#realchicbride Carolina in Monique Lhuillier Alexandra
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Matthew and I met when we were both 19 years old, attending FIU, at one of my best friend and bridesmaid’s birthday party. I secretly told all my friends I thought he was cute. Eventually, that message got back to him and he asked for my number. We immediately started dating and have been inseparable ever since. Our wedding date was actually on our 5 and a half year anniversary. We have spent those years planning our future, growing up together, and making amazing memories together and with our friends and families. Our favorite thing to do together is travel, leading to our engagement in Central Park, since New York is one of my favorite cities.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I’ve always been the type of girl who has planned my wedding since I was a little girl. My vision has changed through the years but I knew I wanted something timeless and elegant that I could look back on when I’m older and still absolutely love. I think our wedding absolutely nailed that vision. The all white florals and cascading greenery was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was an absolute dream!
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We wanted our wedding to be as fun as it was beautiful, so I wanted to make sure our personalities showed through all the little details. We had an “Espresso Martinez” wall, Martinez being my new last name, and a gelato and cannoli cart representing our absolute favorite trip together to the Amalfi Coast. Instead of a typical bridal party entrance, we had our parents and the whole party enter the reception holding personalized club signs and cut outs of our faces.
How did you decide on the location?
I always knew I wanted a local wedding so all of our family and friends could attend. With that, I had been to or seen a lot of Miami venues and Catholic churches throughout the years and have always thought the Club of Knights was so beautiful and matched the vision I wanted perfectly. Miami also has beautiful churches but I had my eyes set on St Raymond for its close proximity and all wooden infrastructure. I toured both exactly a week after getting engaged and booked them that same day!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
My dress was absolutely perfect!
I always knew I’d buy my dress at Chic Parisien. My mom bought her dress there in 1987 and then my sister in 2015. I originally thought I’d have an all satin ballgown but once I saw a video of the Monique Lhullier Alexandra gown, I showed my mom and told her “If I’m doing lace, I’m doing this dress”. It was actually the first dress I tried on and I absolutely fell in love with it. It checked every box and really made me feel like a bride.
Paired with my laced trim veil and my lace and pearl Jimmy Choo heels, it was perfect for my wedding day. My sister also wore a Monique Lhullier gown so it felt just right!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My family was a huge help during wedding planning and the wedding day itself, especially my mom and sister. I had a vision of what I wanted but always needed their reassurance before making any decision. They came along with me to every tour and every dress fitting. They were my biggest support on the day of and we had so much fun getting ready together and preparing for the big day. There were also three girls who absolutely made my wedding day so special, my nieces. They are 2, 4, and 6 and had the absolute best time. They got ready with us, cheersed apple cider, and danced the night away!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
I think walking down the aisle is something I’ll never forget. I didn’t do a first look, so that was the first time I saw my husband that day. It really felt like I was in a movie and I was so overwhelmed with happiness. Also, the fact that I got to have that moment with my dad was really special. It’s something I dreamed of since being a little girl and felt very full circle.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
This was probably the thing I was most indecisive on during the entire planning process. With makeup, I really let my makeup artist do what she thought was best. Her work is so beautiful so I knew she would do great. I tried so many different hairstyles for my trial and dress fittings and didn’t decide until my final fitting that I wanted to do two hairstyles. I always knew I wanted my hair down for the ceremony but decided to do a slick back bun before the reception. It was the best decision ever! It was like having two looks but with my same gown. I got so many different photos and felt so comfortable dancing all night. I would highly recommend a second hair look!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
My photographer!!! Raquel, @blissfulhazephotography. She was absolutely amazing and made everything so seamless the day of. She made sure to get every single shot I wanted and sent sneak peeks three days after so I had all these beautiful memories to look back on as soon as possible. The day goes by so quickly and I’m so grateful we have such beautiful pictures to look back on. We will cherish her work for the rest of our lives!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went on a 10 day cruise around Greece and Turkey. My husband and I’s favorite part was exploring Istanbul, which has always been on our bucket list.
Vendors
Photo @blissfulhazephotography
Video @lovestoryfilmsco
Content @everlastingeditsbykaren
Church St Raymond Catholic Church
Venue @theclubofknights
Glam @beautyby_renata
Florals @nerysflowers
Rentals @cachetentsandevents
Signage/Wall @miamiwritesco
DJ @mikesipegroup DVNY
Planner @events_by_priscilla
Gelato Cart @vanigliaecioccolato
Coffee Cart @aromaespresso
Car @aralimo
Flower Wall @yasminasfloral
#realchicbride Carolina in Kyha Bride's Palm Royale Inspired Miami Wedding
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
We met six years ago in New York City, introduced by mutual friends at the Mandarin Oriental bar. From that night on, we were inseparable. Everything just clicked—our personalities, sense of humor, even our families and friend groups blended effortlessly.
A few years later, we made the decision to move to Miami to be closer to my family, and that move only brought us closer together.
Fast forward to December 2023—he planned a romantic beach proposal at The Setai in Miami Beach. But as anyone who’s lived in Florida knows, the weather has a mind of its own. It poured the entire weekend and what was meant to be a picture-perfect moment turned into a hilarious, unforgettable story that made the proposal even more special.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I first started planning the wedding, I had a completely different vision than what we ultimately created. It’s funny—what you think you want can change so much once the planning actually begins.
Initially, I imagined a flashy, sequined gown and a non-traditional venue—definitely not a hotel. But as things came together, I found myself falling in love with a timeless, simple fit-and-flare dress… and saying "yes" to a beautiful hotel venue in Miami. With 60% of our guests traveling from New York, choosing a hotel made perfect sense—and I wouldn’t change a thing.
My biggest advice? Don’t get too attached to any one idea early on. Be flexible, trust the process, and stay open to what feels right as you go. Sometimes the unexpected turns out to be exactly what you needed.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
Looking back, the most important elements for us were entertainment, food, and drinks—those are the things guests truly remember. One of the biggest hits of the night was the live saxophone and trombone players we brought in to perform alongside the DJ on the dance floor. It brought such incredible energy, and we received so many compliments on it. That kind of experience sticks with people—no one notices if the small details don’t go exactly as planned.
We also wanted the overall vibe to feel authentic to us, which meant doing things a bit differently. I’ve always loved an unconventional touch, so I embraced the trend of letting my bridesmaids wear different styles and dresses. I gave them the freedom to choose what made them feel most confident and beautiful, and the result was even better than I imagined. They felt amazing—and it really showed.
How did you decide on the location?
We chose the location with our guests in mind—more than half of our wedding party was traveling from New York, so hosting everything at a hotel felt like the most convenient and comfortable option. It allowed everyone to stay in one place, relax, and fully enjoy the celebration without the hassle of transportation.
Since the wedding was in March, we knew our guests would appreciate escaping the cold and enjoying the pool as a pre-wedding kickoff.
As for the vibe, we were inspired by a Palm Royale theme—think Palm Beach glamour in the 1960s and ’70s. The Mondrian Hotel captured that retro-Miami aesthetic perfectly. It brought the vision to life in a way that felt both stylish and true to us.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
The dress was, without a doubt, one of the biggest talking points of the night—I received so many compliments, and I truly felt like a movie star. It was a gown by Chosen by Kyha, and their designs are nothing short of stunning. But what really brought it to life was the expert tailoring by Chic Parisien—they altered it so perfectly that it fit like it was custom-made just for me. I was genuinely speechless when I put it on.
Not only did it look incredible, but it was also surprisingly comfortable, which made it even more enjoyable to wear all night long. It struck that perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern glamour—I couldn't have asked for more.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
I was incredibly lucky to have such a supportive group of family and friends throughout the planning process and on the big day itself. Wedding planning comes with a lot of moving parts, and having a reliable support system made all the difference.
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to give each of my bridesmaids a specific role for the day of the wedding. It helped things run smoothly and took a lot of pressure off me. One bridesmaid handled steaming all the dresses, another played music to keep the energy and vibes high, one made sure we were all hydrated and had something to eat, and another kept us on schedule with hair and makeup. Everyone had a purpose, and it created such a fun, organized, and stress-free environment.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
There are so many unforgettable moments from our wedding day, but one that stands out the most was right before the ceremony. My husband and I did a first look, and it gave us a chance to pause, breathe, and share a quiet moment together. Seeing each other for the first time, taking in how we both looked and felt, and exchanging private vows before everything began was incredibly special—it grounded us before the whirlwind of the day.
Shortly after, as we headed to the church for the ceremony, we stopped to take photos in the beautiful, lush Miami Beach neighborhood surrounding it. As we were shooting in front of one of the homes, the owner happened to pull into her driveway. She smiled, rolled down her window, and said, “This is a sign—my husband and I have been married for over 30 years, and today is our anniversary.” She even invited us into her stunning home and allowed our photographer to take a few photos inside. It was such a serendipitous and heartwarming moment that made the day feel even more meaningful.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
It’s actually a funny story—I only did one makeup trial, but I went through three hair trials because I was so indecisive about the style. I knew I wanted an updo, but I couldn’t settle on the exact look. In the end, the hairstyle I chose was one I hadn’t even tried during the trials—I wore it for the very first time on my wedding day! It was definitely a bit of a leap of faith, but it ended up being absolutely perfect, and I loved how it turned out.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
I have to give a huge shoutout to both my wedding planner and photographer—they were truly incredible and made the entire experience unforgettable.
My wedding planner not only handled the planning but also designed and executed all the florals. She brought my vision to life so beautifully while staying mindful of our budget, and she completely exceeded my expectations. I know some people consider skipping a planner, but honestly, they’re worth every penny.
