A Destination Wedding Weekend in Miami Filled with Love and Family Traditions
In the heart of Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming, where the snake river winds
through the limber pines and blue spruce trees, a campsite was set on the valley floor. As the sun was setting below the silhouette of the mountain ridges, two individuals decided to spend the rest of their lives together.
Only six months prior to that moment, Bryan and Ansley were meeting for the first time. Bryan was returning home after having his pulmonic valve replaced in the right ventricle of his heart—a congenital heart disease he had since birth. His friends eagerly wanted to introduce him to the new girl that moved into the building.
Two years prior, Ansley had her aortic valve replaced in the left ventricle of her heart. Thinking this could be a great connection because of their shared experience, the introduction was made immediately.
Bryan recounts that Ansley was full of life, beautiful with a smile that could light up the dimmest room. The two instantly became best friends, fell in love, and quickly added a third member to their family—a chocolate lab named Waylon.
“Bryan recounts that Ansley was full of life, beautiful with a smile that could light up the dimmest room.”
Getting Married in Miami
The couple had their hearts set on getting married in Miami, with Coconut Grove playing a significant role in Ansley’s family history. Her great-grandmother and grandmother were both married at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, with her grandparents having met in that very parking lot.
As it turned out, the church had renovation plans in the works, but Ansley’s father—who also grew up going to that church—wrote a convincing letter on the couple’s behalf, and United Methodist graciously postponed their renovation plans so the bride’s dream wedding could come to fruition.
After the ceremony location was booked, there was no question were the couple wanted to host their friends and family. Their “absolute favorite spot in Coconut Grove” is the intimate and charming Mr. C Hotel, which perfectly set the tone for a magical wedding weekend in May.
The wedding planning process was an enjoyable experience, with the bride’s father ensuring everything was exactly as his daughter envisioned. With the help of Jenelli Agresti, owner and director of Events by Gigi, Ansley and Bryan’s Miami wedding weekend unfolded beautifully.
A Monique Lhuillier Wedding Gown and a Ralph Lauren Tux
When the big day arrived, the bride was dressed in the “Vittoria” wedding gown by Monique Lhuillier, along with the Vittoria Halter Jacket and a Dior mantilla veil—all, purchased at Chic Parisien in Coral Gables. Her look was completed by a pair of simple Prada ballet flats, which she chose solely with the dance floor in mind. The groom wore a Ralph Lauren Purple Label dinner jacket, inspired by James Bond.
After a heartfelt ceremony at United Methodist, guests enjoyed cocktail hour at Club of Knights, complete with live music from Miami’s favorite violinist, Frank Lima, and personalized glass limoncello bottles for everyone to take home.
A candlelit wedding reception followed, which kicked off with a surprise introduction of the newlyweds—a choreographed dance to “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry, from the movie “Pulp Fiction.” The night continued with beautifully written speeches, cake cutting, and another family tradition: Bryan and Ansley dancing to “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin while their guests circled around them. Later that night, the party carried on with an outdoor dance floor underneath the moonlit Miami sky.
A Dream Honeymoon in Italy
The following morning, the newlyweds enjoyed their favorite breakfast at Chugs diner, before jetting off to their dream honeymoon in the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Ansley and Bryan spent two weeks in Positano, Sorrento, and the island of Capri.
They made the most of every minute as newlyweds, taking in the Italian culture, food, and spritz’s. After their dream honeymoon, they flew home, packed up the car, and headed west to Colorado to begin their new life together as a happily married couple.
WEDDING TALENT
Ceremony Location: First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables; Location & Catering: Club of Knights; Getting Ready Location: Mr C Miami Coconut Grove; Planning & Event Design: Events by Gigi; Floral Design: Petal Productions; Invitations: The Card Cottage; Calligraphy: Miami Writes Co.; Cake: Edda’s Cake Design; Rentals & Linen: Cache Tents & Events; Lighting: Event Factor; Violinist: Frank Lima; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Bridal Salon: Chic Parisien; Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Renata; Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren; Groom’s Shoes: Ferragamo; Groom’s Watch: Breitling Navitimer; Cinematography: Gamut Cinema; Photography: UDS Photo