What happens when you blend classic romance with modern touches? One word: perfection. Take a look at the gallery from Julie Cate Photography and you’ll see exactly what we mean. Set amidst twinkling cafe lights and swaying palm trees, this darling duo wed in one timeless ceremony fit for the ages. It’s a gallery not to be missed and it’s waiting for you over here!
From The Bride…Andrew and I had been dating for close to 7 years, and before that, we were great friends for 5 years. I probably knew he was “the one” even before we began dating (although I usually don’t admit that). After he proposed in November at the duck pond in front of Gapstow Bridge in Central Park in NYC, where we live, and began planning our wedding, we knew we wanted the day to feel super romantic with a touch of modernity, so we chose blush and navy for our colors. Most importantly, we wanted to treat friends and family to a really awesome and fun party.
We chose a winter wedding in Miami, where I’m from. Once we had nailed down the city, we knew we had to take advantage of the climate and beaches and have an outdoor wedding.
The ceremony was held at Plymouth Congregational Church, an old historic church built in the early 1900s modeled after Spanish missions in Mexico, which really played in to the romantic vibe. It’s also extra special because I got baptized there and my aunt had her wedding ceremony at the church 30-something years prior. An added fun touch: we got to privately ring the tower church bells minutes after saying “I Do.”
For the reception, we chose The Raleigh Hotel, an art deco hotel on South Beach. The space was so “us” – chic yet laidback. To play off of the art deco decor, we added ’20s inspired elements which was carried throughout the invite suite, welcome bags and signage. Since we’re also both a bit silly, we balanced out romantic F. Scott Fitzgerald quotes displayed with personalized napkins and matches with fun sayings like “Light My Fire” and “Burn Baby Burn.” Set amidst twinkling cafe lights and swaying palm trees, guests were greeted with welcome cocktails (a Blushing Bride or an Old Fashioned Groom), classic Cuban cigars hand-rolled on site and bossa nova music played by a guitarist. For our guest book, we had friends and family take a Polaroid of themselves and then glue it into the book with well wishes, which everyone had a lot of fun with. Our main obsession is our dog, Theo, so we wanted to make sure we incorporated him in to the day. While we couldn’t have him be the ring bearer because we got married in a church, we made sure to do portraits with him right after our first look and also treated guests to Theo-replica cookies. Throughout the night, when guests weren’t dining on contemporary, seasonal fare by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael Schwartz or noshing on dulce de leche, raspberry or red velvet cake from the amazing Earth & Sugar, they were on the dance floor doing flips and getting crazy to a DJ accompanied by a saxophonist and drummer.
Before heading in to the after party, Andrew and I made our way through a tunnel of sparklers while our guests surprise-serenaded us with a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. The weather was perfection – 70s and sunny – and a clear indicator of how perfect the day was. We had the most magical day with family and friends that we love and an amazing team of vendors! We couldn’t be more thankful of how wonderful the day was!
Photography: Julie Cate Photography | Videography: Pabelona Studios | Wedding Planner: Kasey D Weddings | Florist: Julia Rohde Designs | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Cake: Earth And Sugar | Stationary : Llorente Design | Ceremony Venue: Plymouth Congregational Church | Reception Venue: The Raleigh Hotel | Bridesmaids Dresses: Amanda Uprichard | Makeup Artist: Lily Rasco | Entertainment: L.R. Entertainment | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Bridesmaid's Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Cigar Rolling: The Art Of Cigar Rolling | Custom Cookie Favors: Eleni’s New York | Limo Rental: Aralimos | Match Boxes : Picture Perfect Papier