A Touching Wedding Story in Hawks Cay’s History

Young couple postpones nuptials to have their dream wedding in paradise

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing one of the most touching weddings in Hawks Cay’s history.  We are privileged to be a part of so many couples’ lives, but one couple in particular has a special place in all our hearts here at Hawks Cay.

Meet Sara and Hunter Spitler, who were set to marry at Hawks Cay in September 2017, just two weeks after Hurricane Irma hit the Florida Keys.  Following the storm, the couple scrambled to relocate their wedding venue, searching up and down the Florida coastline and beyond. 

“We figured we could find something that would work, but we couldn't,” explained Sara. “We looked far and wide, extended our search to the Tampa area, Clearwater, St. Pete, and back to Key West, since it wasn't affected as badly by Irma. We even looked to do smaller weddings in different countries, but we couldn't stop thinking about Hawks Cay. Nothing compared and we continually found ourselves saying, ‘It's not Hawks Cay!’” 

Since the couple couldn’t find a better fit, they actually put their wedding on hold indefinitely.  Our weddings team kept in constant contact with Sara, walking her through her options throughout the renovation process.  Once she rebooked her wedding for October 25, 2018, Sara and her wedding planner, Peggy Russell from Destination Wedding Studio, kicked it into high gear to coordinate her dream wedding all over again!

We were thrilled to welcome Sara and Hunter this past October for their wedding weekend.  They deserved a fairytale wedding after everything they went through (including nearly losing her wedding dress due to the storm as well), so we aimed high to deliver the most amazing nautical-themed weddings we have ever hosted. 

“We could not have even dreamed up a more perfect day! Our Wedding Coordinator Jennifer Tacey sent me a wonderful "Happy Wedding Day!" text in the morning, and the day just went perfectly from there on,” said Sara.  “When my dad and I were getting ready to walk down the aisle, I looked out at the ceremony and it was more than I could have ever imagined! There was not one detail left untouched, and I was stunned. The entire night was perfect! The food was delicious, the setup was incredible, and the floating lantern send-off was beautiful! My guests cannot stop talking about our wedding! I have heard so many times from so many guests that it was the most beautiful wedding they have ever been to, and many plan on returning to Hawks Cay for vacations.”

Love is a beautiful thing, isn’t it?  Happy Valentine’s Day, Sara and Hunter.