An Intimate, Romantic Destination Wedding At Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Florida

It’s safe to say that Zoya Antonovna and Mike Pedenko met purely by chance. Zoya was living in Canada at the time, while Mike was living in Arizona. During her university days, Zoya had become close friends with a fellow student who eventually introduced her to Mike. Six months after meeting, the two began a long-distance relationship.

A year and a half later, the couple was in Mexico, where Mike popped the question shortly after Christmas – something Zoya wasn’t expecting. After dinner at a gorgeous restaurant in Puerto Vallarta called Le Cliff, the server brought out a dessert platter with a sign that read, “Would you married me” instead of “Would you marry me.” 

As the entire restaurant was clapping and Zoya was in shock, Mike presented her with her dream engagement ring. To this day, the two still laugh about the proposal sign. From the beginning of the wedding planning process, Zoya and Mike knew they wanted to have an intimate destination wedding, as they liked the idea of turning their wedding weekend into a mini vacation.

“After looking at different options across the US, we felt that Miami would be the best choice,” Zoya explains. “Miami is one of our favorite cities to visit because of the amazing weather, great hotels, and fun nightlife.”

The wedding décor was inspired by an Italian Villa dinner party. As it was being hosted by the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, it wasn’t difficult turning the couple’s wedding vision into a reality. A color palette consisting of ivory, blush, gold, and touches of pink was used.

Large centerpieces of cherry blossoms graced each table, and Zoya was especially impressed by a dramatic floral arch made of cherry blossoms, which was used during the wedding ceremony. “I didn’t know how the arch would look until the moment I walked towards the aisle,” she says. “It was more gorgeous than what I imagined.”

With guests flying in from different parts of the world, the couple’s main priority was making sure everyone had a great time. Everything was coming along smoothly until Hurricane Matthew hit five days before.

 Even though the wedding itself was unaffected, many guests had delayed or rerouted flights, and some were unable to make it at all. Given the circumstances, the newlyweds were especially touched and thankful for everyone who could celebrate with them.

“It’s funny – the whole hurricane warning made us all closer, and the wedding more memorable,” Zoya remarks. “After all, it was the wedding of my dreams. I married the love of my life, at the most beautiful venue, wearing my dream dress, with my family and friends by our side.”

WEDDING TALENT