At Flow Event Group, we specialize in capturing the magic and essence of every wedding we photograph and film, and Katrina and Rafael’s three-day destination wedding at Dream Bay Resort in Key Largo was no exception. From the stunning waterfront ceremony to the vibrant after-party, we had the incredible opportunity to document their unforgettable celebration. Every detail was filled with love, beauty, and unforgettable moments—making it an experience we’ll treasure for years to come.

In this post, we want to take you behind the scenes of Katrina and Rafael’s epic wedding weekend, sharing insights into the challenges and triumphs of a destination wedding, along with tips to help couples plan their own unforgettable event.

Day 1: Pre-Wedding Rehearsal Dinner – A Family & Wedding Party Celebration
Katrina and Rafael designed their wedding weekend to be a multi-day celebration, and Dream Bay Resort was the perfect location to bring this vision to life. On Day 1, we captured the Rehearsal Dinner, which was a special evening reserved for the family and wedding party. This intimate gathering set the tone for the days ahead, giving everyone a chance to relax and bond before the big day.

What We Loved About the Rehearsal Dinner:
Fresh Oysters & Local Delicacies: The evening began with fresh oysters and other local seafood delicacies, which set a laid-back, tropical vibe for the night. Guests indulged in the delicious flavors while enjoying the stunning setting at Dream Bay Resort. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement as family and close friends gathered to celebrate the couple.
Tiki Boat Rides & Scenic Views: After enjoying the oysters, the group set off for Tiki boat rides around the waters of Key Largo. With the wedding party and family aboard, it was the perfect way to relax and take in the breathtaking views while bonding in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Personal Touches & Intimate Vibe: With Katrina and Rafael’s closest loved ones gathered together, we were able to capture the heartfelt moments of connection, laughter, and love that truly made the evening memorable.
This pre-wedding celebration helped everyone feel relaxed and excited for the wedding day ahead, and the warm atmosphere was something we were happy to capture as photographers and videographers.

Day 2: The Big Day – The Wedding Ceremony & Reception
On Day 2, we were all in for Katrina and Rafael’s wedding day—a beautiful celebration filled with heartfelt moments and stunning backdrops. As the couple’s photographers and videographers, we were there to capture every special second of their unforgettable day.

A Dream Ceremony by the Water:
The ceremony took place on Dream Bay Resort’s private beach, and the natural beauty of the location was truly magical. With the crystal-clear waters and soft sand as the backdrop, we documented the moment Katrina walked down the aisle toward Rafael. The ceremony was intimate and personal, surrounded by family and friends. We were honored to capture the vows, the emotions, and the breathtaking landscape that made it all so perfect.

An Elegant Reception Under the Stars:
After the ceremony, the celebration flowed seamlessly into an outdoor reception. The beautiful garden setting at Dream Bay Resort, surrounded by lush greenery and the ocean breeze, provided the perfect location for a romantic dinner under the stars.

As their photographers and videographers, we were able to capture every part of the reception—from Katrina and Rafael’s first dance against the backdrop of the setting sun to the heartfelt speeches that had everyone laughing and crying. The twinkling lights, the vibrant floral arrangements, and the intimate vibe created a truly magical atmosphere that we’ll never forget.

Day 3: The After Party & Day-After Brunch – Keeping the Celebration Going
But the fun didn’t stop there! On Day 3, Katrina and Rafael hosted a lively After Party where guests could continue celebrating. We were there to document the high-energy moments, from the custom DJ setup to the dance floor filled with family and friends letting loose.

It was the perfect ending to a truly epic three-day celebration. The tropical vibe, the fun atmosphere, and the love in the air made this after-party one to remember. As their photographers and videographers, we made sure to capture all the action and excitement, preserving those unforgettable memories for the couple.

A Relaxed Day-After Brunch:
The celebrations continued into the morning with a Day-After Brunch on the beach. The laid-back vibe of this brunch was the perfect way to recover from the festivities and enjoy one last gathering with close friends and family. We loved capturing the Bloody Mary bar, the gorgeous beachside setting, and the easygoing atmosphere. It was the perfect way for everyone to reflect on the magical weekend while soaking in the Key Largo sunshine.

Key Takeaways for Planning an Epic Destination Wedding Like Katrina & Rafael's
After capturing Katrina and Rafael’s beautiful wedding weekend at Dream Bay Resort, we’ve picked up a few key tips that can help couples create their own unforgettable destination celebration:

1. Plan for a Multi-Day Celebration
One of the most memorable aspects of Katrina and Rafael’s wedding was the multi-day celebration. By spreading the festivities across three days, they gave guests the chance to unwind, bond, and enjoy the full experience. From a Rehearsal Dinner on Day 1 to a wedding day packed with emotion and an After Party on Day 3, every moment was filled with joy and connection.

