#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.
#realchicbride Vivian in Monique Lhuillier
Get to know real bride Vivian and her love story:
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Vivian and Max met while attending Boston College in 2012. After graduation, they moved to Los Angeles, where Vivian attended University of Southern California for graduate school and to complete her fifth year as a collegiate track athlete. Meanwhile, Max pursued a career in sports working for Los Angeles Football Club.
After a few years on the West Coast, Vivian decided to move back home to Naples, Florida and launch her own jewelry line, Henri Noël. Vivian is a third generation jeweler who specializes in creating bespoke engagement & wedding bands, in addition to her core jewelry collection. The family jewelry business was a staple of Vivian's upbringing and has been an inspiration to her own custom jewelry that holds long-lasting value and memories.
For the proposal, Max flew in his two siblings to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was living at the time, and had his sister convince Vivian to head to Lake Norman to model for her (she is a photographer and graphic designer for Casamigos Tequila). By Vivian’s own admission, she'd do “anything for tequila", so she was a willing participant.
Upon their arrival at Lake Norman, Max took Vivian to explore the lake while his sister got in position to photograph the proposal. After a short walk, Vivian turned a corner to find a gazebo decorated in rose petals. Right there and then, Max dropped down on one knee and popped the question! Shortly thereafter, Max took Vivian to dinner, where she was surprised by close friends and family.
Given that Vivian’s father is also a jeweler, Max had the perfect co-creator when it came to the engagement ring. Together, they sorted, color-matched and set each of the marquise diamonds to create this one-of-a-kind eternity band.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
Once engaged, the couple decided on Cutlass Cove Beach in Vivian’s hometown of Naples, FL for the wedding. After seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian six months prior, the couple was unsure if they could still have their wedding on the property. Thankfully, however, with the help of close family friends, they were able to restore the area just in time.
To help bring their English garden vision to life, the couple enlisted the help of Kehrin Hassan as their wedding designer. She helped the couple throw the wedding of their dreams by putting on a ceremony that felt elegant yet relaxed.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
The couple shook things up in the layout of their wedding. On their invites, they told all guests the ceremony would start at 4pm but really they had the cocktail hour before the wedding ceremony. This allowed the guests to take photos and get a little loose before taking their seats for the ceremony. The signature cocktail was a ‘Spaghett’, a staple at the couple’s favorite restaurant in Charlotte, ‘Vana’. It mixes Miller High Life with Aperol, mimicking an Aperol Spritz, but replacing champagne with ‘The Champagne of Beers’, another subtle nod to the wedding’s elevated but informal feel.
The ceremony was not traditionally seated, but instead included long benches with accent pillows joined by areas for guests to stand. After the couple said “I do”, the music immediately kicked in, setting the tone for a night of dancing, highlighted by Max’s upbeat and choreographed dance with his mother, who herself used to be a professional dancer.
How did you decide on the location?
We decided on Cutlass Cove Beach Club. A beautiful setting in Vivian’s hometown that truly showed how beautiful Naples is.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Vivian found her perfect dress early in the process - a Monique Lhuillier lace gown paired with light blue Manolo Blahnik heels. During a shopping trip with her mom in Miami, they shared a knowing smile when she tried on this gown, confirming it as "the one." Vivian once listened to a podcast once where Monique said, “If your dress is not filthy at the end of the night, you didn’t do it right”. Vivian connected with those words as she wanted a dress she wouldn't want to take off all night but also one that was comfortable to move in. Vivian’s after party dress was a light blue Rachel Gilbert ruffle dress - she wanted to bring a pop of color to the night once she took her wedding dress off.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Vivian had 9 bridesmaids, each with their own unique personality. As such, she allowed them the freedom to choose their own dresses. And since no outfit is complete without some Henri Noël jewelry, Vivian created an iconic earring that each of the girls wore in the gold color of their choice.
One thing that was quite fun was Vivian’s mother-in-law, a former professional dancer, performed a dance with the groom to “I’m Holdin’ on to love” by Shania Twain. This set the tone for the evening, every guest was clapping, dancing and singing.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
The first look. Imagining the moment your soon-to-be husband sees you on your wedding day is something Vivian always dreamed of. Seeing the smile on her husband’s face and the warmth in his eyes is something she will never forget.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Vivian always knew she wanted to still feel like herself and not worry about fixing anything throughout her wedding day. She went with a “party pony” so no matter the weather conditions, it would look good. For makeup, Vivian went with a very natural look, neutral tones and a subtle lip color.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Kaleidoscope Floral! It is a good feeling when you can describe what you want and know it is going to be perfectly executed.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
Vivian and Max went to Zambia and Cape Town for their honeymoon. Many might say it is a trip of a lifetime, and they are certainly not wrong! The couple stayed at The Royal along the Zambezi River and loved how removed it was from inner city life. Each day out in the brush brought something new - an elephant spotting, a lion sprinting to kill its prey, monkeys swarming the trees - these unique moments creating unforgettable memories.
