A Timeless, Elegant Wedding at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida

Lisa Stroh met Matt Libbey while working at an advertising agency in New York City. For two years, they were close friends and colleagues; but it wasn’t until Lisa received another job opportunity that their relationship progressed to the next level. On her last day of work, during a group outing over drinks, Matt took her aside and admitted he had strong feelings towards her. She only knew him as a sharp, smart, quick-witted co-worker, so it had never crossed her mind that he thought of her as something more. “That’s why it all came as such a surprise, and why it was so much fun to uncover how sweet, caring, generous and kind he really is under all of the jokes,” Lisa says. Matt, on the other hand, insists “I was always trying to make her laugh, or ask what she was getting for lunch so I could come along, or finding reasons to work on a project with her. Shouldn’t it have been obvious?!”

Two years later, they found themselves at the Round Hill Resort in Jamaica. During a walk on the beach one evening, on their way to dinner, Matt paused and suggested they take a picture with the sunset. He then gave the camera to the concierge, got down on one knee, and popped the question. Ever since then, Jamaica has been a special place for the couple and they plan on making it a regular vacation spot.

They decided to have their wedding at the Biltmore Hotel, as Lisa grew up down the street and Matt spent several vacations there with his parents. Situated across from the Biltmore, is the Coral Gables Congregational Church, where Lisa was christened and her parents were wed. “We loved putting personal touches on every detail, and the whole weekend felt like something authentic to us and our tastes,” she says.

Playing off the Round Hill Resort’s vibe–tropical, laid-back, elegant, and timeless–a pineapple was one of the main inspirations for the décor, symbolizing welcome and hospitality. From there, a green and white color palette was selected, with green being Lisa’s favorite color and one that would pair beautifully with the Biltmore’s lush landscape.

A sun-filled ceremony and cocktail hour led to the reception, which was nothing short of a grand finale. “We were blown away when we entered the ballroom,” the couple shares, with mercury glass and trumpet vases holding arrangements of white and green florals and foliage, inspired by English gardens. Tabletops were graced with simple, elegant settings, white and gold foil letterpress menus with a pineapple motif on top, and embroidered napkins with the newlyweds’ monogram. Complete with music from Higher Ground, a cigar roller out on the terrace, and fantastic views, it was the quintessential Miami party.

After a whirlwind of excitement and a range of emotions, the newlyweds spent time relaxing in Palm Beach before honeymooning in Italy, and enjoyed reflecting on their favorite moments from the wedding. “The biggest treat since then,” Lisa shares, “has been receiving our amazing photos from our photographer so we can relive it all over again.”