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A Chicago girl needs your help desperately :)

tonyandsteftonyandstef
100 Comments
in Florida-South Florida
So, my wedding has been planned for the last year... The date is June 26, 2010 in the Chicago area.  Everything has been researched and studied to the last dollar... All deposits paid...Invitations next to buy.  Basically, I'm done.And. I'm cancelling it all.  I hate what I've planned.  It'd be perfect if I had a ton of money, and I wasn't so stressed, but I just can't deal with trying to afford a super expensive wedding anymore.So.  DESTINATION FLORIDA.  I want to get married on the beach, with just a handful of friends and family sometime in end of April or May.  Am I crazy?  Does it rain constantly like it does in Chicago?  I was thinking The Keys, or Sanibel or Captiva Island.  (I've only been to Miami before)I'm completely lost, but ready for this quick challenge.  I want nice, but not outrageously priced, relaxed, and FUN. Any recommendations of time of year?  Is May awful?  Where to have it?  Resorts/Hotels?  I don't want to mess with planning much, I just want to let them take the lead.  Am I crazy.  Probably.  Any help or ideas appreciated and welcomed.  :)I basically just want to get married at a nice spot on the beach that's not overcrowded, and have some fun with friends and family.  Thanks girls!!!!
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Re: A Chicago girl needs your help desperately :)

  • SaraandBenjaminSaraandBenjamin
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi and welcome to the SOFLA board!I'm sure it was hard to do, but you followed your heart and I'm sure made the right decision for you and your FI (not to mention your wallets, right?). Were you able to get back all your deposits? If you don't want overcrowded, I would stay away from Key West. It's an amazing place with so much charm, but usually very crowded and the beaches there are much different that what I think you're looking for. Check out: Hawks Kay, Marriott Key Largo, Little Palm Island (you'll fall in love with this one). HTH! Good luck!
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  • citytoshore09citytoshore09 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    wow! congratulations on getting the wedding that you want. this board is amazing and you'll get lots of ideas. i'll rec my venue, rusty pelican in key biscayne. gorgeous view and includes a TON in their packages. i planned long distance and they made it super easy. pics in bio. good luck!
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  • YHFoxtrotYHFoxtrot
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    wow! First off welcome to the board. You've come to a great place for recommendations. Not sure what your budget for this is BUT there are many ways you can do this.To answser your question, NO it doesn't rain all the time here. The rainy months that you would want to avoid are probably May-October. For weddings here I believe that's off season.May could go either way. It could be raining but it's hard to say. THis year it started to get very hot in May.One place that could be great for a small destination wedding is the Pelican Grande Beach Resort in Ft Lauderdale.As for the keys, if you want cozy, maybe check out Pierres restaurant. I'm not too famillar with Captiva but maybe check into Marco Island or Naples? You may consider hiring a planner or DOC to help guide you, but honeslty with this board, you really don't need it.If you can give a better idea aobut your budget (cost per person or oeverall) we can probably help direct you ever better.EIther way, good luck to you!
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi Stef! Welcome to the board =) I don't have alot of places to reccommend, but I do know the Key Biscayne Doubletree is really pretty. Sanibel an Captiva would be great, but I do agree with PP regarding the keys. Depending on the area and which Key, because it can be really rowdy around Duval steet, but some other keys are more low-key and relaxing which are perfect for a wedding. You can always page Lorena (Octoberbride) for more info, she recently got married there and it looked beautiful! Remember, if you're wedding is in May and it's Memorial weekend there might be alot of traffic and lots of partying. GL!
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  • g8rbride2010g8rbride2010
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    i looked all over captiva and sanibel-FI is from ft. myers which is right near there.  its AMAZING but sooo expensive.  sundial, south seas, casa ybel...all gorgeous!  sanibel harbor resort and spa is actually right before the bridge to get to sanibel...they have an amazing banquet room there and its little bit less expensive than the places out on sanibel i think.  i met wiht a planner for sanibel/naples area (weddings by socialites) and her website and blog have tons of photos from places out there!  longboat/siesta key is near sarasota and a great place too!  if you want any more info let me know-my email is laurenandnick2010 at gmail dot com!  ive looked into almost every venue from captiva to tampa-i fell in love with the sunset on the west coast and decided to keep looking over there even though i grew up in south florida-my parents still arent too happy with me!
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  • millenia98millenia98
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    CONGRATS! It takes guts to say what you just said...and to say it out loud and proud too!!I agree with Key Largo Marriott. First and foremost, the Key Largo Grande (Hilton). omg, STUNNING! Love it. There is a mansion in Key West you might want to check out.
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  • Secret619Secret619 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi Stefanie!You came to the right place.  The girls on this board are phenomenal!  I have been able to get so much done in so little time all thanks to recommendations and just reading what they have to say.  So WELCOME and hope you are able to find what you are looking for!As far as places in Florida, April is nicer than May here in my opinion.  April is not as hot as May and May is a lot more humid.  I loved this Resort in Key West and wanted to get married there when I was considering just getting out of Miami to get married.  I think it's really beautiful.  http://www.theknot.com/kl_vendordetail.html?id=199470&&vendorsearch=Y&market=065&category=CAR&keyword=SOUTH%20FLORIDAI'm also not sure if you wanted to have a church wedding.  I am Catholic so I looked into a few churches there and have personally seen this one and think it is very nice.  It also has a really nice garden.  Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Key West.http://www.keywestcatholicparish.org/miscellanea.htmThe only thing though, is what previous knotties mentioned before- the Keys do get super duper packed for Memorial day weekend, so if you do decide to get married in the Keys stay away from that weekend.  You will encounter a million and ten spring breakers and drunkards everywhere on top of the crazy traffic trying to get in and out of there.  Other than that weekend though, the Keys is usually really really nice.  Hope this helps!  Good luck!
