Florida Beach Destination Wedding: Joy & Matt Say I Do!
Long distance couldn’t keep Joy and Matt from starting their relationship and dating until they finally lived in Colorado together. Once they got engaged, Matt and Joy knew they wanted a destination wedding on a beach somewhere! Already a special place for Joy and Matt, and a place they loved visiting, Fort Myers Beach in Florida quickly rose to the top of their list. Lovers Key State Park provided just the place for them, and they decided that would be the location for their beachfront wedding.
Excitement grew as Joy and Matt’s closest family and friends traveled to their Florida wedding. Upon arrival to Fort Myers Beach, a tropical storm was looming on the horizon. We watched the weather all weekend, as Mother Nature tested Joy and Matt’s characteristic go with the flow style. The morning of the wedding, torrential downpours spewed through extreme winds traveling at 30 miles per hour. The ceremony was moved to a different time and from the beach to a covered Gazebo to avoid the rain. Despite the storm billowing out on the Florida beach, Joy was still fairly calm as she had her makeup done as her sister beautifully styled her hair, before heading out for Joy’s first look with Matt.
The Gods were smiling down upon them, because there was no rain while we were at Lovers Key State Park. Dapper in his tan suit, Matt eagerly awaited his bride. Joy joined Matt down on the beach for their first look, her dress so beautiful and breathtaking with eyelash detail on the neckline. The waves crashed on the shore behind them, creating big white caps as Joy and Matt shared their first look before being whisked to the Gazebo where their friends and family gathered.
Matt’s cousins conducted the officiating, the two brothers generating laughter and cheers from the crowd. Family is so important to Joy and Matt, and they love being an Aunt and Uncle, so they made sure to include all the kids in their Junior Bridal Party. Surrounded by people special to them, Joy and Matt shared their vows, which included promises to make sure the other always had coffee! They love being with their family and close friends; having everyone join Joy and Matt for their destination wedding meant so much to them. Family and friends burst into cheers as Matt and Joy said I do, and were pronounced as husband and wife by the officiants, introducing to the joyous crowd as, Mr. and Mrs. Joy!
Everyone laughed and enjoyed cocktails on the Florida beach, taking in the beautiful flowers Joy and Matt put together themselves with eucalyptus and other greenery paired with the gorgeous overlapping petals of ranunculus flowers. Kids played in the waves; the atmosphere was relaxed and laid back, everything Joy and Matt were hoping for during their destination wedding. Under a beautiful tent, a delicious beachside dinner followed, with the breeze blowing through the reception and the waves crashing not twenty feet beyond the tent.
Taking some time alone, we went out for some sunset photos after Joy and Matt shared a cupcake. Joy’s amazing hair held up the entire day even against the wind. Joy and Matt are such a cute pair who complement each other so well. Initially worried about being awkward in front of the camera, I reassured and joked with them that they were naturals. Joy said, “Well, it’s because we are so in love.” Which I thought was adorably true, as I got the honor to be apart of such a milestone in their lives for their destination wedding.
Witnessing how joyous and kind Joy and Matt were to all their guests, everyone had an absolutely amazing time at the beach to celebrate the gorgeous beachside wedding. The vendor team that Joy and Matt put together for their wedding day, was absolutely incredible, adjusting the schedule, being flexible, and making sure everything happened for Joy and Matt despite the questionable weather. Before heading back to the hotel, Joy and Matt did some dancing under the gazebo, savoring the Florida beachfront and their first evening being married. Joy and Matt shared some drinks with their guests at the hotel to conclude a magical day.
Matt is funny, and always greeted people with a bear hug! Joy is so incredibly sweet and has such a kind soul. They both adore all the kids in their lives, and were both appreciative and generous with their love and affection. Despite the tropical storm cascading down the Florida beach, nothing could wash away Joy and Matt’s love for each other.
We wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, friendship, and adventure. I am so grateful to be apart of your journey.
Much love and appreciation,
Kate
