Our guests started off with a cocktail reception on board Sebago’s 65ft catamaran, and later arrived to the beautiful Fort Zachary Taylor State Park where they enjoyed tasty tropical delights catered by Small Chef at Large (and were even lucky enough to catch some dolphins frolicking about!).

These tropical centerpieces are the handy work of the talented Mama’s Flowers and the classy menu cards were made by Blue Soup Design.

Is your company looking for a great way to recognize employees?  Well, booking an corporate incentive trip to Key West is the way to go!  We’ve Got the Keys will take care of all the details from start to finish!

If you were taking your employees or a group to Key West for as a reward, what is on your “must do” list?

It was a great opportunity to enjoy some seriously talented artists in an intimate setting.   The lineup included songwriters Paul Overstreet, Even Stevens,  Shawn Camp, Billy Burnette & Dennis Morgan!  The songwriters  all lit up the stage and the crowd (and volunteers) enjoyed the sounds and stories behind the music…

Stay tuned for some more “sneak peaks” from this weekend!

Were you at the Tropic last night?  What are some of your favorite/must-see shows to check out during this festival?

Love the gorgeous bouquets from Mama's Flowers (not to mention the adorable sandals worn by all the ladies!)

Natalie and Cody were married at at the beautiful, pristine Casa Marina Resort in Key West.  This fun couple traveled all the way from Japan, where they both live.  To help celebrate this special occasion, friends and family came from places all over the world like London, California, and even Thailand!  

Look who else showed up for the wedding!

We wanted to fulfill their dreams of a small intimate beach wedding with the people that mean the most to them…and did just that!  This crew had a blast and thanks to some help from Soundwave  they spent the evening dancing and laughing together.  Soundwave and The Art of Lovers photography were both on hand to document the day with video and photos.  Natalie and Cody will enjoy the memories for a lifetime!

We were so happy to a part of this wonderful day for such a special couple.  Congratulations Natalie and Cody!  You both deserve a lifetime of happiness!

Guests we given a private tour of the historical Key West landmark before enjoying some delicious food (catered by Marriott Beachside) and a chance to “cut loose” to the festive sounds of Caribe, a local Key West band.

Caribe jammin' out!

Inside the Hemingway House

Check out these luscious table settings and linens brought to us by BBJ Linen and Party Tables & Florida Keys Party Rentals.  Not to mention the gorgeous flower and lanterns from Milan Events.

We are LOVING the leopard print table cloths, so different!

The rich purple hue really pops on the tables!

A classy cigar bar adds the perfect touch!

A huge thank you to Senses at Play for the photos – we absolutely loved re-living this fun event through your eyes!

What are some of your unique and exotic ideas for a fun group event in Key West??

Celebrating its 17th year, the Key West Songwriters Festival (KWSWF)  is the largest festival of its kind. Its charter sponsor, BMI has helped it grow into the tourist attraction and locals’ favorite it is today.

KWSWF is five days and nights of over 20 free shows, staged at an array of favorite local spots in Key West, where live music enjoyment is introduces crowds and fans to the faces, voices and stories behind the music.

See BMI’s ‘10 Things You Need to Know About KWSF’:

1. The Key West Songwriters Festival is May 2-6, 2012. This year marks the beloved fest’s 17th anniversary.

2. Loved by the greatest songwriters in the world, the festival allows attendees to experience amazing songs in their purest original form in fun-loving Key West, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic meet at the continental U.S.’s southernmost point.

3. Shows are held at venues throughout the island. A foodie’s delight, Key West offers international fare and local delicacies at hotspots all a short walk, bicycle or scooter ride away from one another.

4. Most of the stacked schedule is free, including more than 30 in-the-round sets from top performing songwriters. Tickets for a handful of intimate theatre shows are on sale at www.keystix.com.

5. Proceeds will benefit Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded veterans.

6. The festival’s warm, inviting atmosphere creates unique opportunities to mingle with current chart-topping songwriters and living legends.

7. The 2012 lineup is bigger than ever, from Robert Earl Keen,Patrice Pike, Billy Burnette and Matraca Berg, to 2012 ACM Songwriter of the Year nominee Dallas Davidson and Luke Laird, the World Famous Headliners – Al Anderson, Pat McLaughlin and Shawn Camp – and the Jeffrey Steele Band.

8. Jeffrey Steele – a charismatic live performer and the award-winning writer behind smashes including Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most,” Montgomery Gentry’s “Hell Yeah,” Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy in Me” – will perform with his ace band on Duval Street. The show is free and open to the public.

9. Songwriter Drew Reid first suggested a songwriter festival in Key West, and then Charlie Baur – who had moved to the island in 1988 to open the Hog’s Breath Saloon – jumped at the idea. The event’s1995 debut was small but memorable, featuring Mickey Newbury and Shel Silverstein. BMI first stepped in as a partner and sponsor the following year.

