#realchicbride Adelaide in Ines Di Santo Aura Dress On Her Waterside Wedding Day
Get inspired by #realchicbride Adelaide on her wedding day in Ines Di Santo’s Aura dress…
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
We met the old fashioned way (on a dating app). I was actually Kelven’s first date on the app, we joke he got lucky! He got into a minor car accident on the way to what should have been our first date so we had to reschedule. He took me to a cute Italian restaurant for dinner and brought my favorite flowers, pink roses. He proposed after 2 and a half years just before a trip to Greece that we call our engagement-moon, and we got married on the 4 year anniversary of our first date.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
We wanted an elegant black tie wedding on the water and we thought it turned out perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a more magical wedding day.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
It was important to us to have a few minutes to ourselves and for our day to involve Caribbean culture in some way for Kelven's family. We opted to do a first look and prioritize "us" time during cocktail hour, taking sunset photos alone and taking a few minutes to relax before rejoining our guests at the reception. This also allowed our bridal party and immediate family to join cocktail hour and the caribbean-themed food options there. We were so lucky this was a standard offering at Pelican Club!
How did you decide on the location?
We actually only toured one venue in person and loved it so much we booked! Pelican Club was perfect for us being on the water and with views of the lighthouse we got engaged in front of. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to host our wedding.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I went to 8 bridal shops before Chic Parisien but had a good feeling I might find my dress there. My mother & grandmother were in town for just two days so we prioritized scheduling Chic Parisien while they were in town.
I tried on a number of dresses in the style I had always pictured - sleek, silk, simple - but the attendant slipped in a more detailed Aura dress by Ines Di Santo to see how I would like it. The second I saw myself in the mirror I started tearing up and knew it was the one! It was beaded, strapless, and fit and flare - the opposite of what I had pictured but it was stunning. I customized the back to include the mesh cage I had seen on another dress and was delighted that the designer allowed this customization. It was truly perfect.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
We took our immediate families to tour our venue on the day of our engagement party before we booked and they loved it. Other than that, we centered cocktail hour food around family preferences (Caribbean food for Kelven's family, passed hors deouvres that accommodated all family dietary restrictions) and chose a holiday weekend to allow as many friends and family to attend as possible. We had a family friend officiate, and his wife was gracious enough to host our bridal party and families the night before our rehearsal to kick off the wedding weekend. It was really lovely.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
Walking down the aisle. We had gone back and forth on whether or not to do a first look in case it took away from us seeing each other at the ceremony, but it was still so emotional. Kelven cried when he saw me and I cried the entire walk down the aisle. Seeing each other before made us more comfortable, but didn't take away from the moment at all.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
The dress was the star of the show, so I wanted to keep it simple with hair and makeup. I did a soft glam makeup look and kept my hair down in waves. I really loved how it turned out in photos.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Our planner, Stunning and Brilliant Events was amazing. I'm very type A and love planning (I do it professionally as a program manager) and Jacque and her team kept everything so smooth I wasn't stressed at all. We were amazed. Having three extra set of hands day-of is something I'd recommend to every bride. We forgot the flower girl's basket at the hotel, but a member of the planning team went back to get it before I was even aware. The entire day was seamless and I completely attribute it to our planning team and our venue.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Oahu and stayed at the Four Seasons Ko'Olina, spending a few days in LA on the way home. The best part was the 3 days of pure relaxation and spa treatments when we first landed. It was perfect after all the stress of the wedding and our travel agent, Maria at Kax Lifestyle planned everything out perfectly so our only worry was enjoying ourselves. We transferred into the city of Honolulu for the second half of the trip once we were well-rested and shopped, hiked, etc. We couldn’t have asked for a more lovely wedding and honeymoon overall, it felt like a dream!
New Arrival: Jane by Katherine Tash
Old Hollywood glamour meets sleek modern bride. Jane by Katherine Tash is a jaw dropping wedding dress for a bride who wants to have it all. We also love this Katherine Tash wedding dress as a second look option for a bride who wants to slip into something a little more comfortable (maybe post-ballgown?). The flattering structured corset top is softened by the cowl neck and romantic draped skirt in a chic mermaid silhouette.
