#realchicbride Margarita in Berta / Wedding in Cartagena
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Our journey began 12 years ago on a high school trip to San Andrés, Colombia. At the time I was completely unaware that we had just met the love of my life. We started dating back then, but as life often does, it led us in different directions for college. Years passed, and fate intervened when we reunited in New York eight years ago. This time, it was different. We had grown, we had changed, but our connection had only deepened.
The proposal was magical. It happened on a private beach in Miami, a place that has always felt like home away from home for me. I love being close to the ocean, so having such an intimate moment by the water made it even more special. Just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, he surprised me with a beautiful dinner where my closest family members, who had flown in from Colombia, were waiting to celebrate with us. It was perfect, emotional, and filled with so much love.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
At the start, I had always dreamed of an oceanfront wedding, something outdoors, with the sea breeze and sunset as our backdrop. But I knew that getting married in my hometown of Cartagena meant embracing the warm Caribbean climate, so we pivoted. Instead of a fully outdoor wedding, we created a perfect balance of an elegant open-air dinner followed by an indoor party.
Looking back, the final result was entirely different from my original vision, but it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. When we found the Teatro Heredia, a stunning colonial-era theater in the heart of Cartagena’s historic district, everything fell into place. The venue embodied the soul of the city; charm, history, and grandeur. It had the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor elements, and as we crafted every detail, it became the wedding of our dreams.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
For us, the food was a top priority! We are both food lovers, so we made sure that there were options for every guest at every stage of the night. From the welcome cocktails to the late-night bites, we wanted it to be an experience that people would talk about for years.
Music was another non-negotiable. We had live music in both areas, our favorite DJ, and a carefully curated playlist featuring a couple of must-play songs that were special to us. Every beat, every note, and every dance move was intentional, making the celebration feel uniquely ours.
How did you decide on the location?
Cartagena is where we were both born and raised, so there was never a question about where we would get married, it had to be home. When it came to venues, Teatro Heredia checked every box. It was grand yet intimate, historic yet vibrant, and conveniently close to the church where we would say our vows. The moment we saw it, we knew it was the one.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Some things in life are simply meant to be, and my wedding dress was one of them. For months, I kept seeing this stunning gown on social media, and every time, I felt an instant connection. The dress was a Berta Bridal masterpiece, the perfect blend of elegance and timeless beauty. It had everything I wanted: delicate lace, touches of pearls, and the most breathtaking silhouette that perfectly blended modern sophistication with classic romance.
When I walked into Chic Parisien, I already had this dress in mind, but the moment I tried it on, I knew this was the one. They also helped me make all the alterations I wanted which made it even more unique to my body and style.
I did try other dresses but I could not stop thinking about the Berta one. It was as if this gown had been waiting for me all along. Everything about it felt right, and when I saw myself in the mirror, I could already envision walking down the aisle in it. It was love at first sight, just like my love story.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My mom was the true mastermind behind it all, she knew every vendor in the city and guided me through every step of the planning process. My two cousins, who are like my sisters, were also a huge part of the journey, helping with details big and small.
On the wedding day, my closest friends got ready with me, filling the morning with laughter, happy tears, and memories that I’ll cherish forever. The energy, the love, and the pure joy of having them by my side made the day even more meaningful.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
One of the most unforgettable moments was our “crazy hour” (hora loca), which we took to a whole new level with a Star Wars theme! My three older brothers played a huge role in making it a standout moment, adding their own special touch that made it even more fun and sentimental. It was wild, unexpected, and truly one-of-a-kind, just the way we wanted it!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
For hair and makeup, I wanted something timeless, classic, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful. Given Cartagena’s humidity and ocean breeze, a sleek bun was the best choice, and my makeup was kept fresh and natural to complement the Caribbean glow. It was simple but perfect for the occasion.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Our wedding planner, Mary Cueter, was a lifesaver. She is simply the best in Cartagena, her attention to detail, her vision, and her ability to bring every dream to life was unmatched. She did walk-throughs, created renders, and ensured that every single element was executed to perfection. I would recommend her a thousand times over.
