Joy & Gabriel’s Wedding

For me, this wedding was like being part of the family.  Having known Joy for a few years now, I was so excited to hear the news that she was getting married.  I knew that she had many friends and colleges that were photographers, because she is a planner herself.  So when she asked me to be her Miami Beach wedding photographer, it was a real compliment to our company.  Now I am not just her friend, but also her wedding photographer.

Joy, I mean really, that says it all. She is a joy to work with, a real joy to be around and such a happy bride.  Gabriel has some of his own ideas, which you have to give him credit for, as most groom just want to show up.   He wants to be involved and not only cares about his wedding day, but truly loves his bride.

We started the day in Miami Beach at the Hotel Victor.  What a great choice to get ready and definitely what I would expect from Joy.  The hotel is so well decorated and perfect for photos.  I found a bright red wall just before the elevator with a window seat.  Framed by two red tiled pillars, it made for a real artistic setting to our shots.

Once we finished at the hotel we took off for Nikki Beach, where the ceremony and reception was to take place.  When I first walked in I saw the most amazing setting for the dinner.  Outside under the trees, where hints of sparkling lights, breathtaking floral centerpieces, candles and ornate tablecloths.  The décor was like looking into a Martha Stewart magazine.

As I walked further back, I saw the ceremony being set up.  Without any surprise I was equally amazed.  Joy and Gabriel put all the right touches in all the right places.  The ceremony setting was awesome!

You know that you have the perfect bride and groom when something goes not as planned and they just laugh it off.  Just as the girls are coming down the isle, in what was a rainy cold front type of day, (no not rain) wind, and a big gush at that.  So strong that it took the entire chupa nearly three feet off the ground.  It was with record timing that their guests jumped up and held it tight, for the remainder of the wedding.  Both Joy and Gabriel laughed, as well as most of the guests.  Hey, what a great moment to stand out among the norm.

But this was not your typical type run of the mill wedding.  Joy (our great planner) put together a spectacular night.  After the ceremony the guest had cocktails and hors devours followed by a fantastic buffet dinner, all outside under the stars.  The salmon was to die for!

And if that was not enough, everyone went upstairs to Club Nikki for desert and dancing.  There were ice-cream cupcakes and numerous birthday cakes (Joy is so thoughtful) for all her friends and family celebrating their birthday.  The desert was soooo good.  Café-Ala-Cart served their delicious cappuccinos.  No one has better!

It was hard to say goodbye, as you just did not want this night to end.  But, the coach buses were outside and ready to bring the guests back to their hotels.   If you ever want to plan a wedding to the most intricate of details, you have to give Joy a call.  I don’t know if she will ever be able to top her wedding or if she wants to plan anyone else’s wedding, but she can plan a party for me anytime.