As for my photographer, I shared my vision for a retro, editorial-style aesthetic, and she absolutely delivered. The photos captured the mood, style, and emotion of the day so perfectly. Choosing a great photographer is essential—at the end of the day, those images are what you’ll have forever to relive those memories.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We honeymooned in Maui and Kauai, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. One of our favorite (and most unforgettable) experiences was the doors-off helicopter tour—it was a little wild, but completely worth it! The views were absolutely breathtaking, and it felt like something out of a movie.
Another highlight was our stay at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Kauai. Hands down one of the best hotels I've ever been to and the perfect place to make the post wedding blues go away!
Dress: @kyhabride @chicparisien
Veil: @pronovias
Wedding planner: @cortezeventagency
Florals: @cortezeventagency
Photographer: @dmargherite
Makeup: @bombshellsbyamanda
Hair: @karolina_does_hair
Venue: @mondrianhotelsobe
#realchicbride Gabriella in Everest by Monique Lhuillier at her Mexico City Wedding
above: Ekaterina (Instagram: @photos_by_Katie)
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
My husband and I have known each other since we were 18. We were good friends throughout our college career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, although it was obvious to everyone that there was a budding crush. We finally started dating when I graduated college in 2017, and it was then that we both knew that we were each others forever. On Valentine's Day of 2022, Juan held out a closed card in each hand; I was to pick one and it would reveal the location of where we would be spending my spring break the following month. He turned my choice card around and we were off Lake Como, Italy. Juan proposed on the second day of this special trip at the beautiful Villa del Balbianello. He had also orchestrated the surprise of having both our families present to witness the engagement, as well as join us for the rest of our trip. It was truly a once in a lifetime memory!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I had been following our wedding planner, Jaime Gonzalez (of GONZALEZ + HELFON (Instagram: @gonzalezhelfon)) for a couple of years. It was my DREAM to have him plan our wedding in our venue, Colegio de las Vizcaínas. The venue was established in the 18th century, originally made to educate orphaned girls and widows. It is now a K-12 Preparatory School that offers a historical onsite catholic church and baroque architecture in their arch lined courtyards. I envisioned Jaime enhancing the space with lush greenery, dramatic florals, and antique accents. He did that all and more. He completely transformed the space while staying true to the raw architecture we fell in love with. Our night felt romantic yet formal while also making room for the best party we've ever been to. Once we were on the dancefloor, we never got off, which was definitely a goal of ours. We were feeding off the love and excitement in the room, and it made for a night that was better than we could have ever imagined.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
It was extremely important that we honored our families' cultures. I am of Cuban and Lebanese descent, and my Husband and his family are Mexican. All three cultures have strong roots in their traditions and we wanted to include them all throughout our wedding! To do so, we made sure our band was able to perform in three languages: English, Spanish, and Arabic. Eli's Band (Instagram: @elis.band) (www.elisband.com), out of Los Angeles, CA, was able to do this and so much more. They made all of our guests feel included and absolutely brought the party beyond our wildest dreams. We also intertwined our cultures and traditions throughout our ceremony, meals, and all the sweet treats made by the amazing Timbal de Azúcar (Instagram: @timbaldeazucar).
How did you decide on the location?
Mexico City is a place my husband and I frequent and absolutely love. The city has a mix of vibrant culture, passionate cuisine, and unmatched hospitality that we couldn't wait to share with our guests. Plus, we had never seen a venue quite like ours and knew we could keep our party going until 5:00am!
Lighthouse Photocinema (Instagram: @lighthousephotocinema)
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
It took me 7 months to find my dress! I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL so our first stop on the wedding dress hunt was Chic Parisien. I thought I knew what I wanted, but after seeing different styles I became very conflicted so wanted to continue to look. From there, we looked in boutiques in Houston, Dallas, New York, and even Paris. I tried the Everest Gown in the Monique Lhuillier New York Flagship Store and was just blown away. My mom and sister knew it was the one immediately and I couldn't believe it just yet. When we got home, we asked Chic Parisien if they could order this dress so that I could try it in front of my grandmother before saying yes. They got the sample in July 2024 and once I was back in it, we all agreed it was mine. We also ordered the matching veil and additional material, since we knew we wanted to make a bolero for me to wear during our ceremony.
The alterations team at Chic Parisien was AMAZING. They took my mom and I's idea for my bolero and made it by hand from scratch. They also enhanced my veil to include the florettes around the whole border of the veil. The final outcome was a dream. My wedding dress look was the outcome of the ideas of all the women I love, and that felt so good to carry on wedding day.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My husband and I have the most supportive family and friends in the world. Because Juan and I have been together for almost 8 years, our friends and family have truly blended into one. Our parents were involved in so much leading up to the wedding, and my mom walked hand in hand with me through every meeting, decision, trip, etc., so her influence was in every detail. Once wedding weekend arrived, we hosted our bridal party at our rehearsal dinner on Thursday night. During the meal, 12 of our best friends individually shared their toasts and well wishes with us. So it was a night of tears, laughs, and walks down memory lane together. It was the perfect start to what was a weekend of such love and excitement, you could feel it in the air.
On Friday night, we hosted a welcome party at the St. Regis Hotel and got a chance to greet and thank all our guests who had traveled far and wide to be there with us.
Then, Saturday was wedding day: a morning of girls getting ready at the Four Seasons Hotel and boys getting ready at the St. Regis Hotel. We spent our mornings with our bridal party and immediate family as a way to thank them and ground ourselves for the busyness that was to come the rest of the day. We came together at our venue about 2 hours before the ceremony for group pictures so that once the night started, everyone could just enjoy! It took 6 of my bridesmaids to bustle my dress during cocktail hour and from that moment on, our family and friends absolutely brought the party, and didn't stop until 5:00am the next day.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
Definitely what Juan and I call our "walk up". It was after cocktail hour and our guests had been welcomed into our reception space. We had signed our marriage license, I had my dress bustled and taken off my veil and bolero, and we were about to walk into OUR party to greet our guests as husband and wife. We were nervous and excited walking up to the reception space doors, not sharing many words but communicating through squeezing hands. Our names were announced and emotions erupted. We cheered right to the dancefloor, where we then shared our first dance. All nerves drained and the awe that we experienced in those moments didn't leave us for the rest of the night.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted a very classic hair and makeup look that was both dramatic and clean! I knew my dress and accessories would speak for themselves, so I just wanted something that would enhance the look, not compete with it. Plus-- I knew I wouldn't be getting off our dance floor until 5am so wanted a look that would last the test of time.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Hands down it was one of our photographers: Ekaterina "Katie" Shcherbakova (Instagram: @photos_by_Katie) (Reviews: https://wezoree.com/vendors/profile/15073-photographers-ekaterina-shcherbakova/). Katie is SUCH a talented photographer-- she is visionary and daring, while also being overly prepared and kind. I don't think there could be a better recipe for the person who is going to be with you through all the emotions of your wedding weekend. She really allowed me to exhale on my wedding day-- I had complete trust in knowing how beautifully she was going to tell our story. Despite knowing how wonderful she was, our pictures still absolutely blew me away! She captured emotions like I've never seen and she really understood who we are as a couple. Katie was a true gift to my husband and I and I wish everyone could experience her magic!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We flew to Japan two days after our wedding, directly from Mexico City. It was an absolute dream and a trip of a lifetime. We traveled through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Lake Kawaguchiko for two weeks; we loved every minute of it. The best part was learning about a new culture through their customs, food, and historic monuments. We have a deep appreciation for the Japanese and are already trying to find a time to go back!
Bride: Gabriella Gallo (Instagram: @gabriellagallo_)
Groom: Juan Carlos Villalpando (Instagram: @j_villly)
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Venue: Colegio de las Vizcaínas
Hotel (for getting ready/first look): Four Seasons Mexico City
Dress: Monique Lhuillier Everest Gown
Planner: Jaime Gonzalez of GONZALEZ + HELFON (Instagram: @gonzalezhelfon)
Photographer 1: Ekaterina (Instagram: @photos_by_Katie)
Photographer 2: Lighthouse Photocinema (Instagram: @lighthousephotocinema)
Videographer: Lighthouse Photocinema (Instagram: @lighthousephotocinema)
Hair: Javier Díaz (Instagram: @javierdiaz_hairstyle)
Makeup: Erick Huerta (Instagram: @erickhuertamakeup)
Band: Eli's Band (Instagram: @elis.band)
DJ: Julio Garcia (Instagram: juliogarcia_dj)
Catering: Les Croissants (Instagram: @banqueteslescroissants)
Dessert Bar and Cake: Timbal de Azúcar (Instagram: @timbaldeazucar)
#realchicbride Samantha in Yvette by Ines Di Santo at her Miami Wedding
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Landan & Samantha met at Florida State University in 2015, when Landan’s name was added to a list of men who wanted to attend Kappa Delta’s formal and Samantha invited him.
In typical Landan fashion, Sam’s Formal invitation was rejected, as Landan claimed there was a “work schedule conflict”. And in typical Sam fashion, she prepared to ignore him for all of eternity.
Little did they know, this was just the beginning of their story.
After many nights of running into each-other and countless asks for a second chance, Samantha accepted Landan’s invite to a Phi Tau Woodser Date Function and the rest is history. The pair graduated as college sweethearts.
For two years after college, the couple faced long-distance obstacles as they determined the best place to grow in their careers and life together.
In the end, it was Miami that they decided they would call home. Quickly after doing so, Landan bought his first boat and Sam adopted her first bengal cat, making their household complete.