10. Make your reservations now – hotels and bed and breakfasts on the island are filling up fast. For a list of sponsoring hotels and suggestions of where to stay, visit www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com.

So, what show/performer are you most looking forward to seeing this KWSWF?  Click here for the schedule!

Tell us your favorite memory of past festivals!

Many companies have found it beneficial to provide employees the opportunity to experience a retreat where they can strategize, team build and plan the next “big thing”.   Here are 10 great reasons why you should book your trip to Key West:

10.   Accessibility. Key West is one of the few locations where travelers have their choice of arriving by car, boat, or plane! Your group can start the fun right away with a ferry trip from the Key West Express. (The Ferry leaves and arrives twice daily) Prefer a more direct route? Most major airlines offer direct flights to Key West International Airport from Orlando, Atlanta and Charlotte. You also have the option of enjoying the drive South along US 1, named one of the most scenic drives in America.

9. Accommodations. Key West has many lavish resorts, hotels and quaint B&B’s. You can opt for a luxurious hotel with meeting spaces to choose from or meet in the back garden at your Bed & Breakfast.  Not to mention Key West is a 2 mile by 4 mile island, so wherever you choose Key West can become your playground!

8. Cuisine. Visiting the Keys is a chance to experience an abundance of fresh, local seafood caught by local fisherman and prepared for you by world renowned and award-winning chefs.

7. Exciting Activities. Take advantage of the endless possibilities the Florida Keys has to offer! Your group could charter a fishing boat and catch the big one. There are also plenty of water excursions to choose from such as: jet skiing, kayaking or parasailing. Your group could also experience snorkeling or scuba diving North America’s only living coral reef. Stay on land and take in 18 holes at Key West’s Rees Jones designed Championship Golf Course or book a themed scavenger hunt. You could also visit many of Key West’s famous attractions such as:   The Audubon House, The Hemingway House, and The Southernmost Point.

6. Relax. Once your group is ready to relax, our island has many spas to accommodate your preferences. Staying inside not your thing? The island exudes a relaxed atmosphere, where “come as you are” is our way of life.

5. Green. Upon arriving inKey West, leave your troubles and memories of rush hour traffic behind. Your group can enjoy the island’s attractions by bicycling, electric cars or even walking… Remember Key West is only 2 miles by 4 miles.

4. America’s Caribbean. No need for a passport, waiting in customs lines or exchanging money.  Key West is America’s only Caribbean Island.

3. Island Living & Hospitality. Let the laid back lifestyle, charming locals and what makes Key West what it is today charm you and your group. Find out firsthand why so many tourists visit this gem every year.

2. Weather. Experience Key West’s warm, magical Caribbean climate for yourself. With average temperatures between 75-85 degrees, the weather is almost perfect here, making it one of the sunniest places in the United States year round (Key West has never had snow, sleet, ice or frost!)

1. Work with We’ve Got the Keys - Key West’s one and only Destination Management Company!  Get in touch with our experienced event coordinators or fill out a proposal form online today!

Maybe you don’t want to go as far as bag pipes for music or traditional Irish fare dinner, but if you want to weave some of these ideas into your upcoming wedding, or plan ahead for next year, better start now!

Green Candy Stations are a sweet touch to any wedding and can be customized to your green theme too!

Try a green garter on for size to add just a tad o’ green to your ensemble for the day!

Mini Irish Whiskey bottles will make a great favor & specialty Irish Crème Drinks will be a hit to any party or celebration!

Opt for a beautiful green cake that will have your guests mouths watering to try!  The cake’s icing or fondant can be green, or dress up a traditional looking cake with cascading shamrocks!

Bells of Ireland will give your tables luscious and fresh centerpieces!  Not to mention gorgeous, they are also part of the Celtic wedding tradition that uses all green and white flowers.

Check back next week for a post wrap up of Liz and Brendan’s wedding this Saturday, March 17 (St. Patty’s Day) at Ocean Key!

Will Liz and Brendan ‘Go Green’? Or will they stick with the more traditional island wedding?

Slàinte!

Lets start with (my favorite) cymbidium orchids – the perfect shade of green to capture the essence of the islands. The chartreuse petals and speckles of white and purple are…oh so lush and makes for the perfect pop of color to any bouquet!  Your bouquet can be made up entirely of these beauties, or just subtly added.  Cymbidiums are also a great option for the groom and his men’s boutonnieres or you save one from the bouquet and give to your hair stylist to add to your up-do!

A great aesthetic and budget friendly option is using an abundance of lush, tropical green foliage in your bouquets, centerpieces and decor.  Not only are they much cheaper than flowers, that bold green color really adds an exotic feel…

Ginger, Birds of Paradise and Anthurium flowers  are all great “go-to” tropical flowers to showcase in your beach wedding.  These are great if you are looking to pull in red, orange, pink and white hues to mimic the perfect island sunset.

