Five Favs with Elle from Events by Elle
Five Favs with Elle from @eventsby_elle
🍰 get inspired for your wedding weekend wardrobe with the help of chic local wedding planner Elle 🍰 her picks include something for every wedding event for a dream bride — from a bridal shower set by Chosen By Kyha, a rehearsal dinner look by Katherine Tash, ceremony gown by Nicole + Felicia second look by Berta and day-after brunch mini by Monique Lhuillier 🍰
Chic Newsletter: Issue I
Today, in Chic News, we’ve decided to make our newsletter available for download! As we work on the second issue of our print newsletter, we thought we’d make sure that anyone who hasn’t seen it in person at the store has the opportunity to download all the chicness!
Our newsletter is a round up of the chicest in bridal trends, produced bi-annually. We’ve been listening to the questions our brides have, scoping the latest in bridal fashion, and finding a new way to highlight our roster of international bridal designers including: Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Berta, Mira Zwillinger, Chosen by Kyha, Yolancris, Inbal Dror, Alex Perry, Katherine Tash, Leah Da Gloria, Lazaro, Maria Elena Headpieces and more.
Download it here.
a special thank you to our cover photographer Collin Pierson.
#realchicbride Zoe in Berta at her Tampa Wedding
Real Chic Bride Zoe at her wedding in Tampa wearing a chic and glittery Berta dress. Hear more about her love story, how they incorporated their dog into their wedding, and how she knew that this Berta dress was “the one” for her.
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
We met at the University of Central Florida in 2017! I was invited to play in a soccer game with a friend and met Matthew. A couple of months later we were inseparable! We traveled together, got our first dog, moved in together, and in 2021 Matthew got down on one knee on a trip to Washington D.C!
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I thought about my wedding I wanted spring and sparkle. I think I got very close to my vision! I had beautiful pastel florals everywhere you could think of. I wanted some water element to my venue so when I found the river center I was obsessed it gave us enough creative freedom to make our vision come true. I have always wanted my wedding colors to be champagne and black because it is timeless but gives you so much room to add special details that may be hard to match with other colors.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We actually had our dog, Kylo in our wedding and this was so awesome! We have had him since college and he has been able to grow with us as we went from boyfriend and girlfriend to fiancés and now husband and wife! We used Fairytail Pets and she was so amazing!! She got his attention for all the photos and even sent us pictures when they took him home. We felt so comfortable leaving our boy with them.
I also really wanted to do a first look. It was so special to have a moment just the two of before the craziness started and it was amazing! We got all of our photos done during this time as well which saved us a lot of time after the ceremony, totally worth it!
Lastly, we did a boat exit and it was so much fun!! Everyone got on a water taxi and got dropped off at the hotels!
How did you decide on the location?
When we picked a venue I wanted to make sure it was a place we could easily visit. I am from Tampa and Matthew is from Miami so we wanted to stay close to either city and preferred it to be on the water. When we saw the Tampa river center it was perfect. Right in the heart of Tampa, on the water, modern but elegant, and it’s somewhere we can go visit to remember all the great moments we had on April 28th.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I went to a dress boutique to try dresses and I liked them BUT I had my heart set on my Berta dress from the moment I saw it. I looked up all the places that carried it and when I saw Chic Parisien in Miami I made an appointment the next day.
Every dress I tried on was absolutely stunning however, when I put my dress on I and everyone else knew it was the one.
I love glitter and it doesn’t get more sparkly than this dress! Not only did the glitter sell me but also all the small details like the corset top, studded straps, and all of the layers. Truly the most stunning piece I have ever worn and I feel so lucky to have gotten married in my dream dress!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My mom was my rock in all of this. She was on top of every detail in the best way possible. She helped me pick out all the details with the florals, rentals, and accommodations. Her and my father were a huge part in making my dream wedding come true and I couldn’t be more thankful! My twin sister planned my bachelorette helped with my bridal shower and was so helpful and encouraging throughout everything!
My mother and law and grandmother-in-law were at every dress fitting and did so much to help! All the signage done at the ceremony was from my mother-in-law and she planned our rehearsal dinner!
