Wedding Reception at Coconut Cove Resort

There’s something truly special about getting to be part of a wedding in the Florida Keys—especially when the day is as beautiful as the one I had at Coconut Cove Resort & Marina in Islamorada. The ocean breeze was just enough to make everything feel comfortable and magical, and the whole ceremony and reception carried that laid-back Key West vibe from the very beginning.

I arrived a little early, so I started setting the tone with some steel drum and Key West–style music to get the energy flowing. Before the ceremony, the groomsmen lined up with the groom, and everything was perfectly on schedule. When it was time to begin the processional, I started playing “1000 Years” by Kristine Perry/Christina Perry. The bridesmaids walked down the aisle with such grace, and everyone stood when the bride’s music began—Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be.”

The ceremony took place right on the beach with the ocean right there in front of everyone. After the bride and groom kissed and said their vows, I played their recessional—“Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis. It was a moment that felt like the perfect “Keys” snapshot: romantic, natural, and full of love.

After the ceremony, I invited everyone to enjoy their cocktail hour under the tiki hut and in the bar area. Once the bridal party wrapped up photos and that beautiful sunset hit, it was time for the main introduction. I started by introducing the bridal party:

Then I asked everyone to clap, cheer, and be as loud and boisterous as they could for the new Mr. and Mrs. Hinchliffe. The entire group met them on the tiki hut dance floor and celebrated them like you could feel the joy in the air.

Throughout cocktail hour, I kept the music going with that classic Key West feel—steel drum vibes, piano tones, and fun favorites like Key West–style music, Bob Marley piano, plus plenty of Jimmy Buffett, Van Morrison, and other crowd-pleasing tracks.

Guests moved into dinner where there were toast moments (including toasts from Cadence and Capo Ben). Then it was time to cut the cake—played out to “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain, which fit the celebration perfectly.

After that, I invited everyone out to the dance floor. They danced for a while, enjoying the energy, and then I brought the couple in for their first dance.

Their first dance song was “I Love the Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery.

Next, I invited Stephanie to escort her father to the center of the dance floor for a special parent-daughter moment to “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)” by Bryan Adams. The emotion in that moment was real, and it only made the night feel even more meaningful.

Later, I invited the bride and groom—and everyone—to head down to the beach for a special dance. I started it with “Firework” by Katy Perry, and then moved into their surprise dance song: “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs, with fireworks-shadow-in-the-air energy that made it feel like something out of a movie.

After the beach moment, everyone returned to the dance floor, and I took music requests to keep the momentum going. From then on, the dance floor stayed lively—people dancing and celebrating like the night would never end.

It was truly a wonderful wedding and reception—full of great music, beautiful scenery, and a crowd that knew exactly how to celebrate. If you’re planning an anniversary or event in the Keys, let me know—I’d love to help make it unforgettable.