In June of 2022, the couple took their first trip to Europe together. They were at lunch with friends after spending the morning exploring the most beautiful sites in Greece when Landan, who had been holding on tight to his carry-on bag, suggested that they make one more stop at a historical castle across the street.
It was there, at the Old Castle in Santorini, Greece where Landan would get down on one knee and ask Samantha to marry him. And it was there where Samantha would say yes to spending forever with him.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I started planning my wedding, I envisioned a happy, Miami style fiesta, while still keeping the day chic and timeless. Our venue matched our vision of being on the water, where we spend a lot of our time, and with the skyline in the background and the tropical palm trees surrounding, we knew it was the perfect low-key, but naturally stunning spot.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
With Landan and I building our life together in Miami, we love this city and it was important to us that our friends and family that traveled from every part of the country to see why we’ve set our roots here. An after party was important for this, along with a venue that showed off the city! We didn’t want to focus too much on traditional aspects that don’t have meaning to us. We skipped the bouquet and garter tosses, and opted to cut our cake without a crowd.
How did you decide on the location?
Answered above
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Yvette by Ines Di Santo made me tear up the second I tried it on, and I’m not a crier! The way the dress made me feel ended the search for me. I set out looking for a dress that was flattering, set itself apart yet was still timeless. I really wanted the drama of sleeves, and this dress delivered!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My Maid of Honor was my go-to for important opinions on my wedding planning, and the day would not have been what it was without my bridesmaids and mom having quite a day in the bridal suite leading up to the wedding! I know Landan feels the same about the groomsmen and family gathered around him as he got ready for the day as well.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The send off was such a feeling of elation! We were so excited to recap the amazing day and wind down from visiting with everyone and have a moment to ourselves before meeting friends at an after party. The boat was docked right at our venue and everyone waved to us goodbye as ’This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)’ played, and docked right up at a bar on the water after a 20 minute cruise along Miami’s skyline.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I always knew I’d opt for a half up look as I normally wear most my hair down, but wanted the hair out of my face being outside. As for makeup, I love glowy and natural with a side of drama around the eyes and lips! The Clyque had me captured from the moment I saw their looks on Instagram.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Viktoriia Yasinka was the most amazing photographer! Her style is effortless, romantic, and timeless. She managed to be everywhere all at once and I am so happy to have these moments captured forever.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We leave to Africa later this month, we wanted to have a minute to recover and the seasons to align well between Zanzibar, a safari in Kenya, and visiting Cape Town. We are so excited for a shark cage dive, seeing animals in the wild, and visiting new cultures.
Credits:
- Dress: Ines Di Santo Yvette from Chic Parisian
- Photography: Viktoriia Yasinka
- Decor/catering/florals: Events by Alejandro
#realchicbride Tiana wears Ines Di Santo at her Elopement in Italy
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Dean and I met at a popular bar overlooking the Miami River during a Gameday Saturday in Miami, where our respective friend groups were there to watch Florida State play Louisville. We met through mutual friends and as the night went on, we exchanged numbers and went our separate ways.
Less than a week later, Dean's impulsive lunch stop near my workplace in downtown Fort Lauderdale changed everything. As I passed by his car at a red light, he recognized me from the previous weekend and felt fate was at play. Dean seized the moment, sending a text that led to our first date a week later—and a start to our unforgettable journey.
Four years later, in 2020, we planned a trip through Greece and Italy, but the pandemic dashed those plans. Undeterred, two years, a new home, and a puppy later, we revived our dream on Italy's Amalfi Coast, and booked a trip to Positano and Capri.
In Positano, our first day unfolded like a dream. We stumbled upon a terrace overlooking the quintessential Positano landscape, and Dean immediately knew it would set the stage for the perfect proposal.
As evening approached, Dean, with a twinkle in his eye, suggested revisiting the terrace. The sun set as he professed his love and asked me to marry him.
I said yes and we celebrated the night away on the Mediterranean.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
Initially, we weren’t quite sure what we wanted. I wasn’t the girl who had her wedding planned out since childhood. Having all eyes on you while walking down an aisle isn’t for everyone, so it was important to make our day work for us.
We fell in love with the idea of tying the knot in Italy, yet we also wanted to ensure our friends and family could easily join us for the celebration. Despite our initial hesitation about a destination wedding, we found a compromise that allowed us to have both the intimate ceremony we dreamed of and a joyous party with our loved ones.
We eloped and exchanged personal vows in Puglia, Italy. A month later, we threw a big reception with all our friends and family in Florida to celebrate.
The reception was stunning! We envisioned neutral colors, curtains, dramatic drapery, and candles for an intimate ambiance, and it turned out exactly as we had hoped.
Although we did things a bit backwards and untraditionally, it worked perfectly for us, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. Breaking it up into two parts allowed us to have the best of both worlds, and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out!
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We really wanted our friends and family to feel like they were there in Italy with us, so we filmed a video and played it at our reception. It was a special way to share our elopement experience with everyone.
Having attended many weddings ourselves, we knew we wanted the atmosphere to be anything but stuffy. We aimed for a fun and lively celebration of life. To achieve this, we opted for no seating chart and no plated dinner. Instead, we set up food stations and let everyone sit wherever and with whomever they wanted and without a timeline. This created a relaxed, party-like vibe that everyone loved!
How did you decide on the location?
At first we wanted a popular location like Capri or Lake Como, but ultimately decided on Puglia, Italy because it was less touristy and crowded, a place we had never been before and we were up for an adventure!
It ended up being such a dream. I can’t wait to go back for our Anniversaries!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I went into Chic Parisien without a clue about what I wanted or even where we were getting married. I imagined my dress would either be big and princess-like or something from Berta. Boy, was I wrong!
My wedding dress was designed by Ines Di Santo, and it was actually the first dress I tried on. With only 15 made in the world, it was truly one-of-a-kind. It had lace, florals, and beading all over with a plunging neckline and low back. Florals ran up the back for a classy tattoo look. I fell in love immediately but still wanted to try on a few more to be sure. Eventually, I tried the first one again, and that’s when Irina, the Chic Parisien stylist, mentioned there was a matching veil. I tried on the veil, and it was a done deal!
For my reception dress, I wanted something with a high neckline that was classy, sexy, and fun. I found the Ines Di Santo Evie Dress, and it was everything! With its high neckline, floral lace and beads to match my wedding dress, and feathers and tinsel on the bottom, it was the perfect party dress!
I’m so happy with both of my dresses and wish I could wear them all the time! Thank you to the Chic Parisien team and Ines Di Santo for being such a fabulous designer!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Our friends and family were incredibly supportive throughout our wedding planning journey. While we asked for their opinions and valued their input, we knew it was our special day and wanted to make it uniquely ours. One piece of advice we cherished was to prioritize our happiness and make decisions that felt right for us.
Leading up to the big day, we included our loved ones in various aspects of the planning process. From dress and suit fittings to shopping for accessories and travel plans, their involvement made everything more enjoyable.
We also wanted everyone at our reception to have an amazing time without any stress, so we hired a planner to take care of all the day-of details, as well as decor and design. This allowed our guests to simply relax and celebrate with us, making the day even more memorable.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
Oh my goodness, there are so many unforgettable moments! Our rooftop ceremony was such a beautiful and intimate moment, with just the two of us and a violinist playing our song—it felt like a dream.
Then, driving off into the Italian sunset by boat, sipping Prosecco without a care in the world, was pure magic.
And at our reception, when all of our friends and family rushed the dance floor to hug and celebrate with us, it was the perfect way to kick off the night. We truly felt the love, and that feeling will stay with us forever!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted a timeless look that I would still love when looking back at photos 30 years from now. To achieve this, I chose a matte, glowy makeup look that accentuated my features without being overdone. For my hair, I went with a half-up, half-down style that perfectly matched the relaxed, Italian vibe of our wedding. It all came together beautifully, and I couldn’t have been happier!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Absolutely! There are two vendors I wish everyone knew about.
First, Artonico Stories—a creative photo and video couple specializing in travel, weddings, and elopements. They were so relaxed and helped ease any nerves we had. They weren’t in your face but just went with the flow, capturing every special moment beautifully.
Then there was Micro Miami, who helped plan our reception. Sofia and her team took care of all the decor and design details behind the scenes. They handled everything seamlessly, understanding my vision and the vibe I was going for. They truly hit it out of the park! The round bar at our cocktail hour was such a hit with our guests—they didn’t want to leave!
We are incredibly grateful to both vendors for making our wedding so amazing and unforgettable.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We honeymooned in Taormina, Sicily, and it was an absolute dream! We spent a blissful week relaxing by the pool, exploring the island by boat, strolling through the enchanting streets of the town, and indulging in all the pasta, seafood, and granitas we could handle. The best part, though, was watching the sunset behind Mt. Etna, an active volcano, while overlooking the infinity pool, beach town, and Ionian Sea. It was one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen and a moment we'll cherish forever.
#realchicbride Vivian in Monique Lhuillier
Get to know real bride Vivian and her love story:
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Vivian and Max met while attending Boston College in 2012. After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles, where Vivian attended University of Southern California for graduate school and to complete her fifth year as a collegiate track athlete. Meanwhile, Max pursued a career in sports working for Los Angeles Football Club.
After a few years on the West Coast, Vivian decided to move back home to Naples, Florida and launch her own jewelry line, Henri Noël. Vivian is a third generation jeweler who specializes in creating bespoke engagement & wedding bands, in addition to her core jewelry collection. The family jewelry business was a staple of Vivian's upbringing and has been an inspiration to her own custom jewelry that holds long-lasting value and memories.
