Mastering The Most Bespoke Nuptials

By Jule Guaglardi

How quickly one of the happiest moments in your life ― your engagement to be wed ― can suddenly turn from hardly containable excitement into overwhelming stress the moment you realize the tantamount planning task ahead. To make your daunting responsibility a bit easier, Eloquence has gathered here some of the masters in three popular U.S. wedding destination cities, sure to dazzle even the most discerning bride and groom. Let’s embark on a matrimonial journey through Florida, where we’ll give you a close-up and personal account for some of the very best vendors available. Then take a stroll to the glamorous Windy City of Chicago and then on to the East Coast into the Big Apple of New York City …

Boca Raton, Florida
(This Author’s Own Wedding Selection)

Venue • In the small but posh seaside village of Boca Raton, Florida, lies a gorgeous historic venue with a ‘Spanish villa meets enchanted forest’ ambiance. Designed by famed architect Addison Mizner in 1926, The Addison is considered one of the most important pieces of architecture in South Florida. Executive Chef Patrick Duffy leads the Five Star Diamond Award winning kitchen with elegant, highly personalized and on-trend farm-to-table menus. The venue offers multiple, individual and elegantly appointed room options to suit nearly any size wedding, in addition to an outdoor courtyard venue adorned with a fountain, old-world pavers, two levels for scenic table settings, and two of the most commanding, beautiful, majestic banyan trees certain to captivate every guest upon arrival.

Luxury Planner • A must in saving yourself headaches that can lead to unwanted bride and groom arguments, is a wedding planner, such as the duo of Victoria DeSilvio and Mary Buckley of The Victoria DeSilvio Group. Let these two nationally acclaimed and award-winning event geniuses do all the worrying for you.

Floral & Decor • Having a master floral designer and tablescape artist is crucial to creating the most enchanting and glamorous ambiance. The flowers, candlelight and assorted luxurious decor transform your venue into the special, unique environment that defines your personality and a forever memorable day. Consider Artistic Floral & Foliage, a division of Event Services Group, located in Coral Springs, Florida. Lead Designer Robert Suresh and Event Specialist/Assistant Designer Rachel Belmont cater to your every whim. www.eoep.com

Photography • Munoz Photography has earned both ‘best national’ and ‘best international’ wedding photography awards. As you browse their website, you’ll be dazzled by both their technical skill and artistry. Having personally worked alongside them for my own wedding photography, I can confirm they think larger-than-life and aim for the stars with the product they promise to deliver.

Gown • I chose Lauderdale Bride based in Fort Lauderdale. Their selection of exceptionally beautiful dresses with a wide array of styles, combined with their friendly and helpful staff and uber-flexible fitting schedule made it easy to choose.

Cake • We chose Earth & Sugar as our master cake designer because of their renowned confectionery delights that are as scrumptious as they are beautiful. Located near downtown West Palm Beach.

Hair • I chose master hair designer Adam Shuman, a remarkably talented hair artist to celebs and rockers dating back to the 1980’s. Located in Boca Raton, Adam and his team will travel to transform your hair into whatever your heart desires. (561) 376-7337

Makeup • Glamsquad artists and designers are up-to-date, highly skilled, extremely professional, and a complete joy to work with, not to mention they come to you, making both your (and your bridal party’s) day a breeze!

Lashes • In downtown Delray Beach lies an eyelash and eyebrow haven: Oh So Fabulash & Brows. Owners and mother-daughter team Belinda and Nicola have a team of fantastically talented team of lash and brow experts.

Entertainment • As we opted not to take up precious dance floor space, we chose Jonathan A. Cortez, The JAC of All Trades. Jonathan Cortez is a singer/performer and DJ, with extraordinary vocals, along with Mylon Shamble, who’s brilliant voice can convince even the most challenging skeptic that Amy Winehouse is both alive and well and residing in South Florida.