Alysse and Matthew met for the very first time during their high school years through a close mutual friend. Little did they know at the time, they would soon begin the journey of a lifetime by becoming husband and wife on June 17, 2017 in Key West, Florida. Matthew planned the perfect proposal to take pace on December 30, 2016, which was the fourth anniversary of their first date. The couple was vacationing in Eleuthera, Bahamas, and decided to take a ferry to Harbour Island for a day. After enjoying a tasty lunch at Coral Sands, Alysse and Matthew went for a walk on the famous pink sand beach. Matthew asked Alysse to spend the rest of her life with him beside the beautiful Bahama waters.
Alysse and Matthew chose to have a beautiful, unique first look by allowing their bridal parties and parents to witness the special moment. Alysse and Matthew saw each other for the first time on their wedding day in a beautiful courtyard surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants. Their bridal party and parents stood on a balcony overlooking the courtyard during the first look. “It was such a special, private moment for us, but we wanted to share that with the closest to us. Matthew and I didn’t say much, but the look on his face said everything.”
Alysse and Matthew’s paradise wedding featured stunning design elements reminiscent of the beauty of Key West for a wedding vision that radiated island elegance. They had a stunning arch custom-made for the ceremony, which was made of driftwood and tropical, island white flowers. Lanterns and palm leaves also adorned the arch. There was a small table under the arch, where the sand ceremony took place. Four white, linen, rectangular umbrellas provided shade during the ceremony. A white runner lined the aisle, and the aisle chairs featured natural starfish. The island elegance theme carried over into the reception as well with a mix of round tables covered in linen and reclaimed wood farm tables. A gorgeous chandelier hung above the sweetheart table. There were round, hand-blown glass votive candle holders hung at various levels throughout the gardens.”We brought our own sand, shells and coral from Eleuthera, Bahamas to accent the tables.”
Credits:
Photography | Rachel E. Ligon Photography, Assistant Photographer | Jessica Paar Robb
Ceremony Venue | Fort Zachary Taylor
Reception Venue | West Martello Tower
Wedding Planning | Say Yes in Key West
Catering | Catered Affairs
Cake Designer | Key West Cakes
Floral Design | Karro Events and Floral
Rentals | Prestige Party Rentals
Music | DJ Sound Waves
Videography | Cineaverde
Transportation | Old Towne Trolley
Paper Products | Daniels Printing
Officiant | John Hernandez
Alysse and Matthew had a breathtaking wedding day as they were surrounded by beloved friends and family members as well as the natural serenity of Key West with powdery sands and turquoise ocean waters. To the couple, the most special part of their wedding day was having the opportunity to to say, “I do,” beside friends and family that travelled from all over the country, as well as Eleuthera, Bahamas, to spend their special day with them in Key West. The couple’s dogs, Jay and London, and Alysse’s mother’s dogs, Ali and Logan, were also able to join the celebration! It was a romantic day in paradise full of love and joy that Alysse and Matthew will cherish for the rest of their lives.
For more on, “Island Elegance in Paradise,” make sure to view the latest South Florida issue here!
