December 16, 2011 | Miami, FL
Closing out last year with a bang, this black-tie, platinum wedding in Miami combined just the right amount of sexy, sassy and wow.
This is officially my last wedding of 2011. But beyond that, I am so glad to share this wedding because the bride and groom have become such dear friends to me and Anthony! After bonding over a long dinner in Miami, a scalding hot engagement session, boudoir session and 12 hour wedding day – we left the next day headed for their honeymoon in Maui! I do love getting to know my clients, but it always surprises me when I end up finding lifelong friends! So this is the first post in a week-long Melissa and Jose marathon of blog posts!
Melissa and Jose are every bit as beautiful a couple as they are as people. They share their love with so many friends and family, and I feel like I could literally gush over how much I adored being at their wedding with them. It’s insanely true.
With several hundred “favorite” images, I had to narrow it down for the blog post!
This amazing group of vendors is pretty extensive, but they were all so amazing to work with!
Getting Ready Venue: The Mayfair Hotel, Coconut Grove FL
Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami
Wedding Coordinator: Jennifer J Events
Hair and Makeup: Jillian Caro
Florist: EC Floral Designs
Ceremony Bridal Gown: Lazaro
Bridal Salon: Chic Parisien
Reception Bridal Gown: Priscilla of Boston
Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Bridal Headpiece: Twinkle Twinkle
Bridal Jewelry: Omi Jewelers, Puerto Rico
Veil Designer: Chic Parisien
Bridesmaid Gowns: Alfred Angelo
Cake Artist: Ana Paz Cakes
Videographer: Free Mind Studios
DJ: My Vip Parties
Band: Jazmin Quesada
Stationary: Fabulous Fetes Weddings & Events
Catering: Aaron’s Catering
Melissa’s favorite flowers are tulips, so her bridesmaids bouquets and reception was adorned with them.
The crown broach was on Lizy’s bouquet. Melissa’s little sister served as her Maid of Honor.
Melissa’s ceremony dress was an ivory Lazaro gown
For the reception, Melissa chose a form-fitting Priscilla of Boston
Obsessed with Melissa’s necklace and Louboutin’s. No, I mean OBSESSED.
For the groomsmen, Jose and Melissa chose super-hero cufflinks. So Melissa got Jose his very own pair!
And a sexy boudoir book from her session here in Orlando!
Jose’s gift to Melissa was a stunning sapphire ring!
From here on out, every Father of the Bride will be compared to Melissa’s daddy. Not only did he wear Louboutins to match his daughter, but he also did a bit of a wardrobe change for the reception! I know where Melissa gets her sense of style from!
I adore Melissa’s dad! He certainly knows how to throw a party!
Their reception was held at the amazing Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
This venue is nothing short of breathtaking and Melissa’s event design had an absolute wow-factor for her guests!
And their cake was an incredible show-stopper. Towering over us, in it’s very own room….
and created by celebrity cake artist Ana Paz Cakes
Decked out with thousands of hand-made sugar flowers…
So over Christmas, Anthony’s brother came to visit and they took our cigars from the wedding out golfing.
They came back raving about how amazing they were. So now I’m mad I didn’t get mine! I love a good cigar!
Melissa changed in to her second gown of the day, and topped it off with a gorgeous sparkly headband!
Pink Krispy Kreme donut favors? Yes please!
Around 11pm, the party moved inside the historic mansion for the after-party! Going until 2am, the party had an espresso bar, grilled cheese sandwiches and lots of party music! Plus a super inviting lounge feel with white couches and a full bar!
And just when you thought we were done…. stay posted for next week’s blog posts from my sessions with this amazing couple in Maui!