Matthew's grandfather actually officiated our wedding which was so special for us. Something we truly will never forget. Of course, I would have been lost without my bridesmaids and I am so appreciative of each other for everything they did, they are the best!
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget?
Matthew and I started to make a first dance routine about two weeks before the wedding which was a little scary because we only had two weeks to get it right. We actually went and practiced in the venue with my dress on before the ceremony and it was a little rocky. Once it was time for our first dance we nailed it!! I just remember being so excited to have just perfected our first task in marriage and it was so fun!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Because my dress was so much(in the best way possible) I wanted very simple hair and makeup. I had loose waves in my hair and for makeup I actually got inspired by looking at Berta’s page and seeing what other brides had done for their makeup! I went with a brown smoky eye and bronzed finish.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
This is so hard to pick!! I have to shoutout three of them,
First my photographer, Karin Marie Photography, she completely outdid herself. I felt so comfortable with her the entire night and she was a bride’s girl all night long. She never left my side and did everything she could to make sure I had the best night ever while getting the most amazing photos. I got my preview the next day which exceeded all my expectations. She was absolutely amazing.
Next, my florist with Petals Parties and Presents! I told her spring and she delivered. I never picked a single flower, only gave her a couple of Inspo photos like 8 months before and she made the most beautiful floral arrangements I have ever seen. She even texted me the night before about how obsessed she was with my bouquet and it just got me so excited! The florals complemented my dress and my bridesmaids’ champagne dresses. Classy can be colorful and she proved it!
Lastly, my wedding planner Katy with Coastal Coordinating. She had every detail planned out and was so supportive of every decision I made. She was honest and practical, you can’t ask for more! During my wedding, she always made sure I had everything I needed! She even called the dress company my bridesmaids’ dresses were from because there was a stain on one of them and she wanted to know the best way to immediately get it out. Literally above and beyond.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Ocho Rios Jamaica for our honeymoon and it was so dreamy. We woke up to a violinist playing on the beach every morning. My favorite part was just spending time with Matthew. Everything we did together was so magical and we truly had the best time. We went hiking up waterfalls, floating down rivers, on catamaran cruises, snorkeling, and so much more! We are so lucky to have each other and can’t wait to build more memories !
Wedding Planner: Coastal Coordinating
Catering: Milan catering
Venue: Tampa river center
Florist: Petals Parties and Presents
Photographer: Karin Marie photography
Videographer: Namesake Creative
Dress: Chic Parisien, Berta
Pet care: FairyTail Pet care
Hair/MU: FemmeAkoi
DJ: Grainger entertainment
Cake: Alessis bakery
#realchicbride Claudia in Berta
#realchicbride Claudia Johnsen dishes on her love story, wedding, engagement, etc!
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Aiden and I met during law school at The University of Texas School of Law in 2019.
We crossed paths during 1L oral arguments. Aiden had just finished his shift as “judge” for the day when I walked in. I overheard him discussing travel plans to Madrid and chimed in to offer some recommendations, but Aiden claims he could not hear a word over the sound of “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, which he swears mysteriously started playing when he saw me. Nonetheless, Aiden pulled it together and we exchanged contact info so we could “talk about Madrid.”
Aside from the rich saxophonic melody and visible sparks flying around the room, it was a casual first encounter. Even so, we were mutually enamored and later admitted to texting our friends about it shortly afterwards.
Not long after, Aiden and I began having “study” dates, which inevitably evolved into “real” dates. We quickly became inseparable. Side-by-side, we traveled to 12 different countries, graduated law school, and moved in together in Houston, TX.
A little over two years after we met, we planned a bar trip to Santorini, Greece after I passed the bar exam. Unbeknownst to me, Aiden had other motives. On our second day in Santorini, we discovered an unbelievable sunset spot on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, totally secluded from everyone else on the island. I was standing there taking in a mesmerizing sunset when I heard Aiden say, “Claudia.” I turned around and saw Aiden on one knee holding up the prettiest diamond I’ve ever seen.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
I always envisioned an outdoor wedding with ocean views. I wanted the setting to be romantic with lots of natural beauty and minimalist décor. I think our wedding was just that! We chose Son Marroig because of its impressive ocean views and architecture.