Fall In Love with Leah Da Gloria
It’s not every day that we add a new designer to our list. It takes a lot of love on our end to take the leap and say yes (sound familiar?). We are proud to present Australian designer Leah Da Gloria’s latest collection this weekend at our trunk show.
This chic new collection is GLAM embodied. We knew our Miami brides needed these elegant and chic gowns available to them. They’re modern and sexy and yet totally timeless wedding day looks. Need we say more? See a few favs from the collection below and make your appointment here to shop the Leah Da Gloria Trunk Show at Chic Parisien bridal boutique in Coral Gables, Florida this weekend only.
#realchicbride Christie in Alex Perry
Real bride Christie on her love story, wedding in Puerto Rico and falling in love with this Alex Perry wedding dress…
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Adonis and I met almost ten years ago through mutual friends. We are both from Puerto Rico, it’s a small island… the older you get, everything connects and everyone knows each other. Back then, when we met we we were both on different paths. The timing wasn't quite right for us. But we continued to stay in touch as friends… stayed in touch through Instagram mostly, liking each other’s pictures here and there. It wasn't until three and a half years ago, both recently single... he slid into my Dm's congratulating me on my birthday and asking me if he could take me out to have ice cream (which I thought was the cutest thing ever). Im not that much of a sweet tooth, so I invited him for drinks and he said he wanted to take me out to dinner instead. A man with a plan, I liked that.
Fast forward to our first date, and it was the best first date I ever had, we talked for hours, shared so many common interests and life goals, and we even ended up salsa dancing that same night... and I stole a kiss( couldn't help it, he literally swept me off my feet). I KNEW I wanted to marry this man since that very first date.
The proposal was very intimate, just the two of us (exactly how I wanted it to be)...It started like any normal day would, went to work, we had dinner after at one of our favorite spots (Cafe Mida), we really love Italian food and had just come back from a dreamy Italian vacation. We stuffed our faces, paid the bill, we left the restaurant and it wasn't until I stepped in the car ... he placed a little wrapped box in my lap...when I opened it I realized it was the ring I had tried on in this small jewelry shop in Como, Italy ( a pink sapphire ring I had been obsessing over since I tried it on ) ... and I started ugly crying when I realized it was the ring of my dreams, then he looked at me and asked " well will you marry me?" and of course I said yes. In true Adonis fashion, he kept the proposal very practical and to the point. It was simple, just a private moment between us. . . and that's very much how we are. We love the little moments that make life grand.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with the movie “The Secret Garden”, it’s my favorite movie of all time. The aesthetic of my wedding was very much inspired by this movie. I wanted it to have that Italian garden feel, rustic but elegant, lush greenery with white flowers … (the gardenias were the star of the show, they’re my favorite flower.) We wanted the look and feel to be ethereal, romantic, and intimate more than anything.
And for the party, we wanted the old Hollywood glam… we wanted everything to look elegant but still cozy. We asked for a lot of candles, and imperial table seating … like you’re having an intimate family dinner.
Emilio Olabarrieta Atelier - Our decorators are visionaries, they truly understood the vision since our first meeting. They brought the Italian aesthetic to Puerto Rico, they made everything come to life and we are so grateful.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
Music plays a big role to us, we’re very sensible to music. I wanted to walk down the aisle to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (my dad used to sing me this song when I was little, it seemed fitting to walk down the aisle with him by side to this song.) Also, my bridal party walked to “Home” by a Cinematic Orchestra… the lyrics of this song have a special meaning, especially since we decided to marry by this tree…
“Out in the garden where we planted the seeds, there is a tree as old as me… this is a place where I don’t feel so alone, this is a place where I feel at home…”
It was also important to us as a couple to have our photographers to capture the moments( not pictures that felt forced or posey, journal photography and candid pictures that tell a story, our love story) .
