5th, 2020|

The Pressure of Wedding Day Traditions

After the most exciting “Yes!” of all, it won’t be as exhilarating to say “yes” to some wedding day traditions. And guess what? Not only is that completely normal, it’s completely healthy and absolutely necessary.

Traditions. They may stem from hundreds of years ago from people we don’t even know, they may be following the footsteps of our own family’s wedding days, or they can even be brand new–dreamed up by you and your spouse to be. Traditions can be brought forth in the grandest of events to the smallest of details. From the father daughter dance, to ensuring you have “something blue” on your wedding day, there is an endless array of wedding day traditions you have likely heard of.

Wedding day tradition pressure

I find that a lot of couples get wrapped up in the stress of following traditions, even when they don’t necessarily want to. A couple of years ago, a groom wanted to do a first look with his wife to be. A first look is a relatively new tradition that allows the newlywed couple the ability to see one another in a private moment before the ceremony.  It provides the most touching of photos, and creates the first peek moment into something even more intimate. It even allows the bride and groom to enjoy more of the cocktail hour themselves, as their photographer will be able to check off some portraits before the ceremony.

Unfortunately, mother of the groom was appalled at the idea. This led to immense stress on the couple. They thought if they did what they both truly wanted, their family would be upset.  As the wedding day is about the couple themselves, this was heartbreaking to hear. Most disheartening of all? This is not a rare roadblock. Nearly all engaged couples run into the wedding day tradition pressure at one point or another. I hear this with things like programs, favors, cakes, unity candle ceremony, rehearsal dinner, and more. The list goes on and on.

So what wedding day traditions to say yes to?

This is far simpler than it seems. Ultimately it’s recognizing when you are saying “I should do this.” versus “I desire to do this.”

Of course, there is a middle ground. If it is something you don’t mind doing that is important to your family, then go for it.

Remember that this rule does not strictly apply to the standard traditions. You can opt into or out of whatever you two would like as it is your day. Don’t want to wear bridal white? Perfect! Would you prefer holding a feather bouquet instead of a floral bouquet? Awesome! I tell every couple to swap the ceremony seating. This goes against the grain, but doing so allows the bride’s side the ability to watch her facial expressions throughout the ceremony, and vise versa for the groom’s family. Some couples feel jarred by this, because it “isn’t normal” and can even feel like it’s not permitted. But remember: it is your day. You make the rules. You say yes to what you love, and no thank you to what you aren’t over the moon about. Just as you felt up in the clouds with joy on your engagement day, build the happenings of your wedding day around all traditions and elements that bring you that same joy. You both deserve it.

Love & Light,

Florida Keys Wedding Planner Frond + Feather Events

Need some more help navigating wedding day traditions and engaged life as a whole? Chat with us today!

By |2020-04-03T13:06:58-04:00February 13th, 2020|

How to Achieve Wedding Budget Bliss

One of the very first things we discuss with our couples is often their most worrisome topic: their wedding budget.

But no matter the budget, we have found that the reason for the worries is always the same. Couples feel compelled to stay in line with the standard wedding day “traditions.” Sure, mom, Aunt Sue, and even your sister may have gone big on florals. Maybe your best friend had the most show-stopping tiered wedding cake. Maybe your childhood neighbor spent an exorbitant amount of her budget on her ballgown.

But what about you?

What if you don’t care as much about these items? What if you and your spouse to be care more about the perfect wine pairings, music that gets your loved ones grooving, and a meal that leaves a lasting impression on everyone’s taste buds?

All of this is perfectly wonderful and perfectly welcome. Why? Because Aunt Sue’s day was unique to her heart’s dreams. Your childhood neighbor admired Cinderella her whole life, so dressing the part on her wedding day thrilled her soul. And just the same, whatever your priorities are, they’re beautiful and unique–just like your love story.

Once we have this heart to heart with our couples, we comb through their top wedding budget priorities. Let’s say you’re dreaming up luxury florals, but aren’t too concerned about the linens and attire. From there, you can tweak your budget to allocate more of your budget to florals, only leaving what is necessary for attire and linens.

Go big on what matters most to you two.

Do not let the traditions of the past, Aunt Sue’s big day, or anything and anyone else make you feel like you need to spend X amount of your wedding budget on a cake if you don’t really desire one. Want a bit more detail? We are all about the details, too! Below, we will list out specific areas and how to cut back in each one.

Florals

Reduce & reuse! Dreaming up a dripping floral arbor for your ceremony, while also wanting a swoon-worthy sweetheart table? Chat with your florist and planner about an arrangement that can be utilized for your arbor, and then moved over to your sweetheart table for your reception. Also consider whatever florals line your aisle being reused for your welcome table, accents at the bar, etc. For your bridesmaids, instead of a full on bouquet, you can opt for a smaller nosegay. We also love the elegant trend of single flowers being walked down the aisle. For your reception and cocktail hour, candles can be key. A simple pillar candle with some greenery can leave as much as if not more of an impression of a full on arrangement.

Sweet Treats

This one is easy as pie. Truly! If your heart isn’t set on a tiered cake, your options are endless. Being in the Florida Keys, you can opt to serve your guests key lime pie, guava cheesecake, or offer an ice cream bar for a cool down experience. Other options include assorted cookies, or a small cake with cupcakes. If you do have your heart set on a traditional cake, but don’t quite have the wiggle room for it, talk to your bakery about a buttercream tiered “fake cake”; with the bottom tiers fake and the top tier real for your cutting moment. After the top tier is cut and the photos are snapped, you can serve your guests sheet cake instead of the more costly tiered cake. They’ll never know, we promise.

Wining & Dining

If neither one of you are big drinkers, we always recommend opting for the lowest bar package your venue or catering company offers. Being in the Keys, the offerings even on the lowest packages are all excellent choices. If your venue charges extra for a champagne toast, opt to cut the toast from your price per person cost, and encourage your loved ones to raise whatever may be in their glass at the moment. With the sight of you two in their vision as they sit back and enjoy the Florida Keys, we promise, they won’t mind.

For food, ask your venue or catering company about stations. Sometimes, they will offer an assortment of different food stations. Pairing these together can be more cost effective than a buffet package. If you’d like to stick to a plated offering, offer your guests two options to select from on their RSVP card instead of three, as this can also help cut costs. Do not be afraid to ask questions! The Keys’ chefs love getting creative, and are happy to customize whatever is needed to bring your dream to life.

Just like anything else, your wedding budget begins and ends with prioritizing what is important. Chat with us about your dreamiest details. We will match you up with the best vendor team fit for your visions–all within your budget. Budget (and bridal) bliss, here we come!

With Warmth,

By |2020-04-03T13:14:35-04:00December 12th, 2019|
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