When Chelsea and Tim met, their love for each other could’ve kindled a fire great enough to ward off even the coldest days in Detroit. Having met “Motor City,” the couple wanted to pay homage to the beginning of their love story. Unfortunately, the pandemic halted the big summer Detriot wedding they had envisioned. With time to meditate on a new wedding date and winter drawing closer, the travel-loving couple found themselves yearning to say “I do” in another familiar (and much warmer!) city they loved– Miami, Florida. 

“Traveling has always been a part of us, and we thought it would be fitting to get married in one of the destinations we travel to the most to get away from the cold in Michigan,” says Chelsea. 

After the couple rescheduled their destination wedding for spring, they hastened to secure a date at their favorite luxury hotel in Miami, 1 Hotel South Beach. After the arrangements were made, Chelsea and Tim placed full trust in the capable hands of their planner, Ann Travis, meeting over Zoom when necessary.

“The hotel did an amazing job coordinating with our planner in such short notice, we are still in awe of how they did it all in six and a half weeks,” says the bride. 

Likewise, Tim and Chelsea had a challenge on their hands at the start of the six and a half weeks: revising their guest list. To adhere to COVID guidelines, the couple would need to take their original guest count of 200 down to a much more intimate, 25 attendees.

“Of course there were many people that were let down,” says Chelsea. “But they understood this was the best choice for us given all the circumstances we had to consider.”

The couple and guests arrived in Miami two days before the wedding, taking time to bask in the tropical warm air that beckons spring breakers every year. The silver lining of a smaller guestlist allowed for the couple to spend time with everyone.

While the couple enjoyed the company of loved ones, vendors were busy setting up for the boho chic-style reception. The couple opted for romantic and earthy elements, keeping their color palette neutral and incorporating wooden elements, dried florals, and woven items. 

Set in the round, the ceremony faced a centered platform, encircling the couple in love and support. As the salty, tropical breezes blew off the beach, Chelsea and Tim exchanged vows and shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

“Deciding on a destination wedding was something we always talked about, and for a second it wasn’t going to turn out that way,” says Chelsea. “We are very thankful, pleased, and happy that we did it this way!”

Vendors: Photographer: Jean Smith Photography; Wedding Planner: Ann Travis Events; Venue: 1 Hotel Miami; Florist: Katie Wachowiak; Invitations: Minted; Gown Designer: Jane Hill; Groom’s Suit: Armani; Videographer: Dream Light Visuals; Catering: 1 Hotel Miami; Rentals: The Mix Dish and Gilded Group Décor; Linens: Nuage Design