We highlighted the romantic nature of the venue by adding lots of candles to our “alfresco” reception. I decided on all white florals, mainly roses, because of their elegant and timeless feel. My floral arrangements reflected the minimalist look I wanted, allowing the venue’s breathtaking natural landscape to be the focal point. The rolling mountains, the piercing blue Mediterranean sea, the lush gardens, and the venue’s striking marble and Spanish stone already provided the perfect setting.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We wanted to showcase the union of two cultures—I’m Cuban, and Aiden is from the U.S. We made sure our ceremony and speeches incorporated both English and Spanish, while also highlighting the common values we share. We also wanted to showcase some of the reasons why we fell in love with Spain, such as its amazing cuisine and music. To do this, we hired a Michelin star caterer and a Spanish guitarist who played during the cocktail hour.
How did you decide on the location?
I always dreamed of having a destination wedding, and Aiden supported that. Shortly after Aiden proposed, we started looking at venues in some of our favorite countries. We decided on Spain partly because of how much Son Marroig impressed us, but also because Spain is where we fell in love. Aiden studied abroad in Madrid during the early stages of our relationship, and I visited him so much that several people thought I studied abroad there too!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I always pictured myself in a lace fitted wedding gown. I became obsessed with a Berta Privee dress I had seen on Instagram. I searched endlessly for boutiques in Miami and Houston that carried the dress. I finally found it at Chic Parisien and made an appointment to try on that particular dress. The day of my appointment, my amazing stylist, Katie, pulled out a few Berta dresses for me to try, including the one I had specifically gone to see. As soon as she put it on me, I knew it wasn’t the dress for me.
We tried around three other dresses, but I knew none of them were “the one.” However, we still had one more dress to try from the options Katie had pulled. When I saw that final dress on the hanger, I did not have a positive first impression. I told Katie I probably was not going to like it, but she insisted I should try it on anyway. I did. Before it was zipped up all the way, I knew it was the dress for me!
My grandmother, mother, and sister all agreed and were in awe of the dress. Every detail of the lace was breathtaking. The neckline was immaculate. I loved that it had delicate straps. The long train was everything I had dreamed of but even better. The dress was nude but not see through, and the bow that sits around the waist was the perfect finishing touch. I instantly pictured myself walking down the Son Marroig aisle in this flawless Berta dress. It was perfect.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My family played a large role throughout the wedding planning and wedding day. They supported me every step of the way. Both my parents and Aiden’s even traveled with us to Mallorca in October for our food tasting and venue walkthrough.
My sister and Maid of Honor, Elizabeth, played a huge role through it all. She took her crafting skills to the next level and made all of the stationary. I bounced off every idea I had on her. On my wedding day, she decorated my “getting ready” suite, and along with my Matron of Honor, Laura, ensured I was taken care of and without a worry the entire day.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget?
I will never forget the moment Aiden and I first saw each other as I walked down the aisle. The day was sunny, 70 degrees, and gorgeous as I approached the edge of the cliff where Aiden was waiting. All I could focus on was Aiden. He looked at me with a tender smile and sparkly blue eyes that made me feel so special. In that moment, I knew he was as happy as I was.
At the same time, seeing the happiness of all our closest friends and family is a memory I will forever hold dear to my heart. Each of them traveled long and far to share that moment with us, and I am eternally grateful.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted my hair and makeup look to be classic and elegant, so I decided on a texturized updo and soft glam that complemented my natural features.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
All of our vendors were absolutely amazing! In particular, my hair and makeup artist, Lucia Zima, was a gem to work with. She understood exactly what I wanted from our very first meeting and worked on accentuating my best features while at the same time maintaining a timeless natural look. Our catering team, Catering Marc Fosh, was also phenomenal! From the hors d'oeuvre at the cocktail hour to our midnight snacks, the food was incredible and our guests are still raving about it. Lastly, I want everyone to know about the sax player, Ramon Riera, and the DJ, Marc Oliver, who took our party to the next level during the reception. They were unbelievable, and no one left the dance floor all night!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
For our honeymoon, we went to Italy (Tuscany, Sicily, and Sardinia). Each place was unique and amazing, but Sardinia may have been the favorite. One highlight was renting a yacht that took us on a breathtaking journey in the Mediterranean. We spent all day jumping in the crystal clear waters of La Maddalena and sunbathing on the beautiful boat while sipping prosecco. It was magical.