Another standout vendor was Nova Productions. They transformed our venue into something straight out of a dream, constructing breathtaking scenery that made the entire night feel magical. Every vision I had, they brought to life in ways I couldn’t have even imagined.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We haven’t gone on our honeymoon yet, but we have big plans! Japan and the Maldives are at the top of our list, but since we are both currently pursuing our MBAs, we decided to wait until after graduation to make it happen. The anticipation only makes it more exciting, and we can’t wait for this next adventure together!
#realchicbride Felicia in Her THREE Chic Gowns
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Felicia and Jack met in the COVID-era of early 2021. Jack attended one of Felicia’s house parties, and at the time, Felicia kept blowing Jack off because the only thing she was worried about was pouring her friends her world-renowned espresso martini shots. Finally after much persistence, Felicia agreed to go on their first date at his best friend JC’s restaurant, Wineology - a personal favourite of Felicia’s. Felicia was smitten by Jack over time - but not as smitten as she was with his 4 children: Tanner, Travis, Trent and Alexis. She wasn’t just a regular mom, she was a cool mom.
Finally in the summer of 2022 Jack asked Felicia for her hand in marriage along the beautiful coast of Nazaré, Portugal where they continued to eat cheese and drink port wine all the way home.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
My vision originally was very modern and romantic. I wanted the venue to have tons of modern white florals, yet the furniture be something you would see in a home – just a very unique twist on a venue. I ditched the traditional wedding draping, napkins, menus, seating charts and basically created mine from scratch. I wanted the wedding to be as different as possible from other weddings, so I would tend to take small ideas over various social media sites to construct my own vision. Having the wedding in a small town in Canada, I was extremely limited on resources, so I found myself sometimes having to construct things on our own just to make sure the vision was still achieved!
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
A few things really mattered to us as a couple when planning the wedding. We wanted a venue with an amazing backdrop for our guests to be wow’d by. We wanted an amazing photographer to really capture unique editorial moments. And we wanted an amazing live band all night. We got all 3!
How did you decide on the location?
We wanted to make sure that the venue had a stunning backdrop. Being from Windsor, Ontario we are fortunate to have such a stunning Detroit skyline view. We also wanted to incorporate a lake view backdrop, so we decided to do an outdoor ceremony at my father’s gorgeous lakefront beach house. We got the best of both worlds in one day!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I originally heard of Chic, as my sister was getting married in Fort Lauderdale the same year I was. I went with her during the bridal gown shopping process. We worked with Kendall and I just thought the process was so flawless and easy. We actually found her dresses that day! A couple months later I found myself finally looking for dresses. Being from Canada, I originally tried to find my dresses locally to my country. I actually found the process extremely hard – they would have one dress and not the other, and it made the process extremely stressful. I thought to myself why am I wasting my time in making sure other companies have this and that when I know Chic Parisien houses most if not all the bridal brands I was looking for? So I made my appointment and booked my flight to Miami! I found myself purchasing all 3 dresses (main bridal dress, second look dress, and rehearsal dress) from Chic and it was honestly the best decision I ever made!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
What I thought was really unique is my sister and I got married the same year, 3 months apart to be exact. Although she had her wedding in Florida and mine was in Canada, it was really nice to bounce ideas off each other while going through the same process at the same time
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
I think the florals will be something I never forget, they exceeded my expectations!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Given my dress was strapless on my first dress, I knew I wanted my hair down. For my second look I had a high neck and it gave such a party vibe with the feathers I knew I needed a high, fun ponytail to match the look! For makeup I wanted it to have natural tones with a hint of glam.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Yes, Lauren Alatriste my photographer. She was a life saver when it came to the photos at my wedding and she did such an AMAZING job! She really nailed the vision I was looking for!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Paris, Santorini and Sicily. We absolutely loved Paris, the shows, the shopping, the food but we also got to stay in the White Lotus hotel in Taormina, Sicily and it was absolutely STUNNING!!
CREDITS
@littlebirdeventco
@laurenalatriste wedding photographer
Jessica Ruxton Photography rehearsal dinner photographer
@theissenflowers
#realchicbride Zoe in Berta at her Tampa Wedding
Real Chic Bride Zoe at her wedding in Tampa wearing a chic and glittery Berta dress. Hear more about her love story, how they incorporated their dog into their wedding, and how she knew that this Berta dress was “the one” for her.
