Stephanie and Derrek's modern tropical wedding at the Perez Art Museum was a classy, yet fun affair. The duo, who are originally from the midwest, now live on Miami Beach, where Stephanie is a coach for the Miami Beach Rowing Club and Derrek is a consultant. 

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With planning by Nathalie Merle at Solea Events, this wedding left no detail behind. The Perez Art Museum is a special venue, with views of Biscayne Bay and South Beach, the PAMM hosts just 10 luxury weddings a year. This architectural wonder features tons and tons of poured and planked concrete, and hanging garden installations serve as chandeliers for the guest tables. The museum's art gallery sets a cool and unique backdrop for cocktail hour. 

 

The couple, who met via mobile dating application, Tinder, had a ''Swipe Right'' photo booth complete with a tropical wall and hot pink neon sign - artfully made by Petal Productions. High-top centerpieces with white orchids and split leaf philodendron were mixed with ghost chairs and mercury glass votives. The dance floor featured tiny twinkle lights to resemble the night's sky. 

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Catering by Starr Catering Group was as delicious as it was beautiful. Widely recognized as one of the top catering companies on the East Coast, their food presentation was worth documenting. After the toasts were said, and the guests turned up the dance floor, a waterside bonfire was lit and s'mores were passed out as guest favors. A Cuban cigar roller made handmade cigars, which were a huge hit.

 

I first got to know the couple during their engagement session at The Moorings Village in Islamorada. If you haven't seen it yet, you can view it here.

 

Not only was their day filled with fun, but also sentiment. The couple's officiant is a retired war veteran, amputee and friend. He first met Stephanie through rehabilitative crew. Also, before the ceremony, the couple shared a private moment for personal vows on the steps of the PAMM.  

 

Stephanie and Derrek have a beautiful and sincere connection. Just take a look at their ceremony photos, and see how they look at each other. I enjoy being a wedding photographer for many reasons, but one of my favorite reasons is to see how people in love look at one another. A picture truly does speak a thousand words. 

Planning: Solea Events | Venue: Perez Art Museum | Florals: Petal Productions  Catering: Starr Catering Group | Cake: Earth + Sugar  | Hair + Makeup: Carolyn Jones  | Tabletop Rentals: Atlas Party Rentals | Lighting: Everlast Productions | Bonfire: Fireworks Pros | Photo Booth: Capture Pod + Petal Productions | DJ: DJ Danny Stern | Strings: Eleganza Strings| Cigar Roller: On Site Cigars | Second Photographer:  Erica J  | Film: Film Supply Club | Scans: Richard Photo Lab