Real Bride Yael Wears Eau de Rose by Reem Acra at her Wedding in Miami

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

Our love story is definitely a bit unconventional. My best friend went to summer camp in New York in 8th grade, where she met him. At the time, my friends and I thought it was fun to FaceTime our friends’ friends, so we would randomly call people from her camp, including him.

A few months later, he started texting me. I didn’t think much of it at first. I had never met him and was still in high school, but I figured, why not? That turned into us talking every single day for six years without ever meeting in person. We became best friends over the phone.

When I was in college and he had just graduated, we finally decided to meet. He flew to Miami, and everything felt exactly the same as it had over the phone. Shortly after, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and the rest is history.

We started talking about getting engaged after about a year of dating. Since we already knew each other so well, we felt ready to take the next step and finally end the long distance. 

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

When I started planning my wedding, I knew it had to be entirely blue, with white as the only other color. Blue is both of our favorite colors, so it felt like the perfect choice. At the same time, my dream had always been to get married on the beach. While that didn’t end up happening, the wedding we created was even more beautiful and dreamy than I could have imagined. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. 

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

Incorporating Jewish music was one of the most important elements for us. We wanted a traditional Jewish wedding with meaningful, high-energy music. My husband’s dad is very knowledgeable in this space and helped us secure an incredible Jewish band. Music overall was a huge priority for us; we really wanted people to feel the energy and have an amazing time. Between the band, the singer, and the DJ, the atmosphere was everything we hoped for. 

How did you decide on the location? 

As I mentioned, I originally dreamed of a beach wedding, which led us to explore destination options and beach venues in Florida. Since many of my preferred vendors were based in Florida, it made the most sense to host the wedding there, even though he’s from New York. Ultimately, we decided on an indoor venue due to Florida’s unpredictable weather. After touring several locations, we chose Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. Their in-house kosher caterer, Jeremy, was incredibly easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable. The spacious ballroom also sealed the deal, since we knew we wanted a large wedding. 

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

My wedding dress actually played a big role in choosing our wedding date. I had told my husband how important it was for me to have enough time to find the perfect dress, so I wanted at least eight months after getting engaged.

I had been saving inspiration photos long before I got engaged, so I had a general idea of what I wanted—lace (but not too much), embroidered flowers, a long train, and something with a bit of shine.

I expected dress shopping to be stressful and time-consuming, but Chic Parisien made it effortless. It was the first and only store I visited. The moment I walked in, one dress immediately caught my eye; it was hanging right near the entrance and had everything I had envisioned. Although I tried on a few others just to be sure, I knew instantly that this was the one. I later learned it had just arrived from Reem Acra, which made it feel even more special. I had always been drawn to Lebanese designers, so it felt meant to be.

When I tried it on, the reactions from my mom, grandma, and sister said everything. I felt confident, like the best version of myself, and completely like a bride. Saying yes to the dress was easy; it was everything I had dreamed of. 

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

 I was very fortunate to have so much support from my family and friends throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself. My mom’s friends were incredibly helpful with pre-wedding events and vendor recommendations. My family played a huge role in helping me choose my dress and ensuring everything ran smoothly so I could stay stress-free. Even though his family lives in New York, they flew in multiple times to support us along the way. 

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

There are so many unforgettable moments, from our first look to him tearing up as I walked down the aisle. But one of the most meaningful moments was getting ready with my mom and sister; putting on my dress and sitting together in the bridal suite as I prayed before the ceremony. Having them there, especially my mom, meant everything to me. I am eternally grateful for both of them. 

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? 

I knew I needed an updo because of the energy of a traditional Jewish wedding. I wanted something that would stay in place all night and keep my hair out of my face. A sleek bun with a diamond headpiece felt timeless and perfect. For makeup, I wanted to look like an elevated version of myself, with a strong bronzed blush that I always feel confident in. Mariangeles Novoa (@marinovoahair) and Elizabeth Maya (@lizmaya_makeupart) made me feel absolutely beautiful; I couldn’t have done it without them!!

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

All of our vendors were incredible, but I especially want to highlight our singer, Adam Lahav. Even while he and his family were going through incredibly difficult times during the war, he made every effort to be at our wedding. My mom had met him months earlier (before I was engaged), and even then he told us he would be there. Just two weeks before the wedding, during the height of everything happening in Israel, he reached out to reassure us he would find a way to come; and he did. His performance was unforgettable, and he brought such a powerful, emotional energy to our wedding. It truly felt like we were in Israel. 

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

We’re planning to go on our honeymoon next year and are hoping to go to Africa. I’m especially excited for the safaris and the chance to experience a completely new culture.

Credits:

Planner: @d_event
Makeup @lizmaya_makeupart
Hair: @marinovoahair
Dress: @chicparisien / Reem Acra Eau de Rose
Deco: @maryanndesignsflowers
Suit: @noblecustomsuits
Studio photo video": @dannycuevas@weare_storytellers@amaurisphoto
Dessert: @kteringdesserts
Lights and production: @saleventsproductions
Dj: @rikisilvera
Headpiece: @headpiecesmiami
Kippot: @kippotworld
Catering: @eatwithpremier
Singer: @adam_lahav_singer

Rentals: @brelexeventrentals

Band: @pinnyostreicher