GABRIELLE + AVI

The Biltmore Hotel, Miami

The month of May saw the celebration of the marital union between Hema Datwani and Elias Dayoub. The setting of the gorgeous wedding was the Biltmore Hotel, in Coral Gables, Miami, FL. Starting on Thursday, May 21st, guests were warmly received by their hosts with surprise gifts placed in each of their rooms; each specially chosen by Hema and her mother, Sonia. Celebrations began on the weekend, starting with the Mehndi: a tradition of the millenary Hindustani culture. The rehearsal took place Friday night at the Fifty Miami Ultra Lounge, in the Viceroy Hotel, and all the guests had a fun evening.

Religious ceremonies took place on Saturday morning, May 23rd, at the St. George Orthodox Cathedral, adhering to the customs of Elias and his family, who are of Greek descent. The bride wore a LEGENDS dress by Romona Keveza. Finally, wearing a traditional Hindustani formal dress, she and Elias united in holy matrimony in a traditional Hindu ceremony in the hotel’s gardens. 

Afterwards, all guests were welcomed with cocktails at the colonial Spanish-style terraces of the Country Club, also the stage of a lavish fireworks show, and were finally taken to the Grand Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Dayoub.

Decorations for all ceremonies were by Parrish Designs, who created an idyllic stage for Hema and Elias’s wedding, together with flawless logistics provided by Cymbidium Events.

Taking part in this unforgettable experience, in which my good friend Randy Borges helped me as a second shooter, was a true honor, and a pleasure.

Photography: Ruben Parra, Randy Borges