A Second Chance at Love in Paradise
There’s something so special about destination weddings—especially when they’re intimate, personal, and held somewhere as vibrant as Key West. Pete and Jodie’s wedding was all of that and more. This wasn’t just any wedding. It was a celebration of second chances, lifelong friendships, and deep-rooted connections. As a Key West destination wedding photographer, this wedding will always hold a piece of my heart.
A Personal Wedding Photography Experience
This wedding was incredibly meaningful to me. Years ago, Jodie gave me my very first opportunity in the wedding industry when I worked at her bridal shop. In fact, she’s the reason I became a wedding photographer! Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing several weddings within her family. By the time I flew down for this celebration, I already felt like part of the crew.
They invited me to join them in Key West early, which gave me the unique opportunity to document not just the wedding day, but the entire experience. And let me tell you—it made all the difference. From pool parties to sunset cruises, from quiet morning coffee chats to late-night dancing, every moment felt like magic. This is now how I approach every destination wedding and elopement: capturing the full experience from start to finish.
Making It a Wedding Vacation for Everyone
Pete and Jodie knew they didn’t want a big production. Having both been married before, they decided to keep things simple, fun, and deeply personal. With only their closest friends and family in attendance, the entire trip became a mini vacation for everyone—complete with sunshine, ocean views, and plenty of celebratory drinks.
But make no mistake—just because this wasn’t a first wedding or a grand affair didn’t make it any less special. In fact, in many ways, it was even more meaningful. It had everything a traditional wedding has: a beautiful venue, an emotional ceremony, a sweet first look, and one heck of a reception. But it was also more relaxed, more romantic, and completely centered on what mattered most—the people and the love.
The Day Before: Island Adventures and Storytelling Details
One of the best parts of destination weddings in places like Key West? The celebration isn’t confined to just the wedding day. The day before Pete and Jodie’s ceremony, I hopped on a bike and rode around the island capturing all the little details that make Key West so unique—colorful cottages, swaying palms, quirky architecture, and those iconic Conch Republic vibes.
Exploring and photographing the island ahead of time gave me the chance to build a visual story that complemented their wedding gallery beautifully. These environmental details add so much texture and character to destination wedding photography, and it’s something I now prioritize for every elopement or destination couple I work with.
The morning of the wedding, the celebration was already in full swing with a casual pool party. Pete was in full vacation mode, hanging out with friends and family while Jodie had a sweet, quiet getting ready moment with her daughter. It was the perfect mix of fun and sentimentality to kick off the day.
A Sweet First Look and Sunset Portraits in Paradise
Before their ceremony, Pete and Jodie shared a quiet first look. These moments are always emotional, but there was something extra special about theirs—a feeling of deep appreciation and gratitude that only comes from finding love again. And can we talk about how STUNNING Jodie is? I swear, she does not age. She was absolutely glowing.
We followed their first look with golden hour portraits, and oh my gosh—Key West really showed off. The light was warm, dreamy, and wrapped them in the most magical glow. If you’re planning a destination wedding and wondering if sunset photos are worth it? Always, always yes.
The Ceremony at La Te Da: Intimate, Elegant, and Emotional
Pete and Jodie tied the knot at La Te Da, a vibrant and cozy venue in the heart of Key West. The ceremony itself was short and sweet, but no less emotional. With their children and grandchildren surrounding them, it felt like a true blending of families. Every detail—from the laughter, to the happy tears, to the tight hugs after “I do”—was infused with so much love.
La Te Da was the perfect setting for this kind of intimate celebration. It gave us a beautiful ceremony space, a cozy reception area, and that quintessential Key West charm that makes everything feel just a little more magical.
Small Wedding, Big Fun: The La Te Da Reception
Here’s the thing: just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean it can’t be wildly fun. I knew this group loved to party from past weddings I’d photographed in their family, and this celebration was no exception. With a smaller guest list, everyone felt connected. The laughter was louder, the dancing was bolder, and the memories were even sweeter.
They had so much fun, in fact, we almost got kicked out of the restaurant. I’m not even kidding—this small but mighty crew turned the La Te Da into the most joyful, rowdy (in the best way) little party Key West has ever seen. When you combine good music, great people, and an open-air venue in paradise… things are bound to get lively.
There’s a kind of freedom that comes with doing things your own way, and that’s exactly what Pete and Jodie embraced. No pressure. No drama. Just pure, unfiltered joy.
Why Your Key West Wedding Deserves Full Coverage
This experience transformed how I photograph destination weddings and elopements. Being there beyond just the wedding day allowed me to tell a richer, fuller story of Pete and Jodie’s celebration. It wasn’t just about vows and rings—it was about the entire experience. The laughter the day before, the sweet moments with family, the quiet exchanges that no one else saw.
If you’re planning a destination wedding or elopement in Key West (or anywhere!), consider having your photographer there to document the full journey. These are once-in-a-lifetime memories, and you deserve to have every part of it captured.
Planning a Destination Wedding or Elopement in Key West?
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront ceremony, a colorful Key West celebration, or a relaxed elopement with just your favorite people, I’d love to be there to capture it all. As a destination wedding photographer with experience in Key West and beyond, I’m here to help you keep things simple, beautiful, and deeply meaningful—just like Pete and Jodie did.
Looking for a Key West wedding photographer who will tell your whole story? Let’s connect!
