REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Domino Arts Photography

    MONIFA ALEXANDER & JEAN AUGUSTIN

    April 26, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida

    Jean and Monifa were formally introduced in 2007 at a 4th of July dinner hosted by a mutual friend for whom Jean, the creative mastermind behind The Design Group Miami, was producing her wedding. At the time of introduction, Jean expressed interest in Monifa, but she felt otherwise as she was starting Anesthesia school and wanted to remain focused.

    Despite her hesitation, Monifa’s future was altered in March 2009 when they crossed paths at Miami’s Jazz in the Gardens concert that she attended with her mother. Shortly after they arrived, it began to rain. It was then that Monifa ran into a VIP Sponsor tent to get away from the rain and saw Jean. They spoke the entire evening. The next day, Jean contacted the friend who originally introduced them and insisted he have Monifa’s telephone number.

    “WHEN MONIFA WALKED DOWN THE AISLE AND GOT CLOSER, MY ANXIETY BEGAN TO DECREASE.” JEAN AUGUSTIN

    Jean was instantly smitten by Monifa after their six hour phone conversation. “I knew right away she was the one,” he said. Two days later, Jean designed one of the most magnificent floral arrangements he had ever created and had it delivered to her hospital. The arrangement was so large that she was forced to call Jean to move it. Needless to say, Jean’s plan worked and they began dating.

    Four years later, Jean flew to New York for a business trip, so he asked Monifa to tag along. While in Central Park they took a horse and carriage ride. He asked the driver to stop for a picture and while exiting the carriage, he dropped to his knees and asked for her hand in marriage. Jean was so overwhelmed with emotion he started crying once she said, “Yes.”

    In April 2014 a Parisian themed wedding was held at the Miami Seaquarium’s Sunset Cove in Key Biscayne, Florida. The ceremony took place alongside beautiful waterfront gardens with a view of the Miami Skyline. Monifa walked down the rose petal aisle in an Amalia Carrara gown wearing Badgley Mischka shoes to the accompaniment of John Sax. At the end of the aisle stood a nervous groom in his Hugo Boss tuxedo wearing Prada shoes and a Hublot watch. “When Monifa walked down the aisle and got closer, my anxiety began to decrease because I knew all that I had planned for was about to come to fruition,” he said.

    The reception tent replicated a French chateau with foliage surrounding a waterfall similar to the gardens of famous French chateaus. To add to the splendor, a monitor of looping images of beautiful scenes in Paris was placed between a Crepe Station and an international coffee bar named after the bride; Café de Monifa. Guests enjoyed French cuisine customized by Bill Hansen Catering and a seven layered cake designed by Anabella Pru topped with the Eiffel Tower and sugar flowers cascading down and around the cake. 

    To complete the perfect wedding, Monifa and Jean embarked on a 13 - day Mediterranean cruise leaving out of Barcelona, Spain that culminated in Venice, Italy. It was their intent to experience all the romance that Europe had to offer adding to their love story.


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location: Miami Seaquarium, Key Biscayne, FL; Caterer: Bill Hansen Catering, Miami, FL; Cake: Anabella Pru, Miami Beach, FL; Floral Design, Planner, Linen and Stationery: The Design Group of Miami, LLC, Aventura, FL; Rentals: Diamonette Party Rental, Doral, FL; Lighting: STR-Miami, Miami, FL; Entertainment: CK Entertainment, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Entertainment: DJ Trouble, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Wedding Dress: Amalia Carrara; Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka; Groom's Tuxedo: Hugo Boss; Groom's Shoes: Prada

    Engagement Ring: Bulgari

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