Dana & Chard | Destination Wedding
A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
Did y’all know Fancy This Photography specializes in destination wedding photography? Destination weddings are for adventurous, romantic couples who like unique experiences—and they deserve equally adventurous photographers like Courtney Collins, a partner at Fancy This Photography. In February 2024, Courtney documented Dana Statkun and Chard Howley’s gorgeous Key West wedding. She was able to photograph the natural beauty of Old Town Key West while capturing the intimate moments between the couple and their closest loved ones.
Fancy This Photography’s team has traveled near and far, capturing weddings in destinations like Glacier National Park and Seville, Spain. With years of experience photographing people and nature, this team guarantees that every detail of your destination wedding is authentically documented. We know the exact time and direction of the sunset to get that perfect shot. Most Key West weddings are outdoors, so it’s important to hire a destination wedding photographer who can shoot outside equally as well as inside.
When Chard (pronounced shard, like Chardonnay) and Dana asked us to photograph their Key West wedding, we were thrilled. Courtney packed her camera gear and headed to the Florida Keys, ready to capture every beautiful moment of this tropical celebration. Chard and Dana are an amazing couple, full of love and kindness. Their adoration for each other and their loved ones shines in every image from their Key West wedding.
Keep scrolling to learn more about Fancy This Photography's destination wedding services and experience the joy of Dana and Chard’s Key West wedding.
A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
Dana and Chard's Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
Key West Wedding: A Weekend to Remember
There’s a special reason why Chard and Dana chose Key West as the destination for their wedding weekend. This tropical location is connected with family tradition and memories for Chard, whose family has vacationed there for many years. On Sunday, February 11, 2024—nine years after they started dating—Chard and Dana shared vows under the warm Florida sun. They turned the dreary month of February into a forever memory of sunshine and joy!
Before their Sunday wedding ceremony, the couple hosted a welcome party on Saturday night at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. This poolside event under the branches of palm trees set the tone for the weekend. Guests dressed in colorful, tropical attire that perfectly reflected the chic, laid-back elegance of a Key West wedding. In a touching nod to family, Dana wore the top of her mother’s wedding dress to the welcome party, adding a symbolic layer of meaning to the weekend. The next day, Dana and Chard said "I do" aboard the Argo Navis, a luxury sailboat, during a breathtaking sunset ceremony. It really doesn’t get more romantic than tying the knot at sea.
The couple’s destination wedding took place in the heart of Key West’s Old Town". Old Town is a charming part of the island located near Duval Street, surrounded by shopping, dining, and the Conch Harbor Marina. This intimate and convenient location was ideal for Chard and Dana’s destination wedding festivities.
Duval Street: Must-Have Old Town Key West Wedding Photos
If you’re getting married in Old Town Key West, you have to get a picture with your soulmate on Duval Street! This unique local landmark captures the vibrant, iconic spirit of Key West. Duval Street is famous for its cool atmosphere, colorful architecture, and historic charm, which adds a fun element to wedding photos. It showcases the local culture, and gives couples a memorable and distinct photo backdrop that reflects the energy of Old Town Key West. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate the location’s personality into your wedding photo story!
Dana and Chard’s Love Story
Dana and Chard’s journey together began on the first day of their freshman year at Marywood University, where they met after their English class. Their love grew over the years, and their Key West wedding was an authentic celebration of their relationship. The couple was overjoyed to share this moment with close family and friends in a place filled with meaning.
With lifelong friends from college and new friends made in Durham, where Dana and Chard now live, the couple’s wedding weekend was full of unforgettable moments. Many of their guests turned the destination wedding weekend into a mini-vacation, adding to the relaxed and festive atmosphere of the celebration.
First Looks - A Key West WeddinG
Bride and Groom share first look - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography.
The Bride and Groom share their first look - A Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography.
Why Destination WeddingS Are a Good Idea
Where you go, we go! Fancy This Photography’s team loves to travel. Here are five reasons why you should consider planning a destination wedding:
A Unique Experience: Destination weddings offer a one-of-a-kind setting for creating memories. Whether it's a tropical beach in Key West, or a vineyard estate in California, or a historic city in Italy, the location adds an extra layer of meaning to your celebration.
Intimate Guest List: Destination weddings lead to a smaller, more intimate gathering. Couples who plan destination weddings get to spend more quality time with their closest family and friends. Only the real ones will travel! A smaller wedding guest list can reduce stress and create a more personal experience.
Built-in Honeymoon: Having your wedding in a destination location doubles as a honeymoon, saving time and travel costs. Start your post-wedding relaxation immediately without the need to plan a separate trip. We hope Dana and Chard took some extra time away from the office to enjoy their gorgeous Key West wedding destination.
Scenic Backdrops for Photos: Destination weddings provide breathtaking backdrops for wedding photos. Whether it's a sunset over the ocean for a Key West wedding or a historic city skyline in France, the venue location enhances the beauty of your special day.
All-Inclusive Packages: Popular destination wedding venues and resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, catering, decorations, and entertainment. This can make wedding planning easier, allowing couples to enjoy their day without the pressure of coordinating multiple vendors.
Sunset Ceremony at Sea - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography
Ceremony at Sea - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography
Tying the Knot at Sea, Key West Wedding Style
Picture this: exchanging vows beside Key West’s crystal-clear waters aboard the luxury catamaran, Argo Navis. Dana and Chard’s Key West wedding was surreal with stunning views, ocean breezes, and the sun setting on the horizon. The Argo Navis catamaran specializes in intimate weddings, offering an unmatched setting for couples who want to say “I do” at sea.
The luxury Key West catamaran’s experienced crew ensures that every detail of the voyage is perfect. From providing Dramamine to help guests with motion sickness to serving delicious appetizers and cocktails, the team at Argo Navis makes sure your wedding is flawless and unforgettable.
Argo Navis is a 75-foot luxury catamaran and the last commercial sailing vessel built in Key West. In addition to weddings, the catamaran hosts corporate meetings, summits, and special events, ensuring that every occasion is a memorable one.
Vows at Sea - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography
Bride and Groom at Sea - Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
Key West WeddIng Reception at Old Town Manor
After the magical at-sea wedding ceremony aboard the Argo Navis, guests took a trolley from the docks to Old Town Manor. This Key West wedding venue was located just a few blocks away, and perfect for dinner and dancing under the stars. The Key West wedding reception was filled with joy as Dana and Chard celebrated their love with their closest friends and family in a stunning setting.
Whether you're planning a destination wedding or looking for a NC wedding photographer, Fancy This Photography will give you beautiful images that tell the true story of your love and your wedding day. From Key West weddings to local events, our team is ready to capture your life milestones with artistry and passion.
A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography
Meet The Vendors
Photography // Fancy This Photography
Planning // Vicky Furman Events
Rentals // Eventfully Yours Rentals
Florals // Karro Events and Florals
Hair and makeup // Makeup N Giggles
Accommodations // The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
Ceremony Venue // @svargonavis @argonavisevents
Reception // Old Town Manor
DJ // DJ Sanaris
Catering // Catered Affairs of Key West
Cake // Key West Cakes