1. Real Weddings

A Beach Destination Wedding at The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada, Florida

With Kendall Winston (30 and a nurse anesthetist) being a Florida native and Andrew Parker (29 and a cardiovascular perfusionist) growing up in a fami

With Kendall Winston (30 and a nurse anesthetist) being a Florida native and Andrew Parker (29 and a cardiovascular perfusionist) growing up in a family of fishermen, a beach wedding was a must. "We wanted it to feel like a vacation," Kendall says. To give their reception a “summer night under the stars” feel, Kendall chose a clear tent adorned with hanging lights and floral chandeliers covered in lush greenery for an added pop of color. Both Kendall and her mother even created a one-of-kind reception setup that included three long tables surrounding the dance floor, a space where Kendall and Andrew shared their first dance as newlyweds to “You and Me” by Soja. The Islamorada soiree featured a not-so-subtle tropical motif, including pineapple and flamingo accents like the cake topper and signs that hung from plastic lawn birds. "What's a Florida Keys wedding without flamingos?" Kendall says. —Ginger Harris

The pineapple-adorned invitation suite hinted at the day's tropical destination: a waterfront ceremony under a dark wood pergola and cocktail hour by the docks.
Diamond Wedding Band Displayed on Mini Pineapple
Loose Pink Bouquet with Ranunculus and Peonies
Leather Laser-Cut Peep Toe Heels
"Each piece of jewelry I wore was connected to a love story within my family," Kendall says. "My engagement ring was Andrew’s great-grandmother's, the necklace was a gift to my mother on her 20th anniversary and the watch was a gift to my great-grandmother from my great-grandfather."
In addition to being a stunning backdrop, "Islamorada, Florida, provided the perfect playground for our family and friends of all ages," Kendall says.
"I wanted my bridesmaids to be able to pick their own dresses," Kendall says. "I told them all to choose something long and Grecian in a neutral tone." The result: gorgeous gowns that blended well together.
Leather Bound Vows Book with Pineapple Detail
The Islamorada soiree featured a not-so-subtle tropical motif, including pineapple and flamingo accents like the cake topper and signs that hung from plastic lawn birds. "What's a Florida Keys wedding without flamingos?" Kendall says.
The Islamorada soiree featured a not-so-subtle tropical motif, including pineapple and flamingo accents like the cake topper and signs that hung from plastic lawn birds. "What's a Florida Keys wedding without flamingos?" Kendall says.
Andrew wore a gray suit, suspenders, black bow tie and black dress shoes paired with a pink boutonniere for an added pop of color.
White Escort Card Display on Metal Hoop
Kendall and Andrew selected tropical details even down to the ceremony program, which grew a pineapple atop, to give their ceremony a true Florida feel.
"One of my must-haves was a clear tent with hanging lights," Kendall says. "I wanted it to feel like a summer night under the stars."
Hanging Flower Chandelier with Greenery
Patterned linens, silver-beaded chargers and pineapple vases topped rectangular tables that encircled the dance floor.
Bright blooms added to the day's vacation vibe. "By giving your florist creative freedom, you can see how talented they truly are," Kendall says.
Kendall says the pink flamingo topper was one of her favorite elements of the wedding at the Caribbean Resort in Islamorada, Florida. It perched atop Andrew’s favorite flavor cake. "Our small carrot wedding cake for us to cut was my surprise to Andrew for being such a trooper throughout the entire wedding process."
Beach Destination Wedding at The Caribbean Resort