When two people love each other as much as Elvira and Joe do, and the wedding day emotions are captured as beautifully as Ailyn La Torre Photography did, you can't help but be swept away. Of course, the gorgeous views and toes-in-the-sand elegance of Captiva Island certainly help with the transported-to-paradise feeling... it's one of the weddings where you just wish you were there to celebrate!
In 2010, Elvira had just moved to New York City and joined her best friend Christine for happy hour at a local bar. Christine had invited the guy she was dating, Tim, and his friend Joe to join them, and as soon as Elvira saw Joe's "captivating blue eyes", she was smitten. It was the worst timing, though - Elvira was dating someone else, and Joe had just went through a bad break up from a previous relationship. They talked the night through, but went their separate ways... until fate (and a best friend) stepped in. Three months and a breakup later, Christine invited Elvira to a 4th of July party. And guess who was there? Their first date at a cozy restaurant in the East Village led to the day, four and a half years later, when Joe asked her to be by his side forever: at the finish line of the NYC Half Marathon!
Elvira, a director at a non-for-profit company serving the elderly in Manhattan, and Joe, who is in banking, always pictured themselves getting married on the beach. With Elvira's childhood roots in Florida and her family still in the state, a Florida wedding was the logical choice. Their search for a "cozy" locale led them to Sanibel and Captiva, and although they had never been to either island, they booked the Bali Hi Estate sight unseen. With room to sleep 21 guests, a big toes-in-the-sand backyard for the reception and direct access to the public beach, it was, as Elvira tells us, "the perfect place for us! When we first arrived at the home it was beyond our expectations and the pictures did not do it justice. It was literally paradise and we couldn't believe we were so fortunate to have found such an amazing place."
One of the reasons I always ask what couples love about each other is that the answers tell so much about who they are as individuals and as a pair. Elvira and Joe are no exception! From Elvira: "I love the way Joe loves. He is passionate and caring. I love the way he loves his family. I love the relationship he has with his sister because it reminds me of the one I have with my brother. I love his loyalty, willpower and commitment. I LOVE LOVE LOVE his blue eyes! The best part of marrying Joe is that I married my best friend."
And from Joe: "Elvira is beautiful in so many ways. Elvira is confident and courageous. She is elegant and classy. She epitomizes selflessness, compassion, and passion. Elvira loves to be loved, and loves to love. Elvira lives true to her word and puts family and friends above all else. She gives herself to those in need, to those she loves, and looks for nothing in return. Most of all, I love the way Elvira loves me."
The thing that most drew us to this wedding is the obvious and joyful emotion the couple shared throughout the day. Ailyn did an amazing job of capturing it, especially during the beachside ceremony that was officiated by Elvira's brother.
Elvira's favorite moment was walking down the beach with her parents by her side: "I still can't forget how beautiful it was to see my future husband standing next to my brother who was going to marry us. The sky was so clear and the sun was illuminating Joe and the sound of the ocean was in every breath I took. It was the best moment."
“ What makes us a great match is that we each love with the same intensity and we support each other's dreams.”
With the aim of something intimate, simple, elegant and on the beach, the couple planned every detail themselves from New York, with the help of in-Florida family and friends to help them finalize the details. Loved ones also helped with nearly every aspect of the day, from the welcome table details and centerpieces, to the beverage purchases, decor and breakdown.
I adore how Elvira summed up their story: "But most importantly the most memorable part was the fact that we were able to enjoy 3 unforgettable days on a beautiful island with every single person we love."
Congratulations, you two! Hope you enjoy every bit of the tremendous gift you have in each other.