CREDITS
• Photo: @miguel.arranz.weddings
• Makeup & Hair: @zima_mua
• Catering: @cateringmarcfosh
• Music: @lomusic.es
• Sax: @ramonrieramusic
• DJ: @djmarcoliver
•WP: @mc.eventplanner @nakar.events
•Decor: @enesencia_decora @exclusive4events
• Video: @alexandra_timelessweddings
• Venue: @son_marroig
Behind The Scenes at Bridal Fashion Week with the Chic Parisien Team: Berta, Mira Zwillinger, Chose by Kyha, Reem Acra, Mark Ingram
Our team just took our bi-annual trip to NYC for Bridal Fashion Week where we scope out tyhe latest collection from our beloved roster of designers and are always on the look out for new and exiting brands to add to our collection. We spent three whirlwind days looking at the latest in bridal fashion and taking stock of the bridal trends for the rest of 2023 and 2024 so that we are prepared with what our brides will be asking for in the coming year as we buy wedding dresses for our stock.
We won’t have these gowns available for another six months or so in our collection (it takes time to make these beautiful, chic, handmade bridal gowns!) but if you see something you love, you should keep an eye out for a trunk show by that bridal designer where the collection will visit our Coral Gables bridal boutique in its entirely. Trunk shows are the best way to get a first look at the wedding dress collection of your favorite bridal designer way in advance of the dresses arriving for our stock.
Here’s a first look at a few of our collections, more to come soon!
BERTA
Chosen by KYHA
Mira Zwillinger
Mark Ingram COllection
Reem acra
Preorder Now! Berta Legging Boots!
These amazing, super sparkly, unbelievably chic Berta leggings (they’re really boots + leggings!) are available now for preorder at Chic Parisien. The perfect addition to your second look or bachelorette party wardrobe, these hybrid legging boots by the inimitable Berta made a major SPLASH when we announced that we are one of the limited preorder retailers in the world. If you are eyeing these amazing Berta leggings, be sure to email info@cpbride ASAP to place your order. They take five/six months to be handmade, so you’ll want to get your order in now to have them ready for your wedding weekend looks.
Berta Rome Collection Highlights
Bonjour! Just here to share a few favorites from the Berta Rome collection, recently seen at Chic Parisien. If you’re interested in one of these wedding dresses or another beautiful gown from the Berta Rome collection, feel free to reach out!
Berta at Chic Parisien
J’adore a Berta wedding dress. We at Chic Parisien, a Miami bridal boutique, love a Berta wedding gown. We’ve carried this chic bridal brand for years (and we also have Muse by Berta and Berta Privee in stock!) and whenever a new collection by Berta is released, it’s a moment of stylish celebration. This time, we featured favorites from the latest Berta collection shot on-site at our Coral Gables bridal store.
Photos by Jessica Vilchez
Hair and Makeup by Marz Makeup and Hair
Shot at Chic Parisien Featuring Berta Gowns.
A Few Of Our Favorite Things
A few chic new arrivals we wanted to share: Gaia by Ines Di Santo, Fifi by Chosen by Kyha, Jolie by Berta 21-J03.
A Studio Session with Daniela in Berta (and a very special guest star!)
The very talented Adriana Rivera (@adriana.rivera.miranda) photographed her gorgeous sister on her wedding day in her studio - the combination is something so special, so chic! Beautiful #realchicbride Daniela wears a stunning Berta wedding dress and her more than adorable pup makes an appearance as a ring bearer!
Check out more of Adriana’s work here.
NEW ARRIVALS: A Summer of Chicness
Here’s a peek at some new arrivals now available to shop in our stock collection. Visit our Downtown Coral Gables bridal boutique to shop these new bridal gowns from the greats like Monique Lhuillier, Berta. Berta Muse, Ines Di Santo and more. And introducing a short wedding dress from Jolie Bridal, the latest collection by Berta - a must-have for late-night wedding dress, second look, bridal shower or engagement photos.
