There are not many places in this world that can capture one’s imagination and fascination quite like Vizcaya.
History lovers and tourists alike are entranced by this estate, and for good reason. Nestled comfortably into a little corner of Miami, FL, Vizcaya is known the world over for its luxury, beauty and elegance.
In the early 1900’s, a well known industrialist, James Deering, found himself plagued by some health problems which were worsened by the climate in Maine, his lifelong home. When doctors recommended that he find himself a warmer, more temperate climate, Deering’s love for boating naturally drew him to Southern Florida, where he painstakingly built his incredible mansion, blending European aesthetic with American ingenuity in a masterful way. The massive Vizcaya estate became his “winter home” from 1916 until his death in 1925.
After his death, his heirs slowly sold off exterior portions of his gardens, eventually diminishing the size of the estate to its current condition, then donating the contents of the mansion and establishing the property as a museum (1953) and later as a National Historic Landmark (1994).
Since its opening in 1953, Vizcaya has been no stranger to high-profile events, hosting numerous top tier occasions throughout the years. It was in this location that Ronald Reagan met with Pope John Paul II in 1987. Queen Elizabeth II graced its grounds with her presence in 1991, and in 1994, Vizcaya served as the backdrop for the Summit of the Americas, where world-wide dialogues took place to bring unity to economic and political discussions. Add to these the countless number of truly elevated luxury wedding celebrations, corporate events and top tier occasions, and Vizcaya has become recognized across the world for its history, delicate intrigue and renown.
Today, Vizcaya is open to the public almost daily, and, if you ever find yourself in Miami, I highly recommend that you put it at the top of your list. I trust you’ll find yourself to be as entranced by its beauty and delicate charm as I was.
Editorial Work at Vizcaya
In January 2024, I was privileged to be able to photograph with “Editorial Experiences,” an organization that designs destination editorial experiences for luxury wedding photographers like myself. While these events have been hosted all over the world, I was thrilled to be able to participate in the most recent experience at Vizcaya. The event was filled with industry-leading speakers, florists, make-up artists, models, and top-notch educators. And, yes, even the legendary KT Merry was there (that may have been my favorite part!). Events like these help me to stay on top of my game, understand current trends, improve my creative site and network, and even become friends with people I didn’t previously know that I couldn’t live without.
Vizcaya proved to be a perfect location for this special event, and I found it rather surreal to have the entire venue all to ourselves. We were even permitted access to places that typical tourism does not allow, enabling us to see the ins and outs not only of the luxury wedding industry, but also of this magnificent estate. After ten years of photographing weddings and being fully occupied by this industry, this weekend felt to me like a graduation of sorts: a new level of creativity, inspiration and life-changing experiences were unlocked.
Of course, capturing life’s masterpieces through photography becomes a whole lot easier when the venue offers the kind of serene beauty that is offered at Vizcaya. The backdrop that Vizcaya provided for this luxury event was truly unparalleled. A wedding, corporate affair or special event hosted at Vizcaya is simply … unforgettable.
As the years tick by,
I continue to find joy in learning and growing in my craft. While I’m grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned, my most recent lesson is one in which I am finding great pleasure, and it is one that really hit home throughout this event. Years have perfected my technical nuances and personal style; those parts have become like second nature to me. In addition to specific imagery, technique and style, however, photography has become something more: it is about fully immersing myself and my team into life’s celebrations over the course of days at a time, capturing all of the tiny, individual moments of a special occasion that, when put together, paint a fuller picture than could ever be captured by words and memories alone. Photography is not just a picture; photography is a means for the mind to remember life’s masterpieces.
Preparing for a luxury-level wedding at Vizcaya requires a certain level of planning in addition to the procuration of top-tier services. The right planners, florists, artists, musicians, and photographers will make all the difference in the seamless execution of your perfect event. If you landed on this page in search of recommendations for those who are matchless in their crafts, search no further. Please allow me to be your guide and message me at pavel@pavelvk.com
What is your vision? Do you need help creating your dream wedding?
Call me at 770.653.5714 or email me at pavel@pavelvk.com, and I will connect you with a team that will make it possible.
Credits:
Planning: Amberly Odom, Wrennwood Design
@wrennwooddesign
Photography: Pavel VK, Pavel VK Photography, inc.
www.pavelvk.com
@pavelvk
Venue: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
@vizcaya_museum
Floral Design: Mibellarosa’
www.mibellarosa.com
@mibellarosa
Stationery: Em Paper Co
@empaper.co
Linens: Nuage Linens
@nuagedesignsinc
Cakes: Cake Envy and Bakes by Parisa
@cake_envy_ga
Menswear: The Modern Gent
@moderngentstyle @tomford @louboutinworld
Bridal Gowns: @MiraZwillinger
Mirazwillinger.com
@made.bride
@millia.london
Rentals: Vivant
@VivantRentals
Vivantrentals.com
Tabletop: Treasury Rentals
@treasuryrentals
Accessories: Hillary Jackson
@hillaryjacksondesigns
Flatlay Styling: Em Paper Co
@empaper.co
Custom Backdrop: Willow Canvas
@willow_canvas
https://www.willowcanvasbackdrops.com/
Styling Mats: Lindale Studios, Locust Collection
@lindalestudios
@locustcollection
Shoes: She is Cheval
@sheischeval
Hair & Makeup: Vigilante Cosmetics
https://vigilantecosmetics.com/
@vigilantecosmetics
Talent Agency: madlagency
@madlagency
BTS Team: Each Day Florals, DRL Florals, @eachdayflorals
@drl.flowers
Event Logistics: The Gentlemen Event Concierge
@thegentlemen_eventconcierge
Host: The Editorial Experiences
www.theeditorialexperiences.com
@the_editorial_experiences
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