We’re very traditional and we’re both old souls so we wanted to have a photo booth to capture everyone just having fun… being able to have these memories to look back on is everything to us.
Lastly, it was important for us to pay homage to our culture… so everything from the food to the music was a part of how we grew up and what we love.
How did you decide on the location?
Initially, we wanted to have a small wedding with our closest friends and family in Portofino, Italy. Portofino is a beautiful sail town, with so old school charm. Adonis has a sailboat and we both enjoy being by the sea, we felt very at home when we visited. We instantly fell in love with this magical place and both envisioned getting married here. Once we started planning everything, it became very evident that planning a wedding in Portofino when we were both so far away would be an extra challenge. Also, a lot of loved ones wouldn’t have been able to travel so far, which was important to us.
Ultimately we decided to do it in The Ritz Carlton Reserve in Dorado. I grew up visiting this resort and I have the most fond memories with my family vacationing here.
The ceremony was held right by this 100-year-old ficus tree, it’s majestic and so beautiful. It was essential for me to have the ceremony be held outdoors. Being in nature makes us feel a little closer to God, the energy that surrounded us this day was truly magical.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I work in fashion, ( ’m a buyer for a boutique men’s and women’s store in Puerto Rico)… I’m very detail-oriented, the dress was probably the most important aspect of this process.
I had many pins on my mood board on Pinterest, when I went to shop for my dress I had an idea of what I wanted. A form-fitting dress, always leaning towards a fit and flare.
Lady, was the loveliest … she gave me the best advice: which was to try every single dress that caught my attention even if it was different than what I had originally envisioned because once you try something on, your vision changes. And she was so patient and kind with me throughout this proccess.
I shared with her that I wanted a dress that felt timeless, something I could wear ten / twenty years from now and I could still love it. She understood my vision and brought me options, even a few out of my comfort zone.
The fifth dress I tried on was the one.
To my surprise, an A-line dress, a simple silhouette, with an amazing fit… the corset on this dress was to die for. Made me feel snatched. My mom and sister cried as soon as I tried it on. The Alex Perry dress of my dreams.
It’s true what they say, once you try on the one. You just know. This gave me Jackie Kennedy vibes but with spice.
I felt very regal, very much like a princess in it. I didn’t even know I wanted to feel like a princess. But when else could you feel this way? Once we choose the dress, we picked a veil. I always knew I wanted a mantilla veil, and since the dress was simple … the mantilla veil with lace details complimented it perfectly. It was absolutely dreamy.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
This process would not have been the same without my mom. She was there with me planning every detail, the best wedding planner I could’ve asked for.
We’re very close, so she understands me like no one else does. I absolutely adore her. Getting to share this moment and journey with her was the best part, seeing how emotional and genuinely happy this made her filled me with joy. I love making her proud. She really felt like it was her wedding… I had to remind her that I was the one getting married, not her haha. It was sweet to see her so excited.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The overwhelming amount of love we felt. Seeing my now hubby’s face as I was walking down the aisle, he looked like a giddy little boy… that moment was priceless.
I also really enjoyed watching everyone all glammed up and having the time of their life… all celebrating us.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted a very natural look, something that enhanced my features. Rosy cheeks and glowy dewy skin. I referenced a picture of Lily Aldridge I had pinned… she always looks flawless.
I researched a lot of makeup artists until I finally found Carlos Marrero. He was a gem to work with, and gave me a lot of peace while I was getting ready. Also, it’s hard to find in PR MUA who do French beauty type of makeup, usually for weddings a lot of artists do pageant makeup which is not what I wanted. I wanted to look enhanced not hidden behind makeup.
He described it perfectly: “You want to look like how you look when you’re in love… when your cheeks are blushing and your lips are flushed. Literally a blushing bride…”
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Yes! Everyone who was involved in the planning were amazing.
