April 9, 2012

Rosanna + Marc / Grove Isle Hotel & Spa Wedding

Interview with our GORGEOUS bride, Rosanna:
HOW DID YOU MEET? Marc and I met in Washington, DC out one night back in November 2004. Our friends introduced us and we were instantly inseparable. Seven years later, we finally made it official!
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU THE MOST TO YOUR HUSBAND? His fun-loving sense of humor, his intelligence, his looks – he’s definitely the whole package.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE? We had just closed on purchasing our first house together. That day I met him there after work to check out our new house for the first time – and surprise, our empty new house was now filled with flowers and champagne. Turns out he had actually gotten the keys a day early and decided to prep the house and surprise me with the ring.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING? We both share a love of the waterfront here in South Florida, great views, the outdoors, and minimalist, eclectic design. The Grove Isle Hotel in Coconut Grove offered such amazing spaces that the venue alone was a huge inspiration.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR VENUE: It took a very long time to decide on a venue. We were a bit overwhelmed at first since there are so many beautiful places on the water in South Florida. But once we found the Grove Isle Hotel everything clicked. The hotel had the exact vibe we were looking for – chic, romantic, and relaxed.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST PLANNING CHALLENGE? Our biggest planning challenge was making sure we included elements for everyone to enjoy. Our guestlist represented a broad mix of cultures and demographics. Our #1 goal was to make sure everyone had a blast. I like to think we succeeded! Open bar and great music were both key.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT OF YOUR WEDDING? We loved how our reception décor complemented our venue’s stunning views of Biscayne Bay. The clean simplicity of white on white offset by candlelight and natural elements was exactly what we wanted. The atmosphere of the wedding reception was simply perfect. Most specifically, I love how the placecard-substitute mirror turned out.
DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY DETAILS? Just a few – we made our own “Here comes the Bride” signs, our table assignments were handwritten on a mirror instead of printed. One of my wedding gown sashes was hand sewn by a cousin and a friend made our Mr. & Mrs. Signs for our reception chairs. We were so appreciative to have our family and friends contribute so much to our wedding experience – another cousin was our afterparty DJ and a good friend did hair & makeup.
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING DAY? Being announced as Mr & Mrs upon our entrance to the reception. The entire day up until that moment was definitely a blur, from the rush to get dressed, to standing in front of everyone to give our vows – it was an amazing feeling to walk into the beautiful reception tent holding hands and see everyone smiling and clapping for us. It was also the moment when we realized that all the hard stuff was done and now it was time to let loose – as husband and wife!
DESCRIBE YOUR CAKE: Square tiers w/ white fondant with alternating layers of vanilla rum and chocolate flavors, covered in cascading orchids. Gorgeous AND delicious.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER? Jason & Sara were absolutely wonderful to work with. Both were so professional yet fun to be around. They knew exactly when to fade into the background and when to step up and take control of the situation ☺ And their work product speaks for itself.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AS A COUPLE? We are obsessed with world travel (before kids enter the picture)
CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR VENDORS:
DIVINE DESIGN/ OCEAN FLOWERS (GUERDY ABRAIRA): PLANNER & FLORAL DESIGNER
HIGHER GROUND: RECEPTION BAND
PHOTO BOOTH FOR GOOD: PHOTO BOOTH
ELEGANT MUSICIANS: CEREMONY MUSIC
DJ BOBBY JAE: AFTER PARTY DJ
INHYE KIM: HAIR/ MAKE-UP
CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHY

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