Lisa Ebenstein and Charles Barr’s love story began in a modern way – through a dating app – but quickly revealed a timeless romance. Their first date, thoughtfully planned by Charlie near Lisa’s home in South Beach, left a lasting impression. “What stood out to me most was how incredibly smart and thoughtful he was,” Lisa recalls. “He paid attention to the little details and really listened.” Charlie, meanwhile, was immediately captivated. “From the moment I met Lisa, it was hard to concentrate,” he admits. “I was completely mesmerized.”

The couple’s engagement unfolded in Paris, a city as romantic as the moment itself. While Lisa enjoyed a spa day arranged by Charlie, he was quietly rehearsing the proposal he had planned. That evening, the pair were escorted to a private rooftop terrace at a luxury hotel, where florals, candlelight, and a violinist framed sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower. As Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” played, Charlie knelt and asked Lisa to marry him. “I said yes instantly,” she remembers.

From the outset, Lisa had a clear vision of what she wanted out of the wedding weekend. The Breakers, a Palm Beach icon where the bride had spent countless childhood afternoons, felt like a natural setting. “I’ve always pictured myself getting married there,” she shares. “It has oceanfront beauty paired with old-world charm that I desired for my fairy-tale wedding.”

The festivities began with a vibrant welcome party that set a playful, celebratory tone for the days ahead. Designed as a joyful contrast to the wedding day’s ambience, the alfresco gathering embraced Palm Beach whimsy through custom floral-wrapped bars dressed in chinoiserie-inspired patterns, sculpted topiary accents – including a nod to the couple’s beloved pup, and cheeky details like pink flamingos woven throughout the décor. Lush tropical florals and greenery framed the space as guests mingled over signature cocktails.

“Every detail was intentionally designed to feel cohesive.”

Their ceremony took place at sunset overlooking the Atlantic, framed by a custom chuppah layered with cascading white orchids and soft blush florals. A triple-arch installation welcomed guests, while violinists standing atop pedestals created a ceremonial entrance moment. “Every detail was intentionally designed to feel cohesive,” Lisa explains. “I wanted it to feel elevated but not overwhelming.”

Ceremony music for the Jewish service was carefully curated to reflect both tradition and personality. Instrumental versions of Taylor Swift favorites accompanied the processionals, while the couple recessed joyfully to Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” Perhaps the most memorable participant, however, was Lulu – the couple’s Mini Labradoodle – who made her debut as flower girl in a custom white dress and floral collar. “Having her there meant everything to us,” Charlie says.

Lisa was a vision in a strapless ivory ball gown featuring a sculpted bodice and dramatic, flowing skirt that moved effortlessly as she walked down the aisle. The timeless silhouette was elevated by refined detailing and a sweeping train, striking a balance between classic bridal elegance and modern-chic style.

The reception revealed a dramatic transformation. Beneath a ceiling of suspended florals, dense with roses and hydrangeas in creamy whites, blush pinks, and muted rose tones, guests dined at tables bedecked with low arrangements designed to encourage conversation. Multi-tiered circular floral installations added dimension, while a candlelit floral tunnel guided guests from cocktail hour into the ballroom. “I wanted every transition to feel like a moment,” Lisa notes, adding that she wanted a wow factor, but not floral overload.

After early planning challenges, Lisa found her creative counterpart in Jon Buick of Xquisite Events. “He truly understood my vision,” she says. “He listened, cared about the details as much as I did, and made everything better. I could not have pulled this wedding of my dreams without Jon and Xquisite Events!” Lisa affirms of the experience.

Jewish customs were joyfully woven into the evening, including a spirited hora that lifted the newlyweds high above the dance floor. Later, the couple shared their first dance after weeks of lessons. “We were both terrified,” Lisa laughs, “but the moment the music started, it felt like the world melted away, and we were just enjoying the moment together. It is one of my favorite memories of the entire night.”

Looking back, both agree the day exceeded even their most carefully imagined plans. “The moment we walked back down the aisle as husband and wife – that’s when it truly became real,” Lisa reflects. Charlie adds simply, “She somehow looked even more beautiful than I ever imagined.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Winter 2026 expanded digital edition of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Winter 2026 expanded digital edition, visit our library of Inside Weddings digital back issues available for purchase.

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