Affairs Remembered: Cara Collier and Chris Helmrich Key West, December 2008

Check out the link to their slide show here...

http://www.shanrenee.com/ChrisCara/

This past Saturday, December 6, I had the pleasure of working with the nicest couple ever! Cara and I met through the Internet! She is from Florida but living in Texas with the majority of the guests flying in from all over the country. Our business relationship began with an email, then some occasional phone calls and then back to emails!!! She mentioned once or twice that the theme of the wedding was airplanes (in case you are wondering .....the groom is a pilot). I had my doubts until I actually saw the favors! She had already hired all of her vendors and needed me to help her out with all the last minute details.

I began my drive down to Florida's paradise early in the morning after dropping my kids off at school. My hubby and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our favorite diner in Key Largo and then proceeded with the long drive (my hubby deserves a medal.. I was on my lap top the whole time and would occasionally say a word or two!!!). Once I arrived, we checked in at the Casa Marina. Our room was beautiful and although it wasn't a full ocean view, we were able to catch a glimpse of the serene and calm ocean.

After settling in, I went to personally meet with my bride. She was a doll!!!! We chatted for a few minutes and then met at the hotel lobby to begin the rehearsal. All of her attendants were very efficient and courteous and were very accommodating. The rehearsal went well and everyone then gathered up to attend the rehearsal dinner.

The next day (Wedding day) we woke up to a very cloudy and wet morning. I checked in with Cara to make sure everything was going well. She was hopeful with the weather as I secretly prayed for the sun to come out... (and it did... yipppeeee!!!). The preparations went well and all the vendors complied with their duties. The room was completely set up in time for me to go and freshen up! As the guests arrived for their sunset ceremony, they were greeted with flip flops and a ceremony program. They were also greeted by the beat of steel drums.

As the procession began, everyone was thrilled to see the beautiful bride walking down the aisle with her two dads (real dad and step father). The ceremony was short and sweet but most of all.. it was perfect! After the ceremony the guests were escorted to the outdoor cocktail as the bridal party was whisked away for pictures.

The bride and groom then joined the bridal party for their formal introductions. Their joy was overwhelming as they danced with each other for the first time as husband and wife. The toasts given by Casey Helmrich (Chris's brother and BM) as well as Carol Hale (Cara's friend and MOH) were heartfelt. The food was delicious and was a mixture of Caribbean, traditional and Key West!!! The guests enjoyed the music played by family friends and overall had a fabulous time spending time with each other and sharing Chris and Cara's love!