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

Catherine & Austin

A Dallas, Texas wedding at Cross Creek Ranch

I grew so fond of Catherine & Austin. Catherine and I would have almost monthly chats as she prepared for her destination wedding across the country in Texas. Catherine is actually from North Carolina, while Austin is from Arizona. The two met one another online, and the rest is history.

What I love about these two is their undeniable love for one another. Catherine moved to Louisiana about 2 months prior to their May wedding to be with Austin. Austin is in the Air Force, and is currently stationed in the state. They chose Texas as their wedding location as it was a mutual location where all parties could meet in the middle.

Their day was full of love and so much laughter. Their bridal party was such a good time, and I loved getting to know all of them while my husband and I were down in Texas with them.

My personal favorite images from their wedding day are those of the ceremony and the formals immediately following. The ceremony at Cross Creek Ranch is so dreamy as it overlooks the pond and lush green trees. The arbor framed Catherine and Austin almost perfectly. The light, as it grazed across their faces and hands as the rings were placed, was heavenly. The images of these two together? Some of my all time favorites. I cant get over their subtle looks, the relaxation of their breathing as they both knew that they were officially married made documenting extra special.

Congratulations, Catherine & Austin! Wishing you many years of love, light, and happiness.

XO,

Nikki

Special thanks to the vendor team

Venue // Cross Creek Ranch
DJ // DJ Kelly Hooper
Flowers // Cross Creek Ranch
Accommodations // Aloft Hotels Richardson

Christina & Kyle’s Wedding

At Glacier National Park

There are some places that I have visited that just are unlike any other. Christina and Kyle married one another at the most gorgeous place this country has to offer; Glacier National Park. There was not enough research on my end that could ever show the beauty that I was going to see while there. Not only were there native goats, crystal glacial water, and snow atop of the mountains—but, I had the chance to document one of the sweetest love stories I’ve ever witnessed.

Christina and Kyle met while working in Montana some while ago. They met while working at a farm together, and the rest was history. Although the two live in Colorado now, they wanted to make sure they tied the knot where it all started; Montana.

On the day of their wedding it could not have been prettier. The day started with Christina and her bridesmaids getting ready at a local airbnb in a neighboring town next to Glacier National Park named Columbia Falls, MT. Once ready, we drove about 45 minutes to their ceremony site inside the park. They married one another at Apgar Amphitheater which was right on top of the water, but shaded by beautiful trees that flanked either side. The best part about their ceremony was the way that Kyle looked at Christina when she walked down the aisle. It was a site to see, and a privilege to get a front row seat to.

After their ceremony, we took the Going-To-The-Sun Road all the way to Avalanche Creek and hiked to a stunning waterfall! This had to have been my personal favorite part of the day. It was just myself, my second shooter Caitlin, with Christina and Kyle in the midst of nature. Being on the east coast I dont really see Fir Trees all that often—and goodness, they were everywhere! The tone of green was something I rarely see in my home state, and we were completely wrapped in it. Very poetic for the day.

Later, Christina and Kyle met up with their closest friends and family at the neighboring town of Kalispell, MT. It was there that they had their first dance, toasts, and cake cutting. With the light setting so late in the day in Montana (who knew?!), it made for a jaw-dropping dusk. I am team Montana weddings for this very fact.

The next morning we met Christina and Kyle back in Glacier National Park for a morning farewell (as my second shooter and I left that afternoon) at the tip top the main mountain — Logans Pass. I really do enjoy these images for the pure fact that it was the day after their wedding, and they just had the best party of their life the day before. The landscape helps that out, too.

Congratulations, Christina & Kyle!

And a very special thank you goes to my second shooter— Caitlin with Caitlin Penna Photography