For the proposal, Max flew in his two siblings to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was living at the time, and had his sister convince Vivian to head to Lake Norman to model for her (she is a photographer and graphic designer for Casamigos Tequila). By Vivian’s own admission, she'd do “anything for tequila", so she was a willing participant.
Upon their arrival at Lake Norman, Max took Vivian to explore the lake while his sister got in position to photograph the proposal. After a short walk, Vivian turned a corner to find a gazebo decorated in rose petals. Right there and then, Max dropped down on one knee and popped the question! Shortly thereafter, Max took Vivian to dinner, where she was surprised by close friends and family.
Given that Vivian’s father is also a jeweler, Max had the perfect co-creator when it came to the engagement ring. Together, they sorted, color-matched and set each of the marquise diamonds to create this one-of-a-kind eternity band.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
Once engaged, the couple decided on Cutlass Cove Beach in Vivian’s hometown of Naples, FL for the wedding. After seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian six months prior, the couple was unsure if they could still have their wedding on the property. Thankfully, however, with the help of close family friends, they were able to restore the area just in time.
To help bring their English garden vision to life, the couple enlisted the help of Kehrin Hassan as their wedding designer. She helped the couple throw the wedding of their dreams by putting on a ceremony that felt elegant yet relaxed.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
The couple shook things up in the layout of their wedding. On their invites, they told all guests the ceremony would start at 4pm but really they had the cocktail hour before the wedding ceremony. This allowed the guests to take photos and get a little loose before taking their seats for the ceremony. The signature cocktail was a ‘Spaghett’, a staple at the couple’s favorite restaurant in Charlotte, ‘Vana’. It mixes Miller High Life with Aperol, mimicking an Aperol Spritz, but replacing champagne with ‘The Champagne of Beers’, another subtle nod to the wedding’s elevated but informal feel.
The ceremony was not traditionally seated, but instead included long benches with accent pillows joined by areas for guests to stand. After the couple said “I do”, the music immediately kicked in, setting the tone for a night of dancing, highlighted by Max’s upbeat and choreographed dance with his mother, who herself used to be a professional dancer.
How did you decide on the location?
We decided on Cutlass Cove Beach Club. A beautiful setting in Vivian’s hometown that truly showed how beautiful Naples is.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Vivian found her perfect dress early in the process - a Monique Lhuillier lace gown paired with light blue Manolo Blahnik heels. During a shopping trip with her mom in Miami, they shared a knowing smile when she tried on this gown, confirming it as "the one." Vivian once listened to a podcast once where Monique said, “If your dress is not filthy at the end of the night, you didn’t do it right”. Vivian connected with those words as she wanted a dress she wouldn't want to take off all night but also one that was comfortable to move in. Vivian’s after party dress was a light blue Rachel Gilbert ruffle dress - she wanted to bring a pop of color to the night once she took her wedding dress off.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Vivian had 9 bridesmaids, each with their own unique personality. As such, she allowed them the freedom to choose their own dresses. And since no outfit is complete without some Henri Noël jewelry, Vivian created an iconic earring that each of the girls wore in the gold color of their choice.
One thing that was quite fun was Vivian’s mother-in-law, a former professional dancer, performed a dance with the groom to “I’m Holdin’ on to love” by Shania Twain. This set the tone for the evening, every guest was clapping, dancing and singing.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The first look. Imagining the moment your soon-to-be husband sees you on your wedding day is something Vivian always dreamed of. Seeing the smile on her husband’s face and the warmth in his eyes is something she will never forget.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Vivian always knew she wanted to still feel like herself and not worry about fixing anything throughout her wedding day. She went with a “party pony” so no matter the weather conditions, it would look good. For makeup, Vivian went with a very natural look, neutral tones and a subtle lip color.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Kaleidoscope Floral! It is a good feeling when you can describe what you want and know it is going to be perfectly executed.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
Vivian and Max went to Zambia and Cape Town for their honeymoon. Many might say it is a trip of a lifetime, and they are certainly not wrong! The couple stayed at The Royal along the Zambezi River and loved how removed it was from inner city life. Each day out in the brush brought something new - an elephant spotting, a lion sprinting to kill its prey, monkeys swarming the trees - these unique moments creating unforgettable memories.
#realchicbride Christie in Alex Perry
Real bride Christie on her love story, wedding in Puerto Rico and falling in love with this Alex Perry wedding dress…
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Adonis and I met almost ten years ago through mutual friends. We are both from Puerto Rico, it’s a small island… the older you get, everything connects and everyone knows each other. Back then, when we met we we were both on different paths. The timing wasn't quite right for us. But we continued to stay in touch as friends… stayed in touch through Instagram mostly, liking each other’s pictures here and there. It wasn't until three and a half years ago, both recently single... he slid into my Dm's congratulating me on my birthday and asking me if he could take me out to have ice cream (which I thought was the cutest thing ever). Im not that much of a sweet tooth, so I invited him for drinks and he said he wanted to take me out to dinner instead. A man with a plan, I liked that.
Fast forward to our first date, and it was the best first date I ever had, we talked for hours, shared so many common interests and life goals, and we even ended up salsa dancing that same night... and I stole a kiss( couldn't help it, he literally swept me off my feet). I KNEW I wanted to marry this man since that very first date.
The proposal was very intimate, just the two of us (exactly how I wanted it to be)...It started like any normal day would, went to work, we had dinner after at one of our favorite spots (Cafe Mida), we really love Italian food and had just come back from a dreamy Italian vacation. We stuffed our faces, paid the bill, we left the restaurant and it wasn't until I stepped in the car ... he placed a little wrapped box in my lap...when I opened it I realized it was the ring I had tried on in this small jewelry shop in Como, Italy ( a pink sapphire ring I had been obsessing over since I tried it on ) ... and I started ugly crying when I realized it was the ring of my dreams, then he looked at me and asked " well will you marry me?" and of course I said yes. In true Adonis fashion, he kept the proposal very practical and to the point. It was simple, just a private moment between us. . . and that's very much how we are. We love the little moments that make life grand.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with the movie “The Secret Garden”, it’s my favorite movie of all time. The aesthetic of my wedding was very much inspired by this movie. I wanted it to have that Italian garden feel, rustic but elegant, lush greenery with white flowers … (the gardenias were the star of the show, they’re my favorite flower.) We wanted the look and feel to be ethereal, romantic, and intimate more than anything.
And for the party, we wanted the old Hollywood glam… we wanted everything to look elegant but still cozy. We asked for a lot of candles, and imperial table seating … like you’re having an intimate family dinner.
Emilio Olabarrieta Atelier - Our decorators are visionaries, they truly understood the vision since our first meeting. They brought the Italian aesthetic to Puerto Rico, they made everything come to life and we are so grateful.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
Music plays a big role to us, we’re very sensible to music. I wanted to walk down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (my dad used to sing me this song when I was little, it seemed fitting to walk down the aisle with him by side to this song.) Also, my bridal party walked to “Home” by a Cinematic Orchestra… the lyrics of this song have a special meaning, especially since we decided to marry by this tree…
“Out in the garden where we planted the seeds, there is a tree as old as me… this is a place where I don’t feel so alone, this is a place where I feel at home…”
It was also important to us as a couple to have our photographers to capture the moments( not pictures that felt forced or posey, journal photography and candid pictures that tell a story, our love story) .
We’re very traditional and we’re both old souls so we wanted to have a photo booth to capture everyone just having fun… being able to have these memories to look back on is everything to us.
Lastly, it was important for us to pay homage to our culture… so everything from the food to the music was a part of how we grew up and what we love.
How did you decide on the location?
Initially, we wanted to have a small wedding with our closest friends and family in Portofino, Italy. Portofino is a beautiful sail town, with so old school charm. Adonis has a sailboat and we both enjoy being by the sea, we felt very at home when we visited. We instantly fell in love with this magical place and both envisioned getting married here. Once we started planning everything, it became very evident that planning a wedding in Portofino when we were both so far away would be an extra challenge. Also, a lot of loved ones wouldn’t have been able to travel so far, which was important to us.
Ultimately we decided to do it in The Ritz Carlton Reserve in Dorado. I grew up visiting this resort and I have the most fond memories with my family vacationing here.
The ceremony was held right by this 100-year-old ficus tree, it’s majestic and so beautiful. It was essential for me to have the ceremony be held outdoors. Being in nature makes us feel a little closer to God, the energy that surrounded us this day was truly magical.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I work in fashion, ( ’m a buyer for a boutique men’s and women’s store in Puerto Rico)… I’m very detail-oriented, the dress was probably the most important aspect of this process.
I had many pins on my mood board on Pinterest, when I went to shop for my dress I had an idea of what I wanted. A form-fitting dress, always leaning towards a fit and flare.
Lady, was the loveliest … she gave me the best advice: which was to try every single dress that caught my attention even if it was different than what I had originally envisioned because once you try something on, your vision changes. And she was so patient and kind with me throughout this proccess.
I shared with her that I wanted a dress that felt timeless, something I could wear ten / twenty years from now and I could still love it. She understood my vision and brought me options, even a few out of my comfort zone.
The fifth dress I tried on was the one.
To my surprise, an A-line dress, a simple silhouette, with an amazing fit… the corset on this dress was to die for. Made me feel snatched. My mom and sister cried as soon as I tried it on. The Alex Perry dress of my dreams.
It’s true what they say, once you try on the one. You just know. This gave me Jackie Kennedy vibes but with spice.
I felt very regal, very much like a princess in it. I didn’t even know I wanted to feel like a princess. But when else could you feel this way? Once we choose the dress, we picked a veil. I always knew I wanted a mantilla veil, and since the dress was simple … the mantilla veil with lace details complimented it perfectly. It was absolutely dreamy.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
This process would not have been the same without my mom. She was there with me planning every detail, the best wedding planner I could’ve asked for.