One @berta dress, three @mariaelenaheadpieces tiaras. Which is your favorite?
We took one Berta dress and styled it with three Maria Elena Headpieces tiaras. Which one is your favorite?
New Arrival Helga, Muse by Berta at Chic Parisien: A Sparkley Wedding Dress Dream
Chic Parisien’s newest wedding dress arrival is Helga by Muse by Berta.
New Year, New Arrivals
A few chic new arrivals that you can find when you shop our boutique in-person or virtually:
A Few Chic Favorites Available Now...
A little Monique Lhuillier, a bit of Berta and a few Ines Di Santo’s make the rounds of these chic favorites available to shop now via in-store appointment or virtual appointment.
Berta Privée Collection 4 Highlights
Today we thought we’d highlight just a few of our favorite gowns from the latest collection by Berta Privée. We never pick favorites, but sometimes a collection comes in that is so C H I C we can’t help but to show off some of the gowns that we know you’ll love.
The mermaid cuts. The lace. The sweetheart neckline. This is signature #realchicbride.
Shop the collection from September 24 - 26 at Chic Parisien bridal boutique in Coral Gables, Florida. Make your appointments here.
A Polo Moment at a Vineyard Wedding (Rebekah Wears Muse by Berta!)
#realchicbride Rebekah wore Berta to her wedding - AT HER (NOW) HUSBAND’S VINEYARD! I mean, talk about dreamy. The polo player met her husband when she was hired to help him with the launch of the vineyard and the rest is history.
Her gorgeous Muse by Berta gown looked positively stunning against a backdrop of majestic friends!
Scroll to the bottom for credits.
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
I MET MY HUSBAND AT GREENHILL WINERY IN MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA. HE HAD JUST PURCHASED IT, AND I WAS HIRED TO HELP LAUNCH THE BUSINESS. FOUR YEARS LATER, HE PROPOSED BY SURPRISING ME WITH A MINIATURE HORSE AND EQUESTRIAN INSPIRED RING (WE ARE HORSE OWNERS AND FANS!)
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
IT WAS A DECEMBER WEDDING, SO I ENVISIONED A WINTER WONDERLAND THEME. IT REALLY WAS A WONDERLAND! WE HAD WHITE FAUX FUR WALLS, WHITE FLOORS, FAUX FUR CUSHIONS AND COZY COUCHES, A PEGASUS ICE SCULPTURE, A HOT DRINKS BAR, AND CHRISTMAS TREES EVERYWHERE. THE WEDDING PARTY WORE WHITE, SPARKLES, AND ICE BLUE TONES.
How did you decide on the location?
THE RECEPTION LOCATION WAS AT GREENHILL WINERY, THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL STARTED.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I PURCHASED THE "BRIDGET" DRESS FROM MUSE BY BERTA'S SICILY COLLECTION. I ENDED UP REMOVING THE FLUTTER SLEEVES, BUT I JUST LOVED THE BODICE AND HOW IT MOVED. THE TRAIN AND LENGTH WERE BOTH PERFECT FOR WALKING AND TWIRLING WHILE STILL BEING ELEGANT.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
MY BEST FRIEND AND MATRON OF HONOR CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF A WINTER WONDERLAND WEDDING, SHE HELPED ME A LOT WITH IDEAS. THE BRIDESMAIDS CHOSE THEIR OWN DRESSES, STICKING TO A SILVER AND ICE BLUE THEME.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
I WILL NEVER FORGET WHEN MY HUSBAND, DAVID, REQUESTED THE BAND TO PLAY METALLICA. AND THEY DID. WE HAVE THE BEST PICTURE OF HIM SINGING FROM THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS WITH HIS HANDS IN THE AIR.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I WENT BY MUSE BY BERTA'S SICILY INSPIRED LOOK. A LOW BUN, HAIR TENDRILS, HOOP EARRINGS, AND A GLOWY MAKEUP LOOK.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
GOSH, THEY WERE ALL AMAZING! I LOVE EVERY VENDOR. THE PASTRY CHEF MADE A TOWER OF BOMOBLINI'S WITH SUGAR ICICLES AND A DUSTING OF POWDERED SUGAR, SO I DO THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THAT IF YOU WANT A TOWER OF SNOWBALLS TO EAT AT YOUR NEXT EVENT, IT CAN BE DONE!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
WE WENT TO THE CARIBBEAN. THE BEST PART WAS MY HUSBAND FLYING US AROUND IN HIS PLANE, WE GOT TO THE BEAUTY OF THE ISLANDS FROM THE AIR.
