The biggest complaint from couples about their wedding day is that it all goes by too quickly. Well, how about an entire week full of amazing activities in Islamorada? Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Well, that’s exactly what this super cute Miami couple planned for their nuptial festivities. Full of unique details, like the unique bridesmaids dresses specifically designed for the event by a friend, the actual day is full of romance and whimsy. Click here to see even more in the full gallery!
Be a part of this magically day with this sweet film by Benoit Rousseau!
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From the Bride… For Romain and I, who have lived in so many different places, our wedding was an extremely important day since it was our only chance to gather all our dearest friends and family around us at once. That is the reason why a wedding in France was not an option. We wanted to spend some quality time with our guests since we hardly ever see them. A day or a weekend would have flown by too quickly. That’s how we decided to do a destination wedding: One complete week of great activities, discoveries, emotions and laughter.
When Romain and I moved to Miami in 2009 and fell in love with Islamorada and its beautiful sunsets, we knew that it was the perfect place to celebrate our union with our loved ones. I promised my guests that all they had to worry about was buying their flights… and that once in Miami I would take care of everything. People flew in from Sweden, England, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, NYC… I spent a whole year planning these ten days that none of us will ever forget: from the catamaran trips, the hotel reservations, the dinner parties, sunset cocktails, BBQs, full moon dinners, fishing trips, snorkeling trips, the limo rides, photo shoots, the pool parties, etc. Romain and I both worked in the Events and Hospitality industry in Miami so we had a lot of connections which we could never thank enough. I also wanted to add a few sweet touches such as the Welcome Bags which I placed in each bedroom with personalized sunscreens, Aloe Vera, caffeine pills, headache tables, a pair of flashy Rayban sunglasses, an individually signed welcome card and a full program with each activity of the week detailed and other important touristic information and tips on Miami and Islamorada.
After visiting various venues in Islamorada, we decided to rent a gorgeous private villa which was located right next to the beautiful Ocean Dawn hotel. The hotel has eight beautiful suites which were all occupied by our guests who could come to our villa by simply walking through the beach. This was perfect as it made our wedding venue very intimate.
My friend’s help before and during the wedding meant the world to me. Everyone cried when my friend Rebecca starting singing when I was walking down the aisle. I received a ton of compliments on the bridesmaids’ dresses, which were designed and hand made by Stephanie. Claire did an amazing job at styling my hair and Jill designed my oh-so-chic menus. Finally, our friend Ben made us the best gift one married couple could ever expect: He immortalized our day with his camera. The video is really touching and shows what a talented cinematographer he is.
Thanks to a lot of blogs like Style Me Pretty, I created a moodboard and opted for a sweet, charming, casual and yet very romantic atmosphere. I used seeded paper cards that say “Share and Blossom” as escort cards so people could keep them and grow flowers once back at home… a little reminder of our vacations together. For the centerpieces, I found an assortment of beautiful clear and blue old mason jars and small blue vases, which I decorated with lace and filled with simple flowers: yellow daisies, hydrangeas and billy balls. I placed the name cards and food descriptions in lemons on the tables and buffet. Blue and white paper lanterns were hanging from the tent and bouncing in the wind. Paper umbrellas and sandalwood fans were available for our guests to keep cool and lavender buds and bubble gels were distributed before the ceremony. The dress code was “rock that bow tie” for the gents and “hair accessory” for the ladies. It was simple, fun, romantic and chic. Perfect for a beach wedding.
Wedding Photography: Robert Rios Photography / Cinematography: Benoit Rousseau, Friend of the Bride & Groom / Flowers: DIY, The Bride + The Flower Bazaar / Event Planning: DIY, The Bride / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Southern Diversion (Private Estate Rental) / Wedding Invitations: DIY, The Bride / Menu Design: A2 Studio / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Bride’s Shoes: Michael Kors / Bridesmaid Dresses: Designed by Stephanie, Friend of the Bride / Hair: Friend of the Bride / Accommodations: Ocean Dawn Suites