We’re very close, so she understands me like no one else does. I absolutely adore her. Getting to share this moment and journey with her was the best part, seeing how emotional and genuinely happy this made her filled me with joy. I love making her proud. She really felt like it was her wedding… I had to remind her that I was the one getting married, not her haha. It was sweet to see her so excited.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The overwhelming amount of love we felt. Seeing my now hubby’s face as I was walking down the aisle, he looked like a giddy little boy… that moment was priceless.
I also really enjoyed watching everyone all glammed up and having the time of their life… all celebrating us.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted a very natural look, something that enhanced my features. Rosy cheeks and glowy dewy skin. I referenced a picture of Lily Aldridge I had pinned… she always looks flawless.
I researched a lot of makeup artists until I finally found Carlos Marrero. He was a gem to work with, and gave me a lot of peace while I was getting ready. Also, it’s hard to find in PR MUA who do French beauty type of makeup, usually for weddings a lot of artists do pageant makeup which is not what I wanted. I wanted to look enhanced not hidden behind makeup.
He described it perfectly: “You want to look like how you look when you’re in love… when your cheeks are blushing and your lips are flushed. Literally a blushing bride…”
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Yes! Everyone who was involved in the planning were amazing.
Jorge & Evy specifically @pearlmemories My photographer/videographer. Not only did they take the most beautiful/ editorial pictures but their energy made us feel very peaceful … in a day that can be quite stressful. They made this whole process very enjoyable and we’re very receptive and open to our suggestions. They translated our vision effortlessly.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Japan for our honeymoon- we’re both very inspired by Japanese interiors… and I personally love the movie “In the mood for love”. Japan has always been on our bucket list.
We visited Kyoto, Hakone ( the countryside), and Tokyo. We figured it was the farthest place to travel and eventually with kids it would be a bit more complicated to do so in the future.
We have so much to learn from Japanese culture… they are so calm and respectful and so precise in everything they do. We really enjoyed Kyoto the most, the food, architecture( mix of old and new) and history is so impressive. They were so kind to us, all the attention to detail… they made us feel like we were in a love bubble. A trip we will never forget.
Chic Parisien bride Amanda in Berta
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Tyler and I met in high school and started dating senior year. We both attended FGCU together and graduated with our master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Tyler proposed to me at the Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina March 2020.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
We started planning the wedding right after we got engaged but then Covid happened. We decided to set our wedding date two years in advance to hopefully not have any issues with Covid. We decided on October 15th 2022 which would be our 8 year anniversary that happened to also fall on a Saturday which was perfect. I am a type-A bride and did everything in advance. I envisioned our wedding at a golf club getting married outside. Unexpectedly, Hurricane Ian hit SWFL two weeks before our wedding in Fort Myers. Our venue unfortunately was unable to host our wedding and we had to scramble to find a venue a week before our date. We luckily had our wedding at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples on our original date and it was more perfect than what I had been planning.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
It was important for us to have our first look to be private to share that special moment together. The wedding day was very busy and we wanted to make sure we have time by ourselves during the course of the event.
How did you decide on the location?
We decided to get married in SWFL since we moved here for college 7 years ago and have a lot of memories here.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I absolutely adore my wedding dress. I have had my eye on Berta dresses for so many years. My sister actually found the dress I ended up choosing back in 2020 on Instagram. I tried it on and everyone started crying. I love the floral details, pearls, and stones. I also decided to go with a cape instead of a veil and i’m so glad I did.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
I am a type A bride and wanted to plan everything by myself. After the hurricane and the change in venue last minute, my family stepped in to help which I am thankful for. It helped me let go of total control and to trust the process.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget?
I will never forget walking down the aisle and not noticing anyone except for my husband. We had been waiting for that moment since we were both 17 years old. We wrote our own vows so it was really special to share that with each other in front of our friends and family.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted to look like royalty on my wedding day. I decided to go with a classic bun with old Hollywood curls. I also decided to wear a crown which really put my look together. I also wanted to have dramatic makeup rather than the traditional soft glam bridal look.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
My florist was amazing. She did all of the ceiling installations that completely transformed the room and added hundreds of flowers last minute for the wedding.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to St. Helena Napa Valley California. We stayed at the Alila Hotel which was amazing. Our balcony overlooked the vinyard and had a private fir pit and the hotel gave us champange every night. My favorite part was driving up the valley on the scenic route and seeing all the beautfil vinyards.
A Studio Session with Daniela in Berta (and a very special guest star!)
The very talented Adriana Rivera (@adriana.rivera.miranda) photographed her gorgeous sister on her wedding day in her studio - the combination is something so special, so chic! Beautiful #realchicbride Daniela wears a stunning Berta wedding dress and her more than adorable pup makes an appearance as a ring bearer!
Check out more of Adriana’s work here.
All the Details About Real Chic Bride Adriana's Miami Wedding Wearing Ines Di Santo
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal? Agustin and I met at Barracuda's on an ordinary Friday night. He bumped into a former co-worker while she was on her way to the same birthday party I was attending. He bought me tacos and I was smitten from that moment on. On our second date he told me he was moving to New York City for work in a couple weeks. He invited me to visit him right after his move, and like a crazy person, I did. We were long distance for 7 months until he came to visit for Fourth of July. We rented a room at The Standard in Miami Beach and proposed to me in the garden. The next day our families met us for brunch.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? I'm a wedding planner so I've had lots of time to see what I love and don't love about weddings. We wanted it to be fun and relaxed. We didn't really care for all the traditions or formalities. Our focus was on getting married in front of our family and closest friends and that's just what we did! We originally planned to get married at The Confidante in Miami Beach in April, and when things shut down in March, all of those plans went out the window. The only things I kept were my florists, photographers, dress and our song for the first dance. Everything else was scrapped! We initially pushed it to August 1 but quickly realized things weren't getting any better. So I called everyone up and shared our new plans for a ceremony and champagne toast at my mom's house on June 27. Definitely wasn't my best or most organized moment, but it worked! There was so much chaos in those moments and I felt guilty for caring about my wedding when so many other things were going on! Our main goal was to keep everyone safe and comfortable so we asked everyone to wear masks and we kept things outdoors. It was nothing like what we originally planned, but I honestly think it was my husband's dream wedding! And looking back, mine too!
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? Our one and only priority was making our guests feel relaxed. We wanted it to be a no-fuss event with our closest friends and family. It helped us focus on what was really important and not get lost in the day or in the planning process.
How did you decide on the location? I loved the vibe of our original venue because it had a lounge feel versus the traditional ballroom. But with the pandemic, we had to reassess what we wanted. I always dreamed of getting married at my mom's house and was so relieved when I got my mom's blessing to host our microwedding at her house!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets! I think I was most obsessed with finding my dress over any other part of the wedding planning process. It was the beautiful Starling by Ines DiSanto. I always thought I'd wear a ballgown and had already selected another dress when I went to try it on. My mom and bridesmaids gasped when I put it on and I knew there was something special about it. I'm so happy I went with that dress, especially since we ended up having a completely different wedding venue!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? My mom was pivotal through the whole process. Without her house, we wouldn't have been able to have the kind of event we did. Even before that, she did everything with me and helped me make almost all of the decisions. My brother became a baker during quarantine and offered to make the key lime pie shooters we served as a sweet treat. Agustin's best friend officiated our ceremony and his dad and my nephew read. We only had those that were nearest and dearest to us on that day which made it all the more special.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget. The masks, haha! Never in a million years did I think I'd walk down the aisle to a crowd of masked loved ones.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? I based my look off my dress. I wanted to keep things simple and classic with just a hint of glam. I love a good low bun and a natural makeup look so that's what I went with.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? The FloraBuds and The Cardonas. They were so patient with me. I changed things on them almost daily and they were down for the ride the entire way.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? We plan to go to Italy for a couple weeks once normal life resumes. We don't have anything locked in just yet, but the plan is to rent a villa in an Italian town and eat lots of pasta and drink lots of wine.
Real Chic Bride Nicole on Her Wedding Story
A chat with #realchicbride Nicole about her wedding…
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Felipe and I were actually set up on a blind date from 2 very close friends! It felt like we had known each other our entire lives, it was so natural and easy from the very beginning. From our first date we were inseparable and a proposal came just a year into us dating!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I always wanted something that was traditional but not expected. We both loved the idea of being married in a church so that was a must.
For the reception, I wanted something that had the convenience of a hotel but not the standard ballroom feel. Our wedding planner, Amber at Oh My Occasions helped me achieve the wedding of my dreams by introducing me to the one of a kind look of the basketball court at the JW Marriott Marquis. They completely transform that room and the floor to ceiling windows out showing the city lights was perfection! It is hard to envision what a basketball court can become but it is a blank canvas that can be transformed into just about anything.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We both wanted to include all the traditions that come with a wedding. It was important for us to have a church wedding surrounded by all of our family and friends. For the reception, we wanted everyone to have fun all night long. We achieved this by not allowing the party to stop and ending it with an amazing hora loca performance by Black and Wine which I highly recommend!!!
How did you decide on the location?
