Jose and Chelsea’s elopement at Villa Woodbine in Miami redefined what an intimate wedding can look like—elegant, personal, and deeply intentional. With just eight guests, a custom Malaysian dress, fine details like vintage rum and live guitar music, and a warm, historic setting filled with candlelight and florals, their winter celebration felt more like a beautifully curated dinner party than a traditional wedding.
Location: Miami, Florida, United States
Style: Romantic, intimate, refined
Time of planning: 6 months
Number of guests: 8
Setting: Villa
Season: Winter
Jose and Chelsea first met when she visited San Francisco with her friend Jin, but it wasn’t until years later that a Fitbit challenge brought them back into each other’s lives. “Me and Jose found themselves battling for step goals, and that friendly rivalry soon blossomed into something much more,” shared Chelsea. Their connection deepened through shared travels across the UK, Japan, Malaysia, and Guatemala—every destination strengthening their bond through laughter, discovery, and adventure.
Bridal Morning
Chelsea spent the morning inside one of the villa’s quiet rooms, where winter light filtered through wide windows and the sound of rustling leaves drifted in from the garden. Her white Charles & Keith heels rested beside a delicate bouquet, arranged neatly on a vintage wooden dresser. The room felt calm and intimate. She did her own makeup and had her soft waves styled by Cristina Artistry. On her wrist, she wore a pearl bracelet. Her rings were from Cartier and Ada Diamonds, and her scent for the day was Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Silk Mood.
Her wedding dress was a custom high-neck cheongsam by byMeichi, designed and made in Malaysia. “Wrapped in tradition and love, my custom-made cheongsam by Meichi Phoon is more than just a dress—it is a tribute to those who will always be with me in spirit.” The embroidery featured butterflies and birds in rich jewel tones, each one symbolizing her late grandparents and father. She wore it with a removable capelet, combining tradition with softness and elegance. Beyond its symbolism, the dress honored her heritage and allowed her to share that part of herself with her new family. It was graceful, powerful, and entirely hers.
Groom's Fashion
Jose wore a tailored Emporio Armani suit with Hugo Boss shoes and a boutonniere from Desert Rose Boutique, keeping his look classic and elegant. His accessories included a Cartier ring and a vintage Rolex watch passed down from his father—an understated but meaningful detail that matched the romantic, historic character of the venue.
First Look
Their first look took place just outside the villa, under the soft light filtering through the garden trees. Jose turned to find Chelsea smiling. Fairy lights twinkled in the trees behind them, but their focus stayed only on each other. It was a quiet, beautiful moment—no audience, no distractions—just the two of them taking in everything this day meant.
"The venue had this warm, cozy charm, making it feel like home from the moment we stepped in."
The work of Makayla Casey Photography captured every part of the day with intimacy and grace, blending film and digital formats to create a rich, textured story. Her ability to move effortlessly between wide architectural shots, close emotional portraits, and quiet in-between moments gave the gallery a natural rhythm. From the soft light catching Chelsea’s embroidered dress to the candlelit dinner table glowing in deep shadows, each image felt intentional and quietly intimate.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the garden courtyard of Villa Woodbine, beneath an arch covered in trailing ivy. The setting felt like a private, hidden garden, lit softly by dozens of flickering candles placed around the fountain and along the path. In the center, pastel pink and white flowers stood in graceful clusters, styled to look like they were growing naturally from the ground. The couple exchanged vows in front of a floral installation that framed the moment without overwhelming it, letting the ivy-covered architecture and candlelight bring softness and romance to the space.
The couple walked in together, arm in arm, holding hands and smiling as they entered. Their officiant, Frank Nunez, stood with them under the arch as they exchanged rings and vows, surrounded by flowers and flickering light. Their voices were quiet but steady, and the moment was filled with genuine emotion. Each part of the ceremony felt thoughtful, personal, and grounded in connection.
"One of the most unforgettable moments was stepping into the beautifully transformed space. The elegant fountain drapery, carefully selected florals, flickering candles, and open-air courtyard."
After their first kiss, Chelsea and Jose stayed in the courtyard with their guests, enjoying the soft winter air and the beauty of the garden around them. There was no rush—just warm congratulations, long hugs, and clinking glasses. A tray of colorful cocktails and mocktails was served, adding brightness to the cozy candlelit atmosphere. It was a ceremony filled with calm joy and quiet beauty.
"The small, personal setting allowed us to connect deeply with everyone and fully soak in the special day."
Reception
After that, guests came to one of the villa’s cosy interior rooms, filled with the golden glow of candlelight. The table was set for eight, with white linens, gold-rimmed plates, and delicate glassware. Tall taper candles stood in ornate gold holders beside full, textured floral arrangements in pink, blush, and soft ivory, echoing the blooms from the ceremony. Micro Miami Weddings marked each guest’s setting with a white orchid and a round printed menu placed on the plate. Dozens of candles lined the mantel and windowsills, while a crystal chandelier sparkled gently above. The mood felt refined but deeply intimate, almost like a private dinner at home—elegant, quiet, and filled with care.
Guests raised their glasses for heartfelt toasts and stories. A rare bottle of 24-year-aged Zacapa rum, brought by Jose’s father from Guatemala, became the centerpiece of one emotional tribute. Chelsea and Jose listened with hands clasped, smiling and laughing between sips of wine and mocktails. The atmosphere was unhurried—just meaningful conversation, thoughtful glances, and the quiet joy of being surrounded by their closest people. The soft flicker of candlelight added warmth to every word.
Later in the evening, the couple cut their wedding cake—a marble cake by Cloud 9 Bakery with chocolate buttercream and vanilla cream layers. The cake stood on a gold pedestal beneath a gilded mirror, surrounded by tapered candles and delicate florals. Chelsea and Jose held the knife together, laughing as their guests looked on. Afterward, a small tray of desserts was passed around the table: miniature tarts, layered mousse cups, and bite-sized sweets to finish the night. The celebration was never loud or hurried, just full of affection, beauty, and the kind of details that stay in your memory long after.
"What made the day so special was how intimate and heartfelt it felt. It was more than just a wedding, it was a celebration of love shared with those closest to us."
Advice from the couple:
• Do what you want out of your wedding day, even if it means being nontraditional and having fewer guests. In the end, it is about your love and sharing it with those who matter the most.
PHOTOGRAPHY Makayla Casey Photography | PLANNING & DESIGN Micro Miami Weddings | VENUE Villa Woodbine | FLORALS Desert Rose Boutique | HAIR Cristina Artistry | DRESS DESIGNER byMeichi | HEELS Charles & Keith | ACCESSORIES Cartier, Ada Diamonds | SUIT Emporio Armani | SHOES Hugo Boss | WATCH Rolex | CAKE Cloud 9 Bakery | RENTALS Nuage Designs, Pialisa | OFFICIANT Frank Nunez | CONTENT CREATOR Charlotte James Radice | ENTERTAINMENT Elegant Musicians