Jorge & Evy specifically @pearlmemories My photographer/videographer. Not only did they take the most beautiful/ editorial pictures but their energy made us feel very peaceful … in a day that can be quite stressful. They made this whole process very enjoyable and we’re very receptive and open to our suggestions. They translated our vision effortlessly.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Japan for our honeymoon- we’re both very inspired by Japanese interiors… and I personally love the movie “In the mood for love”. Japan has always been on our bucket list.
We visited Kyoto, Hakone ( the countryside), and Tokyo. We figured it was the farthest place to travel and eventually with kids it would be a bit more complicated to do so in the future.
We have so much to learn from Japanese culture… they are so calm and respectful and so precise in everything they do. We really enjoyed Kyoto the most, the food, architecture( mix of old and new) and history is so impressive. They were so kind to us, all the attention to detail… they made us feel like we were in a love bubble. A trip we will never forget.
Inbal Dror New Collection At Chic Parisien For A Limited Time Only
If you dream of an Inbal Dror dress for your wedding day there is no better time to come say “yes” to the dress than during the Inbal Dror trunk show this weekend at Chic Parisien. For a limited time only, we’ll have an extended edit of Inbal Dror wedding dresses available for you to try on in store.
These dreamy, ethereal, chic dresses include all the bridal silhouettes that you love. There are sparkly ballgowns, high/low gowns, corseted tops, mermaid cuts, rhinestoned bows, long sleeved lace wedding dresses, soft, romantic a-lines. We have long adored the jaw-dropping work of this iconic Israeli wedding dress designer and we’re thrilled to have this collection at our Coral Gables bridal boutique - you won’t want to miss it!
Staff Pick: Kendall Loves Ines Di Santo Camelia Paired with Maria Elena Earrings
We’ve been asking our bridal stylists for their favorite picks from our stock room and we’re loving being surprised by their wedding dresses du jour. Today, we’re featuring Kendall, our Assistant Buyer and Stylist’s, favorite wedding dress of the moment, the bery on trend Ines Di Santo Camelia dress. J’adore!
She paired with with a beautiful set of bridal earrings from local Miami designer and Chic Parisien fav, Maria Elena Headpieces.
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.
Dorit x Nektaria at Chic Parisien Through April 3
It’s not every weekend that we debut a new collection, especially from a new bridal designer, at Chic Parisien, but we were smitten with the Nektaria collection by Dorit Kemsley. In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s that Dorit as you can see in the images for the collection features below. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ resident fashionista decided to channel her glam aesthetic into a collection of chic wedding dresses perfect for the Miami bride or the bride who is looking to channel her fashion-forward bridal aesthetic.
Whether you are looking for a modern bridal look or something a bit traditional and still sexy, this collection has someone for everyone.
The trunk show is only in our Coral Gables bridal boutique for a limited time, this Friday, March 26 - April 3rd. Reserve your appointment now and ask about our VIP appointments if you’re interested in reserving the boutique for your bridal party to experience the ultimate in luxury, a private day of shopping in the boutique just for your and your loved ones complete with a private bridal stylist and champagne, of course.
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2021, World Debut at Chic Parisien. Part I.
We were honored to host the world debut of the Monique Lhuillier Spring 2021 Collection, so we called in some talented friends to capture these beautiful gowns, previously unseen my any brides. We got to see these gowns through the lens of the talented Madison Aycoth (@mhpandco and @madisonaycoth), Cristina Liviero (@cmlmakeup) a master Chanel artist brought our vision of a summer bride to life and, of course, the magic of Monique Lhuillier’s latest collection made it all happen.
Inside and outside of our Coral Gables bridal boutique, gown after gown from the Spring 2021 collection inspired us to think forward to the beautiful brides who will one day walk down the aisle in these chic gowns.
Many of the gowns featured here are from Bliss Monique Lhuillier, a more accessibly priced collection by Monique Lhuillier. These new gowns for Bliss Monique Lhuillier feature chic, simple silhouettes with sumptuous silks but little to no embellishments. If you’re a bride who wants all the glamour of a classic bridal dress but is looking for something a bit more simple, there are some very beautiful inspiration gowns in this collection. We are particularly fond of the first dress featured here, because, pockets!