Rebekah Greenhill @ rebekahpolo
Photographer Abby Ballin @aballinphoto
Hair & Makeup Michelle Lelia @ makeupbymichellelelia
Dress Berta
Looking Back At Jordana's Real Chic Breakers Wedding
Where are you from?
I was born in Brazil, but I have been living in Boca Raton, Florida since 7 years old.
Where was your wedding?
The Breakers, Palm Beach.
How did you know you found the perfect dress?
I chose to have my first (and only) wedding dress shopping appointment at Chic Parisien because I have always said that I wanted my wedding dress to be a Berta.
The moment that I walked in, their stylist said, “I have the perfect dress for you!”.
Since I had walked in with an open mind, I said: “OK, let’s try it on!” I walked into the fitting room and there it was - the most beautiful gown I have ever seen, it was love at first sight. When I stepped into the dress, all of the emotions ran through my body and I just knew it from that second. I walked out to show my family, and they all started crying and also loved it. So for me, it was a very easy decision. I did have some other options to try on but I would put it on and it wouldn’t even compare to the first one. In about an hour or so, I had chosen my gown, headpiece, earrings and we also decided to make a custom Berta veil to match the dress perfectly! My wedding dress shopping experience was amazing! I always knew I would be a Berta Bride!!
How did you and your husband meet?
My husband and I are High School Sweethearts! We have been together ever since 2006. We have the most incredible bond so our wedding day was a VERY special day for us!!
What was a special moment you will never forget from your wedding day?
This is a hard one since the entire day was filled with magic! I would have to say that our “first look” for our photos and videos and then kissing my “husband” at the alter was two very special moments for us. This was followed by an amazing reception at The Breakers with our loved ones… full of love, laughter and dancing. I wish I could re-live our wedding day!
What piece of advice would you give future brides?
My piece of advice for future brides would be to not stress about the wedding day. EVERYONE would tell me that I was the most relaxed bride that they had ever seen, and this is how all brides should be. It is not worth stressing or worrying over every little detail because at the end of the day, you are planning a celebration of love and your friends and family will have an amazing time regardless of any situation!
Were there any traditions or something from your religion that you incorporated on your wedding day?
One tradition that I would love to keep in my family is the rosary that was given to me by my grandmother before she passed. I have a photo with it as my “something blue” and I would love to see my daughter take the same photo with it one day <3
Credits:
Retailer: Chic Parisien
Photographer: Munoz Photography
Hair and Makeup: Renata Estapan
Venue: The Breakers
Wedding Planner: GuerdyDesign
Design Team: Birch Event Design
Casey Bought The First and Only Dress She Tried on!
Real bride Casey does not shy away from the details of her stunning wedding in this little interview - you’ll want to keep reading this captivating story!
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
My new husband, Kevin, and I met through some of our best friends in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2015. I was born and raised there, and Kevin played for the St. Louis Cardinals at that time. We were out and about one summer night after one of his games, and, I think it’s safe to say, there was an immediate connection. Although we were intrigued by one another, we took our relationship very, very slowly after that first night. Through months and months of light texting about the weather, we finally went out on our first date. It was then, where I knew I had to know this incredible man even more. Timing was not on our side, because immediately following our first date, the baseball season ended, and Kevin had to move back home to Jupiter, FL, while I continued to work in St. Louis. It was more texting about the darn weather until the 2016 season started, when Kevin moved back to St. Louis. It was that year we finally could spend together and our relationship continued to grow. Shortly after, we decided to move in together, and have been together in Jupiter, FL, with our beautiful Siberian Husky, Maverick, ever since!
