Sydney and David’s Florida wedding was a celebration defined by timeless elegance and deeply personal details. The overall design followed an ethos of understated elegance, seamlessly blending old- and new-world influences with contemporary aesthetics to create a setting that felt timeless and beautifully balanced. With thoughtful planning and design by Ella Events, every element of the celebration came together harmoniously, bringing the couple’s vision to life in a way that felt sophisticated and personal.
Location: Parkland, FL, US
Style: Understated elegance, blending old & new-world
Time of planning: About 2 years
Number of guests: 130
Setting: Private Estate
Season: Spring
David and Sydney first crossed paths by chance in 2015. At the time, Sydney was working as a personal stylist at Saks Fifth Avenue, while David worked as a valet outside. To escape the South Florida heat, he would sometimes step inside the store, where he became friendly with a few of the sales associates. One day, he approached Sydney, and from that simple introduction, their story began.
The beach has always been a special place for them, where they’ve shared many moments. On a cool January evening, they planned a walk along their favorite stretch of sand with their dog Kobe when David asked Sydney to marry him. Moments later, their family appeared running down the beach, with their nephews and niece wearing shirts that read “Titi said yes.” With champagne, laughter, and loved ones around them, it became a heartfelt, intimate beginning to their forever.
Bride's Fashion
The bride’s dress paid homage to the Tuscan style of the home, featuring exquisite vine embroidery that added a touch of shimmer, sensuality, and elegance. The gown was a custom creation by Martina Liana Luxe.
Originally designed with a different silhouette, the bride reimagined the look by removing the original bottom and personally applying intricate appliqués along the back, reflecting her unique style and attention to detail.
Stephanie Lynn Studios captured the bridal preparations in the morning and beautifully documented the entire wedding day.
Groom's Fashion
The groom distinguished himself with a bow tie and vest, complemented by a contemporary detail of thin piping along the side of his tuxedo trousers, adding a subtle yet distinctive touch to his ensemble.
Ceremony
Earlier in the morning, David and Sydney chose to share a quiet moment alone, exchanging their vows in private and expressing the depth of their love. It was an emotional, deeply personal moment that allowed them to fully take in the significance of the day together.
“One of the most exhilarating moments was as I prepared to walk down the aisle, feeling an overwhelming rush that made me long for the calming presence of David,” shared Sydney.
The official ceremony then took place in a traditional Catholic church that holds special meaning for Sydney and her family. It was the same church where she was baptized, where she grew up attending services, and where her family remains closely connected, making the ceremony even more meaningful.
Planning & Inspiration
Their vision for the wedding was to create a space that felt elegant yet relaxed, refined but still comfortable for their guests. The venue immediately spoke to Sydney, as it felt more like a home away from home rather than a traditional country club setting. They wanted the celebration to feel personal and authentic, a space that reflected their style and allowed everyone to enjoy the evening naturally.
The overall design followed a philosophy of understated elegance, reflected not only in the overall aesthetic but also in the smallest details. One of the most personal touches was the couple’s signature drinks, “Kobe’s Kocktails,” named after their beloved pup. The design blended old-world and new-world influences with contemporary aesthetics to create a timeless atmosphere.
While Sydney played an active role in shaping many of the design details, she entrusted her planner, Ella Events, to fully understand her vision and bring it to life. As a creative herself, she believes in allowing the professionals she hires to express their expertise freely, trusting their talent to elevate the celebration and contribute to its success.
Reception Design
Sydney is an interior designer, and the venue immediately resonated with her vision. From the moment she stepped inside, she imagined a design that would allow the space to truly shine. The overall aesthetic combined the warmth of Mediterranean and Tuscan influences with contemporary, minimalist elements. A refined palette of greenery and white set the tone, creating a clean yet elegant atmosphere enriched by subtle antique accents that added depth and character.
The reception took place beneath a clear tent, allowing the golden hues of sunset and the stars above to become part of the evening’s ambiance. A mix of royal and round tables created a dynamic layout, while florals by Le Stem Floral and décor seamlessly blended old-world charm with contemporary style. Ivory tones, soft greenery, and layered textures of stone and glass came together to create a setting that felt both timeless and modern.
Reception
One of the most memorable moments came during the speeches when the bride’s parents spoke about Sydney, David, and their journey as a couple. The room burst into laughter when Sydney’s mother opened what looked like a speech, blew “dust” onto the dance floor, and joked, “being that it took so long to get here,” before continuing.
Dessert also became a highlight of the evening. Alongside their wedding cake, the couple served traditional Italian wedding cookies. The three-layer cake followed the minimalist aesthetic of the celebration, featuring subtle texture and delicate floral accents.
A fun detail worth noting is that David took the initiative to choreograph their first dance entirely on his own.
“When he expressed his desire to take the lead on our first dance, I was initially taken aback,” Sydney shared. “But it quickly became clear how much it meant to him. Watching him embrace this role not only showcased his creativity but also highlighted his commitment to making our wedding special.” She added, “I couldn’t be happier that he took the reins on this part of our celebration — it made our first dance even more memorable and personal.”
Into The Night
As the evening progressed, the couple and their guests enjoyed a live cigar roller, adding a distinctive and memorable touch to the night’s celebration.
To close the night, the couple treated their guests to personalized late-night snacks and live cannoli experience. A special coffee cart served drinks in custom cups, alongside zeppoles in personalized bags and pizza in custom boxes featuring the couple’s signature logo. Sydney and David even enjoyed slices on the dance floor, ending the celebration on a fun and relaxed note.
"I firmly believe that the energy and good karma we put into the world is returned to us, and my amazing vendors, along with my family and friends, created an unforgettable and stress-free experience. I was truly surrounded by love at every turn. Similarly, to my wedding planner Gabriella seeing a vision come to life is one of my favorite parts about my job and being on the other end of it was a feeling I’ll always remember."
Advice from the couple:
• Ella Events surpassed our expectations in every way. As discussed previously, the most effective way to empower a creative professional is to share your vision and trust them to bring it to life. David and I may not be industry experts, but we know what we like. Micromanagement and excessive neediness can hinder a creative from doing their best work, making the process less enjoyable and less heartfelt. Everyone, including the bride’s family, spoke highly of Ella Events and Gabriella.
PLANNING & DESIGN Ella Events by Gabriella Marie | GETTING READY & RECEPTION VENUE The Hacienda | CEREMONY VENUE St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church | PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanie Lynn Studios | FLORAL & DECOR Le Stem Floral | MAKEUP Natalie Dresher | HAIR Hannah DiPietro HDGlam | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Boca Raton Bridal | DRESS DESIGNER Martina Liana Luxe | GROOM & GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Ted Barry Tuxedos | STATIONERY & SIGNAGE The Bride | ENTERTAINMENT DJ Alex Gregory, HK Pro Music Events | RENTALS Imperial Event Rentals, Pialisa | LIGHTING & PRODUCTION Elegant Parties | CATERING Chez Gourmet | WEDDING CAKE Two Fat Cookies | CIGAR ROLLER Miami Cigar Entertainment | LATE NIGHT Stellas Pizzeria | CANNOLIS Doris Italian Market, Coral Springs
