Wednesday, November 30, 2011

FLORIDA KEYS BEACH WEDDING : MELISSA + JUSTIN


It was Christmas morning.  Melissa and Justin's first Christmas morning spent together as a couple.  They both had already celebrated the holiday with their families and were looking forward to a quiet Christmas, just the two of them.  As their two beautiful labs lounged around on the couches, Melissa and Justin exchanged gifts.  Melissa saved the biggest for last.  As she tore into her final present, Melissa realized that the inside of the package was filled to the brim with tissue paper.  At the bottom, she found one tiny jewelry box.  When she looked up, Justin was on one knee under the twinkling lights of the tree.  Justin told Melissa she was his best friend and ask her to spend forever with him.  As Melissa slipped on her ring, she said yes.  

One year later, Melissa and Justin were married on a beautiful beach in Islamorada, FL in front of their family and friends.  As the sun set over their perfect day, Melissa and Justin couldn't help but look forward to their future... one filled with lots of laughter, and endless amounts of love.

Melissa started out the day by getting her hair and make-up professionally done.  
Melissa, your dress was STUNNING!  

Melissa is a girl after my own heart... she had two pairs of shoes.  She wore this pair down the aisle as her "something blue." 
Thank you to Penny from "A Bead Above" for designing Melissa's beautiful necklace.  It tied together all the details of her day perfectly!

Melissa and Justin opted to do a first look.  Seeing each other before the ceremony allowed plenty of time to take beautiful pictures of the couple and their wedding party.   

Justin's look says it all...Melissa, you are breathtaking.  
Besides Justin, Melissa's dogs are some of her best friends.  


The ceremony took place at the Southern Division Estate in Islamorada, Florida.  

Melissa's father walked her down the aisle.   
"Tying the Knot"  


Melissa added so many cute personal touches.  I love love love these handmade Bride and Groom signs.

As the guests walked in, they were greeted with Melissa and Justin's engagement photos.
Guests were encouraged to write well wishes to the bride and groom on a large slab of Magnolia wood. Later, the bride and groom will use it to make a bench.  
This might be the most creative guest book idea EVER!
Sandals gave guests a chance to kick off their heels for a night of dancing in the sand.
When it came time for toasts, the bride and groom raised a glass with their signature key lime margaritas.   




Melissa and Justin set up a cookie and milk bar for guests to enjoy as a late night snack.  

Thanks to Smoke and Spice Catering for providing the never ending stream of delicious food throughout the night.  

Bob's Buns provided this delicious key lime creation. 



Melissa and Justin, thank you for choosing Stay Forever Photography to capture your day.  Melissa De Jong and I had a blast documenting all of your beautiful details.   It was a pleasure getting to know you and I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

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