One weekend in October of 2018, Kevin and I drove from Jupiter to my grandparent’s vacation home in Navarre Beach to meet my parents for a mini break. This Navarre home is so special because my entire family has been visiting together since I was born. I was so excited to show Kevin the home where my family has built so many memories. Low and behold, it was that weekend, on October, 19, 2018, where Kevin got down on one knee on the white powder sand beach in front of my childhood vacation home, where the sun was setting and the moon had already risen, and told me he wanted to “make another memory at this home”. And boy, was this one the most memorable of all. It was an extraordinary moment, and I have never been more sure about saying “Yes” to anything in my whole life.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? When I started planning our wedding, my original vision was “Fire and Ice.” I’d say we accomplished that vision and more, adding touches of romanticism and edge. Our invitations set the tone: a gorgeous clear acrylic print with embellished gold lettering and black envelope featuring a black crocodile leather and envelope liner by Penn and Paperie, based out of New Jersey. Our reception did not have a head table or centerpieces, rather, we had 22 round tables, each dressed with single white long-stem roses in glass vases and real candles encased in glass tubes and lucite candelabras. The candles reflected off the class tubes and then off one another, so it seemed as if there were twice as many candles as there actually were. We had crushed-white linens, lucite chairs, and the most breathtaking wedding cake you’ll ever see.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? As a couple, it was important to us not to have a first-look prior to the ceremony. We both wanted our first look to be when they opened the doors at the church. I am so happy we stood firm on that decision, because it was such a magical moment. We locked eyes throughout my entire walk down the aisle, and we both had tears of joy.
How did you decide on the location? Since I am from St. Louis, and it’s also where we met, we decided to get married there. Also, my favorite Ritz Carlton is the one in St. Louis; there is something comfortable and magical about it. The service is always impeccable, and the unique and distinct smell will change your mood for the better instantaneously.
“When the day arrived, it was truly a five-star luxury experience. The service was outstanding, the gowns were insanely gorgeous (even more so in person.”
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
To be honest, the most important decision on my wedding day, other than my groom, was my dress. It was exceedingly important to have a dress that was unlike any other. I had been browsing for dresses for years, and the first dress I ever fell in love with was a Berta (a good 10 years before I got engaged ☺). I studied Berta as a designer and defined her as a true creative genius with a keen attention to detail and impeccable taste. She stunned me more and more every season with each new line of evening gowns and wedding dresses.
After our engagement, I kept my eyes peeled for a trunk show near my area in South Florida. Finally, Berta came to Chic Parisian in Miami, so I excitedly scheduled an appointment for my sister and I to visit the luxury bridal boutique. When the day arrived, it was truly a five-star luxury experience. The service was outstanding, the gowns were insanely gorgeous (even more so in person), and we had the honor of meeting Nir Moscovich, who was hosting the 2019 Berta Athens collection trunk show. As we were guided to through the line-up of delicate hand-made dresses which were glistening under the studio lighting, I found it hard to contain myself when I saw ‘my dress’; I reached for it, knew it was the one, and immediately began to tear up at its beauty as it danced effortlessly from its hanger. It was the only dress I tried on that day (even though people would think I am nuts for not trying on every single Berta dress possible!), but I knew I didn’t need to. I felt like the dress was made for me: a mermaid-style, with a plunging v-neckline and backless scoop back with sheer long sleeves and beaded appliques with a badass, cathedral-length cape overlay as my “veil”.
“It was the only dress I tried on that day (even though people would think I am nuts for not trying on every single Berta dress possible!), but I knew I didn’t need to. I felt like the dress was made for me.”