Because I didn't want just a ballroom, Amber knew the basketball court would be perfect for us! We wanted a large enough space where our guest count fit comfortably and we could have cocktail tables framing the dance floor to have an area where people could hang out during the wedding. With such a large space, we were able to comfortably have our guests spread out while making the checkered dance floor (which was a must for me!) by MPE Event Group a true focal point of the room.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Anyone who knows me knows that it is very difficult for me to make decisions, it's the Libra in me. I had heard a lot about Chic Parisian so I thought that was a great place to start. I scheduled my first wedding dress appointment, EVER, for a weekday after work with just my mom and sister. I thought we would go, try on a few different styles so I could get a better understanding of what I liked and then go another day with the wedding party to really try on and decide. Alana welcomed us when we walked in and I knew we were in good hands. She had a great understanding of what I wanted and pulled different styles that I loved! My dress ended up being the second dress I tried on! After trying on 6 different dresses I went back to the second and after trying on a different belt I fell in love and knew that was my dress.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
I was lucky to have the support and help from both my side and my husband’s side of the family! Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful but having people who have gone through this process before helps ease your mind! It is a lot of moving parts that need to come together to make everything work. I had so much help especially from my twin sister (who was also my maid of honor), I could not have planned everything without her!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
Aside from the feeling of the doors opening at the church and walking down the aisle with my dad, I would definitely say seeing the completed room where the reception would be held! Amber and her team had me and Felipe close our eyes while they guided us into the room. They placed us in the center of the dance floor and the said: "open your eyes". Seeing all the hard work and all the planning come together in one room was the most amazing feeling. From the checkered dance floor to the feather wall of my dreams, it was all absolutely perfect.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I knew I wanted my hair down so it was a pretty easy decision. I wanted something that was going to be easy throughout the whole night. I knew we would be dancing and didn't want to have my hair in my face so the sleek look was perfect. For makeup, I usually get a little nervous because I don’t wear too much makeup, to begin with, but I trusted the Marz team and knew I was in good hands.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Masson Liang Photography!!!! There are so many wonderful photographers out there but I am so happy we picked him. He was so easy to work with and truly captured photos that we will cherish forever.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
Unfortunately, our honeymoon to Greece has been put on hold due to Covid-19 but we were lucky enough to have taken a mini-moon to St. Lucia! It was such a relaxing trip, and much needed after the wedding planning madness!
Looking Back At Jordana's Real Chic Breakers Wedding
Where are you from?
I was born in Brazil, but I have been living in Boca Raton, Florida since 7 years old.
Where was your wedding?
The Breakers, Palm Beach.
How did you know you found the perfect dress?
I chose to have my first (and only) wedding dress shopping appointment at Chic Parisien because I have always said that I wanted my wedding dress to be a Berta.
The moment that I walked in, their stylist said, “I have the perfect dress for you!”.
Since I had walked in with an open mind, I said: “OK, let’s try it on!” I walked into the fitting room and there it was - the most beautiful gown I have ever seen, it was love at first sight. When I stepped into the dress, all of the emotions ran through my body and I just knew it from that second. I walked out to show my family, and they all started crying and also loved it. So for me, it was a very easy decision. I did have some other options to try on but I would put it on and it wouldn’t even compare to the first one. In about an hour or so, I had chosen my gown, headpiece, earrings and we also decided to make a custom Berta veil to match the dress perfectly! My wedding dress shopping experience was amazing! I always knew I would be a Berta Bride!!
How did you and your husband meet?
My husband and I are High School Sweethearts! We have been together ever since 2006. We have the most incredible bond so our wedding day was a VERY special day for us!!
What was a special moment you will never forget from your wedding day?
This is a hard one since the entire day was filled with magic! I would have to say that our “first look” for our photos and videos and then kissing my “husband” at the alter was two very special moments for us. This was followed by an amazing reception at The Breakers with our loved ones… full of love, laughter and dancing. I wish I could re-live our wedding day!
What piece of advice would you give future brides?
My piece of advice for future brides would be to not stress about the wedding day. EVERYONE would tell me that I was the most relaxed bride that they had ever seen, and this is how all brides should be. It is not worth stressing or worrying over every little detail because at the end of the day, you are planning a celebration of love and your friends and family will have an amazing time regardless of any situation!
Were there any traditions or something from your religion that you incorporated on your wedding day?
One tradition that I would love to keep in my family is the rosary that was given to me by my grandmother before she passed. I have a photo with it as my “something blue” and I would love to see my daughter take the same photo with it one day <3
Credits:
Retailer: Chic Parisien
Photographer: Munoz Photography
Hair and Makeup: Renata Estapan
Venue: The Breakers
Wedding Planner: GuerdyDesign
Design Team: Birch Event Design
Casey Bought The First and Only Dress She Tried on!
Real bride Casey does not shy away from the details of her stunning wedding in this little interview - you’ll want to keep reading this captivating story!
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
My new husband, Kevin, and I met through some of our best friends in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2015. I was born and raised there, and Kevin played for the St. Louis Cardinals at that time. We were out and about one summer night after one of his games, and, I think it’s safe to say, there was an immediate connection. Although we were intrigued by one another, we took our relationship very, very slowly after that first night. Through months and months of light texting about the weather, we finally went out on our first date. It was then, where I knew I had to know this incredible man even more. Timing was not on our side, because immediately following our first date, the baseball season ended, and Kevin had to move back home to Jupiter, FL, while I continued to work in St. Louis. It was more texting about the darn weather until the 2016 season started, when Kevin moved back to St. Louis. It was that year we finally could spend together and our relationship continued to grow. Shortly after, we decided to move in together, and have been together in Jupiter, FL, with our beautiful Siberian Husky, Maverick, ever since!
One weekend in October of 2018, Kevin and I drove from Jupiter to my grandparent’s vacation home in Navarre Beach to meet my parents for a mini break. This Navarre home is so special because my entire family has been visiting together since I was born. I was so excited to show Kevin the home where my family has built so many memories. Low and behold, it was that weekend, on October, 19, 2018, where Kevin got down on one knee on the white powder sand beach in front of my childhood vacation home, where the sun was setting and the moon had already risen, and told me he wanted to “make another memory at this home”. And boy, was this one the most memorable of all. It was an extraordinary moment, and I have never been more sure about saying “Yes” to anything in my whole life.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? When I started planning our wedding, my original vision was “Fire and Ice.” I’d say we accomplished that vision and more, adding touches of romanticism and edge. Our invitations set the tone: a gorgeous clear acrylic print with embellished gold lettering and black envelope featuring a black crocodile leather and envelope liner by Penn and Paperie, based out of New Jersey. Our reception did not have a head table or centerpieces, rather, we had 22 round tables, each dressed with single white long-stem roses in glass vases and real candles encased in glass tubes and lucite candelabras. The candles reflected off the class tubes and then off one another, so it seemed as if there were twice as many candles as there actually were. We had crushed-white linens, lucite chairs, and the most breathtaking wedding cake you’ll ever see.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? As a couple, it was important to us not to have a first-look prior to the ceremony. We both wanted our first look to be when they opened the doors at the church. I am so happy we stood firm on that decision, because it was such a magical moment. We locked eyes throughout my entire walk down the aisle, and we both had tears of joy.
How did you decide on the location? Since I am from St. Louis, and it’s also where we met, we decided to get married there. Also, my favorite Ritz Carlton is the one in St. Louis; there is something comfortable and magical about it. The service is always impeccable, and the unique and distinct smell will change your mood for the better instantaneously.
“When the day arrived, it was truly a five-star luxury experience. The service was outstanding, the gowns were insanely gorgeous (even more so in person.”
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
To be honest, the most important decision on my wedding day, other than my groom, was my dress. It was exceedingly important to have a dress that was unlike any other. I had been browsing for dresses for years, and the first dress I ever fell in love with was a Berta (a good 10 years before I got engaged ☺). I studied Berta as a designer and defined her as a true creative genius with a keen attention to detail and impeccable taste. She stunned me more and more every season with each new line of evening gowns and wedding dresses.
After our engagement, I kept my eyes peeled for a trunk show near my area in South Florida. Finally, Berta came to Chic Parisian in Miami, so I excitedly scheduled an appointment for my sister and I to visit the luxury bridal boutique. When the day arrived, it was truly a five-star luxury experience. The service was outstanding, the gowns were insanely gorgeous (even more so in person), and we had the honor of meeting Nir Moscovich, who was hosting the 2019 Berta Athens collection trunk show. As we were guided to through the line-up of delicate hand-made dresses which were glistening under the studio lighting, I found it hard to contain myself when I saw ‘my dress’; I reached for it, knew it was the one, and immediately began to tear up at its beauty as it danced effortlessly from its hanger. It was the only dress I tried on that day (even though people would think I am nuts for not trying on every single Berta dress possible!), but I knew I didn’t need to. I felt like the dress was made for me: a mermaid-style, with a plunging v-neckline and backless scoop back with sheer long sleeves and beaded appliques with a badass, cathedral-length cape overlay as my “veil”.
“It was the only dress I tried on that day (even though people would think I am nuts for not trying on every single Berta dress possible!), but I knew I didn’t need to. I felt like the dress was made for me.”