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
We met at the University of Central Florida in 2017! I was invited to play in a soccer game with a friend and met Matthew. A couple of months later we were inseparable! We traveled together, got our first dog, moved in together, and in 2021 Matthew got down on one knee on a trip to Washington D.C!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I thought about my wedding I wanted spring and sparkle. I think I got very close to my vision! I had beautiful pastel florals everywhere you could think of. I wanted some water element to my venue so when I found the river center I was obsessed it gave us enough creative freedom to make our vision come true. I have always wanted my wedding colors to be champagne and black because it is timeless but gives you so much room to add special details that may be hard to match with other colors.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We actually had our dog, Kylo in our wedding and this was so awesome! We have had him since college and he has been able to grow with us as we went from boyfriend and girlfriend to fiancés and now husband and wife! We used Fairytail Pets and she was so amazing!! She got his attention for all the photos and even sent us pictures when they took him home. We felt so comfortable leaving our boy with them.
I also really wanted to do a first look. It was so special to have a moment just the two of before the craziness started and it was amazing! We got all of our photos done during this time as well which saved us a lot of time after the ceremony, totally worth it!
Lastly, we did a boat exit and it was so much fun!! Everyone got on a water taxi and got dropped off at the hotels!
How did you decide on the location?
When we picked a venue I wanted to make sure it was a place we could easily visit. I am from Tampa and Matthew is from Miami so we wanted to stay close to either city and preferred it to be on the water. When we saw the Tampa river center it was perfect. Right in the heart of Tampa, on the water, modern but elegant, and it’s somewhere we can go visit to remember all the great moments we had on April 28th.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I went to a dress boutique to try dresses and I liked them BUT I had my heart set on my Berta dress from the moment I saw it. I looked up all the places that carried it and when I saw Chic Parisien in Miami I made an appointment the next day.
Every dress I tried on was absolutely stunning however, when I put my dress on I and everyone else knew it was the one.
I love glitter and it doesn’t get more sparkly than this dress! Not only did the glitter sell me but also all the small details like the corset top, studded straps, and all of the layers. Truly the most stunning piece I have ever worn and I feel so lucky to have gotten married in my dream dress!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My mom was my rock in all of this. She was on top of every detail in the best way possible. She helped me pick out all the details with the florals, rentals, and accommodations. Her and my father were a huge part in making my dream wedding come true and I couldn’t be more thankful! My twin sister planned my bachelorette helped with my bridal shower and was so helpful and encouraging throughout everything!
My mother and law and grandmother-in-law were at every dress fitting and did so much to help! All the signage done at the ceremony was from my mother-in-law and she planned our rehearsal dinner!
Matthew's grandfather actually officiated our wedding which was so special for us. Something we truly will never forget. Of course, I would have been lost without my bridesmaids and I am so appreciative of each other for everything they did, they are the best!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget?
Matthew and I started to make a first dance routine about two weeks before the wedding which was a little scary because we only had two weeks to get it right. We actually went and practiced in the venue with my dress on before the ceremony and it was a little rocky. Once it was time for our first dance we nailed it!! I just remember being so excited to have just perfected our first task in marriage and it was so fun!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Because my dress was so much(in the best way possible) I wanted very simple hair and makeup. I had loose waves in my hair and for makeup I actually got inspired by looking at Berta’s page and seeing what other brides had done for their makeup! I went with a brown smoky eye and bronzed finish.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
This is so hard to pick!! I have to shoutout three of them,
First my photographer, Karin Marie Photography, she completely outdid herself. I felt so comfortable with her the entire night and she was a bride’s girl all night long. She never left my side and did everything she could to make sure I had the best night ever while getting the most amazing photos. I got my preview the next day which exceeded all my expectations. She was absolutely amazing.
Next, my florist with Petals Parties and Presents! I told her spring and she delivered. I never picked a single flower, only gave her a couple of Inspo photos like 8 months before and she made the most beautiful floral arrangements I have ever seen. She even texted me the night before about how obsessed she was with my bouquet and it just got me so excited! The florals complemented my dress and my bridesmaids’ champagne dresses. Classy can be colorful and she proved it!
