When Kara & Jason met at a mutual friend’s Halloween party in 2010, they knew that a lifetime of adventure was ahead. Jason was dressed as Indiana Jones while Kara was dressed as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider. They were the perfect adventurer duo. When their eyes met from across the room, Jason knew this was the perfect opportunity to talk to Kara. They completely hit it off and have been together ever since!
The romantic proposal took place in the most fitting way, as these two love adventure and exploring: during a weekend camping trip to Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Kara suggested taking the trip before their move to Key West. After a fun day of hiking, they decided to try for the sunset and hiked up to Natural Bridge just in time. Jason scoped out the perfect spot to watch the sunset, but right when the couple got settled, the sun descended, shining between the clouds and mountains spectacularly. It was the moment Jason had been waiting for. He proposed with the wax carving of the custom ring that was still in progress, because he knew this would be the perfect opportunity to propose. Jason “re-proposed” with the finished ring on the four year anniversary of their meeting.
Kara & Jason got married on October 10th, 2015 at the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens in Key West. The setting was a lush garden with romantic overhead string lighting. The decor was simple and elegant with a vintage and travel feel, including old books, bottles, and mini globes. The tables were named after the countries Indiana Jones visited in the first three films.
Kara & Jason woke up side by side on their wedding day. Then, Kara left to get ready before the romantic first look in the gardens. “We were both just beyond excited and could barely keep our eyes off each other the rest of the day. I think the photos showing us grinning like idiots are accurate depictions of our feelings! The whole day was just ridiculously joyous.”
The entire wedding day was very special for Kara and Jason as well as their wedding guests. They did not wish to follow traditional wedding conventions, so they incorporated unique components. Jason’s grandmother and two of her dear friends were “Flowergraces” and the traditional bridal party was changed to an “Adventure Party” full of the couple’s closest friends, male and female. It was truly special for all involved. Kara also asked her mother and father to walk her down the aisle together, and the couple included both sets of parents during a pledge of support for their marriage. Kara and Jason exchanged their own written vows, Kara was given a traditional Australian gift from a dear family friend, and the mother of the groom and father of the bride created a very special photo album of the couple’s entire lives up until that point, including adorable baby photos, chronicles of hobbies, records of travels, and so much more.
“Everyone says your wedding day goes by in a blink, but I didn’t find that to be true. I felt so present, but so many moments were so surreal since I had been looking forward to that day for almost my entire life. And we couldn’t be happier about how our wedding turned out. Everything was just absolutely perfect, and there were so many unforgettable moments. I think everyone really felt our joy and love and had a great time.”
Credits:
Photography | Rachel E. Ligon Photography
Venue | Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Wedding Planner | Soiree Key West
Florist | Soiree Key West
Catering | Key West Catering
Lighting | Prestige Party Rentals
Rehearsal Dinner | Kelly’s Caribbean Bar & Grill
Hair Stylist | Headlines
DJ | Jimmy from Visualize Entertainment
Wedding Night Hotel | The Mermaid and the Alligator
Bridal Gown | David’s Bridal
