Shortly after their first date in Manhattan, Shelby and Griffin’s two worlds collided. Their chemistry seemed effortless after the couple realized they had mutual friends and a lot in common. Somehow, they never met, but Hinge brought the pair together and made it happen. Within two years of dating, Griffin captured Shelby’s heart with a romantic proposal at Palm Beach; next to his family home and where all the couple’s favorite memories were made. Griffin’s extravagant rose petal proposal in Florida inspired the couple to curate an elegant wedding with a modern feel.

Sunsets in Florida, especially in Palm Beach, are the selling point for newly engaged couples since its beautiful landscape is a quintessential background for any wedding. Shelby and Griffin chose the area not only for that reason but also because they wanted to take it back to where it all started. On top of their connection with Griffin’s family home, the couple had many vacations there, relocated to Florida from New York during covid, and got engaged during the process.

“We wanted our guests to experience the same magic we feel every day in Palm Beach,” Shelby says.

The couple chose an atypical outdoor wedding venue for Florida: the Norton Museum of Art. Shelby and Giffin’s goal became to create a unique, modernized approach to their celebration and enhance the elegance of it all.

“We loved the intimacy of the space and gardens. We knew we could create an indoor/outdoor experience with accessibility to the entire museum and have the galleries all to ourselves,” the couple says.

While the venue proved to be a great start to the couple’s planning journey, they came to a major bump in the road with COVID. As the couple prepared for their collaboration of Jewish Canadian and American traditions for their wedding, logistics proposed a challenge for their wedding guests outside of Florida and the U.S.

“In the months leading up to our wedding, we were worried about border issues between the U.S. and Canada,” Griffin says.

Amid the travel stress, Shelby and Griffin found reassurance from the amount of time and preparation put into ensuring everything would go off without a hitch. On the first night of their guest’s arrival, the couple hosted a welcome dinner at The Breakers to reunite with their friends and family from New York, California, and Toronto.

“We were disappointed to have such a long engagement, but it ended up being a benefit since we took our time with planning our dream wedding. This really alleviated any stress we had with choosing vendors, proper dress fittings, and research to make every detail perfect,” the couple says.

Aside from Norton’s magnificent sculptures and art pieces, the place provided a sophisticated outdoor oasis, achieving a contemporary look. The ceremony celebration happened underneath a suspended, white lily canopy and tall Florida palm trees. Amongst Norton’s lavish garden and white banners, the couple finally walked down the aisle together in the company of their loved ones.

“Because we are familiar with the Palm Beach area, I do not feel we spent any more money on our wedding by choosing a destination,” the bride says.

In addition to their wedding day, Shelby and Griffin hosted a farewell brunch at The Colony Hotel adorned with hanging vines, palm trees, and pink skies.

“We were so excited to host an event brunch as this hotel is very quintessential Palm Beach. All of our guests felt like they experienced the true magic of Palm Beach Island having seen ‘The Pink Paradise,’” the couple says.

Ultimately, the sparkling ocean and outstanding sunsets placed the final touch on Shelby and Griffin’s wedding day.

“Our wedding would not have the magical backdrop if we held it in New York or Toronto. Aside from COVID, we are happy that Florida lends itself perfectly to outdoor events. Our entire weekend was held outside with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean,” the groom says.

Other couples planning a Palm Beach wedding should consider this advice from the couple:

“As long as your guests feel the love in the room, your wedding is going to be absolutely perfect. It goes by way too quickly, so don’t sweat the small stuff,” the couple says.

Vendors: Photographer: Shlomi Amiga Photography; Wedding Planner: Sparrows Event by Yizzy; Venue: Norton Museum of Art; Florist: Xquisite Events; Decor Consultant: William Fulghum Design Associates; Stationery: Paper Ideas; Cake: Earth & Sugar; Hair & Makeup: Tatjana Terzic; Gown Designer: Oscar de la Renta; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Kiton; After Party Dress: Paco Rabanne; Groom’s Shoes: Stubbs & Wootton; Bride Shoes: Christian Dior; Catering: Constellation Culinary Group; Music: Tropics Entertainment; Videography: Senderey Video; Photo Booth: CapturePod