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  • courtneybrooke921courtneybrooke921
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi & welcome!!!!!!!!!! Your new wedding plans sound LOVELY!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting married in Fort Lauderdale on April 24 2010 (I live in Philly) - with the help of this board, you'll plan yourself a perfect wedding!!!
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  • tonyandsteftonyandstef
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for everyone being so nice and offering suggestions!So, I'm thinking April sounds like it would be better?  Will it be impossible to book something that fast do you think?We went and told FI's parents last night finally.  His mom is very difficult (omg), but they love to travel, so I think we have them on board.My budget? I'm really clueless at this point. His p's will pay for themselves, mine will pay for themselves and help us out.. I was thinking like $4K or a little more for us to bring to cover airfare, our stay, and the costs of the general stuff?  Is that way low? We're going to invite some friends and family... but honestly, I've barely been to Florida... I just know we only have like 4-5 days to spend there (we booked our 10 day honeymoon to St. Lucia for end of June- beg. July)(I won't have any more vacation time with work... yikes)I just know I didn't want to spend like $13K alone for a ceremony/reception with a bunch of family that probably doesn't really care about being there/that I haven't seen in 10 years. (My family is the type to pull guns out, say improper racial stuff, get wasted, and either be complete white trash, or complete urban snobs-- really not a good mix)Oh, and I think it's so fun that you girls all have your shoe pics posted up.  I want those glittery Christian Louboutin's sooo bad.  lol.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker image 115 Made the cut!
    image 90 Are ready to party and cruise Lake Michigan!
    image 21 Are party poopers and would rather be lame at home!
    image 4 Are actually really making me pissy now
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  • tonyandsteftonyandstef
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    oh yea, and I definitely would like a more quieter atmosphere.  I don't want Spring Breakers and party central.So maybe Key West is too much?  I'm completely open to ideas...
    Wedding Countdown Ticker image 115 Made the cut!
    image 90 Are ready to party and cruise Lake Michigan!
    image 21 Are party poopers and would rather be lame at home!
    image 4 Are actually really making me pissy now
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  • courtneybrooke921courtneybrooke921
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I think $4000 is a totally resonable budget for what you're looking for. I'm picturing a SMALL, intimate affair on the beach followed by a nice dinner or lunch?? Something to celebrate your love - I'd defintely look into Miami or Ft Lauderdale (cheaper then Key West to fly into!) good luck!!!
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  • mmedlicottmmedlicott
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    For a while, I was planning on doing exactly what you are talking about, but needless to say I am in big wedding world now... but I digressI am going to go with another Knotties and say you should really look into Pierres or Morada Bay, its on Islamorada (which is a quiet key, very laid back). For a small ceremony and reception (like 15 or less) during the week, I was quoted $300 for the ceremony and $100 pp for dinner at Pierres (inclusive of tax and tip). The venue is beautiful, and you could have a lot of fun with the activities around the area (lost of snokeling and diving).HTH!
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  • babytecbabytec member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi Stef!!!!!! you've got a lot of great suggestions from pp so i just wanted to welcome your to our board! don't hesitate to ask us any questions...chances are, a knottie will know the answer! xoxo
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  • tonyandsteftonyandstef
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Question for MMEDLICOTT, Is that just a restaurant?  Or a resort as well?  I'm at work... so can't look it up?Thats sounds perfect.  Yes, I want small, and it doesn't even have to be super "wedding" like.  Small and intimate by the beach would be awesome.If you have any more info about that, it'd be great... I'll look on my lunch break.  (Ah, the joy of now planning a different wedding)  ;)Thanks so much!!!!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker image 115 Made the cut!
    image 90 Are ready to party and cruise Lake Michigan!
    image 21 Are party poopers and would rather be lame at home!
    image 4 Are actually really making me pissy now
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  • g8rbride2010g8rbride2010
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    oh i know someone who got married at pierres...heres a link to the photos.  looks like it was awesome!http://www.artistgroup.net/gallery3.shtml?Pierre-s
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  • tonyandsteftonyandstef
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Wow, you guys have been so helpful so far.I contacted the Marriott Key Largo and it's sooo pretty and pretty reasonable.Are there any other not crazily expensive resorts you can suggest that kind of include everything, like the Marriott does?But, I just wanted to say, I really appreciate all the guidance so far!!!!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker image 115 Made the cut!
    image 90 Are ready to party and cruise Lake Michigan!
    image 21 Are party poopers and would rather be lame at home!
    image 4 Are actually really making me pissy now
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  • miiicihieililiemiiicihieililie member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hi Stef, I ran into your comments online because I tried on paloma 4004 and loved it too. Just wanted to say that I think you're very brave for moving your wedding to florida and wishing you luck! I'll pass on anything that I hear about their resorts. Have fun and congrats! -Michelle
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