Carefree Key West Weddings

Key West Golf Club

This is a well produced video including Keys history and beautiful footage of Key West and local activities and hotels.  The Key West Golf Club is featured toward the end of this 6 minute video produced by Golfweek. The first 30-40 seconds include footage of other areas of Florida.

Secrets to a happy marriage

James Carville (Democratic strategist for President Clinton) and Mary Matalin (Republican strategist for President Bush #1 and #2) share their secrets to a happy marriage:

If these two lovers can find a way to work through their differences, there is hope for everyone.

Intimate Weddings

No question about it. Big weddings can be a scary thing to plan. Many couples start out planning a large wedding, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the various demands of family, friends and associates. They tell me that their budgets exploded and they became frustrated that "their" wedding became less about them and more about everyone else. This is probably the main reason couples choose a destination wedding in Key West.

A small, intimate wedding for 2 to 100 guests can be far more personal and budget friendly than a 500 person affair that includes guests you hardly know and are less likely to remember. When you're making wedding plans please consider these thoughts. It is your wedding and your memories. There is one chance to get it right and to get it your way. Whether you decide on Conch Concierge or another wedding planning service, your decision must reflect your tastes, your ideas, your budget and your style. The friends and family you invite would most likely be happy anywhere, so long as they are with you. Those are your closest friends and family. If you choose a simple, tropical wedding on a local beach or garden, they'll be overjoyed...not because of the location...but because you've invited them to share this special time with them.

An intimate Key West wedding also allows you to be creative and whimsical. You can have meals together at local restaurants, go sailing, fishing, dancing...whatever your heart beckons. It's all available on a whim and if you choose to do nothing, there is plenty for your guests to do that will keep them entertained while you just chill. Perfect!

Guide to Key West events

My friend Ginger King has created this fantastic website called "On Key West" which highlights events which are happening in Key West. She updates the calendar often and what makes this site really unique is the events are frequently fund raisers which are attended mainly by locals. If you're interested in experiencing a true flavor of Key West culture and want to "party with the locals" check out these events. They're a lot of fun and this is the best resource to find them.

How did you meet?

"The most exciting happiness is the happiness generated by forces beyond your control." - Ogden Nash

After over 10 years of marrying couples who find there way to key West for the "ultimate" of unions, there have been many interesting stories regarding the first meeting. Couples meet in a number of ways. There is always at work...very high on the list. Also the dating sites like Match.com, Yahoo Personals, eHarmony.com and most recently PlentyofFish.com (a free site). Sometimes a friend, relative or associate arranges an introduction, sometimes on purpose, sometimes by chance. I know there are many, many different stories and I would love... and I bet other readers would love also... to read the personal stories of how you met and how that led to a decision to marry in Key West. So please take a few minutes and tell the world what brought you and your betrothed together. In a universe filled with random chance, how did you get so lucky?

"All glory comes from daring to begin." - Eugene F. Ware

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe

For lovers, who also love Key Lime Pie, this is just the ceremony for you! Kermit Carpenter is world famous for his Key Lime Pie. What many don't notice about the shoppe is the beautiful garden and koi pond next door that he shares with the European Village Cafe.

This is a wonderful place for a small ceremony of perhaps 2 to 20 persons. Just 3 blocks from Mallory Square and 2 blocks to another world famous institution, Sloppy Joe's. The package we've arranged with Kermit includes use of the garden for one hour, your ceremony performed by a Florida notary or non-denominational minister, 1/2 hour of digital photography, 2 slices of delicious "Kermit's Key Lime Pie" and a souvenir bottle of Key Lime wine.

Oksana and Ura, the proprietors of the Cafe will also cater your affair for a very reasonable additional fee. (One of my personal favorites is the chicken Schnitzel with salad.) This also includes a ride from the ship or your hotel to Kermit's for the Bride and Groom and back. We'll even walk along the scenic boardwalk across the street from the Key Lime Shoppe for a few additional photos. Thanks also to Steve Allerton who brought his harp, bagpipes and concertina to set just the right mood. Steve is one of the most sought after musicians in the the Keys. He is available to play between 7a to 3p for a discounted rate of just $100 when you mention the "Key Lime" package.

Cost: $225.00 plus 7.5% local tax. For more information, please call me, Michael Vernon, the Conch Concierge, at 305.292.2292.

Key West Power Boat Races

The World Championship Power Boat races will be here before we know it. This is one of my favorite events of the year. Before moving to Key West in 1998, I had heard of these massive racing boats, but had never seen them in action. What a blast! The dates are November 8-15, 2009, most of the action is offshore, but good viewing can be had by grabbing a spot on the Gulf side of the island. The Galleon Resort Tiki Bar, The Ocean Key Resort, Mallory Square, and the Truman Waterfront and Ft. Taylor are the best spots. For more information check out the website at SuperBoat.com

Coffee and almond croissant

For a great cup of island joe and a nibble
or nosh any time of day (8A-9P) check
out one of my Key West favorite places,
Croissants de France @ 816 Duval St.

The Rehearsal

Key West Weddings and Events...with care.
Unconventional. Uncomplicated.

Generally speaking, I rarely do a rehearsal of the actual ceremony, but I'm happy to meet with the Bride and Groom after arrival to discuss any details or review the location.

We can also discuss alternate plans incase mother nature throws us a curve... remember she takes really good care of us nearly all of the time...even she needs to let off some steam now and then. If it rains, I'll have a plan. I made the national news during Hurricane Dennis. The major networks sought shelter inside the La Concha Hotel on Duval St., which by coincidence is where Michael and Kelly were married at 3pm July 8, 2005 while the winds howled outside.

But if you are looking for a rehearsal place to dine or party with your family and friends,I know the island very well and can suggest just the right place. Just give me an idea of the mood and budget and I'll do the rest.

For immediate assistance please email me at michaelv@conchconcierge.com or call at 305.292.2292.