Lastly, my wedding planner Katy with Coastal Coordinating. She had every detail planned out and was so supportive of every decision I made. She was honest and practical, you can’t ask for more! During my wedding, she always made sure I had everything I needed! She even called the dress company my bridesmaids’ dresses were from because there was a stain on one of them and she wanted to know the best way to immediately get it out. Literally above and beyond.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Ocho Rios Jamaica for our honeymoon and it was so dreamy. We woke up to a violinist playing on the beach every morning. My favorite part was just spending time with Matthew. Everything we did together was so magical and we truly had the best time. We went hiking up waterfalls, floating down rivers, on catamaran cruises, snorkeling, and so much more! We are so lucky to have each other and can’t wait to build more memories !
Wedding Planner: Coastal Coordinating
Catering: Milan catering
Venue: Tampa river center
Florist: Petals Parties and Presents
Photographer: Karin Marie photography
Videographer: Namesake Creative
Dress: Chic Parisien, Berta
Pet care: FairyTail Pet care
Hair/MU: FemmeAkoi
DJ: Grainger entertainment
Cake: Alessis bakery
#realchicbride Claudia in Berta
#realchicbride Claudia Johnsen dishes on her love story, wedding, engagement, etc!
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Aiden and I met during law school at The University of Texas School of Law in 2019.
We crossed paths during 1L oral arguments. Aiden had just finished his shift as “judge” for the day when I walked in. I overheard him discussing travel plans to Madrid and chimed in to offer some recommendations, but Aiden claims he could not hear a word over the sound of “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, which he swears mysteriously started playing when he saw me. Nonetheless, Aiden pulled it together and we exchanged contact info so we could “talk about Madrid.”
Aside from the rich saxophonic melody and visible sparks flying around the room, it was a casual first encounter. Even so, we were mutually enamored and later admitted to texting our friends about it shortly afterwards.
Not long after, Aiden and I began having “study” dates, which inevitably evolved into “real” dates. We quickly became inseparable. Side-by-side, we traveled to 12 different countries, graduated law school, and moved in together in Houston, TX.
A little over two years after we met, we planned a bar trip to Santorini, Greece after I passed the bar exam. Unbeknownst to me, Aiden had other motives. On our second day in Santorini, we discovered an unbelievable sunset spot on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, totally secluded from everyone else on the island. I was standing there taking in a mesmerizing sunset when I heard Aiden say, “Claudia.” I turned around and saw Aiden on one knee holding up the prettiest diamond I’ve ever seen.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I always envisioned an outdoor wedding with ocean views. I wanted the setting to be romantic with lots of natural beauty and minimalist décor. I think our wedding was just that! We chose Son Marroig because of its impressive ocean views and architecture.
We highlighted the romantic nature of the venue by adding lots of candles to our “alfresco” reception. I decided on all white florals, mainly roses, because of their elegant and timeless feel. My floral arrangements reflected the minimalist look I wanted, allowing the venue’s breathtaking natural landscape to be the focal point. The rolling mountains, the piercing blue Mediterranean sea, the lush gardens, and the venue’s striking marble and Spanish stone already provided the perfect setting.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We wanted to showcase the union of two cultures—I’m Cuban, and Aiden is from the U.S. We made sure our ceremony and speeches incorporated both English and Spanish, while also highlighting the common values we share. We also wanted to showcase some of the reasons why we fell in love with Spain, such as its amazing cuisine and music. To do this, we hired a Michelin star caterer and a Spanish guitarist who played during the cocktail hour.
How did you decide on the location?
I always dreamed of having a destination wedding, and Aiden supported that. Shortly after Aiden proposed, we started looking at venues in some of our favorite countries. We decided on Spain partly because of how much Son Marroig impressed us, but also because Spain is where we fell in love. Aiden studied abroad in Madrid during the early stages of our relationship, and I visited him so much that several people thought I studied abroad there too!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I always pictured myself in a lace fitted wedding gown. I became obsessed with a Berta Privee dress I had seen on Instagram. I searched endlessly for boutiques in Miami and Houston that carried the dress. I finally found it at Chic Parisien and made an appointment to try on that particular dress. The day of my appointment, my amazing stylist, Katie, pulled out a few Berta dresses for me to try, including the one I had specifically gone to see. As soon as she put it on me, I knew it wasn’t the dress for me.
