Intimate, Quirky Bayside Wedding in the Keys

Plastic lawn flamingos were the tongue-in-cheek inspiration for Caitlin Hargraves (28 and an actor) and Dorian Feistel’s (34 and a microbiologist) DIY Keys wedding. “Our theme was classed-up Florida kitsch,” Caitlin says. Vintage postcard save-the-dates set the tone for a bright, playful beachfront celebration, with flamingos appearing even on Caitlin’s metallic wedges. 
A six-seat inflatable flamingo floated in the bay all weekend, becoming the wedding mascot.
After Hurricane Michael destroyed the grapefruit and orange trees on her parents’ property, Caitlin collected the fruit, dehydrated it and strung slices along the aisle. “It turned the disaster into something beautiful,” she says.
Caitlin’s sister crafted the triangular flags that hung over dinner tables. After savoring seafood paella, everybody danced on the beach and the newlyweds joined the band to play “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles. Plastic flamingos dotted the grounds. “They were a constant reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and have fun,” Caitlin says. Caitlin carried peonies, Icelandic poppies, calendula and ranunculus.
Caitlin’s sister and a close friend designed her two-piece dress. The organza top was embroidered with the couple’s astrological signs, local animals and The Beatles lyrics.