When one thinks of Miami, usually beaches spring in to mind along with bright colored, flowing sundresses. Never would I believe that there was a secret italian-inspired garden tucked into the very heart of this sunny city. Elaine Palladino explored these renaissance gardens and found iconic spaces to create such romantic photographs of the bride and groom. There are so, SO many details of this wedding that I absolutely adore, especially the french-inspired patisserie complete with white chocolate and macaroons! You are sure to get lost in the gallery for hours, but it’s okay to indulge just this once…
From the Bride… We’d heard numerous times from couples that they didn’t get to fully enjoy their wedding as much as their guests did. We felt strongly that we wanted this day to be about us and not have to miss out on dinner or interacting with our guests. We decided that to achieve this we needed to have an intimate wedding, and although we broke many hearts we decided to have the presence of only our immediate family and closest friends. There’s something special about an intimate wedding when everyone knows each other and gets along.
I envisioned something romantic, yet modern. Since our honeymoon destination was Paris we decided to go with a Parisian theme wedding with a vintage-modern style. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens fit perfectly into the romantic setting I dreamed of; while Fifty at the Viceroy Hotel had the panoramic views and the modern style I desired. The most memorable moment for me was when I first glanced at Ricky walking down the aisle. His eyes were teary and he looked so happy. I immediately felt full of emotions it was difficult to look at him in the eyes without wanting to cry out of happiness.
All of the details were very important to me; from the lace to the crystal chandeliers to tie together with the wedding theme. However, my favorite detail would have to be the wedding guest book which I had hand-made from someone I found on Etsy. Since this would be one of the few memories I would keep, I wanted something that would remind me of the theme, the people and the mood of our wedding day. I really wanted to have the dessert table as a focal point and something I had put together myself. I found the cake stands in stores like Home Goods and Marshalls and had the patisserie sign hand-made. I purchased Paris theme scrapbook paper and lace and made the favor cones and dessert labels which were also handwritten. As far as traditions, I made sure I had something new, something blue, and something borrowed. My cousin’s wife lent me her beautiful mantilla lace veil which complemented my dress beautifully. My advice to future bride/grooms is to never forget to truly make it about the both of you. Put yourselves, your love and interests before all others.
Wedding Photography: Elaine Palladino Photography / Ceremony Venue: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Florida / Reception Venue: Fifty at the Viceroy Hotel Miami in Miami, Florida / Floral Design: Eudely Escobar of Events on a Budget / Wedding Cake: Mighty Fine Cakes / Wedding Invitations: Samantha Jade Designs / Linens: Gables Linen / Wedding Dress: Simone Carvalli / Bride’s Shoes: Fendi / Veil: Borrowed from Family Member / Bride’s Earrings: Indira by Elizabeth Cole / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Daisy Tarsi / Flower Girl Dress: Juju’s Tutus / Groom + Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Manny’s Formal Wear / Groom’s Shoes: Steve Madden
