A Vibrant Tropical Wedding in Miami

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Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Setting: Resort
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 200
Wedding theme/style: Modern, vibrant, tropical.

Jade and Joseph’s love story began their freshman year at WashU in St. Louis. Joseph was suitemate with some of Jade’s friends from New York, who later became his best friends and groomsmen. “We quickly became friends, then it turned romantic, and we stayed together throughout all of school,” Jade shared. After enduring a year of long-distance when Joseph lived in Houston post-grad, he transferred to New York, and the couple moved in together a few years later. They got engaged in in Westhampton, New York, a place filled with special memories for both of them.

Joseph proposed on the beach, where Jade’s family has spent every summer since she was two years old. “It has always been a special place to both of us and holds so many memories,” Jade said. Joseph returned from a work trip and asked Jade if she wanted to go on a beach walk. “He slightly gave it away when he mentioned we could finally take a nice photo since he rarely likes when I ask for pictures!” Jade recalled. Her sister, disguised under a beach umbrella, acted as their photographer. “It was exactly how I envisioned the perfect engagement,” Jade added.

Jade and Joseph quickly decided on Miami as their wedding destination. They had spent many vacations there, and Jade’s parents now split their time between New York and Miami, making it a second home. The JW Turnberry Resort was an easy choice for their venue, and they signed the contract just days after getting engaged. “We hired Sari Sosa as our planner after one phone call with her—she was so excited about our wedding, seemed extremely genuine, and clearly knew her stuff,” Jade shared. Sari introduced them to photographer Jessica Vilchez and videographer Lotus 7 Films, who were quickly brought on board.

The wedding weekend started with a vibrant welcome party, where guests enjoyed cocktails and freshly rolled cigars. “Overall, we wanted a fun, fresh, and unpretentious celebration,” Jade shared.

On the wedding day, Jade wore a simple, elegant gown by Amsale paired with red Manolo slingbacks as a nod to her mother’s wedding day shoes. “I wore a double-tier lace-trimmed cathedral veil for the added drama,” Jade said. She accessorized with her grandmother’s chunky yet elegant diamond and pearl earrings.

The bridal party showcased a vibrant, tropical theme with their dresses, each carrying colorful bouquets that matched the wedding’s lively atmosphere. “I instructed all the girls to pick any dress they liked in either orange or pink,” Jade said. Despite initial doubts, the result was stunning, with the different shades, prints, and textures creating a cohesive and beautiful look.

The groomsmen wore black tuxedos, matching Joseph’s custom-designed suit from MySuit in Midtown, New York.

Jade and Joseph’s first look was beautifully documented by Jessica Vilchez. As Jade approached in her elegant gown with a delicate veil, Joseph’s eyes lit up with joy. The lush, tropical backdrop provided the perfect setting, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Jessica captured the genuine emotions on their faces, highlighting the deep connection between them. Each photograph showcased the intricate details and heartfelt moments, turning their first look into a cherished memory.

The ceremony was an elegant affair despite being moved indoors due to rain. The space was transformed into a tropical paradise by Petal Productions, featuring lush greenery and vibrant flowers adorning the chuppah. The mix of tropical and garden flowers created a romantic and lively atmosphere that perfectly complemented the couple’s vision. Rabbi Robert Silverman officiated the heartfelt ceremony, where Jade and Joseph exchanged personal vows, bringing both laughter and tears to the guests.

The unexpected fire alarm during the vows added a unique twist, but Jade and Joseph handled it with grace and humor, making it a memorable part of their day. “All eyes were on Joseph and I standing under the chuppah, so it was just never an option to even be upset! Instead, we waited it out, took some photos, did some funny dancing, and finally, the alarm went off.” All guests came up to Jade afterward and said how well she had handled the whole situation.

The cocktail hour was held outdoors, allowing guests to enjoy Miami’s warm winter weather. Guests were greeted with signature drinks, including Negronis and Margaritas, reflecting Jade and Joseph’s favorite cocktails. The sounds of a live band added to the festive mood, encouraging guests to mingle and celebrate. As the sun set, the transition to the evening’s festivities began, with the vibrant decor and joyful energy setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

The reception was a feast for the eyes, with stunning decor and vibrant floral arrangements. The tables were elegantly set with crisp white linens and gold accents, providing a luxurious base for the colorful centerpieces. Tall glass candleholders interwoven with vibrant pink and orange flowers created a romantic and enchanting ambiance. Each place setting was meticulously arranged, complemented by elegant stationery designed by GG Press. “Since the flowers were so colorful, we chose to keep the rest of the decor more simple. Petal Productions fitted the ballroom with tropical green plants along the walls, and our rentals from Imperial Event Rentals were simple ivories and golds for the tables,” explained the bride.

The reception began with an energetic Horah, lifting Jade and Joseph in celebration. Toasts and speeches brought laughter and heartfelt moments, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The couple shared a sweet moment as they cut their wedding cake, which was decorated with tropical flowers. Jade’s father curated the music for the entire night, ensuring that every song was perfect for the occasion. A live band kept guests entertained with a fantastic performance, followed by a DJ to keep the energy up for hours. “We chose not to have a separate reception and after-party. Since there was no time limit with the venue, we instead brought on a DJ immediately after the band to keep the energy up for hours,” shared Jade.

The newlyweds shared that seeing their amazing families come together for such a celebration, all of their friends reuniting and mixing so well, and the fun atmosphere made possible by amazing music and bright decor made for the perfect celebration. “Our wedding day, and the entire wedding weekend, was everything we could have hoped for,” concluded the bride.