I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Miami couple, Giselle and Jordi, brought their big Cuban families to South Carolina to celebrate their nuptials. WED planned a stunning event at Brays Island Plantation including an outdoor ceremony highlighting cultural traditions against scenic backdrop. Following was a personalized reception dripping in greens by Ooh! Events—we’re talking greenery on the light fixtures, suspended greenery wreath chandeliers and modern planter arrangements everywhere. Green letterpress and calligraphy invitation are by the bride and A Fabulous Fete, and a triple tiered chocolate-on-chocolate fudge cake is by Brenna Chiaviello. Photographers-extraordinaire Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay were behind the lens capturing all the details in these striking images.

What made the wedding special and unique?

We chose to get married at Brays Island Plantation in South Carolina. The location itself holds a lot of significance to us and our family. Over the course of our relationship, we traveled there many times to celebrate holidays and special occasions. We are from Miami, so bringing our big Cuban families to a remote island in South Carolina created a special, intimate ambiance where people really felt like they could relax and enjoy. We were heavily involved in the planning of the wedding – I am talking every single detail, so our unique style and personality was all over it – our personal favorite was the triple fudge chocolate cake.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

On my first day bridal shopping, I fast forwarded through all the stops, and went straight to the mecca of Miami bridal, Ever After (EA).  I tried on a ton of dresses, and was starting to feel a little discouraged because nothing felt right. As I was finishing up, EA owner, Camille, brought in a dress from the “back room”  and it was love at first zip. With Isabel and I, it was a real “meet cute.” She was a modern take on classic vintage – unlike anything I had ever seen before. From the cap sleeve hand applique chantilly lace, to the double row buttons down the back…I was sold. People always say “you’ll know” when it’s the right dress for you, and that was exactly my experience. Vera Wang is the queen of bridal. It was an absolute dream come true to wear one of her gowns.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Does a donut after party count? Honestly, everything about it was personalized, but our “hora loca” (crazy hour), a common tradition among Hispanic weddings, takes the cake – speaking of cake, did I mention our triple fudge chocolate cake? Jordi and I are old souls, so we took a common Hispanic wedding tradition, and traded in the salsa for oldies jams. Seeing guests of all ages breaking it down jams like “Louis Louis” and “Brick House” was an epic, sweaty masterpiece. Oh, and did I mention there were hats. Really funky hats – like umbrella hats.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Do I have to pick just one? Our first dance to “This Magic Moment” by the Drifters was pretty magical. We dated for 10 years before we got married, and we knew for a long time that would be our song, so it was pretty awesome to finally live that moment. But honestly, the most memorable part of it took place on the dance floor. Our friends and family truly brought their A game. The love we felt from our people was overwhelming. Unlike anything we had ever felt before. Ending the night with powdered donuts in the piano room, singing Billy Joel just topped it off. We really just had the time of our lives.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met as highschoolers while on vacation with our families in the Dominican Republic. Despite constant adult supervision, we hit it off right away. We reconnected back in Miami and have been together ever since. Our relationship took us from Miami to Tallahassee, Florida where we both attended the Florida State University. Just after celebrating 10 years together, Jordi popped the question at a beautiful dock with one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. Our love for the outdoors has always played a huge part in our relationship, which is exactly why Brays was the perfect destination for our wedding.

Photography: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay // Planner: WED // Florals: Ooh! Events // Paper Suite Design: Giselle Macias (the bride) // Calligraphy: A Fabulous Fete // Venue and Catering: Brays Island // Hair: Meg Workman // MUA: Dannon K Collard // Dress: Vera Wang // Paper Printing: IBA Paper Goods // Ceremony Music: Classical Charleston // Reception Music: Lucas the DJ // Rentals: Ooh! Events / EventHaus  / Amazing Rentals // Cake: Brenna Chiaviello