Teresa and Ashley | Key West Wedding at Fort Zach and First Flight
When we first met Ashley and Theresa, it was clear right away that these two share a special bond. They met on a dating app during the height of the pandemic, with Theresa living in San Antonio at the time. Despite the distance and the challenges of 2020, their connection was undeniable. Fast forward to May 2022, and Theresa proposed in Yellowstone National Park, with snowflakes falling around them by a stunning waterfall—talk about a picture-perfect moment!
Their love for travel and adventure brought them to Key West for a destination wedding, and we were thrilled to capture their special day at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. This location is a dream for couples seeking a mix of historical charm and natural beauty.
The First Look: Under the Arches
The day started with a first look under the historic brick arches of Fort Zachary Taylor fortress. Ashley crossed a wide green lawn to approach Theresa, and the moment they saw each other was a sweet moment . The blend of architectural elegance, interesting textures and backgrounds, and lush greenery provided the perfect backdrop for this intimate moment.
A Beachfront Ceremony at "The Point"
The ceremony took place at “the Point,” an iconic beach location at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. With the ocean as their backdrop and their toes in the sand, Ashley and Theresa exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family. Their color palette of sea green, champagne, and white complemented the natural tones of the beach perfectly.
Capturing Those Key West Views
After the ceremony, we took some time for family photos and then whisked Ashley and Theresa away for couples' portraits on the coral rock lined seashore. These dramatic oceanfront views are what make Fort Zachary Taylor such a sought-after spot for weddings. Whether it's the contrast of the dark rocks against the turquoise water or the lush greenery of the surrounding park, every corner offers a unique opportunity for breathtaking photos.
A Lively Reception at First Flight Brewery
The celebration continued at First Flight Brewery and Restaurant, a charming venue located in downtown Key West, which has a place in the island’s history as it used to be the location of Pan Am Airlines, and was formerly known as “Kelly’s”, as it was run by Kelly McGillis of Top Gun fame.
Ashley and Theresa made their grand entrance and shared their first dance while their loved ones looked on in admiration at their celebration and took in the ambience of the historic venue.
After dinner, the couple cut into a classic and simple three tiered beauty made by Key West Cakes. After capturing these key moments, we wrapped up our time with them, leaving the couple to enjoy the rest of their night surrounded by their loved ones.
Why Choose Fort Zach and FIRST FLIGHT for Your Destination Wedding?
For couples dreaming of a small, intimate wedding in Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor offers the perfect mix of historical elegance and stunning natural scenery, while First Flight provides a continuance of the historical vibes with its brick courtyard and Key West architectural details. Whether you're planning a beach ceremony, a first look at the fortress, portraits with ocean views, or a reception space that feels both cozy and well-appointed at the same time, this venue combination has it all. Plus, with a reception in the heart of downtown, you can seamlessly sneak out for photos on the iconic Duval Street, scoot over to Mallory Square for sunset, or pop across the street for pictures in the scenic Truman Annex neighborhood.
Congratulations to Theresa and Ashley!
It was an honor to be part of your wedding day. From the emotional first look to the fun-filled reception, every moment was a testament to your love and the journey that brought you here. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and many more perfect moments together.
If you’re planning a wedding in Key West, we’d love to help bring your vision to life with destination photography services that reflect your unique love story.
Warmly,
Karrie and Mark
Special thank you to the other vendors who made this event a success:
Planner: Kirsten Corpion | Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Flowers and Decor: Karro Event Florals
Beauty: Studio Marie-Pierre
The Dress: David’s Bridal
Officiant: Dan Leatherman
Cake: Key West Cakes
Invitations: Zazzle
Music: Nick Morse | Kiss Me Entertainment
First Look Location: Fort Zach Fortress
Ceremony Location: “The Point” at Fort Zach Beach
Reception Location: First Flight Restaurant and Brewery
Photography Team: Karrie Porter and Mark Funkhouser
