#realchicbride Carolina in Reem Acra at her Miami Design District Wedding

Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal? 

We met on Hinge in 2020 — a typical pandemic love story, as I like to call it. Our first dates were filled with long walks around Coconut Grove and Brickell, cozy movie nights at home, cooking dinner together, and casual outings with friends. We got to know each other quickly. Since we were both born and raised in Miami, we already had plenty of friends in common, which made it feel like we had known each other forever in such a short time.

Fast forward three years, and we were living in our first home together. One morning, as we were getting ready to head out the door for a flight to Savannah, Georgia, Andrew called me into the room to “help with something.” When I walked in, he was down on one knee. I was completely shocked, overwhelmed with happiness, and instantly in tears. I don’t even think I said my answer out loud — it was just an automatic YES!

He proposed in the place that means the most to us: our home, where we’ll create countless memories with our families, friends, and future children. It was everything I could have imagined — perfect and perfectly us. I soaked in the moment all the way to the airport, and by the time we were settled with a glass of champagne, I couldn’t wait to share the news with everyone we love.

When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? 

I had been envisioning my wedding long before Andrew and I even met — typical girl, haha! I was always saving inspiration on Instagram: ring styles, venues, floral designs, dresses, and more.

I planned my wedding entirely myself. I’m an event planner, and honestly, it was easier to plan my own wedding than some of my work events — but let’s keep that between us! I knew exactly what I wanted, who I wanted to work with, and what I didn’t want. Everything came together effortlessly. Planning my wedding was, and still is, one of the most fun and amazing experiences I can remember. When it was time to bring all my visions to life, I reached out to Jose at Fiction Events for creative direction and Christy at Events by Christy as my wedding planner to keep everything on track.

I can say without a doubt that the wedding fully realized my vision. While we kept it a black-tie affair, we wanted guests to feel comfortable rather than stuffy. We incorporated plenty of lounge areas, lush greenery, modern colors with rustic planters, open seating with beautiful long wood tables, outdoor high tops for guests to enjoy the “Miami cold” with a cigar, and plenty of space to dance the night away on a large dance floor.

What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? 

Of course, creating a beautiful first impression as guests walk into the venue was extremely important — we wanted them to be immersed in the ultimate vision of our wedding. But our top priorities were music and great food, which would leave a lasting impression long after the day ended.

Andrew is a big music fan, so that was particularly important to him. Beyond serving croquetas during cocktail hour, he wanted the night of the wedding to revolve around amazing music that kept our guests dancing from the moment they arrived until the last song – at 3 a.m.!. That energy was perfectly brought to life by Jordan Sanchez.

Another priority for us was skipping traditional speeches and a seated dinner. While both are beautiful traditions, they didn’t feel like “us.” Instead, we included speeches at the rehearsal dinner, which was more intimate. We wanted our guests, the night of the wedding, to fully enjoy mingling, dancing, and going back for that second plate of spicy rigatoni — not be tied down to a formal meal.

Even seven months later, guests still rave about the food! Mena Catering truly exceeded our expectations. We chose a buffet-style dinner to keep the party vibe going all night, and it was perfect.

How did you decide on the location? 

There was never a doubt in our minds — we knew we wanted to get married in Miami. We started looking at venues just a month after getting engaged (yes, I got started quickly! Haha), and that probably ended up being the hardest decision. After going back and forth between our two favorites, we literally picked the name out of a hat, and Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District was the winner.

We wanted a modern venue to match our vision. The space is a blank canvas, letting a bride and groom’s imagination run wild. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an open rooftop overlooking the Design District, and a versatile indoor/outdoor layout, it was the perfect choice. On the night of our wedding, it was a bit chilly, so we kept the wall to wall accordion doors open for the indoor/outdoor concept — guests enjoyed cocktails under the Miami night sky while taking in the modern rooftop garden. It was perfection!

Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets! 

