• Real Weddings

Stephanie and Jimmy said "I do" in Miami - but from the looks of it, you'd never know it! Instead of a modern, tropical style that felt quintessentially "Miami-esque," they opted for soft and cozy details to keep things feeling apropos for a fall wedding inspired by nature. Burnt orange tones, dried floral accents, bridesmaids dresses in a wine-toned color palette, and the bride's natural hairstyle kept everything feeling natural and effortlessly organic.  Keep scrolling to see all of the beautiful photos by Michelle Gonzalez Photography. Summer Nicole Events coordinated every detail and created all of the amazing florals for this special day at Villa Woodbine. Make sure to click and check out all of the stunning images in the full gallery here!

Stephanie and Jimmy's story started in college. They met at the University of Florida and started out as just friends, and then over time started dating. From the moment they met, they were always together, even before dating; they were best friends, and they believe that is what makes their relationship so unique. Jimmy popped the question in a beautiful cabin in New Jersey on their 10 year anniversary. It had just experienced a snowstorm, so it looked like a winter wonderland. No matter what - despite multiple jobs, multiple degrees, and multiple cities - they always supported each other’s dreams and ambitions.  They were true partners/teammates!  Fast forward to today and they are both living in Miami.  Jimmy transitioned to being a personal trainer (Check him out: holmquistfitness.com) - his true passion - and Stephanie is in-house counsel for a Fintech startup. 

When Summer Mills - owner of Summer Nicole Events - first started working with Stephanie, she told her that she was not the average "white and blush-themed" bride. She instead envisioned burnt fall colors and rows of intimate candle lighting. However, the beautiful changing colors of fall do not exist in Miami…so the planner and florist brought it to the venue! Ultimately colors were chosen that were similar to seasonal falling leaves, such as variations of burnt orange and rust, and they incorporated hints of pale yellow and blush to soften the palette. 1930’s historic architecture and fixtures of the venue were incorporated into the tablescape by lining each table with rows of distressed gold compote flower vases and taper candles on a gold candle base. Because fall is oftentimes associated with dried foliage, each flower arrangement consisted of both dried and fresh foliage. To complete the look, a rust velvet napkin was knotted and organically placed on each gold rimmed charger plate. 

A few of the Bride's favorite things

"When we started planning, I was completely clueless to be honest. Thankfully, my sister had just gone through all this, and her best advice was to close my eyes and imagine what I want for that day. So, as I sat and imagined my wedding day, all my favorite things came to mind: 

1) FALL: Ever since I was little. I knew I wanted to have a fall wedding - it's my favorite season! 

2) AN INTIMATE VIBE: We both come from large families, so this felt like a daunting task at first. For the seating we chose rectangle tables and connected them throughout. Everyone felt closer and people were able to mingle with others at the tables next to them. 

3) A ROMANTIC/RUSTIC VENUE: We both wanted a venue that did not need too much décor added to make it stand out. I always loved seeing the gorgeous pictures of Villa Woodbine, which made it an easy selection. 

4) PERSONAL FINAL TOUCHES: The whole theme really came together when I met Summer (my wedding planner, day-of coordinator, and florist). I gave her some of my ideas and she knew exactly how to put it together. For example, I told her I wanted to bring in touches of “The Great Hall” from Harry Potter without being too tacky. She came up with the idea to spread candles and florals throughout the tables which really brought together the idea and the warmth I was looking for. 

5) AN EPIC PHOTOGRAPHER: For the pictures I wanted something romantic and warm, as well as candid. I did so much research and held multiple interviews with photographers before finding Michelle.  The pictures she took were exactly what I was looking for - I told Michelle when we met that I wanted to feel the emotions when I saw the pictures, and she did not disappoint! 

6) DONUTS: I have been obsessed with donuts ever since we lived in New Orleans for grad school. We found this delicious donut shop close to our apartment called District Donuts. Jimmy always knew to get me donuts whenever I finished my final exams, or it was my birthday, or I was just having a bad day. It was the cutest gesture of his love, so I knew I had to bring in donuts in for our wedding dessert. We even were able to find The Chocolate Chip Bakery in midtown Miami to provide delicious donuts that were gluten free. 

LOOKING FOR some advice?

~ Close your eyes and write down all the things you want to see that day. 

~ Be sure to stick to a budget and decide what you will splurge on. For this wedding it was the photographer and florals. The bride loves having pictures to remember events by and also knew she needed to have a good florist to bring the theme to life. 

~ Hire a Month-Of Planner (also known as Day-Of Coordinator). Don't underestimate how much you might need the extra help. Summer helped crystallize the vision and pull together all of the details. 

~ Make your wedding your own! Don't feel as though you need to listen to the "normal" traditions - make your wedding a day you will both enjoy with your friends and family. 

• Cakes & Catering: Bill Hansen Luxury Catering
• Cakes & Catering: Edda's Cake Designs
• Dessert Table: The Chocolate Chip Bakery
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Veronica Kuilan
• Month-of Coordination and Florals: Summer Nicole Events
• Officiants: Eddie Rodriguez
• Photographer and Photo Booth: Michelle Gonzalez Photography
• Venues: Villa Woodbine
• Wedding DJ: DJ Leeor