You’ve Got to See the Masterpiece of a Gown from this Surprise Vow Renewal in Miami’s Vizcaya Gardens

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

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

We are HAH Wedding Dress

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.

bridal crown

The Vow Renewal

Vizcaya Gardens 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?

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

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!

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

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.

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

A Walk Through the Gardens

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

What an awesome location!! It almost looks like they ran off to Spain, doesn’t it?

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

How darling is that pink suit she picked for him from The Black Tux?

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

The Florals

We are HAH Wedding Dress

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

Rose Coloured Floral created a textured and tropical-inspired bouquet for the surprise. We adore that touch of silver dollar!

We are HAH Wedding Dress

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!

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

We are HAH Wedding Dress

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

For good measure, she even rented this darling vintage car from Miami Vintage Prop Cars! Too cute!!

Vizcaya Gardens Vow Renewal

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

Explore: