When Mary Luz Rodriguez Alvarez and Robert “Bob” J. McKee decided to get married, they didn’t just plan a wedding — they built a sanctuary. Their love story, rooted in shared passion and nurtured by nature, blossomed into a breathtaking wedding venue in South Florida that would later welcome hundreds of couples to celebrate their own unions. What began as a deeply personal project evolved into something far greater than they ever imagined.

From Shared Values to Shared Dreams

Mary and Bob, both environmental attorneys, first connected through their shared dedication to nature and environmental law. Their relationship was grounded in mutual values and a deep reverence for the natural world. As Mary recalled in an interview with People, the connection was immediate.

A Hidden Gem Waiting to Be Found

Early in their relationship, Bob invited Mary to visit a South Florida property he had taken over a year before they met — a raw, untouched space brimming with potential. That tour marked a turning point in both their lives.

“At that time, there was absolutely nothing on the property, not even a single bathroom,” Mary told People. “And yet, there was everything. It’s one of the rare properties in Florida with ancient oak trees forming a majestic canopy. The environment is magical, with the trees overlooking a central lake, and you can hear birds chirping through the branches.”

“The moment you stepped onto the land, you could feel an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging. It felt as though the property could speak to you, like the calming energy of a spa,” she continued. “As we rode through the trees in a little golf cart, something special blossomed between us.”

A Proposal Rooted in Place

Just a few months later, Bob proposed. When he asked Mary where she wanted to get married, her answer came without hesitation.

“I said, ‘At the nursery, the place where we fell in love,’” she told People.

That moment marked the beginning of an ambitious journey: building their dream wedding venue by hand, from the ground up.

Building Love, One Stone at a Time

The couple spent the next two years hand-building the sanctuary, transforming the raw land into a natural haven. They handled most of the work themselves, hiring tradespeople only when necessary.

“It took us about two years to complete. Bob is an exceptionally skilled woodworker, which made a tremendous difference,” Mary said.

They chose to build using only natural materials — stone, wood, travertine, granite, quartzite and onyx — to honor the environment. The venue soon took shape with artisanal detail.

“High-end elements like Italian ceramic flooring, amethyst crystals, walnut and cedar woods, petrified wood, driftwood and even metalwork also were incorporated,” Mary said. “One highlight is the use of exotic woods like monkey pod, handcrafted into bespoke pieces like credenzas and minibars.”

A Wedding Like No Other

When their wedding day arrived in 2015, it was more than a ceremony — it was the culmination of love, labor and vision.

“As a little girl, I never imagined I would one day have a fairytale wedding like that,” Mary said. “It was such a magical moment. You could feel the energy of everyone, our family and friends, coming together at the sanctuary to celebrate our love.”

Surrounded by 100-year-old oak trees, koi ponds, waterfalls and blooming orchids, the couple exchanged vows in a setting unlike any other — one they had crafted with their own hands.

When Love Becomes Legacy

After the wedding, word began to spread about the enchanting space they had created. What was originally meant to serve one couple’s dream soon became a dream come true for many others.

“Watching brides and grooms, their families and guests connect with the magic of the space — the waterfalls, the trees, the breeze — it was breathtaking,” Mary said. “Seeing a father look at his daughter before walking her down the aisle, full of emotion… that’s when we understood the power of what we had created.”

Over the years, the couple expanded the property to include features like the Lotus Lounge and Zen Suite. By the end of 2025, they will have hosted nearly 1,000 events.

Still, their approach remains personal.

“Weddings at the sanctuary are truly different. We’re not a ‘package A, B or C’ kind of venue. You don’t see multiple weddings happening simultaneously. There’s no rush, no conveyor belt feeling. Each ceremony is deeply intimate and intentional,” Mary said.

A Sanctuary for All

Reflecting on what they’ve built, Mary remains grounded in the love that started it all.

“When they cry, we cry,” she said of their clients. “[Weddings are] a witness to the birth of a family, the foundation of society, rooted in love and meaning.”

And the foundation of their own sanctuary?

“Building it took blood, sweat and tears — but above all, love and gratitude,” she said. “That’s the foundation we stand on.”

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