Opting for a destination wedding allows you to pick and choose what traditions you would like to include in your nuptials. A wedding away suited Nichole and Cody just fine, considering they made quite a few non-traditional choices. For starters, they were technically already married come W-Day. “We were legally married at home a few months earlier,” explains the bride. “It made the wedding day much less stressful. We had breakfast together the morning of the wedding and then got ready separately. We also did not have to worry about getting the paperwork done somewhere away from home.”

While this unconventional route isn’t for everyone, getting legally married ahead of time didn’t take away from the magic of this couple’s Miami, Florida destination wedding. “We wanted a smaller wedding and something that was different from everything around Alabama,” says Nichole. “We wanted a more European look and Vizcaya offered that without having to go very far.” After a short, but traditional Christian ceremony, Nichole and Cody once again deviated from the norm with their reception. “Dinner began right around sunset on the bay. We only had 36 people, so we did not do a big dancing reception. We did a first dance and a father/daughter and mother/son dance, but that was all. After dinner, we cut the cake and everyone socialized a bit. It was over by 9:45 p.m. and went perfectly.”

In an effort to keep things as simple as possible, the couple chose to have only a maid of honor and best man in lieu of a large wedding party. “We know it is wonderful to share your big day with your closest friends, but having just one person to coordinate with made things much easier. Friends can still come up and get ready with you or stop by, but just having one person each was perfect for us.” While these newlyweds danced to the beat of their own wedding drum in most respects, there is one traditional decision they never questioned. “Definitely do not do a destination wedding without a wedding planner. With Christopher Confero Design, [planning a destination wedding] was not hard at all.”

Vendors: Photographer: Rob and Wynter Photography, Wedding Planning & Design: Christopher Confero Design, Ceremony/Reception Site: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Florist: Petal Productions, Stationery: Amberly Shelton Paperie, Hair & Makeup: Art of Hair by Claudia, Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Burberry, Catering: Starr Catering Group, Cake: Earth and Sugar, Linens & Rentals: Nüage Designs, Lighting: ARPI Group