Alyssa + Daniel were married just over five years ago now. She thought their anniversary deserved a little celebration…only she wanted it to be a total surprise! As a wedding photographer by trade, Alyssa knows a thing or two about what goes in to a good photo, so she called upon Ashtyn Brooke Photo + Rose Coloured Floral to help her bring her vision to fruition.
Alyssa tells us how it all went down: We live in Michigan but were taking a trip down to Miami Beach (our favorite vacation destination, hands down) in the fall. I started to research Miami venues and photographers and makeup artists and florists…. Once I had assembled a team I was super excited about, I snagged a dress, a pink rental tux, and some confetti. I had these items (along with our original vows, handwritten by my sister) shipped down to Miami ahead of us (as to not arouse Daniel’s suspicion by filling our suitcase with mystery contents).
Once in Miami at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (also featured in our Top 26 Coolest Places to Get Married), everything fell into place perfectly…let’s take a look at how she pulled it off!
The Gown
That pale pink cloud of a gown is an absolute MASTERPIECE, don’t you think?! We’re crushing on all the lace detailing + the voluminous tulle on this We are HAH design.
The Vow Renewal
Alyssa’s sister, Wyld Sage Designs, wrote out their original vows…aren’t these going to be such a beautiful momento to frame?
As the sun was setting on Miami, Daniel and I renewed our five-year-old vows and promised some new things to each other as well in a hidden corner of the gardens. I 1000% pulled off the surprise and I’m still more than a little proud of it. It was the perfect place and perfect time in life for this recommitment and renewal. A little extra? Perhaps, but worth it!
So, how did Alyssa pull it off? She tells us: The morning of the planned vow renewal I finally told Daniel what was happening and sent him to the beach for a couple hours while I ran some final errands (grabbing some champagne and a couple Nutella-filled croissants from our favorite local bakery. Makeup done and dress on, my sweetheart of a makeup artist, Ferggie Coll, drove me to Vizcaya Gardens herself where I met my INCREDIBLE photographer and insanely talented florist. Meanwhile, Daniel was getting dressed and Uber-ing over to Vizcaya himself.
A Walk Through the Gardens
What an awesome location!! It almost looks like they ran off to Spain, doesn’t it?
How darling is that pink suit she picked for him from The Black Tux?
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The Florals
Rose Coloured Floral created a textured and tropical-inspired bouquet for the surprise. We adore that touch of silver dollar!
That bouquet? Everything I had dreamed up and more. Our vendors really made this day a dream. The photos couldn’t have been more joyful and easy. Hire people you trust, people. THEN, let them do their thing!
For good measure, she even rented this darling vintage car from Miami Vintage Prop Cars! Too cute!!
We snagged some portraits in the garden and hopped on over to Wynwood Walls for some celebratory bubbly and pastries in the day’s last light.
Let this be a reminder—each and every day with your love is a reason to celebrate, never stop dating each other, and a vow renewal is the sweetest gesture, ever! Want to see more vow renewal inspiration? Check these out!
photography: Ashtyn Brooke Photo // venue name: Vizcaya Gardens, Wynwood Walls, Miami, Florida, USA // planning: Alyssa McElheny // florals: Rose Coloured Floral // wedding dress: We are HAH // hairpiece: Lack of Color hat // bride's ring: Catbird NYC, Bario Neal // hair stylist: Ferggie Coll // makeup artist: Ferggie Coll // groom attire: The Black Tux // groom's shoes: River Island // paper goods: Wyld Sage Designs // desserts: Rosetta Bakery // vintage car: Miami Vintage Prop Cars
Beautiful images! Everything about this is gorgeous.
Amazing bride and the settings.