A special shout out to Maria Elena Headpieces, whose accessories completed these chic bridal looks!
A Bit of Ballgown Inspiration...
Here’s a look at some of our favorite ballgowns from the Chic Parisien stock room:
"When people dream of their wedding and imagine themself as a princess, you've likely been picturing a ballgown. In a lot of cases, it's a once in a lifetime silhouette."
-Catherine Fox Milian
Introducing Lulu - our EXCLUSIVE gown by Ines Di Santo x Chic Parisien
We have a very exciting announcement: Over the past six months or so we’ve been developing exclusive gowns and accessories in collaboration with some of our chic designers and the very first of our wedding dresses has arrived.
Meet Lulu by Ines Di Santo exclusively for Chic Parisien.
If you’re interested in trying on his stunning form-fitting gown, you can only experience it at Chic Parisien in Coral Gables, Florida. Make your appointment now.
Make a Statement in a Berta Bridal Gown; Collection Preview June 27 & 28 (Trunk Show)
When it comes to this year’s hottest bridal trends, there’s no question that the statement back tops the list. During Bridal Week in New York earlier this year, several top designers debuted a series of gowns featuring stunning backs. No stranger to jaw-dropping designs with unique statement back options, Berta Bridal has truly mastered the art of designing tastefully daring wedding gowns.
Not only is Berta Bridal known for its statement backs, but also its plunging necklines, which truly help set this collection apart. Brides revel in the fact that these designs make for a grand entrance, as well as an equally swoon-worthy walk down the aisle. Due to the creative use of illusion netting, tulle, intricate beading, and elaborate appliqués, Berta Bridal gowns are not soon forgotten.
Curious as to whether a Berta Bridal gown is the gown for your walk down the aisle? You're in luck because Chic Parisien is one of the few bridal boutiques in the US that will preview this stunning collection during a special in-store Trunk Show this month. Come see why brides think the statement back is the perfect complement to a plunging V-neck gown, or how a statement back adds intrigue to a simple design in the front. We look forward to seeing you there!
Berta Bridal Trunk Show @ Chic Parisien
June 27 & 28
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756
Two Designers, One Amazing Weekend: Ines Di Santo & Maria Elena Accessories (March 7 - 8)
If you were inspired by last night's Oscars fashion, then get ready for an amazing weekend at Chic Parisien, as we proudly host a dual Trunk Show featuring Ines Di Santo and Maria Elena Accessories! This will be Ines Di Santo's very first Trunk Show at Chic Parisien, so we're pulling out all the stops. In fact, Ines Di Santo herself will be in-store to meet with our beautiful Chic brides.
While she doesn't require an introduction, Italian-born Ines Di Santo is recognized around the world as a leading designer of evening and bridal couture. Raised in Europe and South America, Ines Di Santo is famous for effortlessly blending European sophistication and flair with Spanish passion and romance. Her attention to detail is unrivaled, and it is widely known that she personally oversees the production of every grown at her atelier in Toronto, Canada.
Beautiful from every angle, the Ines Di Santo Fall / Winter 2014 Collection features the finest silks, tulle, embroidery and lace. These gowns, with stunning designs on the front and back, make for a grand entrance and exit, which is an absolute must for brides on their big day. We can't wait to share this latest collection with you.
Speaking of designers that do not require an introduction, Maria Elena of Maria Elena Accessories certainly tops that list, and we can't wait to preview her latest collection this Friday and Saturday, alongside Ines Di Santo.
Surrounded by silk, tulle, lace and sparkling jewels, brides will be in heaven this weekend!
We hope to see you there.
Ines Di Santo / Maria Elena Accessories Dual Trunk Show
@ Chic Parisien
March 7 - 8, 2014
For appointments, (305) 448-5756