In addition to beautiful blooms, there are other innovative options for you to intertwine the look of the sun and sand buy using, seashells!  Shells, and things like starfish, are the perfect accoutrement to your beachy bouquet.  As you can see here, you can go either way – add a couple, or go crazy!

Have you seen or been to a destination wedding that had some fabulous beachy details? Let us know or tell us what you think of our island evoking ideas!

Registry… Get a fresh start on your new married life and gear your registry towards minimizing your impact on the planet.  Evaluate what you really need, and want.  If two sets of fine china are just going to be collecting dust…skip them.  Try to remember – If you wont use it, don’t register for it!  Many retailers and specialty stores offer items like, eco-friendly kitchenware, energy-saving small appliances, organic linens, and even non toxic household ware. Most of the time these products are made from reused materials like recycled glass or bamboo.

Bamboo Salad Sets are a popular option

Transportation… Try to plan your ceremony and reception at the same venue, or within proximity of each other.  Another way to minimize travel is having guests carpool.  If you are having a destination wedding in Key West, where the island is merely two by four miles, why not think of renting a trolley or an electric car to shuttle guests to and from?!  Not only does the rental make things easier for the guests, it is a fun and unique way to get them to your celebration while minimizing emissions.

Old Town Trolley

Favors… Many favors get tossed to the side, or even thrown away!  And what can be more wasteful than that?  Trendy weddings these days are putting their favors to a good cause.  Find a local non-profit or environmental organization that has significance to you and your husband-to-be and contribute the dollars of what you would spend on favors.  To double up on green points, find an attractive recycled paper or card stock to let your guests know about your responsible contribution.  If you don’t want your guests leaving empty handed, give the gift of bloom!  Go for a “plant-able” seeded paper (this could be a bookmark, a favor box or even a card built in with your favorite flowers or herbs).

Flowers… Talk to your florist about choosing locally or organically grown blooms for your big day.  You can even minimize on cost creating your centerpieces out of potted blooms, orchids or adding a romantic ambiance with candles.

Dress… After your wedding, give your dress a second life!  There are many resources that will list your dress online and even sell it for you.  Many of the places will donate some of the proceeds to local charities too.  If you can’t bare the thought of parting with your gown and are a little crafty…reuse some of the fabric to add something special to a pillow, purse or picture frame…you could even use it in the future for a fancy baby outfit or christening gown.

Planning an elegant, yet eco-conscience wedding, doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think.  There are many ways to help find your “inner zen.” Maybe your sustainably smart wedding can even inspire a few of your guests and friends to follow in your green footsteps too!

Have you “greened” your wedding?  If so, tell us your eco-chic tips for our green brides?

Blue Nails/Toes…my personal favorite, and what better hue to use than Essie’s very own shade named ‘Something Blue’?!  If you think blue nails might be a bit much for the photos you’ll be looking at for the rest of your life – go for the toes, and if you are wanting to go light, this particular shade is perfect for that (For a more bright blue, check out OPI’s ‘Blue My Mind’ or ‘Ogre the Top’ for a more electrifying look).

Essie's "Something Blue"

Blue Shoes…if you want to kick it up a notch – go for blue shoes, there are so many designers that offer great shoes at a variety of blue hues.  It might even be fun to have matching shoes with your bridesmaids, but your shoes in blue!  Bright blue heels not your thing? Or, you already found the perfect heel in a more… conventional tone, try adding a subtle blue shoe clip.  They can be easily attached to any shoe for that extra oomph and something you can always treasure when looking back on your special day!

Simple Stitching…We’ve been seeing a trend of brides having dates and initials sewn on the inside of their dress, and love this!  Another idea for some, if you have a loved one who has passed and you have access to an old blue dress or dress shirt, have a piece or patch of it stitched on the inside (this would actually cover: “old”, “borrowed” and “blue”).

Blue Ribbon…Blue ribbons aren’t just for first place anymore.  Bind your bridal bouquet together with a beautiful blue bow or blue satin wrap.  Florists usually have a wide selection of ribbon, just be sure they have the shade you are looking for!

Accessorize…in Blue…This is an easy one, look for pretty hair pins in…blue!  They can be simple or even go bold – either way you’re bound to be looking fabulous with a touch of blue in your coif!

No matter if your bridal style is adventurous or on the modest side, these fun ideas are sure to inspire what you are looking for to create your dream day!  So give them some thought and see if you picture yourself in electric blue heels or donning a vintage blue hairpeice in your updo.  Remember, not all “somethings” have to be on display for everyone to witness – “some ~ things” are best left more discreet to be shared for your wedding night with your future Mister!

If you’re already married, will you  share below what you chose for your “blue”?  Let us know if  you got married in Key West.  Best Wishes!