Imani + Toni Say I Do on a Private Island in Key West
Anyone who meets Imani and Toni sees the true connection they share. To say it was honor to capture their wedding is an understatement.
"Our friendship began on the evening of May 29, 2014. We met at a networking event at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles. As an artist rep and a PR professional, we knew there would be opportunities to collaborate. So we did what you do in LA: we met for drinks and over the next year, we shared happy hour chats about our life goals, fun projects and life in LA.
Overtime, we became closer and in the summer of 2015, we had our first date -- a historical moment when after a Harry Connick Jr. event, Imani (the outgoing, extroverted, life of the party) would convince Toni (the laid-back, easygoing, I’ll just sit back and have my beer) to go roller skating. We had everything and nothing in common. And even though Toni almost broke her knee, the constant laughter and joy we shared that evening would seal the deal.
The staycation in Palm Springs is where we would confess our love. Vacations to New Orleans, Mexico and Italy would validate how much we both liked to travel. The live concerts with Adele, Beyonce, Kem, and Lionel Richie would bring together our love of music. Imani learning to care for Toni's puppies and Holidays in our hometown of Miami ( yes we are both from Miami) would showcase how much we both valued family. Countless dinner dates, movies in the park and nights on the living room floor listening to 90s R&B, this was it.
Until… that’s right, no relationship is complete without a test… in the fall of 2016, Imani was offered a career changing opportunity in San Francisco, right about the same time Toni was offered a similar opportunity in Los Angeles. Did we mention how ambitious we are? Supportive of each other's dreams, but clear that we wanted to be together, we made a plan. If anyone asks… Southwest Airlines saved our relationship! The way we saw it, long distance meant we had two homes to decorate, two cities to explore, weekends together and weekends to do our own thing. We found our balance and made it work!
On February 18, 2017, in front of our parents, closest family and friends, Imani proposed to Toni in Napa Valley with a simple message: “I choose you too!” You see, a long distance relationship with demanding jobs means you have to make many, many choices. Toni shared earlier in the year that if things ever got too overwhelming, Imani would be the one she chose. Well, she wasn’t alone in that sentiment... we were choosing each other."
On September 28th, 2018, they invited their closest friends and family to celebrate with them as we they made their choice official!
After the ceremony, the wedding guests were delivered to the wedding reception in style on the Fury Catamaran. The wedding reception took place at the gorgeous Margaritaville Resort where guests enjoyed some amazing food and one heck of a dance party!
Congratulations to you and your families on a picture-perfect wedding day!
Photographer: Rachel E Ligon
Assistant Photographer: Jessica Paar Robb
Hair and Makeup: Rory Lee Makeup
Flowers: Kutcheys Flowers
Ceremony Location: Sunset Key
Officiant: Marshall Davis
Ceremony/ Reception Music: Kiss Me Entertainment
Transportation: Fury Catamaran
Reception: Margaritaville Key West Resort
Wedding Cake: Key West Cakes
Rentals: Prestige Party Rentals
After Party Transportation: Conch Tour Train