Tip: Consider turning your wedding into a weekend celebration. Include multiple events like a rehearsal dinner, welcome gathering, or after-party to give your guests an unforgettable experience.

2. Choose the Right Location
Dream Bay Resort was the perfect venue for this celebration. With its secluded beach, lush gardens, and stunning views, it offered everything Katrina and Rafael could have dreamed of for their wedding. As their photographers and videographers, we were able to take full advantage of the natural beauty surrounding the resort.

Tip: When selecting a destination venue, think about how the location will enhance your celebration. The right venue will provide both beauty and functionality for all aspects of your wedding.

3. Infuse Personal Touches into Your Decor
Katrina and Rafael’s wedding was full of thoughtful details that reflected their unique personalities. From custom signage to tropical florals, every detail was carefully chosen to make their celebration feel personal and special.

Tip: Embrace the local vibe of your destination and weave it into your decor and details. Infusing personal touches will make your wedding feel like it’s truly your own.

4. Capture Every Moment with a Professional Photographer & Videographer
As the couple’s photographers and videographers, we had the privilege of documenting every special moment of Katrina and Rafael’s wedding weekend—from the emotional beach ceremony to the lively after-party. With our experience in destination weddings, we were able to capture both the big moments and the intimate, candid shots that made their day unforgettable.

Tip: Hire a professional photographer and videographer who are experienced with destination weddings. They’ll know how to capture the magic of the location and ensure that every moment is immortalized beautifully.

5. Coordinate Travel and Accommodations Well in Advance
Since Katrina and Rafael’s wedding was in Key Largo, many of their guests traveled from out of town. We worked closely with the couple to ensure that accommodations, transportation, and other logistics were well-coordinated, making it easy for everyone to join in on the celebration.

Tip: Help your guests by providing them with all the information they need for travel and accommodations. This will ensure they can focus on enjoying the celebration rather than worrying about the logistics.

Final Thoughts: A Wedding Weekend to Remember
At Flow Event Group, we are passionate about capturing every detail and emotion of a couple’s wedding day. Katrina and Rafael’s three-day celebration at Dream Bay Resort was truly one for the books. From the heartfelt beach ceremony to the vibrant after-party and the laid-back day-after brunch, it was an experience filled with love, beauty, and unforgettable memories.

We were honored to document this epic destination wedding, and we’d love to help you create your own unforgettable wedding celebration. Whether it’s a beach ceremony in the Florida Keys or a different destination of your dreams, we’re here to make sure every moment is captured beautifully.
In this post, I’ll share some tips that will ensure your wedding day is seamless, stress-free, and filled with unforgettable moments, all while ensuring your photos and videos are stunning.

1. Choose the Right Time for Your Destination Wedding
When planning a wedding in Key Largo, timing is everything. Florida's tropical climate means you'll need to consider the season and the weather. Here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect date:

Best Months: The winter months (December to April) offer pleasant weather, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures—perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Avoid Hurricane Season: Hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s best to avoid these months to ensure a smooth and safe event.
Sunset Timing: One of the most beautiful features of Key Largo is its stunning sunsets. If you’re planning an evening ceremony or want to capture sunset photos, make sure to check the sunset time on your wedding date.
2. Why Dream Bay Resort is the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding
Dream Bay Resort is a dream come true for couples seeking a tranquil, intimate setting for their wedding. With its idyllic location, here’s why it’s an ideal venue for your destination wedding:

Stunning Waterfront Views: Whether you choose to exchange vows on the beach or in the resort’s beautifully landscaped gardens, Dream Bay Resort offers unparalleled waterfront views that will make your ceremony and reception unforgettable.
Intimate & Private Atmosphere: Dream Bay Resort provides an exclusive and intimate setting, making it a great choice for smaller, personalized weddings.
Professional Wedding Team: The resort’s experienced wedding planners and vendors can help with everything from catering to floral arrangements, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
3. Hire a Professional Photographer and Videographer to Capture Every Moment
While the setting is crucial, what truly makes your wedding unforgettable are the moments that unfold throughout the day. A professional photographer and videographer are essential to ensuring your memories last a lifetime.

