The Unforgettable Union of Nicole & Alex at Faena Miami Beach

Love Story

Nicole Bader and Alex Marks, a couple whose love blossomed in the vibrant city of Miami, shared a tale as timeless as their bond. "We grew up right down the street from each other in middle school and high school. Alex was my first kiss and then we stayed friends from there," Nicole reminisced. "We reconnected in college and started dating 4 years ago - soon after I moved to Miami with him."

Their proposal story adds a romantic chapter to their tale. "Anguilla at The Four Seasons in the Summer of 2022," Nicole shared with a sparkle in her eye. "I wasn’t expecting it because I thought he was going to do it in our hometown! I loved being away and alone instead."

The memorable day of Nicole and Alex's wedding was on November 5, 2023, at the breathtaking Faena Miami Beach. Their special day was a true reflection of their journey together, thoughtfully planned over a year, ensuring every detail was perfect.

"We knew we wanted a small and intimate wedding away from home," Nicole shared. So they decided on having 100 guests, a number that allowed them to truly connect with everyone who attended. The couple aimed to create an atmosphere that was not only elegant but also deeply meaningful. The style and concept of the wedding were inspired by the Faena itself. "We played off the unique vibes at the Faena," Nicole explained.

Morning details

The morning of the wedding was a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. Nicole's unique bezel design wedding ring, crafted from her late grandmother's diamonds, was a poignant reminder of a family legacy. Their wedding stationery, exquisitely designed by Lovely Olive Living, added a personal touch to the day. “We put a lot of time into the menus - Lovely Olive Living designed them & hand wrote each person’s name,” Nicole adds.

Bride getting ready

Nicole's preparation for the big day was a fairy tale in itself. She chose a distinctive Vera Wang dress, found at Ever After, complementing it with elegant Jimmy Choo heels. "I wanted a unique dress that played off the Faena," she said. The bridesmaids, too, were a sight to behold. "Everyone picked their own black silky dresses," Nicole mentioned.

Groom getting ready

Alex, in his chic tuxedo from Suit Supply, shared a quiet moment with his closest friends. The calm before the joyous storm, his morning was filled with laughter, reflection, and a touch of nerves.

First Look

The first look was a moment of raw emotion in the lobby of Faena. Alex, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn't hold back tears, while Nicole, was giddy and happy. "I think I laughed with nervousness!" Nicole recalled.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Ceremony

Their ceremony in Mammoth Garden was magical, with Taylor Swift's "Enchanted" setting the tone. Nicole's cousin’s daughter, Taylor, as the flower girl, and her sons as ring bearers added a family touch.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

“Faena was always our favorite place to go so it was the only one we looked at here,” the bride shares when talking about their venue choice. “It’s our favorite place in Miami and a destination for a lot of our guests coming from NY.”

The Faena's décor, a blend of reds, pinks, golds, and greens, mirrored their love's vibrancy. “The beach bags for our welcome bags were customized. Also, baseball hats for a beach day and slippers for the after party,” Nicole says.

A Lavish Event Design provided the floral arrangements, perfectly aligning with the tropical theme. “Our florist was also great in making our vision come to light. I always thought I wanted a classic all-white wedding, but when I booked the Faena I knew that would have to change,” Nicole shares. “Rafael and his team helped me play off the Faena’s unique art and colors to create a tropical vibe that felt like we were on an island somewhere. We really paid attention to detail with the logos on the bags, welcome cards, hats, etc, and wanted our guests to experience a full weekend away. From rehearsal on Friday at Byblos to Saturday beach day at Faena and the wedding on Sunday with an amazing after party at Saxony Lounge to follow.”

Reception

Their first dance to "Glad U Exist (Acoustic)" by Dan & Shay was a tender moment. Nicole praised their vendors, especially the videographer, Alex, and the photography team. "Alex my videographer exceeded expectations! He delivered my teasers the same week and they were so amazing. He was so easy to work with and made me feel comfortable the entire weekend - he worked extremely well with my photographer and went above & beyond to capture every single moment. Truly talented and feel so lucky he was a part of my weekend!" she said, "Similarly, my photographer team was amazing. They went above and beyond their job to keep everything organized throughout the day. I only got married 2 months ago and already used them for another event because I had such a great experience."