Fall In Love With Leah Da Gloria
Leah Da Gloria collection is available at Chic Parisien in Coral Gables, FL. Shop these beautiful wedding dresses at the best bridal boutique in Miami. SAy yes to the dress of your dreams from this collection with something for every bride’s style.
In Store For A Limited Time Only: Inbal Dror 23-11
Shop this chic Inbal Dror ballgown with a beautiful keyhole back and deep-V scalloped neckline at Chic Parisien in Coral Gables, FL for a limited time only.
Leah Da Gloria Boheme VI Collection At Chic Parisien
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to say yes to your wedding dress and this pre-holiday weekend we are hosting the Leah Da Gloria Boheme VI Collection at Chic Parisien. It’s a beautiful, festive season to gather your favorite people and bring them in for your private bridal shopping experience so that you are surrounded by love during this festive moment!
Leah Da Gloria Trunk Show is Friday and Saturday, December 15 - 16 only. Reserve your appointment today to shop Leah Da Gloria at the best bridal boutique in Miami.
Mark Ingram Collection Fall 2024
Get to know the Mark Ingram Collection Fall 2024 at our Trunk Show this Friday and Saturday only. This chic new collection is fresh from Bridal Fashion Week in New York City and we are amongst the first stores in the world to host the collection - that means that you’ll be the first brides to walk down the aisle in these new gowns when you say yes to the dress during the trunk show event.
Mark Ingram is an iconic figure in the bridal world. He is the name and brains behind New York City’s Mark Ingram Atelier - he even played himself on Gossip Girl! When you get the Blair Waldorf stamp of approval, you know you’re chic! Enter Mark’s vision of Old Hollywood glamour and timeless style.
Monique Lhuillier Fall 2024 Collection at Chic Parisien
Here’s a sneak peek into a little dress up session featuring the newest Monique Lhuillier collection, Fall 2024. Straight from New York Bridal Fashion Week, this collection is making it’s debut at Chic Parisien for a limited time only. Shop it now or wait until we receive our stock pieces of these positively lovely new wedding dresses.
The Cool Bride Edit
Our chic staff picked their favorite wedding dresses for a cool bride, looking to make a statement in her wedding day wardrobe. If your style descriptors look like: chic, cool, modern — these are the picks from our stock of bridal gowns for you. Featuring wedding dresses from our Coral Gables bridal boutique from designers: Berta, Katherine Tash, Chosen by Kyha, Ines Di Santo, and Alex Perry.
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 Felicia in Her THREE Chic Gowns
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Felicia and Jack met in the COVID-era of early 2021. Jack attended one of Felicia’s house parties, and at the time, Felicia kept blowing Jack off because the only thing she was worried about was pouring her friends her world-renowned espresso martini shots. Finally after much persistence, Felicia agreed to go on their first date at his best friend JC’s restaurant, Wineology - a personal favourite of Felicia’s. Felicia was smitten by Jack over time - but not as smitten as she was with his 4 children: Tanner, Travis, Trent and Alexis. She wasn’t just a regular mom, she was a cool mom.
Finally in the summer of 2022 Jack asked Felicia for her hand in marriage along the beautiful coast of Nazaré, Portugal where they continued to eat cheese and drink port wine all the way home.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
My vision originally was very modern and romantic. I wanted the venue to have tons of modern white florals, yet the furniture be something you would see in a home – just a very unique twist on a venue. I ditched the traditional wedding draping, napkins, menus, seating charts and basically created mine from scratch. I wanted the wedding to be as different as possible from other weddings, so I would tend to take small ideas over various social media sites to construct my own vision. Having the wedding in a small town in Canada, I was extremely limited on resources, so I found myself sometimes having to construct things on our own just to make sure the vision was still achieved!
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
A few things really mattered to us as a couple when planning the wedding. We wanted a venue with an amazing backdrop for our guests to be wow’d by. We wanted an amazing photographer to really capture unique editorial moments. And we wanted an amazing live band all night. We got all 3!
