A breezy December night, Ybor City Museum Garden beautifully decorated in greenery and the Groom ready to blow away his bride along with his groomsmen, his fraternity brothers.

Rashaud gets down on one knee, looks at Ruthie in the eyes and starts singing a cappella with the help of his best friends.

 

Such a romantic and sweet gesture that set the mood for the rest of their Ybor City Museum wedding reception.

 

Ruthie & Rashaud are amazing people! He made the first move using a line from the movie The Ladies Man: “Can I buy you a fish sandwhich?”

 

One of their most memorable dates was at an intimate cuban bar and lounger, Hoy como ayer, in Miami on Calle Ocho, which is an area deeply rooted in the city’s History & Culture. There they saw one of their favorite bands which Ruthie introduced to Rashaud when they started dating: Spam AllStars.

A Beautiful Ybor City Museum Garden Holiday Wedding

They had their wedding at the Ybor City Museum State Park. This historic museum, with its ornamental garden, open space and beautiful fountain made for the perfect location for Ruthie & Rashaud’s Ybor City Museum holiday wedding.

 

These two opted for an intimate ceremony with family and close friends and brought along the rest of their friends for their reception. They also had a First Look, if you are not familiar with wedding first looks or would like more information on them, I wrote all about them, their benefits and drawbacks here: What is a First Look?

 

Ruthie & Rashaud’s Ybor City Museum Garden wedding was absolutely gorgeous and I am so honored that I got to capture it. Everything from the simple greenery decor, to the vendors involved, such as Babyl band – this band was seriously soo amazing!! Cocktail Movement and the atmosphere was perfect! Oh and as you probably noticed, the bride and I share the same name! And not only that but the bride’s best friend’s name is also Ruth. What are the chances!

The Cord of Three Strands

One of my favorite moments of the day was during the ceremony, when Ruthie & Rashaud did the cord of three strands. The cord of three strands or God’s knot came from the bible verse on Ecclesiastes 4:12 that reads “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

 

The gold cord represents God and how he is the foundation of their relationship, the red cord represents the groom and the white strand represents the bride. The bride and groom braid the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife.

 

Having the cord of three strands as part of their ceremony, was a beautiful statement of their faith and a way to let God be the center of their marriage. I absolutely loved this!

 

Ruthie & Rashaud, I wish you the very best on your new journey as husband and wife, may God always be the center and foundation of your marriage. Many blessings to you two! <3