How to Create A Beautiful & Magical Wedding at The Riverside Hotel in Ft Lauderdale, Florida

“Your magical wedding day is going to be perfect, there is nothing to worry about.”

I recall my family and friends consistently telling me this throughout my year long engagement and wedding planning. They were absolutely correct. In fact, it was better than I had imagined. Always wanting that “happily ever after” and to finally be able to call the love of my life, “my husband,” I couldn’t wait for my fairy-tale to begin after those two words. “I do.”

On January 9th, 2021, at the Riverside Hotel in Las Olas, Ft lauderdale Florida, I walked down the aisle arm locked with my father to marry the love of my life, bestfriend and soulmate. I was already crying when my father told me, “You look so beautiful…don’t forget you will always be my little girl.” However, when I saw my husband (I love saying that word) and how handsome and proud he looked, I started to lose it.

Walking down the aisle and standing with my husband before we both said, “I do” truthfully felt like hours. The anticipation for this moment and finally being there with my husband was emotionally overwhelming but in the best way possible.

Richard and I became husband and wife during the middle of a global pandemic.There was a lot of anxiety and uncertainties about our wedding at times. We went from having thoughts about eloping, having a micro-wedding to changing the date and to many other thoughts.

However, we knew in our hearts we didn’t want to postpone our date even if it meant our guest list would be limited and some of our family members wouldn’t be able to attend. Getting married on January 9th,2021 was something we knew was the best choice for us as companions to each other.

During uncertain times due to the pandemic, we never lost sight of our love and commitment for each other. After now almost two and a half years together, we have realized that we have to do what is best for ourselves and what feels right in our hearts.

We ultimately chose to have our wedding at the Riverside Hotel in Las Olas, Ft Lauderdale Florida because we “just knew.” That probaly sounds a bit cliche but it is the truth. When my husband (ahhh) and I walked into the Riverside Hotel, we loved the “feel” and “energy” of the hotel. The Riverside Hotel has a classy, elegant, cool and a bit of an “old soul” vibe to it and that that is exactly how I would describe Richard and I.

“It just felt right.”

We decided to get married on January 9th, 2021 because I wanted to still be 30 years old when I got married. I turned 31 the next day, on January 10th, 2021.Silly, right? It still makes me chuckle. However, if anyone knows us, you know we sometimes do silly things to make each other happy. Similarly, Richard and I became engaged on November 10,2019; 2 months before I turned 30. History repeats itself.

Magical Wedding Bridal Party Details

I am so excited to finally be able to share some wedding specifics with all of you. The excitement and feelings of gratefulness made this experience even more special. The ceremony was romantic, classic and intimate. Our close family and friends were in attendance. We chose to have a Maid of Honor and a Best Man in the ceremony, along with my two step-sons and dog, Romper to represent our immediate family. We are both so happy with this choice.

Magical Wedding Bridal Look Details

I decided that for my bridal makeup, glam and “princess vibes” make-up was the look that I wanted to go for. My makeup was all airbrushed on and was a wonderful experience. My husband also had his face airbrushed to create a flawless look for our pictures together (I love saying that). I chose to wear my hair half up and half down in loose curls with a beautiful tiara placed at the top of my head along with a veil. My dress was a beautiful strapless ball gown with a beaded corset to exaggerate my hour glass figure. My necklace and earrings were pearls with silver sparkle embellishments.

Magical Wedding Reception Details

Our wedding flowers were a mixture of blush, pinks, white and greenery along with lanterns to create a beautiful, magical and fairy-tale feel to our wedding. Our cocktail hour took place on the roof top of the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Blvd facing the beautiful river. Our guests were all served appetizers and cocktails. We chose Filet and Snapper as our main entrees. The entrees were amazing. The food was amazing. Everything was amazing. Guests danced the night away and enjoyed taking pictures in our “Mirror Me” photo booth. Our cake was vanilla with buttercream and key-lime icing along with cascading flowers which were provided by our florist.

Now, I present to you all, a photo journal of our “magical wedding day.”

*wedding vendors and style details can be found at the end of this bog post*

And they lived happily ever after.

I hope this blog post has filled your heart with love, optimism, hope and happiness.

What did you love most about our wedding? When is your special day? How are you planning for your special day?

Comment below any of thoughts, comments or passing thoughts. I would love to hear from my readers.

As always,

love always wins,

Hilary

xx

Thank You

Bridal Look

Dress: Oleg Cassini Strapless Ruffled Skirt Wedding Dress

Shoes: Badgley Mischka Embellished Heel

Tiara: Crested Crystal Embellished Tiara

Veil:Lace Applique Pearl Scalloped Mid-Length Veil

Wedding Must Haves

Guest Book-Miss Design Berry

Miss to Mrs Bridal Box-30% OFF First Subsciption

Personalized Wedding Sticker for Shoes– “I do” and “I do too.”

Vendors

Venue: Riverside Hotel, Las Olas Florida

IG:Riverside Hotel

Special Thanks: Thank you Loma Grant for making my dreams come true! Your professionalism, empathy and patience was EVERYTHING!

Cake-Sabrina who is the Pastry Chef at the Riverside Hotel & WINNER of Netflix Sugar Rush Christmas-“Christmas Spirit.”

Ig:Sabrina

Florist: Lina Portnoy Event Design

Lina: You made my vision a reality! You are so talented! I will always remember you!

Makeup: Kiss This Makeup

Jenna: Your professionalism, organization and responding to my emails with urgency was not unnoticed. You are amazing.

Katy: You made me feel like a real life princess! I feel like I also made a new friend. Thank you for not only making me look beautiful, but for being there for me on my special day. Romper, Richard and I love you.

IG:Kissthismakeup

IG:Katy

Photography and Video and Dj: Eddie B!! Amazing!! We loved the drone, pictures, video and music!

*This blog post may contain affiliate links. Any commissions earned, if any are used to maintain Kissthisstyles Blog*