While at a promotional event hosted at Romain Zago’s Miami nightclub several years ago, model and reality-television star Joanna Krupa advised her mother: “That is the man I’m going to marry.” As if her words sealed fate when she spoke them six years ago, she married her beloved at a spectacular summer celebration in Southern California. 

Though the couple had been engaged for five years, it wasn’t until they had overcome obstacles in their relationship that they decided to secure a wedding date. Planning the wedding of their dreams also faced its challenges: The nuptials were set to take place in California; however, the couple was situated in Miami. Additionally, Joanna was filming the new season of The Real Housewives of Miami. “It was really hard to plan from afar, but it was such an exciting time and I had the most amazing team of wedding vendors,” remembers the bride. “There is no way I could have pulled [the wedding planning] off alone.”

Most important to Joanna and Romain was finding a venue that was situated seaside and provided an amazing view. The chosen property, a luxurious location that offered the tranquility and natural landscape for which the couple yearned, boasts Spanish colonial architecture and impeccable accommodations.

The poolside ceremony was embellished with thousands of creamy roses and peonies inspired by a European garden, a nod to Joanna and Romain’s respective cultural backgrounds. A wrought-iron gate decorated with additional lush sprays introduced a custom-built, 90-foot-long “floating” aisle. The bright aqua water provided a beautiful contrast to the dazzling columns of endless stark white roses and hurricane candles that lined the runway. 

Bridesmaids dressed in floor-length gowns in the perfect shade of aquamarine held nosegays of vanilla-hued roses and peonies. Joanna held a similar arrangement, but the bride’s bouquet also showcased pearl-dotted stephanotis blossoms. Joanna looked like a modern-day princess wearing a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline, a bodice encrusted with sparkling Swarovski crystals, and a high-low hem. The six-foot train featured cascading ruffles that resembled bunches of florals. “When I saw her walking down the aisle, I nearly fainted,” admits the groom. “She looked so beautiful.”

The vow exchange was both sentimental and sweet, with the bride and groom smiling joyfully throughout. At the conclusion, Joanna and Romain kissed and excitedly led their loved ones to the reception space, eager for the evening festivities to begin. Long tables adorned with dreamy monochromatic details featured lush ivory linens, petite groupings of snowy roses, romantic candlelight, and glossy vanilla chairs with backs dressed in silk. Ornate centerpieces comprised of crème brûlée garden roses and peonies stood proudly on tabletops.

Once guests began enjoying the scrumptious dinner service, Joanna and Romain took to the dance floor to perform their first dance, a choreographed number they learned in just two hours. “It was really special for me to share that moment with guests,” remembers the bride. “The second part of the dance was goofy, which I enjoyed because we love to make fun of ourselves and not take everything too seriously.”

Before the evening went into full celebratory mode, the bride’s sister shared the speech she had written for the couple. “Marta’s words really surprised me,” admits the groom. “It was all so breathtaking that I broke down during my own speech immediately following hers.”

“The entertainment was the most important element to me,” shares Romain, who is known for hosting elaborate events at his nightclub, Mynt Lounge. Joanna’s cousin, a professional dancer, and his partner performed a dynamic routine dedicated to the couple. To ensure guests danced until the wee hours of the night, Joanna and Romain enlisted a live band and DJ. Two special performances were also arranged: Australian DJ Havana Brown played a set and sang her hit single “We Run the Night.” Later, The Voice finalist Sarah Simmons serenaded the couple.

The newlyweds advise others: “Follow your hearts and make the wedding a true reflection of who you are as people.” Joanna and Romain followed this advice fully. “Our wedding ended at 4AM!” Romain laughs, fondly remembering the conclusion of their perfect day.