We have a special place in our hearts for intimate weddings held in smaller, lesser known venues - it's the perfect found-a-hidden-gem feeling. Today's wedding from Carolina Guzik Photography feels just like that, featuring a cozy little boutique hotel in South Beach that you just want to dive into. We also love hearing from both the bride and groom... especially when they are as crazy in love as these two are!
Antoine and Andrea met at La Goulue, a brasserie in Bal Harbour. Antoine was there in his role as a French Wine Specialist, and the story of his reaction to the gorgeous Andrea is ridiculously romantic: "My eyes got caught by this tall, young, beautiful, energetic Colombian woman. Suddenly she approached my table and with her gorgeous smile she presented herself as my server; after that my mind was all over the place and I couldn't think straight but still had to keep my cool posture. After what happened, I went back multiple times to have lunch there and after a few weeks I asked for her phone number. I still wasn't sure if it was the right time to do so but one night I picked up the phone and asked her if she would join me for drink and she answered 'of course'. My heart was beating at 100 miles an hour, I was so excited. We met in this lounge, ordered a great bottle of champagne and danced all night like we couldn't believe."
Andrea tells us that the "spice" between them is always present, and that they keep things interesting and spontaneous. The two also both love fashion, and she adores Antoine's sense of style, calling it "chic and elegant". I couldn't agree more - totally crushing on his white suit, soft-hued shirt and smart bow tie.
The ceremony, held in the hotel's lush garden, was officiated in Spanish, French and English, for the benefit of their multicultural guest list. Seeing Andrea walk down the aisle in "her gorgeous handmade wedding dress" was one of Antoine's favorite moments - he was speechless.
“Our roots are like old vines; they have to reach deeply to find the right nutrients to live and survive all obstacles that can appear in life.”
Andrea, who owns her own planning company, channeled all the ideas she's had since a little girl into the design for their romantic, intimate day. Inspired by Colombia's diverse flora and colorful sites, she brought a little of her native country to South Beach. The boutique Cadet Hotel offered the couple the charm, history, service and outdoor space they were looking for; the menu and food quality of the onsite restaurant, Pied a Terre, sealed the deal.
True to form, the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away under the stars - I can't imagine a more romantic setting. Congratulations, you two!