We tried around three other dresses, but I knew none of them were “the one.” However, we still had one more dress to try from the options Katie had pulled. When I saw that final dress on the hanger, I did not have a positive first impression. I told Katie I probably was not going to like it, but she insisted I should try it on anyway. I did. Before it was zipped up all the way, I knew it was the dress for me!
My grandmother, mother, and sister all agreed and were in awe of the dress. Every detail of the lace was breathtaking. The neckline was immaculate. I loved that it had delicate straps. The long train was everything I had dreamed of but even better. The dress was nude but not see through, and the bow that sits around the waist was the perfect finishing touch. I instantly pictured myself walking down the Son Marroig aisle in this flawless Berta dress. It was perfect.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My family played a large role throughout the wedding planning and wedding day. They supported me every step of the way. Both my parents and Aiden’s even traveled with us to Mallorca in October for our food tasting and venue walkthrough.
My sister and Maid of Honor, Elizabeth, played a huge role through it all. She took her crafting skills to the next level and made all of the stationary. I bounced off every idea I had on her. On my wedding day, she decorated my “getting ready” suite, and along with my Matron of Honor, Laura, ensured I was taken care of and without a worry the entire day.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget?
I will never forget the moment Aiden and I first saw each other as I walked down the aisle. The day was sunny, 70 degrees, and gorgeous as I approached the edge of the cliff where Aiden was waiting. All I could focus on was Aiden. He looked at me with a tender smile and sparkly blue eyes that made me feel so special. In that moment, I knew he was as happy as I was.
At the same time, seeing the happiness of all our closest friends and family is a memory I will forever hold dear to my heart. Each of them traveled long and far to share that moment with us, and I am eternally grateful.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted my hair and makeup look to be classic and elegant, so I decided on a texturized updo and soft glam that complemented my natural features.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
All of our vendors were absolutely amazing! In particular, my hair and makeup artist, Lucia Zima, was a gem to work with. She understood exactly what I wanted from our very first meeting and worked on accentuating my best features while at the same time maintaining a timeless natural look. Our catering team, Catering Marc Fosh, was also phenomenal! From the hors d'oeuvre at the cocktail hour to our midnight snacks, the food was incredible and our guests are still raving about it. Lastly, I want everyone to know about the sax player, Ramon Riera, and the DJ, Marc Oliver, who took our party to the next level during the reception. They were unbelievable, and no one left the dance floor all night!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
For our honeymoon, we went to Italy (Tuscany, Sicily, and Sardinia). Each place was unique and amazing, but Sardinia may have been the favorite. One highlight was renting a yacht that took us on a breathtaking journey in the Mediterranean. We spent all day jumping in the crystal clear waters of La Maddalena and sunbathing on the beautiful boat while sipping prosecco. It was magical.
CREDITS
• Photo: @miguel.arranz.weddings
• Makeup & Hair: @zima_mua
• Catering: @cateringmarcfosh
• Music: @lomusic.es
• Sax: @ramonrieramusic
• DJ: @djmarcoliver
•WP: @mc.eventplanner @nakar.events
•Decor: @enesencia_decora @exclusive4events
• Video: @alexandra_timelessweddings
• Venue: @son_marroig
New Arrivals July 2023
Shop the latest new arrivals to our stock room from chic bridal designers like Muse by Berta, Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo and Katherine Tash.
Shopping for your wedding dress and wondering what’s new at Chic Parisien. Besides our very packed schedule of designer trunk shows, where you can shop the latest collections from our edit of bridal designers, you can always ask about new arrivals. This might be especially helpful if you have already shopped but didn’t find “the one” just yet.
Here is a peek into some of the latest arrivals to our stock:
Preorder Now! Berta Legging Boots!
These amazing, super sparkly, unbelievably chic Berta leggings (they’re really boots + leggings!) are available now for preorder at Chic Parisien. The perfect addition to your second look or bachelorette party wardrobe, these hybrid legging boots by the inimitable Berta made a major SPLASH when we announced that we are one of the limited preorder retailers in the world. If you are eyeing these amazing Berta leggings, be sure to email info@cpbride ASAP to place your order. They take five/six months to be handmade, so you’ll want to get your order in now to have them ready for your wedding weekend looks.
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.