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? My two sisters and my mom were my wedding planning squad. Who needs a wedding planner when you have a team comprised of:
A mother who is incredibly imaginative and can design anything on a dime
A younger sister who is the most organized, thoughtful, true voice of reason in any setting
An older sister who is a visionary and an insane cake artist
The three of them assured me when I felt fickle; they brought me ideas when I needed them, and assisted in executing every last detail. Flawlessly.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The moments right before the doors opened in the church. Everyone wanted to rush in opening the doors for ‘the bride’s grand entrance’, but I insisted we take a few extra seconds to pause. I absorbedly listened to our captivating string quartet play Gabriel’s Oboe; I peeked through the tiny gap of the massive wooden doors at an attempt to wrap my mind around how blessed I felt that all the people we love the most, purposefully gathered together in one space to celebrate Kevin and me. Finally, I caught a tiny glimpse of my exceptionally handsome groom (who was wondering what the heck was taking me so long!) and that moment, I was resoundingly sure that I was making absolute best decision of my life.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? I really did not decide until the day of which, I know, was a bit dicey. I did a ‘first look’ with my grandmother two days before my wedding, and two things you should know about my grandma:
She has exquisite taste
She has no problem telling anyone the truth; the good, the bad, and the ugly
When I did my first look with her, I shared with her that I planned to wear my hair down. She strongly suggested I wear my hair up, so as to show off my neckline and cape for the ceremony. So, I did what grandma advocated! I have always been a bit hesitant with updo’s because they are so darn risky (I am very comfortable in my long, wavy curls), especially since I did not want to try any updo whatsoever during my H&M trial!
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? I was lucky enough to have TWO vendors I wish everyone knew about!!
Cake Artist: Cara Albertelli, owner of In Love in Food in Naples, FL:
Cara is an incredibly talented cake artist and also happens to be my sister (I know, I hit the jackpot with her). Cara is located in Naples, FL, and managed to design, fly, and execute my absolutely stunning wedding cake in St. Louis, Missouri. The entire progression of building this cake was kept from me so as to surprise me on our wedding day. I was purposely kept in the dark throughout my cake’s conceptual stages, including the flavor selection and final decorative elements. Most brides would find that stressful; we have a vision and our wedding is an investment of so much time and money, but I had trust that my cake artist knew the elegant and edgy, one-of-a-kind vibe I was going for even when I did not know how to put it into words for her. The moment the cake was revealed, both Kevin and I were shocked. We walked into our reception to see our dazzling 9 tier, gravity-defying, floating wedding cake with a ‘funfetti’ interior (another sneaky surprise in itself as funfetti is my favorite cake flavor). Our wedding cake was, deservingly, the focal point of the room. It had its own gathering of admirers at any given moment throughout the entire evening while the candle-lit room made our cake, which was dripping in crystals, dance. The visual concept of the cake elevated the beauty of the candle, lucite, and white rose-filled ballroom. I knew the cake would be incredible, but it was better than incredible; it was a unique and stunning work of art that captured my personality and vision of “fire and ice” for this once in a lifetime occasion.
Hair and Makeup Artist: Christine Diaz with Amped Artistry in Naples, FL.
Here is what I will say about Christine: she is a master of her craft. But that is an understatement. She has the gift of being a well-rounded, service-oriented artist with an eye for beauty. I threw Christine for a loop on my wedding day: my hair was the wrong color (she toned my hair after our rehearsal dinner at midnight, the night before the wedding to save me from any unnecessary stress), I changed my mind last minute and wanted an updo (thanks to Queen Grandma), and changed my idea for makeup…all within 24 hours of walking down the aisle. None of that seemed to phase Christine in the slightest. Christine also made me feel secure, confident, and supported, which is something I did not know I needed on my wedding day. With so many opinions and emotions, she was exactly what I needed: peace of mind that she would not let me walk dawn that aisle without feeling perfect. That is something you cannot put a dollar value on.
All that being said, put these two artists together you have the MVPs of your wedding day. These two do not come as a duo, but, they really are an unmatched pair. I honestly did not know how much I would need both of them, until I did. If you were to ask me where I got the most value from my investment, it would be hiring Cara and Christine. These two women are so special and made the ultimate difference on my wedding day.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? Islamorada
We decided on a low-key, easy and relaxing honeymoon, and all signs pointed to The Moorings Village in Islamorada (yes, where Bloodline was filmed). It was the most perfect honeymoon for us. Coming off our wedding week in chilly St. Louis, one quick flight and short drive to 78-degree weather in Islamorada was exactly what we needed. Honestly, the best part was simply being together without distractions; no work emails (it felt so good to turn off my notifications!), having coffee in the morning on the front porch with the palm trees, a quiet beach, and the ocean as our daily view; quiet dinners with sunset views and healthy, fresh food; I could go on and on, but the full vibe was exactly perfect.