Shawna Miller, A Perfect Affair, Key West, Florida

Considering a romantic getaway or destination wedding in Key West, Florida? You've chosen well. This island at the southern end of the Florida Keys is filled with romance. We recently spoke with Shawna Miller, owner of A Perfect Affair, a Key West-based wedding planning company, and asked her what attracts Lovetripper readers to Key West. Shawna knows the wedding business first hand: she's planning her own Key West wedding for this summer!

What makes Key West a romantic destination?

Key West is where people go when they want to run away; whether it is from work, law, or life this is where they come to. Romance blooms all around here: couples walk hand-in-hand down Duval Street, they take Champagne Sunset Cruises and applaud the marvelous sunset, or just lying by the water soaking up the hot sun sipping something that involves an umbrella. Oh, how I would love to be a tourist every day!

What's the most romantic site on the island?

If you were to ask me the most romantic spot on the island I would have to say the back of Howard's cab, No it's not what you think! Howard drives a Pedicab, which is a bicycle pulled, rickshaw-type vehicle. Ever since Eric and I met two years ago we have been enjoying these rides after romantic dinners or just for fun. Howard knows exactly where to take you, how often to talk to you and what kind of music to play.

A close second is the Medicine Garden. If a local didn't tell you about it you probably wouldn't ever know it exists. When you walk through the gate, it is like stepping into another world--one where there is life everywhere sparkling and beautiful and you feel the need to whisper so you don't disturb the peace and tranquility that envelopes you. All through the garden there are quotes and random scribblings made by various people who have passed through, and in three years I have yet to read them all. There are chairs made of rocks and statues of Buddha smiling gaily waiting for you to rub his tummy for luck.

What would you recommend for couples looking for a unique site for their Key West wedding?

My first and foremost recommendation to anyone getting married here that wants a special wedding that is not of the cookie-cutter variety is Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden. When you walk in you are greeted by tropical birds all around who say "hello" and "goodbye." They all squawk as they ring their bells playfully and show off all their tricks at once. (No don't worry: they do not attend your ceremony! Nancy takes them inside every evening, unless of course you issue them an invitation.)

You can get lost in the garden exploring various paths and meeting new animals, the spot where the ceremonies take place is a large open circular area with no foliage cover so if you say your vows at just the right time of day you are spotlighted by a glorious ray of sunshine while the rest of the garden is comfortably shady. There is a small cottage in the garden where the bride and groom can stay it is very private and away from the world. There is no room service or even air conditioning, but there are also no phones, fax machines, or emails to be checked. I feel that it is a wonderful spot to really be with each other and bask in the glory of your love.

I am a bit biased on the romance factor of the Keys since I met the love of my life here and we will be married in February, but it really is a wonderful place. There are so many beautiful spots so hidden away that people don't even see them through the neon glow of Duval Street. My advice is come, stay awhile, and take some time to get to know the Keys. You'll be glad you did.

For More Information:

http://www.aperfectaffairfloridakeys.com