Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Setting: Museum
Wedding season: Winter
The number of guests: 175
How long did the couple plan the event: 8 months
Wedding theme/style: Elevated garden chic wedding.
In 2012, Kelsey and Tom’s love story began at Boston College, where they were wide-eyed freshmen from opposite ends of the country, California and New Jersey. It was during a spirited Halloween weekend that destiny brought them together. As Kelsey and her friends hopped from one costume party to another, she couldn’t help but notice Tom across the room at the final party of the night. With the help of a friend who knew him from class, they started a conversation, spending the entire night hanging out and flirting.
Kelsey developed an intense crush on Tom, but to her dismay, their connection seemed to fizzle out. However, fate had more in store for them as they serendipitously crossed paths again during their sophomore year. Like that memorable Halloween night, they talked endlessly; this time, their bond deepened, becoming inseparable from that point on.
Their love story continued to unfold as they graduated from college, navigated a year of long-distance, lived with friends in the bustling city of New York, and discovered the beauty of togetherness during a year in the Hamptons amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It was in this special place that Tom chose to propose under a beautiful tree at a charming bed and breakfast.
After their engagement, they embarked on a new adventure, moving to Miami for work, a city that quickly became their home. Their dream was to have their dearest friends and family experience their new life with them, culminating in a beautiful wedding day in Miami.
The Hamptons held a special place in their hearts. It was a year of slowing down and getting even closer after years of being together. They cherished the little moments that sometimes got lost in the hustle of the big city. Tom’s proposal, which gathered their families to surprise Kelsey, marked the perfect ending to their time in the Hamptons.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was a dream venue for Kelsey and Tom, encapsulating their love for museums and Kelsey’s enchantment with secret gardens and a whimsical ambiance. With its timeless Mediterranean-style architecture and a collection dating back to Pompeii, Vizcaya’s Main House, built between 1914 and 1922, stood as the crown jewel of early Miami. Kelsey aimed to infuse her special day with an old-world charm that embraced the venue’s natural beauty, transporting guests to a bygone era reminiscent of Mr. Deering’s elegant garden soirees, where opulent linens and exquisite china adorned the scene. Their muse was the venue’s architectural splendor, and their decor choices resonated with both timelessness and seamless integration with the space, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Kelsey’s wedding look was a dream of timeless tradition with a touch of modern elegance. She envisioned a classic church ceremony with lace and a cathedral veil. Regarding her hair and makeup, Kelsey wanted to feel like herself. She entrusted the responsibility to Daniela Gozlan. Kelsey chose to wear her hair down in loose, elegant curls, and her makeup was designed to give her a natural, radiant glow. It was essential to her that she felt like an elevated version of herself on her special day, ensuring that when Tom saw her, she would be the epitome of beauty and grace.
The bride’s mother also chose a Reem Acra gown. It was a coincidence that it was the same fabric as the bridal dress, a Mikado pique. Her gown was a lovely navy, complemented by a matching bolero.
Inspired by Hailey Bieber’s stunning wedding day, she was determined to find a dress with fitted sleeves and a structured silhouette.
Her mother, maid of honor, and older sister accompanied her on her wedding dress-shopping journey. The day was filled with anticipation and excitement, and three appointments were scheduled. Kelsey put on the dress at their second stop and was emotionally overcome. She knew, without a doubt, that this was the one. They canceled the third appointment, and she didn’t hesitate to make the dress her own.
Bride kept her dress a secret until the wedding day, except for her younger sister and sister-in-law, who were included in the special fittings and updates. Dress shopping was a profoundly meaningful experience, made even more special because her mother had gifted her the exquisite gown. Kelsey knew this gift would hold a special place in her heart forever. Her bridal dress, a creation by Ines Di Santo from Chic Parisien Bridal Boutique, symbolized her vision of timeless beauty.
Thomas looked stunning in his white tuxedo, radiating sophistication and timeless elegance. As he stood there, waiting for his beloved Kelsey, his attire exuded confidence and style, making him the embodiment of the perfect groom.
