Welcome to a wedding celebration that will sweep you off your feet and transport you to a dreamy day on the water. Done in soothing hues of blue and white, every detail has been meticulously crafted by Anna Lucia Events to create an ambiance of pure enchantment. Love and beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable experience with extraordinary floral design by Velvet And Twine. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating imagery by Hunter Ryan Photo and watch the celebration unfold in the full gallery.
Sophia and John met at Florida State University in 2013. Six years later, John got down on one knee to propose during a walk on Ponte Vedra Beach in October of 2019. Sophia said, “The next thing I see just up the beach,” she says, “are both of our entire immediate families, together—cheering, smiling, and joyfully celebrating our love and ever-growing familia.”
The couple wanted to plan a wedding centered around the idea of “La Familia,” a motto used by the late Priest who married Sophia’s parents. He said, “As I think on everything I have witnessed in my priesthood, it is clear to me that the person we become in this world can always be traced to our experiences in the family.” “La Familia” has been the motto of Sophia’s family – and was the central theme of their wedding weekend. With “La Familia” as the theme – It was only fitting that the couple decided to hold their reception at Sophia’s grandparents’ waterfront estate. “I couldn’t ignore my dreams of having an outdoor wedding reception in a picturesque setting like that of my family’s home.”
The venue being so special to the couple – they had a custom sketch drawn, dubbed “Casa Abuelos,” or “grandparents’ home,” for their the save-the-date and details cards, and a personalized crest that reflected the home.
“I have an emotional, purposeful connection to my reception venue,” she says. “It’s a special place where I have made so many unforgettable memories while growing up—it is home to numerous celebrations and family gatherings, high school proms, graduations, and anniversaries.” Since they would be completely transforming the grounds for their wedding and creating an entirely new “look” at the home, the couple also chose to have their engagement photos captured there too. John wore heirloom cufflinks from his grandfather, also named John. He proposed to his wife (John’s grandmother)—also named Sophia—exactly 60 years before their grandson presented his bride with her engagement ring. The bride donned a custom Madrid-Rosaline veil with blusher. “Though blushers aren’t used often these days, I always imagined my father lifting it back as he presented me to my husband! I appreciate this traditional element,” she says. “It was such an honor to wear the most exquisite diamond solitaire earrings that belonged to my late Abuelita, my great-grandmother from Cuba.”
Keeping with tradition, Sophia and John’s saw each other for the first time at the aisle. But Sophia wanted to have a special moment with her father before the ceremony. They shared a father/daughter “first look” on the staircase of their family home. “His first words, ‘You look stunning,’ melt my heart just as much today. I cherish the sweet memory of us driving to the chapel, before the greatest man in my life would present me to the man of my dreams.”
Sophia and John selected the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Jesuit High School—the alma mater of the bride’s father, uncle, and cousins. “This was the easiest decision we had to make—we are both Roman Catholic and our entire families are all devout Catholics, too!” Sophia and John chose a blue-and-white color palette. For the overall design…”We drew upon the existing beautiful architecture and overall feel of the house—it was already all there!” says the bride.
“The incredible cane-wrapped, four-sided bar, positioned around the grand oak and illuminated by chandeliers woven into the greenery, had a truly magical, ethereal feel,” says Sophia. “It was the original inspiration for our reception vision and was truly my favorite design element!” A nod to the bride’s Cuban heritage – The couple’s signature drink featured at the bar was a Cuban mint mojito. The couple’s planner Anna Lucia Events, designed the escort wall that matched the transom window over the front door of the home. Glass and chinoiserie bud vases held a variety of white blooms with each guests escort card. Flowers used were pure perfume garden roses, orlaya lace, larkspur, ranunculus, stock, majolik spray roses. Their cake was displayed on a hand-stitched blue and white linen, “a familial treasure my great-grandmother brought to America from Cuba,” says the bride. The pool area was transformed into a dance floor; the stage and backdrop built were secured over the water. “I bet most of the guests never knew they were dancing over a pool!” says Sophia. Late-night snacks were served on the patio from their custom “La Ventanita,” or “little window,” says Sophia. “It was a nod to the nostalgia of the go-to-hub for conversation within the Cuban community. It was fun to highlight a little bit of tradition of evenings when Cuban friends would gather around with great conversation and authentic Cuban food.” After guests grabbed a ‘Cuban’ from La Ventanita – they danced the night away as the band switched to Latin music. The bride said, “The dance floor was filled the entire night and our guests loved dancing to the Latin vibes!”
The newlyweds exited their reception from Casa Abuelo’s via boat – as guests waved sparklers.
Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo | Cinematography: Voila Cinematic | Event Planning: Anna Lucia Events | Floral Design: Velvet And Twine | Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri | Cake: Hands On Sweets | Invitations: Dear Elouise | Ceremony Venue: St Anthonys Chapel Jesuit High School | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Puff 'n Stuff Catering | Calligraphy: Laura Lines Calligraphy | DJ: Bella Musica | Band: Blonde Ambition | Men's Attire: The Black Tux | Beauty: Femme Akoi | Bridal Store: The Bridal Finery | Custom candles: The Candle Pour | Dessert: Bern's Steakhouse | Dessert: Chill Bros. Scoop Shop | Rentals: Treasury Rentals | Rentals: Vivant Rentals | Rentals: Stradley Davidson Linen Collective | Rentals: Regency Party Rentals | Rentals: Pialisa | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Fiesta Solutions | Rentals: Events on the Loose | Rentals: Event Effects | Rentals: A Chair Affair | Rentals: Spark Wedding Events | Weddings Rings: Hope Jewelers | Weddings Rings: Mavilo Fine Jewelry
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