A COLORFUL POOLSIDE WEDDING AT W SOUTH BEACH
In a world where digital connections often bloom into real-life romances, Katie Borshov and Elliot Frid’s love story began on the Hinge platform, forever altering the course of their lives.
“As I scrolled through potential matches, playfully setting my location to Miami,” Katie shares, “little did I know that this spontaneous decision would lead me to Elliot, the man who would become my best friend and lifelong partner. We clicked instantly, because we shared this uncanny connection that seemed as if we had known each other for years.
We chatted daily on the phone before finally meeting in person. I knew that I needed to fly to Miami to introduce Elliot to my brother and his wife who, at the, time lived in Miami, to see if he would pass the approval test; and thankfully he did.”
Although Katie had to return home for college, the connection she’d formed with Elliot remained strong. After graduation, Katie was accepted into dental school in South Florida, giving them the opportunity to reconnect. Their relationship quickly blossomed.
“It warmed my heart knowing all of our guests were there to celebrate our love.”
A Surprise Proposal with Family
When it came time to propose, Elliot orchestrated what Katie calls “a masterpiece of surprises.” He pretended to be on a work trip in NYC, and even went as far as packing a suitcase and booking a ticket.
“Walking into his sister's apartment,” Katie recalls, “I found it beautifully decorated with flowers and photos of us. My entire family from Cleveland was hiding in the other room as they watched on the baby monitor as Elliot got down on one knee. It was a moment filled with shock and happiness and a new memory that we'll cherish forever.”
Wedding Planning Advice
When the wedding planning process began, the couple didn’t hesitate to take the advice they had been given by others.
“The sage advice we received, and now eagerly share,” says Katie, “is to enlist the expertise of a skilled wedding planner. Svetlana Ianovski, our planner and dear friend, transformed the process into an enjoyable journey.
With our parents' support, every hurdle was overcome, and the wedding planning phase became a celebration of love rather than a stress-laden ordeal. You are planning one of the most memorable days of your life – you should enjoy the process.”
A Poolside Wedding at W South Beach
Katie and Elliot’s wedding took place at the stylish W South Beach, where the hotel’s penthouse suite provided the perfect setting to get ready. The day was met with beautiful Florida weather, and everything unfolded just as the couple envisioned.
For the ceremony, the couple’s loved ones gathered for a poolside wedding, which was transformed into a breathtaking space. A Chuppah stood as a centerpiece in the middle of the pool, where an aisle was custom built over the water – a first at W South Beach. Along with the lighting, ambiance, and the melodic voice of the Cantor, the bride walked down the aisle amid an ethereal atmosphere, surrounded by 230 guests.
“I felt overwhelmed with love,” says the bride. “It warmed my heart knowing all of our guests were there to celebrate our love. Standing under the Chuppah with Elliot and our immediate family, we felt an Immense connection to Hashem and our souls seemed to intertwine. Elliot broke the glass and it was the start of the rest of our lives together.
During our ceremony, it was important to us to commemorate the victims of October 7th. Unfortunately, that day deeply affected far too many of us, yet amidst the shadows of adversity, we must continue to spread the light. We held a moment of silence and had our guests light candles, symbolizing our commitment to illuminating the path forward. It’s important that we continue to celebrate life and love and the formation of a new Jewish family.”
Candles and Caviar
For their W South Beach reception, the couple opted for some non-traditional elements for their décor. A mix of long and round tables were selected to break up the space, and centerpieces consisted of tall, slim glass candles surrounded by colorful flowers – a fun and inviting alternative to roses and the traditional all-white wedding aesthetic.
“We also decided to serve a family-style dinner for appetizers and the main course,” the bride adds. “Being Russian, my family and I always have family-style dinners at home, so it made the most sense for us. And, of course, we had to supply each table with its own caviar. You can't throw a Russian party without some caviar and blini!
We had such a fun night; I think Elliot and I did the hora about 20 times. I could have sworn I would be flying out of that chair every time, but that was part of the fun. Towards the end of the night, I did a quick outfit change before cutting the cake and throwing the bouquet. We had our favorite pizza, Lucali, for a late-night snack. There's nothing like leftover caviar on some fresh pizza. I'm still craving it!”
A Honeymoon in Thailand
Two days after their poolside wedding at the W, Katie and Elliot departed for an epic honeymoon in Thailand. For more than two weeks, the newlyweds explored and experienced what Thailand has to offer, spending time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kao Sok, and Krabi.
“Our highlight had to be the day we spent with elephants, especially the baby ones,” says Katie. “Between the food, massages, and scenery, we really enjoyed ourselves.
Reflecting on the past year, we are grateful for the blessings, the unwavering support of our friends and family, and the love that has brought us to this point. We are so grateful for every single person who played a part in helping us feel so special and putting together the wedding of our dreams. I feel as if we have truly begun the rest of our lives, and we can't wait for what’s to come.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location & Catering: W South Beach, Miami Beach, FL; Planner: SI Story; Event Design: Svetlana Ianovski; Floral Design: Petal Production; Rentals: Tali Table Designs, Imperial Event Rentals, Harmony Rental;
Linen: Nuage Designs; Invitations: Boxed Wedding Invitations; Cake: Sweet Guilt by Angelica;
Sound & Lighting: Master Sound Production; Entertainment: Marat World + Legacy Entertainment; Engagement Ring: Eric Frid; Jewelry Store: Timeless Jewelers; Wedding Dress: Custom; Bridal Salon: Viero Bridal Miami; Reception Dress: Retrofete; Groom’s Attire: Stefano Ricci; Groom’s Watch: Patek Philippe; Hair: Natalia Hurtado; Makeup: Emily Sofia; Cinematography: Suzanne Delawar; Photography: Jessica Vilchez