Jessica + Gabe
What inspired your vision for your wedding day?
We have always enjoyed vacationing together in Key West. When we started to plan, we knew that we wanted a destination wedding where our guests could get away for a weekend and extend the celebration beyond the one night norm. We wanted a traditional catholic ceremony and a reception with great music, food, and lots of dancing.
Why did you choose the Casa Marina for your wedding?
During our frequent Key West vacations, Casa Marina has always been our favorite place to stay. Gabe proposed on July 4th, 2014 on the beach at the Casa Marina, which made having the reception there special for us.
I loved your wedding dress and shoes! Tell us the story behind saying “yes” to your dress and selecting your heels?
Ask any of my friends and they will tell you my vision for the dress was “Sexy Princess”. I wanted a fitted bodice and a full tulle skirt. I searched for 5 months and finally said “Yes” to my Lazaro dress at Jennifer’s Bridal in Delaware with my mom and sisters by my side. My veil was very special because my older sister, Sarah, wore the same veil on her wedding day, making it my “something borrowed”.
My fuchsia Badgley Mischka heels were a surprise gift from my mom the week of the wedding! I had picked them out a few months prior, but thought $300 for shoes was too much with all of the other wedding costs. After I picked her up from the airport the Wednesday before the wedding, she surprised me with the shoes!
What advice would you give other couples planning their wedding day?
Organization is key! Create a shared vision for the wedding and enjoy each step. The process can become overwhelming, but lean on each other for support. Don’t allow the planning to consume you. Every time I became stressed or worried, Gabe would tell me “It will all work out” …and it really does! Always remember the goal is to plan a celebration of unity and love for you and your future husband.
Ceremony: St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church – Reception: The Casa Marina – Planner: Simply you Weddings – Flowers: Duarte Floral Design – D.J: Shamar Reyes – Hair & Makeup: Jennifer Cruz Beauty Group – Cake: Cupcake Sushi – Transportation: Old Town Trolley
