Laura and Josh: A Key West Wedding with Sunset Watersports

Their engagement spanned from one Florida island to another. Engaged in Marco Island, Laura and Josh were seeking a destination wedding that would be small and low key. They had visited Key West once before and loved the laid back island vibe. They also share a love for boats, so it seemed their destiny to have a Key West wedding during a Sunset Watersports private sunset dinner cruise.

We started our day at Artist House. The mood was relaxed. The bride, groom and their families had already begun getting ready for the later afternoon wedding. Entering the bride's suite, her dress, jewelry and other details were ready to be photographed. In alignment with their desire for a laid back approach to the day, the flowers, jewelry, bride's wedding dress and groom's attire were simple, yet perfect for a tropical island destination wedding.

The bride and groom's suite at Artist House was a great location for bride and groom portraits. The colors were rich, there were colorful flowers hanging from the ceiling and the three windows in the turret surrounding the back of the couch allowed light to wrap around the room.

Laura and Josh had decided to get ready in separate areas of their Key West bed and breakfast so they hadn't seen each other since they parted ways earlier in the morning. Their first look took place in the upstairs hallway of Artist House. Like many of the historic mansions in Key West, Artist House had a narrow second floor hallway so creative angles for photographing their first look were necessary. After their first look, Taz, also in wedding attire, joined them for his portrait.

The day was moving along at a quick pace and it wouldn't be long before the couple and their guests would depart the Key West historic seaport on Party Cat, Sunset Watersports dinner cruise boat. We stopped for family photos in Truman Annex, a quiet area that embodies the island's history. Palm trees, ficus trees, tropical flora, white picket fences and a brick paver road made for the perfect location for family photos prior to boarding the boat for their wedding.

We arrived at Sunset Watersports on William Street in Key West's historic seaport. After capturing some candid photos of the couple and their guests, I got onboard Party Cat to take some photos of their dinner set up. The dining room had been decorated, food prepared and everything was ready for this loving couple to get married.

Shortly after everyone was on board, the captain and crew took the guests into the calm Key West harbor. The beautiful Key West waterfront was on one side of the boat, Sunset Key was on the other side of the boat, and endless seas from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico stretched all around. The water was a gorgeous deep blue with a hint of turquoise and a slight breeze disturbed the water surface; not enough to create waves, but just enough to give the water some play and texture.

The ceremony took place on the upper deck. It was a pleasant, sunny April day and the late afternoon wedding put the sun slightly behind and to the side of the couple, causing the bride to be in direct sunlight while the groom was in dark shadows. Bright backgrounds and dark shadows are a common occurrence for Key West weddings. To overcome the challenges this can present for wedding photography, we use powerful portable flash on light stands that are set up to balance the bright sky. Their ceremony photos captured beautiful blue sky in the background and the ceremony taking place on the boat.

After the ceremony was complete, Laura, Josh and their family and friends enjoyed dinner and speeches describing their enduring commitment and love for each. Entertainment and dancing followed on the upper deck of Party Cat. As sunset approached, the newlyweds stepped away from the crowd for a short time to get sunset wedding photos. The private wedding cruise may have ended upon return to the dock, but the fun continued. The couple exited the boat to all their guests lining the dock and blowing bubbles as they made their way off the dock and into the rest of their wedding day.

Laura and Josh, I wish you the very best as you step forward together as newlyweds. It was a pleasure capturing beautiful memories of your wedding day. You'll always have a friend in Key West and I hope to see you again.

~ Mark

Vendors

Photographer: Mark Funkhouser Photography

Venue: Sunset Watersports on Party Cat

Accommodations: The Artist House

Planner: Kathleen Swift, WCO Events