Abby & Bill’s Wedding Beyond the Sea - Destination: Acqualina

Abby and Bill, residents of Minneapolis, decided that early March would be ideal for a South Florida destination wedding, leaving behind the freezing snow of their home state for this memorable affair. With friends and loved ones scattered around the country, guests were invited to Acqualina Resort and Spa on Sunny Isles Beach for a weekend of opulence and luxury in the Florida sunshine.

Although the weather was quite blustery, and a little chilly by South Florida standards, it was paradise for the northerners who spent the morning soaking up the rays while ME Productions was hard at work preparing for the couple’s special event.

The ocean waves and multi-colored skyline created the perfect backdrop for ceremony as the sun began to set. A white gazebo was built with soft white organza enhancements emanating from beds of hydrangea and tulips. A perimeter of the open ceremony area was designed with white floral topped columns that coordinated with the gazebo.

The beautiful bride carried a bouquet of phalanopsis orchids, champagne roses and white tulips with lily grass accents, while bridesmaids carried tailored gathers of champagne roses.

After cocktails, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing to the sounds of Bob Hoose and his Orchestra. Bob Hoose, by the way, sounds remarkably like Frank Sinatra. Seriously. I try to book him every chance I get. He’s a wonderful entertainer - a class act!

The table settings were sophisticated and complimented the Acqualina’s Mediterranean Ballroom. Latte colored textured tablecloths were used and topped with an elegant glass bowl overflowing with white tulips, then surrounded with smaller glass bowls of white tulips and candlelight. White napkins were provided and enhanced with copper beaded napkin rings and a single white tulip at each place setting.

While the dining area of the ballroom was washed with amber toned lighting to enhance the candlelight atmosphere throughout, the all white dance floor and ballroom ceiling was washed with turquoise H20 moving water lights. In this photo, doesn’t it look like Abby and Bill are dancing under water? I love that!

Abby and Bill – thank you. I wish you happiness and paradise 'beyond the sea'.

Special thanks to Manolo Doreste - In Focus Studios for the great photos!

Jaime & Jobe's Wedding at Miami Art Space

First, let me say that Jaime, Jobe and Joan (yes, it’s all about the Js) were an absolute pleasure to work with and I’m honored that they trusted me with such an important day in their lives.

What can I say about Miami Art Space? It’s very cool. Located in the Wynwood Art District, I was a bit apprehensive during my first visit to the location but found myself pleasantly surprised at the possibilities of the palette.

Most important to the bride and groom was to escape the confines of an enclosed ballroom within a crowded hotel on their wedding day. They wanted to bring their guests to a relatively new event venue for a unique experience – and lots of dancing – yet still hold on to some time honored traditions. Miami Art Space was the perfect venue for them.

Instead of the expected plated dinner with over sized dining tables, the couple elected a cocktail style set up which allowed guests to dine in smaller groups, at their leisure, resulting in a jam-packed dance floor all night long! There was certainly no shortage of food, as Bill Hansen’s Catering did a fantastic job with plentiful passed Hors d’oeuvres, multiple sumptuous stations and an amazing bar display. Bill’s Catering is the one of the best in the business!

The décor was brilliant too (if I do say so myself) with white lanterns overhead, white textured pin-tuck linen and chairs, and white internally lit furniture groupings, all of which created a chic and modern look within the venue. Splashes of color from centerpieces in tones of green and orange were each designed differently than the next, alternating the shape of the vases and style of arrangement which added to the uniqueness of Miami Art Space. Live, lush ficus trees around the perimeter were washed with amber LED uplighting, and ferns topped the gallery’s white partitions adding softness to the room. The flowers and décor by ME Productions gave the room a clean, contemporary feel with the right amount of romantic ambiance.

And finally, I have to admit that I absolutely loved the freshly baked cookies from Joan’s own kitchen (she baked 700 of them!) which were beautifully packaged and handed to guests by the valet attendants as each guest prepared to leave in the wee hours of the night. Isn’t that the sweetest?

By the way, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how stunning Jaime looked in her dress. Isn't she gorgeous?

Thank you; Wilco Studio Photography, for the photos!!
Jaime, Jobe and Joan: I wish you all nothing but happiness and joy!