Oh the dress! I will always be in love with my dress! I need some type of excuse to wear it again haha! Honestly, did not expect to find “the dress” on the first day of dress shopping. We had made a couple of appointments around Miami, as I knew what I wanted but open to trying all different styles. One of our appointments was at Chic Parisian in Coral Gables and they just so happen to have a Reem Acra trunk show that day. The brand representative and sales associate brought me a couple of options - probably tried on close to ten dresses but there was of course one, might have been option number 3, that stuck with all of us in that dressing room! 

It wasn’t what I was originally looking for, but it ended up being so much more. The dress had a modern silk silhouette with a fitted bodice that flowed into an almost A-line skirt. The best part was the removable lace skirt underneath. The lace featured a delicate floral design that peeked through the slit of the dress — it truly made the gown unforgettable. After our first dances, I removed the skirt for a little “second look” moment.

Stunning, timeless, and elegant are the words that best describe my wedding dress, and I couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.

How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? 

Both Andrew and I have big families and are blessed with some of the most amazing friends.

We included our families in fun parts of the planning process, like food tastings and selecting invitations and stationery. I have three sisters, and they all came to my dress fittings — including my niece — and it was the best experience!

On the wedding day, we opted for some non-traditional touches. We didn’t have a full bridal party, but Andrew’s two brothers served as his Best Men, and my younger sister was my Maid of Honor. Our best friends’ children were the flower girls and ring boys. My sisters, our moms, other family members, and close friends all had meaningful roles during the ceremony. Having those who have been part of our journey right by our side made the day even more special, and we were truly honored to share it with them.

What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.

To be honest, I remember almost everything from that day — it’s still all so clear in my mind, and I hope it always stays that way.

Not one, but two memories stand out most vividly. The first was the morning of our wedding. Andrew and I had stayed together the night before — one of those non-traditional choices that just felt right. We wanted to wake up next to each other and start this new chapter the way we begin every other day: together.

I woke up extra early, not from nerves but from pure excitement. I went downstairs to grab coffee and breakfast for us, and before heading back up to the room, I wandered around the property. I took everything in, said a quiet prayer, and walked down to the beach where I sat alone and reflected. It was peaceful and perfect.

The second memory was walking down the aisle. As the music began and the doors opened, it truly felt like “showtime.” The moment I saw Andrew through the sea of our closest family and friends was indescribable. When we reached the end of the aisle, our photographer captured one of my favorite memories — me looking at my father as he gave me away. He kissed my forehead, my mother did the same, and in that instant, I felt an overwhelming mix of love, joy, and excitement.

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? 

I always knew I wanted to look natural on my wedding day — not overly done up or styled in a way that didn’t feel like me. I chose a simple, elegant messy bun for my hair, paired with soft pink and brown tones in my makeup for a timeless, effortless look.

I worked with The Clyque, who I’ve trusted for past events, and they were amazing as always. Their passion and dedication truly shine through in their work, and they made me feel like the best version of myself.

Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? 

Oh my gosh all of them! I truly lucked out with my vendors. They felt like family and I gave all of my trust to them. Not only did they execute everything perfectly but it was beyond any of our expectations. I couldn’t be happier with the vendors we chose and each have a special place in my heart. I know we will use them again for future baby showers, birthday parties, baptisms and more! 

Wedding Planner: Events by Christy

Photography: Lauren Alatriste

Videographer: Cinestone Media

Social Media Content: Bianca Be Social

Lighting: Pete Diaz Productions

DJ: DJ Jordan Sanchez

Décor & Florals: Fiction Events

Rentals: Accomplice Rentals, It’s a Party

Catering: Mena Catering

Transportation: AraLimo

Bride Dress: Reem Acra & Chic Parisian

Groom Attire: Sartori Amici

Bride H&M: The Clyque

Bride Spray Tan: Best Miami Tan

Flower Girl & Ring Boy Attire: Mother Goose

Invitation Suite: Paper Boutique

Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? 

I am actually writing all of this as I am packing for our honeymoon. We decided on the South of France with some parts of Spain, Marbella and Palma de Mallorca. 

We waited a couple of months for our honeymoon because in those parts it’s seasonal, the summer was the perfect time. It also gave us more time to plan with ease and it was actually very excited to have something to look forward to. 

I’ll get back to you on my favorite part! We are so excited to create memories that will last a lifetime.