Upper Keys or Sanibel/Captiva - What month?

[jeffica]

Hi,

 

After our planned Destination Wedding in Punta Cana was completely vetoed by our friends and family, we've settled on Florida - either Key Largo/Islamorada or Sanibel/Captiva.

 

My question is - how bad (hot, rainy) is mid to late June? How bad (cool, rainy) is mid October to mid November?

 

I'm overthinking, i know...

 

thanks Brides!

[mpajkos]

Hi Jeffica,

I live in South FL and mid-late June is hot pretty humid during the day like mid 80s with 100% humidity! It usually rains every afternoon about anywhere between 2-5pm but for only about an hour or so. June 1st starts hurricane season through end of Novemeber. Most Hurricanes come in Aug.Sept. Mid Oct.-Nov. it is still hot 80 but the humidity starts to go down a little. Cool fronts come around Nov. but its difficult to plan when. I would check the weather channel alumanac and see the history of weather during those times of year.

[IslamoradaBride]

Yeah I would definitely avoid hurricane season if you can help it. I am getting married in Islamorada (who knew!) so let me know if you have any questions!

[sharibare]

I live in Naples, Florida and photograph weddings on Sanibel & Islamorada all the time.

 

mpajkos is dead on. And you're not over thinking it. I've had lots of summer brides really disappointed because it rained on their wedding day.

 

But the truth is, it rains pretty much every day here in June-August. Not even for very long, though. I usually take them out for some fun photos with an umbrella and we have a blast! You just have to be open to it.

 

And this year it has also been raining in October and been really hot. Last Saturday was as hot as August. The "cool front" in Nov. is usually beautiful 65-degree weather! I love Florida

 

That being said, it's also really hot in many other places in the summer. And it does cool off at night. Or you may consider an indoor reception.

 

Please let me know if you want any venue recommendations. I've been to pretty much everywhere on Sanibel & Captiva. It's gorgeous. Feels like you're in another country.

[jeffica]

thanks ladies.

 

we're thinking Oct 17/18 so that's this coming weekend but next year. Can you report on the weather next weekend in your respective areas? We were at a wedding last sunday (oct 12) in Chicago and we were melting MELTING during their 2 pm outdoor ceremony. it was 87 degrees!

 

We want to have an outdoor beach ceremony at dusk so I'm not too worried about heat as much as I am rain. We do want our guests to enjoy pool and water activities so I'd almost rather hot than risk a cool front in Nov.

 

ok weather brides. report away!

[jeffica]

Islamorada Bride, where in Islamorada? When? how big is your wedding?

 

Sharibare - we like South Seas, Sundial, and Sanibel Resort (but are leaning towards the keys b/c of proximity to Miami airport) What do you think of those places?

[sharibare]

South Seas is really gorgeous. It's at the very end of Captiva, and really feels like you are a world away.

 

The staff there is really great too. Amanda, the wedding coordinator is a sweetie, and things like that really can make your day even better.

 

Sundial is nice too, just not quite as luxurious as South Seas. And, Sanibel Resort is really nice but it's at the entrance to the islands so you don't get that same "away from civilization and in the islands" feel.

 

They also have the cutest candy shop that I love to take photos in

 

And keep in mind; Sanibel is only a 30-minute drive from Southwest Florida International Airport, which is a great airport. It takes another 30 minutes to get to the end of Captiva, because you can only go 30 miles an hour thru the islands, but it's a gorgeous drive. Miami to the Keys is just as long if not longer.

 

But I love Islamorada too. I have photographed a few weddings at the Morada Bay Beach Cafe and every bride who sees the album is just blown away. If you want to see links to any of this, just let me know.

 

You have so many great choices, it's a win/win!

[KatieK28]

I'm getting married in Islamorada Jan. 4th 2009. We have 4 houses on the Atlantic that sleep 28 - we have 21 adults and 5 kids, so we are pretty full. Here's the link -

Freewheeler Realty Inc., Upper Florida Keys Real Estate Sales, Property Management & Vacation Rentals, Islamorada and Key Largo

We went down this past March to check everything out and it was beautiful. It was hot during the day - 80's and cooler at night 60's. I would avoid hurricane season. I spoke to my WP after Ike to see how they were down there and she said she had to cancel a few weddings - no power.

Good luck! I have most of my stuff planned and some pics so PM me.

[KatieK28]

IslamoradaBride - who's your officiant? I'm still debating on music/entertainment for the evening. Have you found anything?

[jessyg20]

Jeffica- I live in Miami and work at the Miami airport. Summer weather is no fun for a bride!

The weather last week was fabulous all the way through the keys. This week...horrible! There are 3 potential storms in the atlantic. It's so unpredictable. I love islamorada. We usually drive to Tikki Bar (Holiday isle resort) and enjoy the day. It's an old establishment but everytime we go, we feel like we're on a mini-vacation. That's the best part of that area.

Sanibel and captiva are beautiful locations but you're right about the drive.

My opinion, have a November wedding at whichever location you pick in Florida.