A Tropical Luxury Celebration in Miami

For Princess and Michael, the number twenty-seven carries the weight of destiny. Having met in New York City on February 27, 2020, their connection was immediate and profound, a bond that only deepened through the quiet years that followed. When Michael decided to propose, he chose the rhythmic shores of Jamaica, Princess’s ancestral home, on New Year’s Eve. It was a setting that reflected their shared love for the water and a prelude to a wedding weekend designed to transport their guests to a paradise of tropical luxury. Their choice of February 7 as their wedding date served as a poetic nod to their beginnings, marking the start of a three-day celebration at the storied Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami.

The Art of the Tropical Detail

The aesthetic for the weekend was a vibrant fusion of Caribbean heritage and the timeless European elegance of the Vizcaya estate. Princess, a bride with an eye for design, spent months personalizing every element, from the custom menus to the bar signs. The invitations, created in collaboration with Invitorium, featured a motif that would later be mirrored on the dance floor and the bespoke wedding favors. In a touching tribute to her family, Princess filled individual jars with custom jerk seasoning, a labor of love that required hours of preparation. Her bridal look was equally intentional; she wore a stunning Rita Vinieris gown inspired by her grandmother’s hibiscus sketches, paired with Amina Muaddi heels. As she prepared at the Dua Miami, she carried her grandparents’ memories with her in the form of photos pinned to her bouquet, ensuring their presence was felt as she stepped into the Florida sun.

The gardens of Vizcaya provided a breathtaking backdrop for the couple’s first look. Having anticipated this moment for months, the couple shared a private, emotional exchange amidst the lush greenery. The sight of each other brought tears of joy, a quiet pause before the grand festivities commenced. As guests took their seats for the ceremony, they were greeted by the delicate sounds of a harpist and thoughtful “for your happy tears” tissue packets, a gentle acknowledgment of the emotional significance of the day.

A Feast of Cultural Heritage

The ceremony led seamlessly into a cocktail hour that celebrated the couple’s roots. Under the shade of tropical palms, an electric violinist set a contemporary tone while guests enjoyed a menu inspired by the flavors of the islands. There were Salt Fish and Ackee fritters with red pepper jam, crispy pork belly with rum-mango glaze, and a chilled oyster raw bar. The signature welcome drinks, infused with pineapple, guava, and passionfruit rum, reflected the “tropical luxury” vibe that Princess and Michael had envisioned from the start.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the celebration moved toward the reception, where the design truly blossomed. Tropical florals in vibrant, saturated hues adorned the tables, complemented by detailed charger plates and linens that echoed the estate’s historic charm. The dinner was a continued culinary journey, featuring Jerk Grouper with ubi potato and charred red peppers, culminating in a wedding cake flavored with rich Caribbean rum cake.

An Endless Island Rhythm

The energy of the evening was electric, designed to feel like a high-end vacation. Princess changed into a second look by Rosie Etienne, ready to embrace a night of movement and music. The entertainment was a cohesive narrative of the couple’s life, bridging American hits with Caribbean and Soca rhythms. A surprise dance with her mother and a joyful performance with her father set the stage for a high-energy Hora Loca. As the Extasy Band played, cash cannons showered the dance floor with custom money featuring the couple’s portraits, a moment of pure, unadulterated celebration.

The weekend did not end with the final dance at Vizcaya. A Superbowl Sunday sendoff at the Dua Miami pool provided a relaxed bookend to the festivities, allowing friends and family to linger in the sunshine a little longer. For Princess and Michael, the weekend was more than just a wedding; it was a vibrant tapestry of their heritage and a testament to the love that began on a February day in New York and found its home in the tropical warmth of Miami.