While this is not typically the way we feature weddings on our blog, the design and execution of this event—thanks to the amazing vision of Megan and Stuart—is so spectacular that I felt compelled to spotlight as many details as possible. And, while I don’t typically like weddings that are too trendy, and sometimes modern to the nines can feel that way, I think everyone did an amazing job at making this event trend setting, but still timeless and elegant. What do you think?
Megan O’Dwyer Thiel and Stuart Thiel
Married in Maimi, Florida on March 6, 2010
Stuart Thiel and Megan O’Dwyer met in middle school when Megan crashed a 7th grade party—she was in 8th grade. After a friendly game of spin the bottle, they became friends. In college they started to realize that their feelings were on a whole different level, but they were still not able to be “exclusive.” With Stuart in Gainesville at the University of Florida and Megan in Boca Raton at Florida Atlantic University, time together was limited. But finally, after Megan graduated college, and Stuart started a masters program, they both happen to find themselves single (for once), and decided to finally be together and leave all of the crazy relationships they had behind forever.
Travel played a major role in both of their lives and they actually have pictures of “each of us standing in exactly the same spot in a few different countries even though we weren’t traveling together!” recalls Megan. “I think he was subliminally following me around the planet!” When they finally had a chance to travel the world together, they found themselves falling in love in China, got engaged in Berlin, had an engagement trip to Ireland to meet Megan’s family, wed in Miami, and honeymooned in Mexico.
When it came time to design the wedding, they were both extremely excited and knew what they wanted. Their only main concern was that they wanted “the party of all parties,” and that’s exactly what they got. “Non-traditional, ultra hip, modern, artistic, and positively US,” describes Megan of the vibe they were going for. “We decided to go with a lounge/nightclub style with no assigned seating.”
The day featured plenty of places to sit, high top tables, couches, a 30-foot mirrored bar, and “VIP” sections where groups of friends and relatives could congregate and basically “have their own party while we made the essential rounds,” says Megan. The floor plan kept the party dynamic and upbeat, with people moving and dancing everywhere. Megan and Stuart also decided against a champagne toast because it gives Megan “a mega headache.” Instead, they went with three different shots: tequila, sake and “something blue”—poured in a monogrammed glasses, which also served as their guest’s favors. “It definitely set the tone for the evening,” says Megan, adding: “it got the party started. It was a perfect evening that defined mine and Stuart’s personalities to a T. Our dreams could never have been realized without the expertise and creativity of Fortuna and the Design 42 team.”
Location: Miami Event Space, Miami, FL; Event Planning, Event Design and Floral Concept: D42 by Fortuna Ludmir, Sunny Isles, FL; Flowers: Fleurish Design, Doral, FL; Furniture, Lounges and Accessories: Pablo Oliveira, Nüage Designs, Miami, FL; Lighting: Frost Lighting, Boca Raton, FL; Drapes: Fabulous Events & Décor, Miami, FL; Caterer: Aaron’s Catering, West Palm Beach, FL; Desserts: Adriana’s Catering, Miami, FL; Photography: PS Photography, Coral Gables and Vero Beach, FL
We wish you countless years of happiness Megan and Stuart and a special thank you to Pablo Oliveira of Nüage Designs and Fortuna Ludmir of D42 for submitting this to us and a big thank you to Patty Gonzalez and Susie Canino of PS Photography for letting us share these images with our viewers!
