You know what every wedding needs? A dessert bar. Well, a dessert bar, two adorable cuties saying “I do” and a sweet vintage theme. Because together that combo is one that is all kinds of beautiful, from the lush DIY florals right down to the naked cake. Click here for every amazing moment captured by Angelita Esparar Photography. It’s perfection.
From Angelita Esparar Photography… The bride had an amazing vision and turned a Friday night into a fun and romantic evening. The bride and groom were such a perfect couple- they spoke kindly to one another and were deeply IN-LOVE– and what set this apart is the way they celebrated it. They turned Vizcaya villa into a place that they can call their “own” with bits and pieces pulled from their homes and natural elements. Plants as giveaways, their furniture as a place to mingle before their ceremony, and a reception hall filled food to satisfy the sweet-tooth (and gluten free!). Their ceremony took place right at dusk followed by a dessert reception.
From The Bride… My dream for the wedding was a romantic Friday night out for all my friends. I wanted them to be surrounded by glowy lighting, fragrant flowers, and antiques and textiles layered on to add comfort and depth to the feel. I wanted the music to be live and classy, the food to be healthy but delicious, and for the guests to be able to step out on the balcony at night by the Italian rooftop garden under the bistro lights and remember it forever!
I love combining an unusual element for surprise in anything I do, so I went for antlers for that feature. I used gold and crystal primarily though, playing off of some Russian, gold mirrors and a Spanish chandelier from the 1950’s that I love. Another unique feature would be all the antique furniture!
Most memorable moment would have to be dancing with my true love during the reception. I just remember being surrounded by everyone I love and being in the arms I love most. It was a full moment!
We made a custom blend because we wanted to do some salsa and mambo moves alongside some slow dancing! We started with my favorite “All of Me” by John Legend, then transitioned into “I’ll Always Love You,” “Hips don’t lie” from Shakira, and then finally finished up with the salsa version of Michael Jackson “You Rock My World.” It was so much fun!! It really was a perfect dance for us, since although we are romantic, we are on fire too!
We started the evening for the guests as soon as they arrived with a cocktail hour with a drink station and opening the bar. We served fresh seasonal fruit skewers, miniature lasagnas, and turkey wraps, for anyone who might have missed dinner. My sister-in-laws are incredible in the kitchen and they thoughtfully agreed to prepare those delicious dishes.
At the reception we served a huge dessert buffet surrounding a three-tiered naked cake. Every dessert was gluten free and vegan from two local chefs. It was definitely a dream come true! All the buffet desserts were miniature: chocolate mousse cups, gold dusted cake pops, key lime tartlets, these incredible carrot cake cupcakes, petit four rice crispy treats, miniature cheesecakes, petit four fudge brownies, and fruit topped cream tarts.
Does it count that all the decor (except for a little extra furniture) came from inside my house? My home was stripped bare! My rugs, lighting, chalkboards, frames were refilled with wedding photos, silver trays and candlesticks, even my huge ottoman became a children’s play area. I would have liked to bring the antique piano but all my wonderful friends and family were already doing so much to basically move my house for a day. They did amazing! My little sister even made little wedding coloring books tied with ribbon for the children. I guess I did DIY all the flowers. Boutonnières, bouquets, and table arrangements. Molly (the wedding coordinator) did the ones on the buffet table.
Photography: Angelita Esparar Photography | Cake: Christine's Culinary Creations | Invitations: William's Printing | Reception Venue: Vizcaya Villa | Band: Mezza Voce | Wedding Venue: Vizcaya Villa | Bridal Gown: Cassandra Couture | Bride's Make Up: Khalilah Frederick | Dessert Chef: Jennys Cupcakery | Furniture: Vibras | Furniture: Back N The Day | Men's Tuxes: T. Alexander's Menswear | Plant Favors: Big Bloomers Flower Farm