Brides Features #realchicbride Brittani's Mexican Wedding
Beautiful #realchicbride Brittani and her Mexican wedding were featured on Brides! Wait until you see the rest of her pictures at her beach wedding absolutely glowing in her Berta wedding dress.
Check out the feature here.
Berta at Chic Parisien
J’adore a Berta wedding dress. We at Chic Parisien, a Miami bridal boutique, love a Berta wedding gown. We’ve carried this chic bridal brand for years (and we also have Muse by Berta and Berta Privee in stock!) and whenever a new collection by Berta is released, it’s a moment of stylish celebration. This time, we featured favorites from the latest Berta collection shot on-site at our Coral Gables bridal store.
Photos by Jessica Vilchez
Hair and Makeup by Marz Makeup and Hair
Shot at Chic Parisien Featuring Berta Gowns.
A Few Of Our Favorite Things
A few chic new arrivals we wanted to share: Gaia by Ines Di Santo, Fifi by Chosen by Kyha, Jolie by Berta 21-J03.
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.
One @berta dress, three @mariaelenaheadpieces tiaras. Which is your favorite?
We took one Berta dress and styled it with three Maria Elena Headpieces tiaras. Which one is your favorite?
New Arrival Helga, Muse by Berta at Chic Parisien: A Sparkley Wedding Dress Dream
Chic Parisien’s newest wedding dress arrival is Helga by Muse by Berta.
Kendall's Chic Edit
A few favorites that we have in stock right now at our Coral Gables bridal boutique from our stylist and buyer Kendall Huibregtse:
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
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.
La Vita e Bella in Capri! A #realchicbride wears Berta at her swoony Italian wedding.
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Mike and I met in Miami through a mutual friend I went to college with. I had been living in Miami for eight years at the time and was ready for a new experience. I had decided I would move to NYC to be closer to friends and family but hit it off with Mike a month before I was scheduled to move. I followed my gut and put my move on hold and it ended up being one of my best decisions to date.
Mike proposed about three years later when we were visiting my family in Rhode Island one summer weekend. We were running towards my favorite lookout spot over the beach and once we got to a bench there he faked a leg cramp. Next thing I knew he was down on one knee!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
To be honest, I actually had no idea what I envisioned for our wedding when we first got engaged. We were open to everywhere from Miami where we live to Rhode Island where I grew up and Mike has family, and finally ended up choosing Italy. Once we got our planner (Federica Nascimben with the Italian Wedding Event – she was fantastic) – everything kind of happened organically and she really helped us shape our vision.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We realized everyone would be taking a long trek to get to Capri (not the easiest little island to travel to) so we wanted our wedding to be super stress-free and just straight fun for everyone making the trip. That helped us prioritize having enough transportation and bars that no one was ever waiting for a ride or a drink the whole weekend!
How did you decide on the location?
Initially, we were trying to plan a wedding in Miami as we both live here and a lot of our friends do as well. It started becoming really stressful and I was having a hard time finding a venue that I loved enough to have it be super special and memorable.
Mike and I have always loved traveling and after a long conversation venting to one of my best friends about venue options, one night realized that a destination wedding was such a better fit for us. Being that Mike and I are both from Italian families and it’s one of our favorite places, we initially decided on Portofino as we had vacationed there the summer before and had such an amazing time. Federica, our planner, convinced us to look at Southern Italy after discussing the things that were important to us and really sold me on this “magical ocean location that was not your typical wedding venue.” That got me from the start and even looking at pictures of Lido Del Faro did not prepare me for how beautiful it was in person (which I didn’t see until the day I walked down the aisle)! I’ve always loved the ocean and was way more into cliffside beach club vibes than a more formal hotel-type setting.
