1. Real Weddings

Guerdy & Russell: A Formal Wedding in Miami, FL

Back in their dating days, Guerdy Réjouis and Russell Abraira would drive past the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux in North Miam

Back in their dating days, Guerdy Réjouis and Russell Abraira would drive past the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux in North Miami Beach and say, This is the place where we will get married someday. The Bride Guerdy Réjouis, a social catering manager The Groom Russell Abraira, a city of Miami firefighter The Date November 16 Guerdy and Russell met during their senior year of high school. Guerdy confesses, I thought Russell was a cutie but didn't think, at first, that he was my type...boy, was I wrong! Russell proposed to Guerdy six years later. The two went for a nighttime stroll on the beach, where Russell fell to one knee in the sand. Guerdy joined him for a hug moments later.

Straps (added after purchase) were detailed with glass beads and seed pearls, and tucked into the gown after the ceremony.
The Invitations were trimmed in gold with burgundy ink and sealed with a wax stamp.
The wedding ceremony was traditional, and Guerdy and Russell exchanged vows they had written themselves. Guerdy describes she and Russell as extreme opposites -- she is talkative and emotional, he is reserved and calm. So she was especially touched by the final words in his vows: You complete me.
The bridesmaid dresses were designed in a flamenco style, with matching shoulder wraps, by the bride.
The Cake
After the ceremony, guests partied and danced to the world-music tunes chosen by Guerdy and Russell. Most of the lighting came from the hundreds of votive candles on every surface. Tables were named after Spanish cities, and decorated with arrangements of red and purple blooms and ripe grapes.