We’re thrilled to share the story of Tara and Andrew’s special day, a celebration that truly captured our hearts. The picturesque Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale proved to be the perfect haven for the couple to exchange their vows. The stunning surroundings and meticulously crafted arrangements created a treasure trove of memorable moments and breathtaking visuals. Dive into the photos below to relive the magic with us, and get ready to hear from the bride herself about her big day.
How did you meet your husband? Tell us a little bit about your relationship.
It was a sweltering summer day in 2013 when our paths first crossed at the shore. A chance introduction through mutual acquaintances sparked an instant connection, as if the universe had conspired to bring us together.
How did he propose?
As I walked in the door after work, I was greeted by an unexpected surprise: two dozen roses and a cryptic note on our kitchen table that read, ‘Be dressed and outside at 8pm – don’t ask any questions.’ My initial instincts were to reach out to my closest friends for insight, but it seemed they had been given strict instructions not to share any information with me. The mystery deepened as a sleek black SUV arrived promptly at 8pm, whisking me away to an undisclosed location.
The journey eventually led us to the picturesque Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn. Upon arrival, I opened the second note and discovered my next instruction: to make my way to the iconic Carousel. And then, it happened – he got down on one knee, proposal in hand, and sealed our love story. The celebration that followed took us into the wee hours of the morning, surrounded by loved ones and cherished memories.
How did you start planning your wedding? What were the first steps?
As we navigated the excitement of engagement planning, we deliberately put the wedding preparations on hold for a brief period. Instead, I hosted an intimate Bridesmaids brunch at my home, taking the opportunity to extend the invitation to my closest friends to join me as part of my bridal party. Following this milestone, we pinpointed the perfect location for our big day and everything fell into place.
In preparation for a destination wedding, I relied heavily on online reviews to identify top-notch vendors through The Knot. Our research paid off, as each vendor proved to be exceptional in their field. With every aspect of our special day falling seamlessly into place, we couldn’t have asked for more.
Did you do any beauty or fitness prep for your big day?
To achieve true success, one cannot overlook the importance of a well-rounded self-care routine. A combination of regular gym sessions, rejuvenating facials, and sun-kissed spray tans can work wonders for both body and mind.
What was your wedding theme?
Our celebration lacked a formal theme, yet we still managed to create a cohesive look through the clever use of four striking colors: white, ivory, gold, and greenery. The absence of a specific theme allowed us to get creative with our decorations, incorporating these hues in various ways to bring our vision to life.
How did you choose your location?
After some deliberation, I didn’t immediately start planning our trip. I was indecisive about destinations, constantly weighing pros and cons and making last-minute changes to my itinerary. It wasn’t until we settled on Florida as our ultimate destination that the wheels started turning in earnest. As New Yorkers, we’re accustomed to harsh winters, so the prospect of a warm climate year-round was incredibly alluring.
We decided to take a scouting trip to Miami and Fort Lauderdale to get a feel for the local hotel scene. Ultimately, we settled on the Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale as our top choice.
How did you decide on your bridesmaid style?
From the outset, I had a clear vision for my bridesmaids’ dresses – something sleek and versatile that they could wear again. To ensure we were on the same page, I took them with me when selecting their attire. Given our color scheme of ivory with greenery accents, I felt hunter green would be an ideal choice. After trying on around five different styles, we all agreed on a tank-style dress with a flowing train in the back.
To make my three matrons of honor stand out from the crowd without sacrificing cohesion, I opted for dresses that were slightly distinct yet still part of the same collection.
How did you find your perfect dress?
As soon as I slipped into the dress, I knew it was love at first sight! I craved something sultry and unique, yet still rooted in tradition – a must-have for our sun-kissed Florida wedding. Galia Lahav’s designs had always captivated me; I’d been collecting inspiration images of their dresses on my phone for years. When the time came to find my perfect gown, I headed to Bridal Reflections in NYC, renowned for their exquisite Galia Collection.
With my vision clear – a full skirt that still allowed me to dance the night away – the experts suggested an overskirt design, which transformed the dress into my dream reality. That was it; I knew I’d found ‘the one’.
How was your experience with the Galia Lahav brand?
I had the pleasure of working with Galia Lahav, whose attention to detail is truly unparalleled. From start to finish, my experience was seamless, with everything running smoothly and efficiently. The lack of hiccups or complications was a testament to her professionalism and organizational skills, leaving me with nothing but positive feedback about our collaboration.
What was the most important thing for you and your husband when planning your wedding?
As the big day approached, we put our guests’ needs at the forefront of our minds, eager for them to leave their worries behind and truly revel in the celebration. With the culinary experience and entertainment being paramount concerns, we spared no detail in crafting an unforgettable atmosphere.
What was your first wedding song?
What did you enjoy the most about planning your wedding?
Throughout the planning process, we cherished the opportunity to build meaningful connections with our vendors. As we worked together, a sense of camaraderie developed, and it felt like being part of an extended family. The experience was further enhanced by our trips to Florida for tastings, which not only allowed us to indulge in the sweet taste of wedding planning but also provided a welcome respite from the harsh New York winters.
What advice would you give to all our future brides?
Leave worries behind, embracing the excitement instead. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment to cherish, not nitpick every detail. Remember, it’s a celebration of love, joy, and commitment – focus on the bigger picture and let the little things fall into place.
What moment from your wedding will you never forget?
As I reflect on the celebration, it’s not just the abundance of festivities that stands out, but the joy of sharing it all with my loved ones. The memories we created together will be treasured for a lifetime. It was truly special to have everyone close to me by my side, making every moment unforgettable.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to the incredible team of professionals who helped bring our vision to life: la vie studios photographers for capturing the magic, Vision DJs for their exceptional entertainment, Kelly Doss Events for expertly guiding us through the planning process, Bayfront Floral for their stunning arrangements, Bridal Reflections for helping me find my perfect gown and accessories, La Vie Studios for their beautiful photography and video work, Wrap My Floor for providing a dance floor that got everyone moving, Original Runners for supplying our elegant runners, Ivy Leez Studio for styling my hair, Beauty by JSC for making sure I looked my absolute best, Le_el New York for the gorgeous robe I wore, and PhotoGbooth for the hilarious photobooth moments.
And of course, Raineri Jewelers for providing the perfect rings to seal our love.
