LUXURY OCEAN KEY RESORT KEY WEST WEDDING

CHRISTY AND JOHEL

On the day of Christy and Johel’s wedding, the weather was coming for us, but it didn’t stand a chance against their good natures. Despite being one of the hottest wedding days I’ve ever photographed, none of that mattered because their wedding day had finally come after a year of postponements due to COVID. These two are yet another testament to how awesome my couples are. They let NOTHING get them down, and nothing got in the way of their marriage or their party. Last year they invited me to their “virtual wedding reception” on Zoom, and I had a blast getting to know them and all their friends.

The “getting to know you” part might sound cheesy, but for me, it’s really not. It’s super important to me; why wouldn’t you want someone who genuinely cares about you photographing your wedding day? When that trust is built right in, it makes for better photos, period.

During the getting ready, I worked with one of my favorite makeup artists Olivia from Belle Luxe. Ladies, if you are getting married, I can’t recommend hiring a good makeup artist enough. Not only is it a bit of pampering when you’ll need it, it really makes a difference in the photos. And while I know it might sound weird for a guy to say this, Olivia slays a smokey eye.

Christy absolutely killed it in that dress, and that floral from Love in Bloom was over the top. I don’t know much about flowers other than I like them, but these arrangements were really something special. With Johel crushing it in that blue suit, the two of them were looking fine.

My buddy Mike Rodriquez teamed up with me for this wedding, which is always a blast because I knew Mike would deliver some of his finest work. Like me, he gives it all no matter if he’s the main shooter or second shooting, and we always have each other’s back.

Friends and family had traveled from New York and New Jersey, and they brought that east coast energy with them. One of the most awesome moments of their oceanside ceremony at Ocean Key Resort was when a sailboat cruised by right at the moment of the first kiss and cheered for Christy and Johel; it kind of set the tone for the whole evening of celebration.

Christy and Johel wanted to keep the focus low on wedding formalities and high on fun. So, after a few sunset photos, the crowd took to the dance floor, and there’s no better way to say this; they danced their asses off.

Special thanks to Cupcake Sushi; they know my favorite flavor is red velvet, and they brought me my own cupcake! I love this little island and the vendors on it who do their level best to make sure that everyone who gets married here is well taken care of.

Christy and Johel, thanks for being flexible, for being awesome, and for putting your hearts and souls into this wedding. You showed up for each other, and your friends and family showed up for you, and that’s the secret to a great wedding. Cheers!