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? My two sisters and my mom were my wedding planning squad. Who needs a wedding planner when you have a team comprised of:
A mother who is incredibly imaginative and can design anything on a dime
A younger sister who is the most organized, thoughtful, true voice of reason in any setting
An older sister who is a visionary and an insane cake artist
The three of them assured me when I felt fickle; they brought me ideas when I needed them, and assisted in executing every last detail. Flawlessly.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The moments right before the doors opened in the church. Everyone wanted to rush in opening the doors for ‘the bride’s grand entrance’, but I insisted we take a few extra seconds to pause. I absorbedly listened to our captivating string quartet play Gabriel’s Oboe; I peeked through the tiny gap of the massive wooden doors at an attempt to wrap my mind around how blessed I felt that all the people we love the most, purposefully gathered together in one space to celebrate Kevin and me. Finally, I caught a tiny glimpse of my exceptionally handsome groom (who was wondering what the heck was taking me so long!) and that moment, I was resoundingly sure that I was making absolute best decision of my life.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? I really did not decide until the day of which, I know, was a bit dicey. I did a ‘first look’ with my grandmother two days before my wedding, and two things you should know about my grandma:
She has exquisite taste
She has no problem telling anyone the truth; the good, the bad, and the ugly
When I did my first look with her, I shared with her that I planned to wear my hair down. She strongly suggested I wear my hair up, so as to show off my neckline and cape for the ceremony. So, I did what grandma advocated! I have always been a bit hesitant with updo’s because they are so darn risky (I am very comfortable in my long, wavy curls), especially since I did not want to try any updo whatsoever during my H&M trial!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? I was lucky enough to have TWO vendors I wish everyone knew about!!
Cake Artist: Cara Albertelli, owner of In Love in Food in Naples, FL:
Cara is an incredibly talented cake artist and also happens to be my sister (I know, I hit the jackpot with her). Cara is located in Naples, FL, and managed to design, fly, and execute my absolutely stunning wedding cake in St. Louis, Missouri. The entire progression of building this cake was kept from me so as to surprise me on our wedding day. I was purposely kept in the dark throughout my cake’s conceptual stages, including the flavor selection and final decorative elements. Most brides would find that stressful; we have a vision and our wedding is an investment of so much time and money, but I had trust that my cake artist knew the elegant and edgy, one-of-a-kind vibe I was going for even when I did not know how to put it into words for her. The moment the cake was revealed, both Kevin and I were shocked. We walked into our reception to see our dazzling 9 tier, gravity-defying, floating wedding cake with a ‘funfetti’ interior (another sneaky surprise in itself as funfetti is my favorite cake flavor). Our wedding cake was, deservingly, the focal point of the room. It had its own gathering of admirers at any given moment throughout the entire evening while the candle-lit room made our cake, which was dripping in crystals, dance. The visual concept of the cake elevated the beauty of the candle, lucite, and white rose-filled ballroom. I knew the cake would be incredible, but it was better than incredible; it was a unique and stunning work of art that captured my personality and vision of “fire and ice” for this once in a lifetime occasion.
Hair and Makeup Artist: Christine Diaz with Amped Artistry in Naples, FL.
Here is what I will say about Christine: she is a master of her craft. But that is an understatement. She has the gift of being a well-rounded, service-oriented artist with an eye for beauty. I threw Christine for a loop on my wedding day: my hair was the wrong color (she toned my hair after our rehearsal dinner at midnight, the night before the wedding to save me from any unnecessary stress), I changed my mind last minute and wanted an updo (thanks to Queen Grandma), and changed my idea for makeup…all within 24 hours of walking down the aisle. None of that seemed to phase Christine in the slightest. Christine also made me feel secure, confident, and supported, which is something I did not know I needed on my wedding day. With so many opinions and emotions, she was exactly what I needed: peace of mind that she would not let me walk dawn that aisle without feeling perfect. That is something you cannot put a dollar value on.
All that being said, put these two artists together you have the MVPs of your wedding day. These two do not come as a duo, but, they really are an unmatched pair. I honestly did not know how much I would need both of them, until I did. If you were to ask me where I got the most value from my investment, it would be hiring Cara and Christine. These two women are so special and made the ultimate difference on my wedding day.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? Islamorada
We decided on a low-key, easy and relaxing honeymoon, and all signs pointed to The Moorings Village in Islamorada (yes, where Bloodline was filmed). It was the most perfect honeymoon for us. Coming off our wedding week in chilly St. Louis, one quick flight and short drive to 78-degree weather in Islamorada was exactly what we needed. Honestly, the best part was simply being together without distractions; no work emails (it felt so good to turn off my notifications!), having coffee in the morning on the front porch with the palm trees, a quiet beach, and the ocean as our daily view; quiet dinners with sunset views and healthy, fresh food; I could go on and on, but the full vibe was exactly perfect.
Vesna & Kenneth's Intimate Sunday Family Gathering Wedding
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
We initially met briefly at work while in Miami because we work for the same company but in different offices. Two years later I like to think fate brought us back together when his office relocated to West Palm Beach and shortly after the new office in West Palm opened I was offered a job there as well. When it was announced I was going to be working in the same office as him, he asked me out to lunch to celebrate, not to be corny, but after that first lunch date the rest was history!
Six months later, on Valentine's Day 2019 he asked me to marry him. I had an inkling it might happen on Valentine's Day, but we were together all day and nothing! So, I convinced myself it was just in my head and it wouldn't be happening that day, just as I was sure that there would be no proposal, he caught me off guard towards the end of the night and said "can I ask you a question?" I unassumingly replied, "sure". And that's when he asked me if I would spend the rest of my life with him. I, of course said, yes.
Turns out that a just a few weeks before the proposal, he had asked my dad for my hand in marriage. He asked my dad while they were out shooting, so he likes to joke that he really loves me because he asked my dad for permission while my dad had a gun in his hand.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I knew I wanted an outdoor wedding from the get go. I envisioned a daytime, garden party and it magically turned out to be everything I wanted and more.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
I wanted it a small wedding, Kenny and I wanted it to intimate, and we ended up inviting family only. I grew up very close to my family and we had a tradition on Sunday's where all of us- aunts, uncles, and cousins, got together for lunch. Because of our Sunday tradition we had when we were all younger I wanted to recreate that for the wedding and decided on a Sunday garden party lunch theme.
How did you decide on the location?
At first I was stumped. There were so many beautiful venues from Miami to Jupiter to Naples, I couldn't decide. One of my friends had gotten married at The Addison in Boca Raton the year prior and recommended it. As soon as I went to my initial meeting and saw the beautiful courtyard and hundred year old Banyan trees I knew it was the spot.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I am the world's biggest procrastinator, it totally admit it. I got engaged in February and wanted to get married in November but I didn't start planning until June. After picking the date (mind you I didn't have a venue at this point, I just picked a date and hoped whatever venue I picked would accommodate) my next stop was Chic Parisien. The wedding revolves around the dress after all, or at least in my mind it did.
My first wedding dress shop that I visited with my mom and soon to be mother-in-law was Chic Parisien. I went in with pictures of two Berta dresses that I loved. The Daphne dress was the second dress I tried on and I loved it. But I thought this is too easy, NO WAY it's this easy. After trying on more dresses at Chic Parisien, visiting several more shops, and trying on a myriad of dresses, I came back a week later and said the Daphne dress was my dress. It was just the right amount of classic with the A-line shape but had a touch of modern and dare I say sexy with the illusion top which covered me in all the right places.
“I came back a week later and said the Daphne dress was my dress. It was just the right amount of classic with the A-line shape but had a touch of modern and dare I say sexy with the illusion top which covered me in all the right places. ”
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My mom and mother-in-law were such a big part of picking my dress and I'll always treasure that memory.
My friend recommended the venue I ended up choosing so I'm so thankful to her for her input.
Although the wedding was family only, Kenny and I shared a mutual friend, Melissa, who happened to be a notary. We met Melissa when we first started dating so she saw us from first date to engagement. We thought that who better to perform the ceremony than someone who saw our relationship grow, no one else could make it so personal. So we asked her to officiate the ceremony; she incorporated our faith, our story, and quite a bit of humor (she's hilarious).
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
We decided on doing first look pictures and it's the best decision we made, the look on his face when I tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around to look at me was one of my favorite moments. The look in his eyes reaffirmed that I was the love of his life, just like he is the love of my life.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Our friend Melissa who officiated the ceremony is not only hilarious but opinionated as well...and thank goodness for that! I couldn't decide: hair up? hair down? half up, half down? She explained to me that there was no way I could leave my hair down and cover "that fabulous back on your dress". It was decided, low bun it would be. I wanted my makeup to accentuate my look but I didn't want anything overwhelming since it was a daytime wedding, rosy and dewey is what I was going for.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
The Addison itself was amazing and they provided the food as well. I'm the type of person who lives to eat, not eats to live, so food was extremely important to me and man was the food delicious! They made everything about the planning process easy which for the girl who dreaded planning and was the biggest procrastinator was a huge plus.
Starfish Photography was also great. They made me feel comfortable and captured all our special moments.
Two Monique Lhuillier Gowns, One Beautiful #realchicbride
Beautiful #realchicbride Jessica wore not one but TWO beautiful Monique Lhuillier gowns for her wedding at Miami’s Epiphany Church and Mandarin Oriental hotel. You know what that means, hold your breath for a series of beyond gorgeous photos, put together with the help of an all-star team of vendors…
Bride: Jessica (Garcia) Estrada.
Both gowns by Monique Lhuillier, from Chic Parisien.
Planner: @andisoirees www.andisoirees.com
Photographer: @jessicalorren
#realchicbride Alyssa in Berta Tells Us Her Love Story
When we saw the beautiful photos of Alyssa Lattizori’s wedding we knew we had to chat with her to hear a bit more about it! Luckily, she was happy to spill all the details about how she planned the wedding (by herself!), her love store and how she picked her perfect dress at Chic Parisien (a Berta!).
Tell us your love story! How did you meet? What was your journey to the proposal?
July 2015, I talked to a psychic who was highly recommended from friends. She told me that at the end of August, I was going to meet my soulmate and he would be THE ONE. She said he'd have dark hair and hazel green eyes, live in the same state but not the same city and would be in the same industry as me but different facets of it. She told me that work would mutually bring us to the same place maybe a convention of sorts, but we wouldn't meet at work - we'd meet at a social event affiliated with work. She told me to make sure I said 'yes' to everything and if I didn't meet him by fall that means I missed my chance.
