Everything came together perfectly for Amanda & Daniel Seda’s gorgeous wedding in Coconut Grove. The Grove is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami, and with its bay front parks, tropical vegetation, sidewalk cafés, galleries and boutiques, it’s easily one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the Greater Miami area.
Out of the 150 guests who attended Amanda & Daniel's wedding, 130 checked into the Mayfair or the Ritz Carlton, both hotels either walking distance or a short cab ride from the church and reception venue. It was practical for everyone to be so close to everything, and for those who walked from the Mayfair, it was a great pleasure to stroll through a charming village setting.
St. Hugh Catholic Church
Located just off Main Highway, the church is an easy walk or short drive from Commodore Plaza where the Cruz Building is located.
The Cruz
Building
When searching for a venue, Amanda instantly fell for the Cruz Building. The venue's gas lanterns, sweeping staircase and romantic, interior balconies, were all reminiscent of one of her favorite places, New Orleans. This sumptuous event space allowed them to enjoy an ambiance and decor they were surprised to find outside of New Orleans.
There are many ways the 3 story Cruz Building can be configured for an event. Many couples have their ceremony on the ground floor, but the Seda’s said “I do” at St Hugh, so when they arrived at The Cruz Building, they started the evening at the top of the building, heading straight to the third floor for cocktail hour. Guests took in the golden hour sunlight on the tree-top balcony where a Cuban Cigar Roller entertained with his cigar rolling skills.
Decor
From the third floor cocktail hour, everyone went down to the second floor for dinner. Romantic tablescapes and floral decor blended right in with the rich colors, stained glass, dark woods and murals that make up the Cruz Building. All tables were round, except for the main table and built-in booths along the wall, and the color scheme was gold and white, with dramatic pink, white and dark green floral centerpieces.
A cheese and crudité display featured assorted cheeses, fresh & dried fruits, and an array of artisinal breads, followed by a formal sit-down dinner with a creative salad starter and a choice of entrées including grilled fillet mignon truffle wafu, seared salmon or a vegetarian option of roasted vegetables with lentils.
The Cake
First Dance
The second floor balconies at the Cruz Building look out over the ground floor, so guests who weren't dancing could watch the fun from the second floor and it felt a lot like a night-club. The Seda’s wedding was planned and produced by Thierry Isambert’s wedding department, and while dinner was served, the crew moved all the decor, floral bouquets and high top tables down to the ground floor. The evening ended on a high note and the party continued at the Mayfair Hotel where most friends and family were staying.
It was honor to be part of Amanda and Daniel's special day, join us in wishing them love and happiness always!
A Sweet Ending
To A New Beginning
Wedding Photography: DOLCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Note: If you're planning a summer wedding in Miami, The Cruz Building is an ideal venue. It is luxurious and unique, both inside and out, and is fully air-conditioned. You can choose to have your ceremony at the venue, or at any one of the churches or the synagogue nearby. Nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove, on Commodore Plaza, the venue is walking distance from several hotels, and the whole area is beyond charming.