Emotional & Intimate Outdoor Wedding in Miami

Oriana and Juan found a gem with their wedding venue in Miami, Florida, which was an AirBnB find, it had a back garden just perfect for their outdoor wedding held on the 24th March 2018. With a guest list of 50, they had a super intimate and emotional day. The results really were magical, with stunning flowers and a delicious cake.

Their décor was all DIY, which meant that they kept to their $6,000 budget. Plus they both looked so radiant and in love.

Thanks so much to Laura Memory Photography & Videography for sharing these dreamy shots with us. I really think you’re going to love these images guys. Just beautiful!

The Proposal

Juan and I went to a short trip to Chicago on October 2016, it was my first time going to the “windy city” so I was amazed by everything and I wanted to take my time to enjoy the city, however Juan during the entire day had been very anxious and was hurrying me to go through places very fast, I had absolutely no idea on what was gonna happened later. When we were at the Navy Pier he asked a random guy (who turned out to be the engagement photographer) to take us a picture, in that moment Juan comes to me and tells me “You know we have talked about our future together, I love you so much”, I still did not understand why he was saying that I still believed we were taking a picture, the moment he said “Oh God, I’m so nervous” it’s when it hit me; he kneeled down and asked if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, and I said YES! Also, I am from Venezuela therefore I have family back home and friends all over the world, I did not know Juan was broadcasting the proposal on Periscope so they could be part of this moment as well.

The Vision

We wanted to have an outdoors wedding, garden style with a lot of green and nature, and simple in details.

The Planning Process

I planned the whole wedding myself, it was a very stressful process since I had so many ideas in my mind but I had to adjust to our budget, attendance and location.

Budget

$6,000.00

This does not include the food because it was a wedding gift, nor the bride’s dress.

The Venue

Since we wanted a small, intimate wedding, our guest list was below 50 guests, so we wanted a small venue so everything would look cozy. Surprisingly we found our wedding venue on Airbnb, it was a backyard of a house, perfect for what we wanted, we did both the ceremony and the reception in the backyard.

Your Outfits & Accessories

If there was something I was sure about it was that I was gonna spend all my wedding reception dancing, that is why I knew my dress had to be comfortable but beautiful at the same time. I went dress hunting with my mom and after trying around 12 dresses I decided for one that had an open back and lace details, it was so light and I felt so confident in it that I knew right away it was perfect for the occasion.

Juan wanted to match his tie and suit details with our bridesmaid’s dresses colour, and that is what he did, he got it at Men’s Warehouse. He wore superman cufflinks on the weeding day (his favourite superhero), they were my gift to him that day.

The Cake

Small rustic chocolate butterscotch with bacon (yes bacon) by @chocolatmaryreigosa.

Beauty

Hair and make up by @titiloizos. Funny story, she forgot her brushes set on the day of my wedding, she ended up using mine (not professional ones) but the result was impeccable.

Juan’s hair was done by @sunshinesnipps, it held ALL NIGHT.

The Details & Décor

Everything was DIY.

Groomsmen

Juan’s best friend Robert and Juan’s middle brother Edel.

The boys matched their ties and accessories with the bridesmaids dusty rose dresses, suits also from Men’s Warehouse.

Bridesmaids

Patricia my cousin and Maria Carmela was my roommate when I moved to the US.

The girls wore dusty rose dresses, I just told them the colour and I think they got them from Forever 21.

The Readings & Music

Our wedding ceremony was held by the husband of a cousin of mine, he is a very religious person and I thought having a family member officiating our wedding was beautiful.

Music by @soflomainevents.

Your Photographer

Laura was amazing, she definitely captured the best moments of our wedding and she’s the sweetest, even helped us setting up the venue before the ceremony.

The Flowers

Probably one of my best finds in the planning @miamiflowermarket. They have a DIY bride class where you and a florist make your centrepieces, and bouquets while drinking mimosas.

The Honeymoon

Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Memorable Moments

Everybody danced all night long, even our niece. I won’t forget the wonderful energy I received from our friends and family that evening, it was magical.

Advice For Other Couples

Be patient, there are so many ideas online you just have to know what adapts to your style and budget.

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Wow so beautiful! Thanks so much to Oriana and Juan for sharing their wonderful wedding with us xo Lou