Sara and Aaron, true nomads at heart, embraced a lifestyle of remote work that took them across the United States, exploring and nurturing their love over nearly a decade. When they finally decided to tie the knot, they chose the lush Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami as their backdrop. Their wedding vision was a joyful celebration, uniting their global community of family and friends in a grand, fun-filled day by the ocean.
The Venue
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens | Miami, Florida
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens blend European elegance with Florida’s natural beauty, making it a dreamy choice for couples who want an overseas vibe without leaving the U.S. This Miami gem offers serene courtyards, lush gardens, and a range of picturesque backdrops for photos. From classic art to weathered stone terraces, Vizcaya’s timeless charm is hard to beat.
Sara and Aaron were smitten by the Italian-inspired architecture and the numerous event spaces at Vizcaya. Ensuring a memorable guest experience was high on their list. Vizcaya Garden’s versatile layout allowed their loved ones to effortlessly move from a welcoming entrance to an elevated ceremony, followed by a nice alfresco reception and dinner by the water.
Interested in hosting your wedding here? Let’s talk details!
The Couple’s Vision
A Romantic, Fun-Filled Day by the Ocean
They had one central goal for their wedding day: celebrating with their nearest and dearest in a natural and relaxed manner. They aimed for an effortless flow of events, avoiding interruptions for photos or overly posed moments. Capturing candid, heartfelt interactions with their loved ones was a top priority. They envisioned a laid-back yet luxurious vibe. And they absolutely nailed it!
The Night Before
The night before the big day, Sara and Aaron rolled out the welcome mat for their loved ones at Loews Hotel in Miami Beach. The vibe was all about good times, with a live band, flowing cocktails, and a taco bar that was a hit. Heartfelt speeches in honor of the couple made the evening extra special, setting the stage for an incredible weekend of celebration ahead.
Getting Ready Moments
A Dreamy Ocean View at Loews Hotel, Miami Beach
Sara’s wedding day preparations kicked off a bit later than the norm, following their unique timeline. Initially, she was surrounded by her mom, sister, aunt, and her dear friend, who also happened to be the officiant. As time went on, the rest of the bridal squad joined in the fun, hyping Sara up. She looked absolutely stunning in her couture gown, a fitted dress with a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves, reflecting her beauty both inside, and out.
In another room, Aaron and the groomsmen sported classic black tuxedos and bowties, courtesy of Aaron. They enjoyed some drinks and took in the breathtaking ocean view, complete with sunglasses, before making their way to the venue – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
First Look and Portraits
With their sunset ceremony in mind and a desire to maximize their time with guests, Sara and Aaron chose to have a first look. The garden staircase provided a romantic backdrop that felt straight out of a Jane Austen novel as Sara descended toward Aaron. Their eyes met, and they were filled with giddy, school-kid-like excitement, deeply in love and eagerly anticipating the big “I Do.”
Discover the benefits of having a first look on your wedding day!
Wedding Party
Mismatched Chic
Sara and Aaron’s Miami wedding party featured mismatched pink dresses and classic black tuxedos for the bridesmaids and groomsmen, respectively. They brought a lively mix of styles to the event that complemented the couple’s relaxed yet elegant vision.
Mismatched bridesmaid dresses have taken the wedding world by storm recently, and we are here for it! Nailing the theme and color coordination exudes that “royal garden party” aesthetic while letting everyone shine in their own way.
Love this trend too? Check out this fun-floral bridal party from a garden wedding in Idaho!
Kind words from the couple
| “Hiring Katherine as our photographer for our wedding at Vizcaya in Miami was the best decision we made. My mother is a professional photographer and vetoed probably 20 other photographers I shared with her, until I came across Katherine’s work online, and we both agreed that her photos were super impressive. She blew us away both on the day of the wedding and with our actual wedding photos. On the day of the wedding, she was incredibly efficient, and organized, kept us completely on track (and even ahead of time), and somehow seemed to capture every single important moment and emotion of the day. The photos she’s delivered to us are SO good – we had a super tricky ceremony that took place around sunset, so it was half in the light and half in the dark, and she handled all of the complicated lighting like a real expert. I can’t recommend her enough!” |
The Sunset Ceremony
An Intensely Romantic Moonlit Event
The ceremony was intensely romantic. Taking place in the courtyard at twilight, their vow exchange beneath the ascending moon and the soft, moody lighting was utterly enchanting. Although the lighting posed a bit of a challenge, my cameras excel in low-light conditions, and we diligently captured the ceremony’s ambiance without the need for flash. Their recessional was marked by a petal toss, and in a truly divine moment, we framed the couple against the backdrop of a slender new moon with Venus peering through. This was profoundly meaningful to Sara, connecting her to her Muslim heritage and her father’s memory.
Cocktail Hour
Embracing Vizcaya’s Historical Beauty
Cocktail hour sprawled across indoor and outdoor spaces within the museum. It was an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Vizcaya’s stunning architecture, artwork, and sheer grandeur. Passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails, including Aaron’s beloved espresso martinis, were savored by all. This was precious time for Sara and Aaron as they chatted and connected with their guests.
The Candlelit Reception
Dinner and Speeches by the Water
After cocktail hour, we strolled down to a candlelit tent by the water. All the timeless wedding traditions followed – tear-jerking speeches, a gourmet dinner, the cutting of the cake. But then, things got spicy. A Lebanese band hit the stage and fired up the dance floor. They kicked off the party with the Hora (the chair dance) and the Dabke (Lebanese line dancing.) And zesty lemon drop shots kept everyone on their feet, grooving the night away.
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| Planner: B. Social Events || Venue: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens || Videography: Current Films || Dress: Monique Lhullier || Florals: Ines Naftali || Papierie: Papergarten || Food: Bill Hansen Catering |
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