You may know, we are huge fans of turning your wedding into a giant vacation! A destination wedding is a wonderful way to get everyone away for a little relaxation and extra special celebration! Luke and Lindsey decided to do just that, inviting their nearest and dearest to the Florida Keys, where the bride is originally from. Get ready for an incredibly sweet story and gorgeous images thanks to Chris Glenn Photography. We are now officially ready for vacation. Who wants to invite us to their tropical wedding? Anyone? The bikini is already packed!
Tell us about what made your wedding special!
I was raised in Florida and he was raised in Chicago. He brought me to see snow for the first time and I took him fishing for the first time in the Florida, Keys. There was no doubt Islamorada was exactly where we wanted to get married. We can both say, one reason we fell in love was the love we share for our families. They are everything to us and this week gave us the opportunity to have both of our families come together. We actually had both stay in the same home for a whole week! It was more than just our wedding day, it was a weekend of fun in the sun with our closest friends and family! We had a party the night before with everyone. As the party ended, we set off lanterns over the ocean… That truly was a “fairytale” moment.
What were some touches added to make the day personal?
The touches to make our wedding personal were the most important and fun part for me. I wanted to do more than just the traditional, “something old, something new, etc.” I lost my mom to cancer 5 years ago and we had the opportunity to talk about my wedding day. I wanted to incorporate the beautiful life she lived in our own little way. The sunset, the beach…. All the things she loved were there to help us feel her love. My Aunt had made my garter from my mom’s wedding dress as well as embroidering her initials for my bouquet. Our officiant was the man who renewed my parent’s wedding vows two weeks before she went to heaven. My father in-law sang Elvis Presley for our first dance on the beach. I could not have imagined a more personal and emotional first dance. My sister in-law surprised us by singing another beautiful song towards the end of the evening!
Tell us about your gown!
Getting married barefoot on the beach eliminated any stressful shoe decisions. It’s every girls dream to try on dresses with her mom. Luckily, I have the best sister and girlfriends a girl could as for. I knew this was “the dress” while visiting him in La Jolla, California. I also had my mom’s wedding dress altered for the rehearsal dinner.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The most memorable part of the day was getting ready with all the girls, our nieces, my nana and mother-in-law before walking on the private beach to have our “first look.” I was on the fence about this but I cannot put into words how special and intimate this moment was for both of us. Looking back, I can simply remember smiling the entire day and dancing the night away! The most fun was probably watching all the boys jump into the ocean to end the night! We both woke up the next morning and said, “it felt like a dream.”
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
As he has said, “What happens in Vegas… Doesn’t always stay in Vegas… Sometimes it comes back with you and changes your whole world… We hit the jackpot.” Meeting him two months after my mom passed away was nothing short of a blessing.
We were celebrating my 25th Birthday in Florida. While fishing with my dad and brother, they dropped us off on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean as the sun was about to set. Luke got down on one knee and the rest is history. Little did I know, my dad had many of my closest friends and family waiting at the house to surprise me for what was supposed to be a birthday party. I’ll never forget looking up on the balcony and seeing all of their faces. With tears rolling down my face, I jumped on the front of the boat and yelled, “We’re getting married!”
Islamorada Vintage Wedding at Moorings & Pierre’s {Lindsey and Luke} from Bridges Cinema on Vimeo.
Vendors: Photography: Chris Glenn Photography // Bridal & First Look Venue: The Moorings Village Islamorada // Ceremony & Reception Venue: Pierre’s Lounge & Restaurant // Event Planner: Tina Kamenel from Events & Catering by Morada Bay // Hair & Makeup: Cathleen Weimer // Florist & Design: Parrish Designs (Miami) // Cake: One Small Bite // Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier from M Bride // Brides Jewlery: BHLDN // Groom’s Suit: J Crew // Wedding Bands: Bay Hill Jewelers // Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids // Videography: Bridges Cinema // Invitations: Inspirations by Amie Lee