Natalia Zhuravlova and Ivan Nevidomy
Trump International Beach Resort, Sunny Isles Beach
The old saying goes: “make love, not war.”
For Natalia Zhuravlova and Ivan Nevidomy, it’s a saying that couldn’t be more fitting. The pair met in March 2022 at a Bayfront Park rally in downtown Miami to decry the outbreak of war between Russia and their home country of Ukraine.
“There were thousands of Ukrainians and people who support Ukraine,” Ivan recalls. “It was the very first gathering regarding the war. I saw [Natalia] there, passing by. I stopped her and we started to talk. I know the war is a terrible thing. But because of the war, I got the chance to meet Natalia. And that is a wonderful thing.”
He proposed after just six months of dating, but Natalia wanted to take things more slowly. When Ivan asked again two years later, Natalia’s response was a resounding “yes.”
Although the theme of their wedding was steeped, as Natalia describes it, “in modern Ukrainian vibes,” you won’t spot any blue and yellow flags or political references in the pictures of their big day. Instead, the couple leaned on the color red, which signifies passion in any culture—but especially for Ukrainians. Notable red touches included Natalia’s vinok, a traditional Ukrainian flower crown that represents purity, beauty, the blossoming of new life, and the hope for a bright future; her layers of korali necklaces offering the promise of wealth, health, and protection; and red ribbons throughout the florals.
With wedding guests hailing from Ukraine, Russia, and (of course) Miami, Natalia and Ivan wanted to make sure everyone felt the love. “My whole goal was to connect people,” Natalia says. “With this war, we as Ukranians are separated from Russian people. I wanted to remind everyone that politics is not same as people. And there’s no better way to do that than with a day of love and coming together like a wedding.”
Wedding Professionals
Photographers: Sandrikamax, Katerina Prihodko, Julia Makoveeva, Anastasia Kulikova, Constantine Van Horne
Ceremony and reception venue: Trump International Beach Resort
Event planner: My Best Event
Hair and makeup: Assel Beauty
Bridesmaid dresses: Zhivago
Bridal shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Jewelry: Tiffany & Co.
Sound and light: Anna Vita
Traditional videography: Constantine Van Horne
Reels and creative videography: Ksenia Visual Content Creator
Florals: My Peonika
Entertainment: Vlad Yama
Stationery: Big Love & Co.
Wedding cake: Elegant Temptations Cakes
Gabriela Iribar and Brandon Reyes
The Biltmore Miami-Coral Gables
Gabriela and Brandon’s origin story started in high school at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek. Though they didn’t date while they were students, the pair reconnected years later when Gabriela spotted Brandon at her local gym. It just goes to show that you never know who you might bump into—and end up marrying.
The pair dated for eight years before Brandon proposed in 2022 at sunset on a cliff overlooking Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Because of her demanding schedule as a veterinarian, Gabriela admits that she relied heavily on the help of her mother and event planner Marylen Exposito to make her dream wedding day a reality.
When considering venues, the Biltmore Miami-Coral Gables stood out from the start, Gabriela says. “Modern is not my style at all. I love the Old Florida look and ambience that the Biltmore has. It’s just very romantic.”
To add to that romantic ambience, Gabriela says one of her favorite details of the day were the extravagant floral trees crafted by Rodri Studio. “The florals turned out just the way I hoped they would,” she says. They made the room even more stunning.”
At the end of the evening, guests were treated to a late-night surprise: a delivery of adult Happy Meals from McDonald’s. “It was a fun and unexpected way to end a great day,” Gabriela says.
Wedding Professionals
Photographer: Manolo Doreste
Ceremony venue: Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
Reception venue: The Biltmore
Event planner: Marylen Exposito Weddings
Hair and makeup: Marz Makeup and Hair
First wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses: Daisy Tarsi
Second wedding dress: Galia Lahav
Groom and groomsmen attire: Sartori Amici, My Grooms Room
Videography: Diego Stuart Films
Decor: Rodri Studio
Entertainment: AL-Vento Events
Stationery: The Invitation Stand/Gretel Leganoa Delgado
Wedding cake: Elegant Temptations Cakes
Claire Marie Powers and Collier James Pruner
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Long-distance lovers, rejoice! Claire and Collier’s romance may have started as a cross-country whirlwind, but their happily ever after landed the newlyweds right here in the Magic City.
Both employed by the financial services firm JP Morgan, Claire (based in Miami) and Collier (then based in New York City) met at a corporate training event in 2018. “We were seated in alphabetical order,” Claire recalls. “Powers, then Pruner. So we sat right next to one another. We became friends and chatted the entire time.”
The pair stayed in touch. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and both of their jobs shifted to fully remote work, they decided to move to Park City, Utah, to rekindle that early spark. After dating for three years, Collier popped the question in Vail, Colorado. Engaged, Collier transferred to Miami where Claire already had an apartment.
When it came time to plan their wedding, “Miami was the obvious choice,” Claire says. Both art lovers, the couple quickly zeroed in on hosting their reception at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). “Miami itself was like a paid actor in the whole day,” Claire says. “It was so beautiful. The water was so blue, it was really showcasing why we love living here. Most of our guests were from out of town, so Miami really showed off for them over the weekend.”
At the end of the night, Collier had a sweet surprise in store for Claire and their guests. “Claire loves fireworks,” he says. “The whole day was amazing, but weddings can be a little chaotic. I wanted to create a moment at the end of the night where we could just be together for a moment of surprise. Claire and I got to step outside to spend that moment together and watch the fireworks—just the two of us—and later joined by our friends and our families.”
Wedding Professionals
Photographer: Lorren & Braman Photography
Reception venue: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Event planner: Andy Soirées
Stationery: Arzberger Stationers
Hair and makeup: Tatjana Terzic Bridal Beauty Team
Wedding dress: Pronovias
Florals and decor: Parrish Designs
Videography: Tostada Films
Lighting: Everlast Productions
Catering: Constellation Culinary Group
Music: Sarz Entertainment
Violinists: Baby B Strings
Wedding cake: Cake Lounge Miami
Transportation: Destination South Florida
Cigar roller: CC Shows
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