How did you decide on the location?
We wanted to make sure that the venue had a stunning backdrop. Being from Windsor, Ontario we are fortunate to have such a stunning Detroit skyline view. We also wanted to incorporate a lake view backdrop, so we decided to do an outdoor ceremony at my father’s gorgeous lakefront beach house. We got the best of both worlds in one day!
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I originally heard of Chic, as my sister was getting married in Fort Lauderdale the same year I was. I went with her during the bridal gown shopping process. We worked with Kendall and I just thought the process was so flawless and easy. We actually found her dresses that day! A couple months later I found myself finally looking for dresses. Being from Canada, I originally tried to find my dresses locally to my country. I actually found the process extremely hard – they would have one dress and not the other, and it made the process extremely stressful. I thought to myself why am I wasting my time in making sure other companies have this and that when I know Chic Parisien houses most if not all the bridal brands I was looking for? So I made my appointment and booked my flight to Miami! I found myself purchasing all 3 dresses (main bridal dress, second look dress, and rehearsal dress) from Chic and it was honestly the best decision I ever made!
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
What I thought was really unique is my sister and I got married the same year, 3 months apart to be exact. Although she had her wedding in Florida and mine was in Canada, it was really nice to bounce ideas off each other while going through the same process at the same time
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
I think the florals will be something I never forget, they exceeded my expectations!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
Given my dress was strapless on my first dress, I knew I wanted my hair down. For my second look I had a high neck and it gave such a party vibe with the feathers I knew I needed a high, fun ponytail to match the look! For makeup I wanted it to have natural tones with a hint of glam.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Yes, Lauren Alatriste my photographer. She was a life saver when it came to the photos at my wedding and she did such an AMAZING job! She really nailed the vision I was looking for!
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We went to Paris, Santorini and Sicily. We absolutely loved Paris, the shows, the shopping, the food but we also got to stay in the White Lotus hotel in Taormina, Sicily and it was absolutely STUNNING!!
CREDITS
@littlebirdeventco
@laurenalatriste wedding photographer
Jessica Ruxton Photography rehearsal dinner photographer
@theissenflowers
New ARRIVALS: What you've been waiting for..
Hello fiancees! We have exciting news about chic new bridal gown arrivals to our stock of the world’s most fabulous wedding dresses. We carry a selection of the chicest designers in bridal fashion from around the world, including Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Berta, Leah Da Gloria, Mira Zwillinger, Lazaro, Yolancris, Alex Perry, Katherine Tash, Chosen by Kyha, Berta Privee, Muse by Berta and more.
Shop these brand new additions to our edit of wedding dresses and find the one for you. You’ll work alongside a private bridal stylist at our iconic Coral Gables bridal boutique, in a dressing room that you’ll have all to yourself. Bring along your loved ones (if you’d like) and make your wedding day fashion dreams come true.
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 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 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.
#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
New Arrivals July 2023
Shop the latest new arrivals to our stock room from chic bridal designers like Muse by Berta, Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo and Katherine Tash.
Shopping for your wedding dress and wondering what’s new at Chic Parisien. Besides our very packed schedule of designer trunk shows, where you can shop the latest collections from our edit of bridal designers, you can always ask about new arrivals. This might be especially helpful if you have already shopped but didn’t find “the one” just yet.
Here is a peek into some of the latest arrivals to our stock:
Meet Irina, Chic Parisien Bridal Stylist
Name: Irina Rodriguez
How have you been working at Chic Parisien? 1 year.
How would you describe your personal style? Effortlessly feminine with a colorful side.
Who is your style icon? Princess Diana.
Why do you love working in the wedding industry? I love fashion and styling ever since I can remember, and now I get to do it while being part of such a special moment in someones life.
What's your favorite dessert? Ice Cream.
Is there a wedding dress (from any season) that you'll always remember? Charming by Monique Lhuillier.
Which of our designers best encapsulates your personal style ? Monique Lhuillier can be so feminine, but effortlessly sexy; and dreamy at the same time.
What is somewhere on your travel bucket list? Petra, Jordan.
What's a part of your job that you love? Creating an easy environment for brides to be themselves and find their dream dress.
What's your favorite movie? Notting Hill and The Parent Trap.
What's something about your job that might surprise people? I know a bride found her dress by the glow on her face.
Feathers or fringe? Feathers.
Sequins or simple? Sequins.
Tiara or headband? Hair pins.
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!