The locations for the welcome party and brunch the day after were at Capri Palace and Il Ricco which Mike picked and they were just as incredible. And the best part about Italy was obviously that the food was insane at every venue!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I think out of most every detail of my wedding the dress was the only one I was sure of from the very beginning! I’ve never been one to fantasize about a wedding growing up or look at wedding dresses, but I stumbled across Berta dresses on Instagram a few months before we got engaged. I actually have a picture of my dress in my phone from before we got engaged because I thought it was so different and beautiful. The week after I got engaged, being super excited and already thinking about trunk shows, I called Chic Parisien after finding out they were the only Miami bridal store that carried Berta to make an appointment for a trunk show I saw they were having a few months later. The lady on the phone told me that they were having the last trunk show of the 2018 F/W dresses the following weekend and why don’t I just come in then to try some on. I swore up and down I would not be buying a dress as I had gotten engaged about two weeks earlier at the time but once I tried this dress on it was a done deal.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Luckily both our families were super excited once we decided on Italy and were very supportive during all the planning. That being said, I did easily figure out that while I am normally very indecisive and like to ask others’ opinions, for your wedding you really do just want to do what you and your husband want and I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by not taking their recommendations. For that reason, I mostly kept the planning between me, Mike and our planner.
On the day of the wedding, we both got ready and spent the day preparing with family and friends, and I also chose my parents’ wedding song to walk down the aisle to.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
That we all ended up in the pool at the venue for a pool party at the end of the night because it was so hot from all the dancing! Also, that I got my husband dance for the first (and probably last time) and I think he actually enjoyed himself!!!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I thought I knew what I wanted for both our welcome reception and the wedding (I experimented a few times during fittings to test out some different looks) but I changed both looks the day of with the hair and makeup team. I have to admit that’s mostly due to the heat because didn’t want to deal with any sort of down hairdo or pieces when it was so hot. It ended up being a great decision because we were all dripping sweat during the ceremony!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
I’m going to have to mention two. My photographer, Evan Rich Photography, I discovered when I was looking for venues in Miami. He had an Italian shoot on his site and was also another inspiration for choosing Italy because his pictures made it look absolutely dreamy. I loved his work but unfortunately, he was booked on all the dates I was looking at in Miami. When we decided on Italy, I was thrilled he would be able to make it. He and his wife were so amazing in every step of the wedding day. They really helped streamline the day and took the most beautiful pictures I could have asked for. Also, Mike hates taking pictures normally and I’ve never seen his teeth so much from him smiling as in all our wedding pictures.
Also, DJ Fabio Vuotto!!! DJ Fabio is the Capri resident DJ and he played all the music for our ceremony, reception and the day after brunch. I didn’t give him any recommendations other than the songs we walked out to for our ceremony and our first dance/father daughter/mother son dances. I figured if he was that good I should just trust his vibe and music judgment for the crowd and he was such a hit.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We left straight from our wedding to Switzerland and toured the country over the next week from Zurich to Lucerne and ended in St. Moritz. We stayed at some beautiful hotels and took some amazing hikes and nature tours but the best part was being so well-rested by the time we returned home to Miami that I went straight into work the next day feeling like a million bucks! Switzerland was extremely relaxing which was very much needed after going straight from a bachelorette weekend in the Amalfi coast to the wedding week.
Photos by Evan Rich Photography
Dress by Berta from Chic Parisien
#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!
Chic Ambassador: Caro Pozo
Caro Pozo is a local actress (soon to be an international superstar, we just know it), a creative and a future #realchicbride! We’re proud to announce that she’s also our newest Chic Ambassador.
This bright personality and gorgeous girl came to play a bit of dress up with us during last week’s Berta Trunk Show. She was the perfect model for this ultra-chic collection from Berta featuring sexy shapes and silhouettes alongside textured, detailed dresses, always with the very best handcrafted work and fabrics.
Caro, because she’s a doll like that, thought you al might benefit from a bit about her wedding dress shopping experience and tips. Not only does she walk you through her own personal process, but in coming back and hanging out with us a bit more she’s picked up some pretty great ideas about how to make the most of your experience!
Read Caro’s blog post here on her blog Blonde2Brunette. Follow her on Instagram here @blonde2brunette or here @caropozo. And follow along with her creative activities at @thesugarcottage_.
Berta Features #REALCHICBRIDE Crystal Smith Wamble
Berta has featured our bride, Crystal Smith Wamble, and her chic wedding at the very unique Oxford Exchange. She is positively glowing and we’re so thrilled to see her featured on the Berta blog that we wanted to share with all of you!
BERTA Retailer: Chic Parisien
Venue: Le Meridien
Photographer: Madison Hope & Co.
Bride: Crystal Wamble
Groom: Will Wamble