An Eclectic Feast for the Senses at Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove

Lauren Megerdichian
January 7, 2025
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Whimsical

[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Set against the lush backdrop of Coconut Grove, this eclectic and whimsical wedding was a true feast for the senses, bursting with vibrant colors and unexpected delights. Pops of fuchsia, pinks, and corals intertwined beautifully with deep greens, creating a captivating palette that reflected the couple’s playful spirit. From quirky decor elements to lively floral arrangements, every detail exuded charm and creativity, inviting guests into a world of joy and celebration. Unique seating arrangements and unexpected entertainment kept everyone engaged, ensuring that the day was not just a ceremony, but a joyful adventure. This unforgettable celebration perfectly encapsulated the couple’s love story, leaving everyone with cherished memories of a truly fun and magical day.[/field]

[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]When designing for Mary and Tom, we wanted to ensure to capture both of them as a couple and their personality into the design. During the wedding planning, Mary a 3rd grade teacher at Pinecrest Elementary in Miami had gone viral for her teaching style (@maryisbannans) which incorporates her love of the Miami Dolphins, football and life lessons for her kiddos. This was all happening during the wedding planning. Featured on the Today show and many local and national outlets it was only natural to incorporate football, the Miami Dolphins and bananas into the design.

The invitations set the tone as the wedding was taking place at Plymouth Congregational Church and the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove. The beautiful historic stone church was the same church that Mary’s parents had gotten married and her family are active members. Donna Martinez, Mary’s mom, is the director of weddings at Plymouth and Mary is also a wedding coordinator on her spare time. It was now Mary’s turn to be the bride.

The invitations were artfully illustrated by Lauren Quesada with a crest that had a little football in it and a gorgeous artwork of Plymouth and tropical foliage and bougainvillea that captured the landscape of Coconut Grove. This was a beautiful mix of whimsical yet formal with a green silk ribbon to tie all the pieces together.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”][/field]

[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids dresses were thoughtfully curated to capture the colors of the wedding from the bright pinks, corals, and greens and with a mix of patterns and solid. Every bridesmaid was able to choose which dress fit their preferences the best to ensure that everyone felt beautiful. We kept the bridesmaids bouquets all the same for chic white bouquets to tie them all together. [/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]At this stunning Miami wedding, guests were treated to an exquisite culinary experience featuring a carefully curated menu that showcased the vibrant flavors of the region. The pre-selected main courses included a beautifully seared branzino served with sweet potato mousseline, baby vegetables, pickled mushrooms, and a rich fig beurre-blanc—perfect for those seeking a light yet satisfying option. For meat lovers, the filet of beef tenderloin was a standout, accompanied by a savory onion relish, crushed potatoes, haricot verts, grilled mushrooms, and an oven-roasted tomato, all drizzled with a luscious tarragon bordelaise sauce. Additionally, a silent vegetarian option delighted palates with a creamy wild mushroom risotto enhanced by Boursin and Parmesan Reggiano. Each dish was thoughtfully designed to elevate the dining experience and celebrate the couple’s love in the heart of Miami.[/field]

[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We designed a gorgeous wedding and kept in mind the colors of the room when choosing the canvas of the linens and chairs keeping to a neutral base.

The head table at this vibrant wedding was a stunning display of creativity and color, featuring a delightful mix of bright garden florals and elegant orchids, complemented by playful touches of pineapples and bananas. The low centerpieces burst with vivid blooms and zesty citrus accents, enhanced by graceful taper candles nestled in glass cylinders, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Surrounding round tables were adorned with a whimsical canopy of bougainvillea, draping gracefully overhead while hanging citrus and flickering candles added warmth and charm. This imaginative design not only celebrated the beauty of the surroundings but also reflected the couple’s adventurous spirit, inviting guests to bask in a truly tropical and joyful setting.

We enlisted Petal Productions to bring the custom rendering we had created to life. The overhang over the dance floor was one of our favorite touches where guests danced the night away over a patterned dance floor with cascading tropical foliage and disco balls with white decorative hanging monkeys. [/field]

[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake design was artfully designed by the in-house pastry Chef at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove. The design was a painted delicate tropical design that brought the elegance of the venue while still being colorful and festive. [/field]

[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The readings, ceremony musician was very important to the couple.

There was a fun element where the groom’s father sang some songs with the band. [/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #1″]There were so many fun and unexpected details at Mary and Tom’s wedding. From the Miami Dolphins super bowl ticket escort card display to the phone photo opportunity with floral pink flamingo and a sign “Let’s go bananas”. [/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We wanted to make sure there was a fun surprise for the groom as well. We had a drumline rev things up and even had the groom participate as he was formerly in a marching band. This kicked up the energy even more. [/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]

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