The most romantic day of the year just got so much sweeter for three lucky couples.
On Feb. 14, three engaged pairs whose wedding plans were postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic met on the sands of Marathon’s Courtyard Marriott for a Valentine’s Day beachside elopement.
The couples were chosen from more than 60 entrants who submitted their wedding postponement stories for the hotel’s contest to win a free elopement ceremony. After dozens of couples contacted the hotel with heartbreaking tales in the years since the pandemic began, Courtyard was inspired to step in and lend a hand.
“We feel so lucky to be in the Florida Keys with lots of fresh air and natural beauty,” said Kristy Harvey, the hotel’s director of sales. “We wanted to give something back and share in their love.”
“I was considered essential during the pandemic and never stopped working,” said Allison Fielder, who married her husband Ryan on the beach. “Ryan was put on leave several times. Afraid of what I could be bringing home, there were many days and nights where we chose to isolate ourselves from each other. We were trying to plan the day we wanted, but between financial situations and the current spikes, I feared our day may never get here. This was a chance of a lifetime that we will never forget.”
