Gabrielle and Benjamin’s wedding at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Gabrielle and Benjamin’s Miami wedding at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is DRAMA—in the best possible way. The bride’s vision of “Secret-Garden-meets-Miami, edgy-meets-romantic, and art-deco-meets-old-world-elegance” was achieved with the help of Elite Planning Firm and a slew of fabulous vendors. Gabrielle runs her own design biz, Cazadora Creative Co., and set the tone with the custom stationery suite. The rest of the details followed suite, highlighted by florals in a moody, dusty palette by Anthology Co. The couple enlisted Lauren Apel Photo to capture their day and the result is pretty spectacular!

What made the wedding special and unique?

I think the fact that it was a destination wedding already made it a little more special. We really wanted to give our guests the Miami experience! But other than that, the wedding was just so us. I was very involved in every single decision throughout the process & at the end of the day I think our personalities really came through. Also, getting married at the famous Vizcaya Museum & Gardens didn’t hurt. We even had a tiny bit of rain after the ceremony and luckily were able to move the reception inside the mansion. It’s the first time Vizcaya has ever had a dance floor on the marble overlooking the east terrace!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I love this story! I spent all day with my mom and best friends trying on gowns. BUT I spent all day trying on over-the-top, lace, beaded gowns and they were ALL beautiful. On my way to my last appointment we got stuck in traffic and nearly missed the entire appointment. When I arrived they told me I had only 15 minutes and that I could try on one dress. I quickly ran thru the showroom and I grabbed this long sleeve crepe gown, not a bead or lace in sight. Sure enough she zipped it up and I knew instantly it was the one. But I wanted to see my mom and friends’ reaction before I truly decided. The moment I walked out it was tears all around! The dress was purchased at Patsy’s Bridal Boutique in Dallas, Texas.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

My vision was Secret Garden meets Miami, edgy meets romantic, and art deco meets old world elegance. We used a lot of mauvey colors and matte black accents. I also designed all of the wedding stationery. I own my own stationery design business (Cazadora Creative Co.), so I knew that was one way that my guests would feel the personal touches.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Hardest most impossible question. There are so many sacred moments for me! I loved when we were pronounced Husband & Wife and we walked out together to Say A Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin, all of our guests were singing along. Or maybe dancing the night away with all of our family and friends. Every single guest was on the dance floor and that was really special!

Tell us how you met and became engaged?

Benj & I met while both watching Game 7 of the NBA finals with mutual friends. Ironically, the Miami Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs that night and it was the first time Miami would come into our lives. Ben proposed 3 years later at the San Fernando Cathedral surrounded by our friends and family – AND mariachi bands. We stayed up until 5am celebrating our engagement with our friends!

Photographer: Lauren Apel Photo // Planner: Elite Planning Firm // Florals: Anthology Co. // Stationery Designer: Cazadora Creative Co. // Venue: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens // Videographer: Mcduff Productions // Dress: Martina Liana Bridal // Bridal Salon: Patsy’s A Bridal Boutique // Hair & Makeup: Sydney Ann Lopez // Shoes: Gucci // Veil: Kathryn’s Custom Veils // Jewelry: Family Heirlooms // Rings: Custom // Catering & Event Services: Thierry Isambert Culinary & Event Design // Cake: Earth & Sugar // Officiant: Rev. Eddie Rodriguez // DJ & Lighting: The Event Factor // Car Rental: Florian’s Classics // Hotel Block: East Miami // Groom’s Shoes: Stubbs & Wootton // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box