Blog Archive of Rachel E Ligon
Take a walk back through the weddings and celebrations captured by our friend and colleague, who was part of the Key West creative community for over 20 years, and for whose mentorship, advocacy, encouragement, and friendship we are immensely grateful.
John + Henry Make it Official in Key West!
Henry and John met via social media, which is common these days. Who knew a cell phone application could lead to such wonderful things? When the first conversation took place, Henry had just come out of surgery from his second kidney transplant on December 26, 2017. He was in recovery waiting to get the all-clear from the doctor to start his life again. Talking on the phone constantly, they learned more about each other and hit it off. They were not able to meet because Henry wasn't able to travel for about four weeks after surgery. Finally, after many late nights of conversation and time for Henry to recover, Henry drove from West Palm to visit John in Miami for the first time.
Meredith + Tim Say I Do at Casa Marina in Key West!
When it came time to plan a wedding in the tropics, it was no surprise it would be a a winter wedding! Meredith and Tim were married here in Key West on December 15th. After a private First Look, the two were swept away to Casa Marina Resort with their wedding party.
Miller + Bryson: Stunning Key West Wedding
Miller and Bryson met through work at a law firm. The two quickly became best friends. It wasn't until Bryson kissed Miller at midnight on New Years Eve that a romantic relationship blossomed.
"It's cheesy but we were definitely meant to be- we've been just a few degrees apart our whole lives until we finally met at the perfect time!"
Jenna + Max Spicer - Stunning October Wedding in Key West Florida
On May 27, 2011 Max and Jenna met for the first time at a bar beneath Jenna's new St. Louis apartment. After four hours of outstanding conversation, they were off to another bar to meet Max's friends. Things were escalating quickly. The first traveling of the courtship took place a mere two months later. This may or may not surprise you, but it was up to Chicago to see Jimmy Buffett in concert. It was clear these two souls had some seriously good things in common. Max immediately began his work to make Jenna a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals fan, and Jenna similarly was planting the "Roll Tide" gene deep into Max's heart. Both very necessary and successful ventures.
Imani + Toni Say I Do on a Private Island in Key West
Anyone who meets Imani and Toni sees the true connection they share. To say it was honor to capture their wedding is an understatement. The wedding took place out on teh exclusive island of Sunset Key.
Cheryl + Mark Say Yes at Ocean Key Resort in Key West, Florida!
Cheryl Luarde and Mark Walthour worked together for years and were friends long before they became a couple. It wasn't until Cheryl left the company that they starting dating. When it came time to propose, Mark tried all weekend to find the right moment to ask Cheryl to marry him when they went out of town. However, the timing never worked out just perfect. So when they got back that Sunday he asked her at home during an NFL game! Love it!
Jackie + Gabby Say Yes in Key West
Gabriela Luna and Jackelyn Hernandez met in college through mutual friends in 2007, but didn't officially start dating until the Winter 2015. "We're total opposites. We don’t get each others jokes and we don’t eat the same foods- we even root for rival teams. However, we make it work very well."
Kat + Alex: Gorgeous Wedding in Paradise
Katharina Rimac & Alex Panas met in the early 2000's at a wedding, and stayed in touch through many Morris Rugby events and parties. Throughout those years, they stayed in contact, but remained friends. Towards the end of 2011, they reconnected and have been inseparable and incredibly happy ever since!
After dating for a few years, Kat thought of it as any other date night, but it became so much more than that. Alex read a poem that he had written for her capturing all the perfect moments they've shared before proposing to her! It was a perfect moment in their lives. With their love of the beach and the ocean, and both being certified scuba divers, Kat and Alex have found a perfect spot to celebrate their love....in paradise.
Summer Havana Nights: Lola + Dan Say I Do at Hemingway House 5.18.18
Lorayne Bond and Daniel Cadenhead met on July 3rd of 2015 at a weekend getaway party through some mutual friends. After a few dates they just knew they had found the one. They were engaged on Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley California at their friends winery. They both enjoy each other and are silly and adventurous romantics. The retired Pastry Chef and Retired Senior VP now enjoy their time together on the Harley or traveling. Key West was a perfect place for these two to make it official!
Brooke + Christian Valerio Say I DO in Key West- Casa Marina
Key West has always had special place in their hearts. In fact, they have been been to Key West for other family weddings. It was no surprise they chose the crème de la crème here on the island, Casa Marina!
Katharine + Dean Say I Do in Key West!
I have to say this is one of my favorite love stories! This gorgeous couple met in January 2014 on a flight from Ft Lauderdale to JFK. Katharine sent the pilot (Dean) up a note and the rest was history!
Katharine and Dean continued writing their history and were married at Fort Zachary Taylor here in Key West, Florida on 10.7.17. No hurricane was going to stop this wedding! Katharine had "Irma he is mine" engraved in Dean's ring. Just perfect! The ceremony took place inside the historical fort and they were surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Callie and John Dimond Say Yes in Key West on 7.17.17
The Dimonds were married at Fort Zachary Taylor on the lucky date 7.17.17 at 7:17pm! Yes, lucky 7's for this adorable couple!
Alysse + Matthew Walavich Dream Wedding in Paradise
Alysse and Matthew Walavich met when they were freshman in high school in 2001. It wasn't until 2013 that they became official boyfriend and girlfriend. These high school sweethearts got engaged on the pink sand of Harbour Island, Bahamas in December of 2016! They are super adventurous, and love to travel so it was no surprise they planned a gorgeous destination wedding here in Key West, Florida!
Ally + Hunter Key West Wedding at the Beautiful Reach Resort
Along with their beautiful daughter Miller, Ally and Hunter said I Do in Key West, Florida at the famous Reach Resort on Saturday June 3rd, 2017! Every detail from the invites to the gorgeous leather name tags were very well thought out!
Kevin + Carlos Married In Key West
It may have been a little on the warm side here in paradise, but it was a flawless wedding day for Kevin and Carlos! The flowers and decor were perfect in the garden setting of the beautiful Audubon House. One of my personal favorites was the matted Audubon painting guestbook. Such a great idea! Grilled surf and turf, a homemade mac and cheese bar, and ice cold mojitos were just a few of the favorites from the lovely Great Events Catering Team. Jimmy Cooper kept the upbeat vibe going until everyone was ready to head off to the after party. The grooms' send off was in true Key West fashion... Drag queen style. What a unforgettable wedding!
Key West Engagement Session: Carmella + Chris + Alex
I absolutely LOVED meeting Carmella, Chris, and Alex for the first time a few weeks ago. They are no ordinary couple! These two are over the top fun, have adventure for life, and are very kind hearted! Even sweet Alex! Woof woof!