An Elegant, Modern Al Fresco Wedding at The National Hotel in Miami, Florida

Wanting stylish but not stuffy, John Becker (54 and a physician) and Michel Ramos (36 and a nurse) took cues from their historic venue’s art deco architecture to inspire the décor.

The couple exchanged vows against the backdrop of the hotel’s long, mirrorlike pool, flanked by two rows of palm trees and accented with creamy white flowers. “We drew on the art deco style for our invitations,” John says, noting the peacock feather print on the envelope liner.

“We each added our own personality and touch with pocket squares, fun socks and sunglasses,” John says of their looks.

The pool also served as the backdrop for the reception, with hanging string lights adding to the party ambience and a black-and-white tablecloth covering the sweetheart table. “We wanted the surroundings to be pleasing to the eye but not stuffy, and for our guests to feel at home and relaxed,” John says. 

Guests loved the four-layer cake so much, they ate the whole thing—even the top tier!