Why you need a pro for your destination wedding:

Experience with Destination Weddings: Destination weddings come with their own set of challenges. A professional photographer and videographer familiar with Key Largo and Dream Bay Resort will know how to make the most of the environment—whether it’s adjusting for lighting conditions or using the stunning landscapes to their advantage.
Capturing Unique Moments: A professional will not only capture the big moments but also the small, candid moments that make your wedding day special. These fleeting, emotional moments often make the most memorable shots.
High-Quality Equipment: A pro uses high-end equipment to deliver high-quality photos and videos. This is especially important in a tropical setting like Key Largo, where the weather and natural elements can change quickly.
4. Consider the Location for Your Wedding Photos and Videos
Key Largo is full of stunning backdrops, and Dream Bay Resort offers numerous spots for beautiful wedding photos and videos. To make the most of the location, here are a few tips for choosing the best spots:

Beachfront Ceremony: The beach at Dream Bay Resort offers an idyllic setting for a beach ceremony with soft sand, clear waters, and an unobstructed view of the ocean. The natural beauty will shine through in your photos, especially if you plan for a sunset ceremony.
Tropical Gardens for Portraits: The lush gardens at Dream Bay Resort are perfect for couple and bridal portraits. The vibrant colors of the plants and flowers create a stunning, romantic atmosphere.
Drone Footage: Key Largo’s landscape is perfect for aerial shots, so be sure to consider drone footage of your wedding day. Capturing your ceremony from above will give you breathtaking views of both the resort and the natural surroundings.
Water and Sunset Shots: The Florida Keys are famous for their sunsets, and Dream Bay Resort provides some of the best sunset views. Plan a couple’s session near the water during golden hour to capture those stunning moments.
5. Plan for the Weather and Natural Elements
As a tropical destination, Key Largo can experience varying weather conditions. Here’s how to plan for them:

Rain Plans: While Key Largo boasts beautiful weather, rain showers are always a possibility. Talk to your wedding planner about having an indoor backup venue in case of rain, or consider a tented reception for a seamless transition.
Heat & Humidity: Florida’s tropical climate can be warm, especially in the summer months. Consider choosing lightweight fabrics for your wedding attire, and make sure guests stay hydrated with refreshing drinks. Having fans or shaded areas for outdoor ceremonies is also a great idea.
Bugs & Wildlife: Key Largo is known for its natural beauty, which includes the occasional mosquito. Keep bug repellent on hand, especially for outdoor evening events.
6. Keep Your Wedding Party Comfortable
Destination weddings often involve travel, so it’s important to keep your wedding party and guests comfortable throughout the day.

Accommodations: Dream Bay Resort offers beautiful on-site accommodations for your guests, making it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about transportation.
Travel Tips: Provide your guests with information about the best travel routes, and consider arranging group transportation for any off-site events or activities.
Dress Code: The relaxed atmosphere of a Key Largo wedding means you can encourage your guests to dress comfortably. Light, breathable clothing is ideal for the tropical weather.
7. Give Yourself Enough Time for Wedding Day Photos and Video
One of the most common mistakes I see couples make during destination weddings is not allowing enough time for photos and video. Destination weddings often come with a tight timeline, so here’s how to ensure you don’t miss any important moments:

Schedule a First Look: Consider having a "first look" photo session before the ceremony. This gives you more time for creative shots, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed.
Allocate Time for Family and Bridal Party Photos: Make sure to set aside time for family portraits and bridal party shots after the ceremony. This allows you to capture every special person who’s there to support you on your big day.
Don’t Rush the Sunset Shots: If you're planning for sunset photos, make sure to schedule your ceremony so you have enough time to capture these magical moments. The golden hour offers the perfect lighting for unforgettable photos.
8. Share Your Wedding with Those Who Couldn't Attend
One of the best things about having a professional videographer is the ability to share your wedding day with loved ones who couldn't attend. A well-edited wedding video will allow your family and friends to relive the day’s most memorable moments, even from afar.

Consider sharing highlights from your wedding on social media or sending a digital copy of the full wedding video to family and friends who couldn’t make it. It's a beautiful way to share your joy and love with those who are important to you.

Final Thoughts
A destination wedding at Dream Bay Resort in Key Largo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With its stunning scenery, exceptional service, and intimate atmosphere, it’s a dream location for couples seeking a tropical wedding. By following these tips, you’ll be able to ensure your day runs smoothly, and you’ll have beautiful photos and videos to treasure forever.

For more personalized advice or to discuss how we can capture your wedding at Dream Bay Resort, feel free to reach out. I’d be honored to be a part of your dream wedding day.

Destination Wedding Tips