Shana and Patrick and their fun-loving crew came down to Key West to get married right before the end of 2019. Their entire wedding took place at the legendary Hemingway House right in the garden area as the sun began to set.
When we first talked, they were a little worried about getting married at that time of the day and if it would be too dark. As it worked out, the timing was perfect, and they got married right as the blue hour descended on the island.
Being the self-described “party people” that they are, I knew this was going to be a good time, and this wedding did not disappoint. We started the getting ready photos at the Santa Maria Suites, which is a fantastic location for getting ready in the Florida Keys because the rooms are bright and airy and had plenty of room for her all her bridesmaids.
Shana and I had talked about my feelings of capturing those important moments during the getting ready, and she was all for it. However, I love to take a quick bridal portrait at this time too, and at H2O Suites, there’s some amazing tropical foliage right on property. A quick few minutes and BAM…we had these killer portraits of her with that amazing bouquet from Duarte Floral Design of Key West.
The light at the first look was perfect; that magical time of the day in Key West when the light turns to gold right before sunset, and we set off to do some portraits of the two of them. These two don’t take life too seriously, and I told them to have some fun with this part of the day, and they were more than willing. Documenting your wedding day doesn’t have to be filled with long, boring, drawn-out poses to get great photos. Just be yourself, show the love and then get to it!
Shana’s dad performed the ceremony as evening fell, and you could feel the love radiating from the friends and family. There is something special about getting married in Key West, and you could really feel that everyone there was on board with this couple, this night, and the party to come.
Their band was an awesome South Florida band called Gypsy Lane (some members were in the original Village People!) and that dance floor filled up quickly and never stopped. From the Hora to the glowsticks, the beat was turned up, and the energy was just fantastic. There’s not much more I love than being in the middle of a dance floor, photographing people having the time of their lives.
Shana and Patrick told me that it was important to them that the feelings and emotions on their wedding day being captured were what was important to them. Photojournalistic wedding photography isn’t just a catchphrase to me when it comes to weddings; it’s what I really believe endures when the wedding is over.
Thanks, Shana, and Patrick for trusting me to capture those memories for you, and for staying true to the kind of wedding that was perfectly you.
Planner: Just Save the Date Events
Photography: Michael Freas Photography
Hair/Makeup: Key West Hair and Makeup
Florist: Duarte Floral Designs
Catering: Catered Affairs of Key West
Venue: Hemingway Home
Entertainment: Gypsy Lane Band
Rentals: Prestige Party Rentals of Key West
