A Simple, Waterfront Wedding at Ocean Key Resort and Spa in Key West, Florida

This wedding captured Florida's simplicity, beaches and nautical charm with just the right touch. Exactly one year after their first date, Heather Scholten (30 and a physical therapist) and Scott Christiansen (33 and in sales) started their day with a waterfront ceremony at Ocean Key Resort and Spa. Just Save The Date, Heather and Scott’s planner, accented four rows of white folding chairs with hanging arrangements of hydrangeas as each seat was met with a woven fan wedding favor. Tall arrangements of the same florals also accented the altar space. “I wanted to capitalize on the natural elements built right into our setting,” Heather says. “The pier and the sea had the perfect colors of neutrals and blues, so I wanted to complement them.” She walked into the ceremony in a stunning ivory wedding dress covered with intricate beading and a sweet bateau illusion neckline as Scott waited for her in a navy suit and matching tie. Their friend presided over the ceremony. Heather and Scott completed a unity-candle tradition accented with seashells before all moved to the venue’s pier for a tented reception. Guests enjoyed a beautiful view of the bay as they took their seats in gold chiavari chairs and picked from a selection of drinks at the open bar. “One of our mottos for the evening 'Save water, drink champagne,’ ” Heather says. Another elegant detail was the centerpieces. Handpicked by Heather and her parents, each table was set with a gold, nautical lantern and surrounded by various seashells to incorporate the local beach. After dinner, all were treated to Key lime tartlets, cupcakes and dancing to Visualize Entertainment's DJ. AbbyHartPhoto captured every detail, below. Heather shares a tip: “Ask lots of questions. Vendors and planners have a wealth of knowledge, but they need to know the couples's aspirations and ideas.”