August 31, 2015 I was at a Real Estate convention and saw this handsome man across the way! My girlfriend Jenna said, 'go say hi!' I was too nervous, and said 'If I'm supposed to meet him, I will." After dinner that night, saying 'yes' to grabbing one last drink at the hotel bar, Will happened to be there. We met, and the rest is history! I couldn't sleep that night and I texted my best friend Katie at 5:30am, "I think I met my soulmate the psychic was telling me about" Go figure, he also lived in Florida, had dark hair and hazel eyes and was in Commercial Real Estate while I'm in Residential. I still have the actual recording, all the other details she got right is pretty wild!
We talked about getting married 3 months after we met. Will proposed about a year later! We knew we were getting a puppy January 2018 but couldn't decide on a name. We both liked Rosie but Will was convinced we couldn't name her until we met her and made sure the name suited her. Dec 22, 2017 - Will came back from a work trip and told me last minute that his parents were coming down to visit that night before we left on a super early flight the next day to visit my family for Christmas. Assuming we both agreed our 10 day trip would be our gift to each other, I was surprised when he handed me a thin flat box, which he said "was just a little something." I opened it to find a new red dog color with a dog tag attached. Thinking how thoughtful it was he agreed to calling her Rosie and got her name engraved on the tag, I flipped it over and to my surprise I saw, "Marry Me" instead! I turned around to find him down on one knee. Of course I said yes! Even better we got to celebrate with his family that night and then mine in Connecticut!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I envisioned soft blush colors with pops of gold and navy accents. Super sweet, girly and classic. I just kept thinking blush, blush, blush. Thankfully I had some major rock star vendors and day-of coordinators that helped to make my vision a reality! Wouldn't have changed a thing.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
Will is not a dancer, so he was actually the one who decided we take dancing lessons and do a choreographed dance! He claimed that if we were going to dance in front of a bunch of people he wanted to at least look like he knew what he was doing and make it more interesting than swaying back and forth. It was a blast learning ballroom together!
I've always loved starfish and keep them in the front windows of our house. I wanted to incorporate them in a classic way, so we actually handmade all 135 starfish napkin rings! Loved having that little touch.
How did you decide on the location?
I was born and raised in a sleepy little seaside town outside of Mystic, CT. I've lived in Florida for about 8 years and it was so important to me to have the wedding where I grew up! It is SO beautiful in Connecticut (and definitely not as hot as FL!) So I am happy that Will agreed we could have it there.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Funny story about my dress! I've been OBSESSED with Berta gowns but wasn't totally sure what style I would end up wearing. Last minute, I saw that Berta was having a trunk show in Miami, and since my Mom was out of town and all my bridesmaids live out of state, I asked another good friend to just come with me so I could see the dresses and at least narrow down what shape I'd want to wear.
Go figure, about 5 dresses in, I try on THE dress. Bethany and I looked at each other and started to tear up. It was definitely my dress. BUT I was so upset my Mom wasn't with me! Being a pageant girl growing up, dress shopping was always something my Mom and I enjoyed doing together, never mind the fact that this was a once in a lifetime chance to try on wedding dresses!! Barbette at Chic Parisien was so sweet and said if I put a deposit down she would still honor the trunk show discount if I could get my Mom in there the next weekend. Thankfully it work out, and I was able to have her, Will's mom and sister there with me the next weekend, which we all agreed was THE dress, thankfully!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Since I was so clear on the vision of the wedding, I just dove in and did it all myself! A blessing and a curse. After managing all the vendors on my own, it was just too hard to delegate because I knew exactly what was already taken care of and what still needed to be done. I made sure to run everything by Will and the few times he spoke up and said a solid NO, I made sure to listen.
I utilized our families for tackling my DIY projects and basically was Etsy's number one customer for all custom signage and little details. It's amazing what you can find on the internet!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
At first I think - how I had dreamed about the moment I went to walk down the aisle for years and years. Literally envisioned ever little detail of it. Nora Jones, Come Away With Me, starts to play, when she starts singing in the song would be the moment I stepped out, everyone would stand.. etc etc. Well... didn't end up happening the way I had envisioned haha! My Brother and I step out after the bridal party walks, ready for my big moment anddddd the music doesn't play. We stood their awkwardly - wondering, do we just go?? Should we wait?? What felt like an eternity passed, and thank goodness the music finally played. BUT two steps in and... I feel my head tug back! Dying, I realized my veil had wrapped around the tent post in the wind. With the help of whoever was standing around, we freed the fabric and off I went. Everyone had a good laugh, including myself and I was on my way to Will finally. Needless to say, things played out differently than what I already dreamed of!
Otherwise, it really was just the coolest feeling having all our closest friends and family together in one place with us. The love, energy and laughs that weekend is something I will absolutely never forget!!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I have super thick curly hair and I have been a slave to it my whole life! I envisioned my hair down with soft glam waves for the ceremony and so I would't get too hot wanted to pull it back for the reception! Thankfully my friend Shelby who did my hair was willing to stay and change it for me which I'm happy we did! Will came to the bridal suite with me and it was a nice quiet moment to have with him while she did my hair. Our caterer was so awesome and brought up an appetizer sampler since we missed cocktail hour so it was a nice 10 minutes before the madness!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
All of our vendors were wonderful! I don't think I could pick just one. If I could give any advice to planning brides, I'd say that communication is EVERYTHING! Even if there is a vendor you feel like you "have to have" but they don't respond in a timely manner or just disappear, trust me its not worth it! Stick with people you can trust and go out of their way to answer questions. When it's down to the wire you want people in your circle that communicate and are on top of everything. Any vendor I had to hound to get a response from I cut out immediately and found someone else, thankfully finding wonderful vendors was a life saver when I was super stressed closer to go time.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We did a honeymoon fund as part of our registry! I'm so glad we did because we are blessed with a beautiful home and have everything we couple possibly need already but had never gone on a big vacation just the two of us. We splurged on two stops, one incredible boutique hotel called The Other Side in Eleuthera, and another called The Bahama House on Harbor Island, both in the Bahamas. It was so nice to slow down and just spend quality time together. Both places that we stayed at were super low key and quiet. My favorite night was at TOS, where dinner is served in a "tent" that has open doors by the eater and a set menu and time for dinner. One night, we happened to be the only ones there! We could hear the ocean, dinner was fabulous, we had a bottle of champagne, music played on a record player and we slow danced together barefoot after dinner. I will never forget that moment!
Marcela Mar made the cover!
Chosen by One Day is the newest brand to join the Chic Parisien family, we were totally taken by their boho but couture sensibility and Aussie cool girl aesthetic - something we felt we were missing in our mix of designers. The Chic Parisien team couldn’t have been happier to see Colombian actress Marcela Mar (of El Capo and dozens more soap operas and theater productions) in her dreamy Chosen dress on her wedding day. It’s no wonder that Hola Magazine put her on the cover of her Colombia edition!
Marcela came in with a clear vision for the look and style we had and we were happy to step in and assist he in making that dream come true! Here are some photos of the truly inspiring wedding on the beach in Mexio straight from the edit of Marcela’s very chic Instagram page…
13.2k Likes, 258 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "Hace alrededor de dos años, me levanté con la sensación de que algo maravilloso estaba por suceder......"
10.5k Likes, 113 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "El fin de semana más especial de mi vida, gracias a todos los presentes, se sintió fuerte la magia..."
40.6k Likes, 730 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "El primer día del resto de nuestras vidas ❤️ @thechefisback #marceypedro"
7,024 Likes, 157 Comments - Marcela Mar (@marcelamar07) on Instagram: "Buenos días Marzo/ Marce 🧜🏻♀️ es tu mes! Gracias @andresoyuela por este fotón 💕MarcelAmar💕 #piscis"
An Ines Di Santo Bride To Remember
Get ready for this because it’s an all time unbeatable combination - a super chic bride, Morgan Prevatt Molinari, who is stunningly beautiful, The Breakers Palm Beach, one of Florida’s most iconic venues, and an Ines Di Santo wedding dress that just couldn’t look any more jaw-dropping. Regal, elegant and just the right amount of over-the-top, this wedding is one for the books (or, the blog!).
This gown, the Sylvie, is one of our new all time favorite Ines Di Santo gowns, it’s not hard to see why. The grand ballgown and dreamy train are absolute statement makers.
#realchicbride in Motion at Vizcaya and the Mandarin Oriental
We love when a beautiful wedding video crosses our path! So much of why a bride connects with her dress is because of the way it moves on her body. Getting to watch the dress move and dance on the wedding day is such a treat - it’s a peek into the real day that we don’t get with photography.
This video takes place at Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, two of our very favorite places in Miami (you may recognize the Mandarin Oriental from our photos over on The Beach Bride!).
Kudos to the talented AJ Ingoglia Films, you can find him here:
IG: aj_ingoglia_films Facebook: AJ Ingoglia Films.
Paula Ties The Knot In Romona Keveza
Nobu Hotel is a new Miami wedding venue that is so stunning in it’s modern, tropical elegance, it will leave you jaw-dropped. These photos of #realchicbride Paula in Romona Keveza are so full of love, and joy and CHICNESS - you must look through them all.
Wearing a stunning, simple sheath, signature Romona Keveza, Paula shines against this tropical, romantic background on Miami Beach.
Scroll to the bottom of the post for vendor credits.
Photo Credit Chantal Weddings, Location: Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, Dress: Romona Keveza, Planner: Marylen Exposito . Florist: Ever After Floral Design