A Romantic Summer Wedding at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami

Jan 5

Miami, Florida

Jos + Eric

There's something utterly magical about a Miami wedding in June, and no, I’m not talking about the immense heat and palm trees. Being in Miami means being transported to another world filled with tropical and feel-good energy. So when Josefina and Eric chose Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as their wedding venue to tie the knot, I was immediately blown away and excited for all of the beauty that was to be captured. What unfolded was a celebration that perfectly balanced timeless elegance and a hint of that Latino spice, which, as a fellow Latina myself, I love.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The celebration actually began the night before the wedding, when we had the pleasure of documenting Josefina and Eric's rehearsal dinner. For couples with guests traveling from out of state, a rehearsal dinner serves as more than just a pre-wedding tradition; it's an invaluable opportunity to greet loved ones, express gratitude for their journey to celebrate with you, and set the tone for the weekend ahead. The intimate gathering allowed both families to connect in a relaxed atmosphere before the excitement of the wedding day. I was able to capture the reuniting of friends and family, toasts, and the candid memories and moments that happen when people who truly care about you come together in one place. It was the perfect way to kick-start Josefina and Eric’s wedding weekend in Miami.

Getting Ready: A Morning Intimate Moments

The morning began in the quiet luxury of their hotel, where Josefina prepared for her wedding day surrounded by the two women who knew her best, her sister and her mother. Melissa Moreno and Rocio were the designated glam squad and made these women look absolutely breathtaking. When it comes to the morning of your wedding, there's an irreplaceable intimacy in these getting-ready moments. When the bustle of the day hasn't yet begun, and everything exists in this suspended, precious space of anticipation. Watching Josefina slip into her Anne Barge wedding dress was nothing short of spectacular. The gown, with its exquisite craftsmanship and romantic silhouette, looked as if it were made just for her. Anne Barge is renowned for creating dresses that embody both classic sophistication and a modern twist, and this piece was no exception. Meanwhile, my second photographer was capturing Eric, his brother, and his father at a nearby Airbnb. The anticipation continued to build, and before we knew it, the time that felt stalled began to move forward again.

Before leaving for Vizcaya, Josefina shared a first look with her father at the hotel. If you've never witnessed a father seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, it's difficult to describe the profound emotion that fills the room. These are the moments I treasure most as a wedding photographer. The unscripted, deeply personal exchanges that reveal true heart.

A 1916 waterfront Estate in Miami: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

What makes the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens exceptional for weddings is its versatility and timeless beauty. The estate features ten acres of formal gardens, with every inch being more beautiful than the last. The gardens offer Italian Renaissance-style sculptures, hidden grottos, and reflecting pools. These gardens provide endless opportunities to soak in all of the vibrant tropical flora, manicured hedges, and stunning water views that surround this 1916 waterfront estate. The venue's crown jewel for ceremonies is undoubtedly the stone barge on Biscayne Bay. This ornate structure, built to resemble a floating vessel, offers an unobstructed view of the water and creates a dramatic focal point for Josefina and Eric’s ceremony. This architectural masterpiece is a standout at this Miami wedding venue for a reason, and truly an unforgettable ceremony location.

Inside the Main House, couples have access to the elegantly restored rooms featuring European antiques, decorative arts, and ornate details that transport you to another era. For receptions, Vizcaya offers multiple spaces that can accommodate intimate gatherings or grand celebrations, making it an incredibly versatile wedding space.

Portraits Throughout The Gardens

Once we arrived at Vizcaya, Sari at Sari Sosa Events had orchestrated the timing perfectly, allowing us to steal away to a secluded corner of the gardens for bridal portraits. The floral arrangements by Matty Designs were getting set into place, adding romantic touches throughout the venue that complemented the natural beauty of Vizcaya. These pre-ceremony moments with just the bride are always special. Away from guests and the excitement to come, Josefina could simply be present with herself in her dress, in this gorgeous setting, taking it all in. The dappled sunlight filtering through the trees and the sound of water in the distance all created an atmosphere of serene beauty. We moved through the gardens, finding pockets of light and architecture that showcased both the venue and Josefina's radiant presence. The heat was already building, but there was something quintessentially Miami about it. This lush, warm embrace makes every moment feel more alive.

Josefina & Eric’s Summer Wedding at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami

As guests began to arrive, the anticipation built to a beautiful crescendo. The ceremony took place in front of the iconic stone barge, with Biscayne Bay in the background. When Josefina appeared, escorted by her father, there wasn't a dry eye in sight. Eric's expression as he watched his bride walk toward him captured everything about their love: steady, certain, and completely overwhelmed with joy. The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt. A slight summer breeze added to the romantic atmosphere leading Josefina and Eric to seal their marriage with a kiss, followed by an immense amount of cheers.

Newlywed Portraits

Following the ceremony, as guests enjoyed cocktail hour, I whisked Josefina and Eric back into the gardens for newlywed portraits. This is when the magic truly happens, aka when the formality of the ceremony has passed, and couples can simply revel in being married. The Miami heat was sweltering; there's no denying it. But Josefina and Eric were troopers, and more than that, they were so wrapped up in each other that the temperature became secondary to the joy they were experiencing. We explored different areas of the gardens, taking advantage of the way the late afternoon light played through the trees. The views overlooking the water provided some of our most dramatic shots of the day. Standing at the edge of the bay, with the Miami skyline in the distance and Vizcaya's beauty behind them, Josefina and Eric looked like they'd stepped into a dream.

Dinner, Dancing, and A Mariachi Band

As evening descended, the reception came alive in ways that only a Miami celebration can. The first dance was tender and romantic, a moment of stillness before the party truly began. But once the dance floor opened, there was no stopping the energy that filled the space. Sonora Dinamita brought their signature sound, and guests danced as I had never seen guests dance before. The music, the laughter, the connection between friends and family who had gathered to honor this couple, it was everything a wedding reception should be. Later in the evening came a surprise that delighted everyone: a mariachi band. The shift in musical style brought a new wave of excitement, honoring Josefina and Eric's culture while keeping the party atmosphere at its peak. Guests who had been sitting returned to the dance floor, drawn by the sound.

The real showstopper came when Josefina reappeared in a short halter-neck dress, perfect for dancing the night away without the constraint of her ceremony gown. This dress change is something I always recommend to brides because it not only extends the celebration, but it also gives you a second moment to make an entrance, and honestly, it's just practical for hours of dancing.

As midnight approached and the celebration showed no signs of winding down, it was clear that Josefina and Eric's wedding had been everything they'd hoped for and more. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens had provided not just a backdrop, but an experience. The night was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of good energy that lingers long after the last dance.