This gorgeous Riverside hotel wedding in Florida was well worth the wait, after Covid-19 forced them to postpone their wedding three times. But the day finally came and was absolutely perfect!
Introduction
Once upon a time, I lived in South Florida. Having six furbabies meant I was often found at the vet’s office. This is where I met the beautiful Monique. She always greeted me at the front desk and helped take my rambunctious furbabies straight to the examination room.
After about year of casual conversation, it was brought up that Monique was a bride-to-be! And had yet to book a photographer. We exchanged information and social media handles, and that was that! This bride-to-be became a Sweet Memories bride and I couldn’t be more ecstatic!
Monique and Jay’s Love Story
This couple met online. After a few late night dates due to Monique’s job and long hours, the relationship bloomed.
One Christmas night, in downtown Delray Beach, Jay proposed. He knew this was Monique’s favorite holiday and a special time to finally pop the question. Without hesitation, she said “yes!” and they started planning their Riverside Hotel wedding.
Riverside Hotel Wedding
Inspired by Old Florida charm, the Riverside hotel is historical and stunning. It’s located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale and only miles from the beach, with the most breathtaking city and river views.
You can see why Monique and Jay instantly fell in love with this venue. From its architecture and unique rooms to its views and location, it was the perfect spot for them to be married.
However, Covid-19 stepped in and ruined all of their wedding plans. This resulted in the two having to reschedule their wedding not once, not twice, but three times!
By the third time, they decided to proceed regardless of the Covid-19 status. And it was magical! Monique and Jay finally got to say their wedding vows and celebrate with their closest family and friends.
Meanwhile, the groom begins putting on his attire and all his little wedding details:
First Looks
Jay and Monique chose to do first looks prior to their ceremony. Their reason for this was to knock out most of their family pictures prior to the ceremony, before we lost too much light. But it also helped because they really wanted to be a part of the cocktail hour with their family and friends.
Despite the Florida heat being relentless (even with it being October), their first looks were sweet and intimate.
We made sure to stay under the palm trees’ shade and enjoy the wind coming off of the river.
Family and Formal Portraits
Post-first looks and family pictures, the gang ran back inside. Water and A/C were necessary before heading out for the ceremony.
The Long-Awaited “I Do’s”
Monique and Jay chose to have their ceremony in the round. Because the circle symbolizes eternity and oneness, it was a great option for their wedding day. They wanted their guests to feel close to one another, and to them as they said their vows.
Their first kiss as husband and wife!
After their first kiss, the Star Wars theme song popped on for the recessional. Such a fun and perfect little detail for this Star Wars-loving couple!
Bubbles are always a good idea and fun to incorporate in a wedding, whether it’s for a ceremony recessional, couples’ portraits, and/or a grand send-off!
Play Time!
Cocktail hour and the reception is always a great opportunity grab additional portraits of the couple, candid shots of the guests, and detail photos of all the personal touches the bride and groom incorporated in their big day.
Bridal shoes are rarely comfortable. So what did Monique do as soon as she joined cocktail hour? Well, change into comfortable (but still glamorous) shoes, of course!!!
Now that her feet were free, she was ready to dance on the rooftop of the Riverside hotel.
The Big Room reveal:
The happy couple were beyond thrilled with how their room turned out. Monique couldn’t stop raving about how they created the ballroom of her dreams!
With the Sailor Moon theme song playing, they are announced as husband and wife.
And they went straight into their first dance, surrounded by pink fog:
Reception:
Cake-Cutting
How beautiful is this cake? The baker and cake artist at the Riverside Hotel did such a gorgeous job bringing Monique’s vision to life!
Wedding Vendors
Wedding Coordinator: Loma with Riverside Hotel ♥ Hair and Makeup: Get Glammed Up Beauty Bar ♥ Wedding Venue: Riverside Hotel ♥ Officiant: Kimberly Abbott ♥ Wedding Photographer: (who else would it be?!) Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Caterer: Riverside Hotel ♥ Wedding Cake: Sabrina with Riverside Hotel ♥ Wedding DJ: Vision DJs ♥ Lighting Company: Vision DJs ♥ Florals: Art of Flowers