Giselle and Alex’s intimate Miami wedding was a celebration entirely focused on their story, their love, and the people closest to them. Their goal was simple: a personal, heartfelt, and family-oriented day in meaningful locations that reflected their journey as a couple. With Giselle’s experience as a wedding cinematographer, they knew they wanted to skip the formalities and instead, focus on authentic moments shared with loved ones. Beautifully captured by wedding photographer The Cardonas, Giselle and Alex’s wedding photos tell their story beautifully, preserving memories that will be cherished forever.
The First Look
As a wedding vendor who appreciates the value of intimate moments on the wedding day, Giselle opted for a first look at one of her favorite Miami locations: Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. For her bridal look, originally Giselle was leaning toward an Azazie dress for her simple, intimate Miami wedding. Her mother, however, encouraged her to fully embrace the wedding dress shopping experience, and after visiting four boutiques, they fell in love with the Haifa gown by Pronovias: a unique design with a removable train that instantly stood apart. Having seen countless dresses as a wedding vendor, Giselle felt many styles blended together, but this one felt uniquely her, in texture and personality, and she loved the versatility of detaching the skirt for a more pared-back look.
For Alex, a tuxedo felt too formal for this simple, intimate Miami wedding, while cocktail attire felt too relaxed, so after several visits to MDO Miami, he chose a cream and tan houndstooth dinner jacket that struck the perfect balance. Skipping a tie altogether, he leaned into a more effortless look, paired with Magnanni shoes from Nordstrom and a black pocket square for just the right amount of polish.
Giselle & Alex
When planning their wedding, Giselle and Alex approached the special day in a way that felt true to who they are as a couple: intentional, close-knit, and deeply family-oriented. Rather than getting caught up in traditional expectations, they focused on creating a day that reflected their relationship, choosing meaningful locations and prioritizing time with their closest loved ones. With Giselle’s background in the wedding industry, she had seen it all. This ultimately helped her and Alex decided what mattered most to them: no formalities, no speeches, and no first dances, just genuine, shared moments with the people they love the most.
After getting engaged in October, they knew they didn’t want to wait, especially with the hope of having their grandparents present. That decision shaped everything that followed, leading to a wedding that felt intimate, emotional, and incredibly personal. By keeping the focus on their ceremony and a simple, meaningful dinner, Giselle and Alex created a celebration that truly reflected their story and the people at the heart of it.
The Ceremony
The couple exchanged vows in the very chapel where Giselle’s late grandmother had been married: St. Louis Catholic Church. Surrounded by fifty-four of their closest family members, the cozy space created an atmosphere where everyone felt truly present, less like guests and more like part of the moment itself for their intimate Miami wedding. The scale of the chapel brought an intimacy that couldn’t be replicated, allowing every glance, vow, and emotion to be shared collectively.
Because Giselle’s work as a wedding videographer often fills her weekends, they chose a Monday in February for their celebration – an intentional decision that made the day feel even more personal. It was everything they had hoped for: meaningful, emotional, and family-oriented.
Just Married!
After exchanging vows in the intimate chapel, Giselle and Alex stepped out as newlyweds, surrounded by fifty-four of their closest family and friends. The day had begun as an intimate, immediate-family gathering, but it had naturally grown into something vibrant and full of warmth, love, and joyfulness. Even with a small, personal guest list, they made sure every moment was captured, bringing on a full creative team of photographers, a videographer, and a content creator to document the day from start to finish.
The excitement and intimacy of the ceremony carried into the rest of the day, setting the tone for a celebration that felt completely personal and effortless. With meaningful details, favorite foods, and signature drinks just around the corner, Giselle and Alex were able to fully take in the moments that mattered most: celebrating their love surrounded by the people who had been part of their story from the beginning.
The Celebration
For their dinner, Giselle and Alex returned to where it all began: tacos and margaritas. This meal was a nod to their very first date, also known as their “taco-versary”. They chose Maiz y Agave in Coral Gables, a space rich with authentic Mexican design, where vibrant textures and cultural details created a warm and transportive atmosphere. The second-floor dining area, complete with a wall of hand-painted clay hearts, served as a stunning and meaningful backdrop with little need for additional decor.
Florals by Lucelo Flor brought the perfect finishing touch: simple, elegant arrangements that complemented rather than competed with the space. Thoughtful details like cigars, mini succulents in clay pots, and custom Patron bottles served as favors, blending cultural tradition with personal flair. The evening unfolded exactly as they imagined: an intimate, joy-filled dinner centered around great food, meaningful conversation, and the people who matter most.
Giselle and Alex’s intimate Miami wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that reflect the couple’s story, and the people they love the most. Every detail, from the chapel ceremony to the intimate dinner, was thoughtfully curated to create moments full of warmth, connection, and joy. If you loved this celebration, be sure to check out A Fashion-Forward Miami Wedding at The Bath Club for even more inspiration!
