Real Weddings

Destination Wedding: Gracia and Dan, Miami

\

Nearly the second Brooklyn natives Gracia Walker and Daniel Dickson got engaged, they booked The Raleigh Hotel, a Miami landmark where they'd stayed on their very first trip together. Inspired by the property's Baroque-style pool, they created punchy black-and-white patterns, borders, and emblems for everything from the invitations to cushions for the alfresco reception.

On April 16, 2011, guests gathered in the balmy Florida air to watch the radiant couple tie the knot and celebrate with delicious fare and dancing under palm trees.

The Invitations

Daniel, a TV art director and graphic designer, relied on both his heart and his designer's eye for the invitations. With the flourished lettering, he aimed to capture the couple's bold style and shared sense of fun. He also included a typeface used in the work of one of their favorite artists, Lawrence Weiner. "I love how it turned out -- masculine, but romantic," says Gracia.

The Bridal Party

Gracia, in a Bottega Veneta gown, and her bridesmaids, clad in LBDs of their choosing, squeezed in for a pretty portrait. "I wanted them to feel comfortable and be able to wear their dresses again," says Gracia.

Groomsmen (and Woman)

Several guys and one very stylish gal made up the groom's party. The groomswoman is "famous for wearing jumpsuits," says Gracia, and true to form, she rocked a tuxedo-style design for the big event.

Wedding Party Gifts

Members of the wedding party received personalized note cards and monogrammed handkerchiefs from Ful Studio.

The Ceremony

The huppa's bamboo poles and sea-grape foliage fit seamlessly into the setting. Candles atop glass columns filled with monstera leaves flanked the aisle.

Flower Girl Bouquets

Paper blossoms bound with ribbon comprised the flower girls' sweet bouquets.

Welcome Bag

Guests' goody bags were filled with toiletries and a beloved children's book. Daniel contributed postcards, too, which everyone mailed back to the newlyweds.

Sources

Location and Catering: The Raleigh Hotel

Event Planning: Alexandra Kovach of Alexandra & Company

Event Design, Production, and Flowers: E Squared Concepts

Stationery: Daniel Dickson (graphic design); Cranky Pressman (letterpressing and printing); Paper Source (program envelopes and tags)

Music: DJ Lindsey

Rentals: Taylor Creative and Panache

Wedding Photography: Karen Kristian Photography

Gown: Bottega Veneta

Bride's Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Groom's Attire: Giorgio Armani (suit and tie); Yves Saint Laurent (shirt)

Flower Girls’ and Ring Bearers' Attire: Crewcuts by J.Crew

Wedding Bands: Amanda Keidan Jewelry

Hair and Makeup: Makara Baker

Officiants: Renee Cantave and Lacey Schwartz

"Lacquer” Trays: West Elm

Handkerchiefs: Ful Studio

Pillow Inserts: United Pillow

courtesy of Martha Stewart