West Palm Beach Elegance with Garden Party Charm

Captured by Magnolia Rouge Vendor MELISSA PIONTKOWSKI, this celebration at THE BEN in West Palm Beach was planned to perfection by GINA MARIE EVENTS with florals by LUCELO FLOR. The design merged rooftop glamour with soft, garden-inspired details, while Karin wore a stunning custom gown by NETTA BENSHABU. PAPER AND LACE set the tone for the day with timeless stationery that echoed the couple’s refined vision.

Though they grew up on opposite coasts—Rich in Florida and Karin in California—their paths crossed in New York while both were studying at Columbia. Living just steps away from each other, they might never have met without Bumble. A simple ten-minute coffee date at the school Starbucks stretched into a love story spanning seven years before their wedding.

After finishing graduate school, the couple moved to Florida. Yet when it came to the proposal, Karin had only one request: that it happen back in New York where their story began. Rich planned a meaningful moment at Columbia, creating a custom coffee table book filled with photos from their years together. On the final page, he cleverly photoshopped a pear into an early snapshot and wrote, “Will you accept this pear?”—a playful nod to the pear-shaped engagement ring he had chosen. Dinner at Barbuto, a restaurant tied to many of their celebrations, completed the perfect night.

PAPER AND LACE created a suite that embodied understated elegance. Their champagne-hued invitations featured embossed floral details carried through to the reception menus and bar décor. Gilded edges tied the menus to the gold cutlery, while coordinating designs appeared on the seating chart by THE BASIC BIRCH CO. Subtle, cohesive touches ensured the paper pieces were not only beautiful but deeply tied into the overall design story.

The couple fell in love with THE BEN for its rooftop ballroom and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking West Palm Beach and the water beyond. The setting offered the garden-inspired atmosphere Karin envisioned, paired with the security of an indoor space safe from Florida’s unpredictable weather. At night, the ballroom transformed—city lights, boat lights, and a surprise fireworks display reflected off the water, adding even more magic.

Karin and her bridesmaids enjoyed a relaxed morning together in her hotel room, complete with food, music, and plenty of Taylor Swift on repeat. She shared a sweet first look with her bridesmaids and mother before the ceremony, while Rich waited until the aisle for his first glimpse—a decision that added anticipation and emotion to the moment.

Karin’s custom NETTA BENSHABU gown from Jaxon James Couture Bridal in Los Angeles was a vision of modern romance, paired with Prada Mary Jane heels. Later, she changed into a sparkling Clio Peppiatt mini for dancing. Rich wore a classic Brooks Brothers tux with a Gucci tie, changing into Off-White Jordans for the reception in a nod to his sneaker-head roots. Bridesmaids wore light blue dresses in various silhouettes, adding softness to the palette, while groomsmen donned sleek tuxedos.

LUCELO FLOR brought the couple’s color story to life with arrangements in shades of pink and blue, echoing the bridesmaids’ dresses. The reception tables alternated between lush compote arrangements and smaller bud vases, accented by mauve candles. Petite, romantic bouquets tied the look together, while the church was adorned with floral columns to complement its Easter décor.

The couple exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic mass at St. Ann’s Church before guests lined the aisle with ribbon wands as they exited in a vintage Mercedes. At THE BEN, guests were welcomed with espresso martinis, personalized matchbox favors, and a joyful cocktail hour. The reception flowed seamlessly, from Karin and Rich’s first dance to heartfelt speeches, outfit changes, and a lively dance floor complete with glow sticks. With a custom vinyl dance floor, candlelight, and florals throughout, the ballroom felt like an intimate garden party in the heart of the city.

DJ Tommy and his fusion band elevated the energy with live violin and saxophone, creating a dynamic soundtrack that felt like a private concert. From Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran mashups, the music carried the celebration late into the night with joy, nostalgia, and plenty of dancing.

After the wedding, Rich surprised Karin with a honeymoon he had secretly planned: Paris, Lake Como, Venice, and Milan. Highlights included their stay at the Gritti Palace in Venice and, for Rich, the thrill of flying home in Emirates first class—a dream fulfilled for the aviation enthusiast.

This West Palm Beach celebration was a perfect reflection of Karin and Rich’s love story: thoughtful, personal, and full of light. With the creative vision of GINA MARIE EVENTS the artistry of MELISSA PIONTKOWSKI, and the floral magic of LUCELO FLOR, their day was elevated into something truly unforgettable.