While lovebirds maintained a traditional wedding, they incorporated meaningful touches to honor those who couldn’t be present, especially their living and deceased grandparents. Tommy carried his grandfather’s WWII medal in his jacket pocket, while Kelsey adorned herself with her grandmother’s earrings, Tommy’s grandmother’s ring, and photos of both grandmothers who couldn’t attend. These precious details and a heart charm from her late grandmother were lovingly attached to Kelsey’s bouquet, becoming some of the most cherished elements of their special day. Their love and the families they’ve created are beautiful examples for Tommy and Kelsey, a testament to the enduring bonds that span generations.
With a loving touch, Kelsey’s father guided her down the aisle in a ceremony that resonated with the sweet, intimate notes of romance. This special moment marked the fusion of tradition and the couple’s unique love story as they embarked on a new chapter, enveloped in the tender embrace of their dearest family and friends.
Their cherished loved ones were not mere witnesses but active participants, sharing this heartfelt moment’s enchantment. Their collective presence amplified the depth of love and joy that filled the air.
Photographer Austin Trenholm, the maestro behind the lens capturing the magic of this wedding, possesses a unique talent for transforming fleeting moments into timeless works of art. His style is characterized by an exquisite elegance that effortlessly encapsulates the atmosphere, transcending each image into a masterpiece, narrating the love story in a way words cannot. What truly sets Austin apart is his knack for authenticity, enabling his clients to shed their inhibitions and bask in the genuine emotions of the moment. What holds significance to you becomes paramount to Austin, as he excels in capturing these genuine, fleeting moments that etch your love story into the annals of time.
Elite Planning Firm and its exceptional team did an outstanding job curating every detail of this wedding day. Their dedication shone through as they went above and beyond, meticulously handpicking the best makeup artist to bring the bride’s dream look to life. They did not stop there, seamlessly coordinating all vendors to make the day an effortless and unforgettable experience. Thanks to their expertise and meticulous planning, this special day unfolded smoothly, allowing the couple to revel in the joy of the moment.
While the venue was already a masterpiece, the bride aspired to capture the vibrant energy of Miami with a kaleidoscope of bright oranges, lively colors, lush greenery, and a sensual, candlelit ambiance. Anthology Co, the florist, not only met but exceeded their expectations by bringing this vision to life, turning the wedding into an elevated garden chic celebration. Meticulously curated details and exquisite florals made every aspect of the wedding truly extraordinary, with tablecloths crafted from luxurious linens by the trusted vendor Nuage Designs. The floral selections featured delicate blooms that added a touch of elegance.
The first dance was an intimate and magical moment shared by the lovebirds. As they swayed to the music, their eyes locked in their own world, and the world around them faded away. It perfectly represented their love, a dance of hearts entwined, celebrating the beginning of their beautiful journey together.
The menu was thoughtfully crafted further to infuse the essence of Miami into the celebration. Unique Culinary, the planner and catering team, created a Latin-inspired menu that seamlessly blended the couple’s cultural backgrounds and their deep love for this vibrant city. The result was a wedding that not only celebrated their love but also paid a beautiful tribute to Miami’s rich and diverse culture, making it an unforgettable and uniquely special day.
Advice from the couple:
• We quickly learned how important the relationship with each vendor would be. Specifically, anyone spending the entire day with you. We could not rave about each of our vendors more, and this was simply because of how personal they made the experience. We never felt like just another couple from start to finish, even after the wedding. Our planner offered us the contact information of prior clients so we could get firsthand reviews. I loved this, and you should be bold and ask your vendors for that!
• Our second piece of advice would be never to leave each other’s side the entire night. (as much as you can!) Tom and I felt like we enjoyed every second hand-in-hand. So many people are there to see you, but remembering that it is your day is so important.
PHOTOGRAPHER Austin Trenholm | EVENT PLANNING, COORDINATION & DESIGN Elite Planning Firm | FLORAL Anthology Co. | VENUE Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | DJ DJ David Dysomnia | MUAH Daniela Gozlan | VIDEOGRAPHY Lotus 7 Film | BRIDAL DRESS Ines Di Santo | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Chic Parisien | CAKE Bake Bar | CIGAR ROLLER Cigar Lovers Show | GUITARIST Miami Wedding Musicians | COFFE CART Aroma Espresso | CATERING Unique Culinary | LINENS Nuage | CLASSIC CAR Florians Classics | STAGE Miami Stages | RENTALS Elements & Accents | BAR RENTALS A Lavish Event Design | LIGHTING & SOUND The Event Factor | BRIDE Kelsey | GROOM Thomas
