Location: Miami, Florida United States
Setting: Villa Cortyard
Season: Winter
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 65
Wedding theme/style: Classic, modern ,chic, whimsical.
Daniel and Sarah met through mutual friends in the Fall of 2017. Sarah was studying Speech Pathology, while Dan worked in finance and enjoyed weekend golf. Sarah’s family had recently moved to New Jersey, just a short drive from Daniel’s childhood home. Their first date was at the sushi restaurant Asian Blossom in Mt. Arlington, NJ, and they quickly hit it off.
Daniel proposed to Sarah at her apartment building in Morristown, NJ, on June 23, 2022. After three failed attempts due to Sarah’s impromptu schedule changes, Dan finally popped the question. Although he had hoped to propose at the site of their first date, the proposal was a success, and Sarah was amazed. Both families had known about the plan for almost a month before it happened.
ABOUT THE WEDDING
I have never been the type of bride that had a Pinterest board ready to go, but I knew I wanted my wedding to be intimate and timeless, something that would still be beautiful and relevant in 25 years.
Sarah drew her inspiration from the venue, a stunning villa in the heart of Coral Gables that felt like you were somewhere exotic. The villa’s inherent beauty called for a simple yet unique flower arrangement and a neutral color palette to complement the setting.
The wedding was filled with touching and beautiful moments perfectly captured by photographer Ramses Garcia. He masterfully preserved the vibrant colors of the picturesque setting, the couple’s heartfelt ceremony, and the lively celebration. Each photo radiated joy and love, reflecting the essence of the day.
WEDDING MORNING
Sarah enjoyed a serene morning with her family and bridesmaids, enveloped in an atmosphere of joy and excitement. She wanted her wedding look to exude elegance and perfectly reflect her romantic personality. She wore a stunning Ines Di Santo wedding dress featuring intricate details and a captivating design, timeless Manolo Blahnik shoes that added a touch of sophistication, and vintage Oscar De La Renta earrings that lent a unique charm to her ensemble. Sarah opted for a soft glam look for her makeup, enhancing her natural beauty. Her hair was styled in a loose updo, adding a graceful finish to her bridal appearance.
Sarah’s bridesmaids complemented her vision beautifully, dressed in elegant white gowns that created a cohesive and stunning ensemble. The floral arrangements, featuring delicate white blooms, added to the enchanting atmosphere. The love and happiness shared among Sarah, her bridesmaids, and her family made the morning truly unforgettable, setting a perfect tone for the rest of the wedding day.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony space was beautifully adorned with elegant white floral arrangements. The natural greenery of the garden, paired with twinkling string lights overhead, created a magical atmosphere that perfectly complemented the romantic and intimate feel of the event.
The couple decided not to have a first look, opting for a more traditional approach. The bride wanted to see Daniel for the first time as she walked down the aisle, which added to their emotions and excitement. As the ceremony began, Sarah made a breathtaking entrance and was escorted down the aisle by her father.
The bride's most memorable moment from the wedding day was "hearing and feeling my heartbeat and not being able to control my breath as I walked down the aisle."
The couple chose to have a ceremony led by a minister to reflect their faith, held in the enchanting garden of Villa Woodbine. The minister’s words resonated with the couple’s love and commitment, making the ceremony deeply personal and touching. The ceremony concluded with the couple’s first kiss as husband and wife met with applause and cheers from their loved ones, sealing the beginning of their beautiful journey together.
MOMENTS ALONE
Right before the ceremony, the couple took a stroll through the enchanting gardens of Villa Woodbine, savoring their first moments together as husband and wife. Ramses Garcia skillfully captured the beautiful expressions of their love and affection, creating a collection of stunning photos.
THE DECOR
The reception decor for Sarah and Daniel’s wedding was a stunning blend of elegance and exotic charm. The space was adorned with diverse floral arrangements of varying shapes and sizes, paired with candles that created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
One particularly touching element of the decor was a table dedicated to wedding photos of their parents and grandparents’ weddings, honoring the legacy of love. The bride also saved a seat for her beloved grandmother, who had passed away, placing her photo next to the bride’s grandfather to commemorate their over 60 years of marriage. The intimate and meaningful touches, combined with the exquisite floral displays and candlelit ambiance, made the reception a memorable and heartfelt celebration.
THE CELEBRATION
The couple wanted an intimate and elegant celebration with their closest friends and family. Many of their guests had gotten to know each other throughout the couple’s relationship, adding to the intimacy. There were more friends than strangers in the room, which made selecting table assignments fun and easy. The perfect weather further enhanced the evening, making it an unforgettable night even after sunset.
As the evening began, Sarah and Daniel took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Under a canopy of twinkling lights, the couple swayed to “Cover Me Up” by Morgan Wallen. The soft glow of the string lights highlighted their smiles and the love they shared. The atmosphere was a perfect blend of romance and elegance, later enhanced by a music selection that included a mix of oldies and Latin tunes, making the night unforgettable for everyone present.
The night continued with joyous celebration, laughter, and dancing. Guests enjoyed the delicious coconut-flavored, three-tiered classic white cake adorned with delicate floral decorations. By the end of the evening, the couple felt overwhelmingly loved and grateful, their hearts full from the beautiful and unforgettable night.
Advice from the couple:
• Lean on each other’s strengths throughout the process, and don’t lose track of what’s important- each other. Focus on what you can control, and remember that kindness goes a long way.
