Erika & Duane | An Elegant Waterfront Wedding at Briza On The Bay in Miami, Florida
Some wedding days are beautiful because of the details. Others are unforgettable because of the people.
Erika and Duane’s wedding at Briza On The Bay in Miami was the perfect blend of both. From the emotional tears during their first look to a celebration that had guests dancing until the very last song, every moment reflected the love, joy, and excitement they share with everyone around them.
With an elegant black and white color palette, breathtaking waterfront views, heartfelt bilingual moments, and one of the most energetic bridal parties we’ve ever photographed, their wedding was a celebration we’ll never forget.
As wedding photographers, we’re always honored to document love stories, but this one was especially meaningful because every part of the day felt authentic, intentional, and filled with emotion.
A Calm Morning Filled With Anticipation
The morning began at a nearby Airbnb where both Erika and Duane prepared for one of the biggest days of their lives. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as music played, laughter echoed through the rooms, and family members helped with the final touches.
While Erika spent the morning getting ready with her bridesmaids, Duane and his groomsmen brought an incredible amount of energy. From the very beginning of the day, the guys kept everyone laughing, creating memories that perfectly reflected the friendships they shared. Their personalities would eventually become one of the highlights of the reception, but even during the getting ready portion of the day, it was obvious they were going to keep the celebration alive.
One of the sweetest surprises came while Erika was taking her bridal portraits.
Without her expecting it, Duane arranged for his best man to deliver a beautiful bouquet of roses. It was a simple gesture, yet one that spoke volumes about his love for his soon-to-be wife. Watching her reaction reminded everyone that weddings are often made unforgettable by the little moments that happen in between the big ones.
A First Look Filled With Tears
Before heading to the venue, Erika and Duane chose to share a private first look.
These quiet moments away from the excitement of the wedding day often become some of our favorites to photograph, and theirs was no exception.
As Erika walked toward Duane, emotions immediately took over.
The moment he turned around and saw his bride for the very first time, tears filled his eyes. It was impossible not to feel the weight of that moment. There were no distractions, no guests, and no music competing for attention. It was simply two people about to begin the next chapter of their lives together.
Following their first look, they exchanged private vows, creating an intimate space where they could express their hearts before standing together in front of family and friends later that evening.
These moments are often some of the most cherished because they allow couples to slow down and truly be present before the celebration begins.
A Rolls-Royce Ride Through Miami
One of the most unique parts of the day happened on the drive to Briza On The Bay.
Instead of simply traveling to the venue, Erika and Duane made the journey part of their wedding story by arriving in a stunning Rolls-Royce.
Our lead photographer, Xyan, had the opportunity to ride with them, documenting genuine conversations, laughter, quiet reflections, and the anticipation that naturally builds as a couple gets closer to saying “I do.”
Some of the most meaningful photographs aren’t always taken at the venue. Sometimes they’re captured during the moments in between.
Romantic Rooftop Portraits Overlooking Biscayne Bay
Once they arrived at Briza On The Bay, we headed to the rooftop for portraits overlooking Biscayne Bay.
With the Miami skyline serving as the backdrop, Erika and Duane looked effortlessly elegant together. Their timeless black and white wedding aesthetic paired beautifully with the waterfront scenery, creating portraits that feel both modern and classic.
A Beautiful Ceremony Surrounded by Love
As guests took their seats inside Briza On The Bay, anticipation filled the room. Every detail had come together beautifully, and you could feel the excitement as everyone waited for the ceremony to begin.
The ceremony opened with Duane’s parents making their entrance before all eyes turned to the groom.
As “I Won” by Future featuring Kanye West began to play, Duane made an unforgettable entrance of his own. His confident walk toward the altar perfectly reflected the joy and excitement of the moment. It wasn’t just an entrance—it was a statement that he couldn’t wait to marry the woman he loved.
Then came one of the most heartfelt moments of the day.
Erika was escorted down the aisle by her mother, creating a beautiful mother-daughter moment that added even more meaning to an already emotional ceremony. As she made her way toward Duane, you could see the love, pride, and emotion shared between them, making it a walk no one in the room would soon forget.
One detail that made their ceremony especially meaningful was the prayer shared with their parents and mentors before exchanging vows. It was a beautiful reminder that marriage is strengthened not only by the couple themselves but also by the people who have guided and supported them throughout their lives.
The ceremony also reflected the joining of two cultures, with heartfelt moments shared in both English and Spanish. It created an inclusive experience that allowed every guest to feel connected to the celebration.
As they exchanged rings and shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the room erupted in applause while family and friends celebrated the beginning of their new journey together.
Golden Hour Along the Water
Following the ceremony, Erika and Duane stepped outside with their bridal party for a few portraits along the waterfront before joining their guests for cocktail hour.
With Biscayne Bay as the backdrop, these moments gave everyone a chance to pause, celebrate, and take in the significance of the day before the evening festivities began. After portraits, the newlyweds spent time mingling with family and friends during cocktail hour, soaking in the excitement and love that surrounded them.
Sometimes, those few quiet moments between the ceremony and reception become some of the most meaningful. The timeline slows down, the nerves have settled, and couples can simply enjoy being husband and wife for the very first time.
A Reception That Never Slowed Down
If the ceremony was emotional, the reception was pure celebration.
Guests were welcomed into an elegant ballroom where the newlyweds made an unforgettable grand entrance before sharing their first dance together.
The evening continued with touching parent dances, heartfelt speeches, and blessings from loved ones.
One of the most beautiful parts of the reception was hearing speeches delivered in both English and Spanish, reflecting the coming together of two families and two cultures. Every toast carried its own personality, from emotional memories to laughter-filled stories that had everyone smiling.
The Cash Family Knows How to Celebrate
Once the formalities ended, the dance floor came alive.
The groomsmen, who had been the life of the party since the morning, wasted no time getting everyone on their feet. Their energy was contagious and quickly spread throughout the room.
As if the celebration couldn’t get any more memorable, guests embraced the couple’s last name in the most fitting way possible.
Cash filled the dance floor.
Friends and family tossed money into the air as everyone danced, laughed, and celebrated the newlyweds. It became one of the most unique moments of the evening and perfectly reflected the joy surrounding Erika and Duane’s marriage.
Then came Hora Loca, taking the celebration to another level. Foam sticks filled the room, the music got louder, and the dance floor stayed packed as guests celebrated alongside the newlyweds.
One of our favorite moments came when we looked over and saw Duane standing beside the DJ with a smoke cannon in hand, laughing as he blasted clouds of smoke across the dance floor while his guests danced beneath them. It perfectly captured his fun-loving personality and the energy that had been present from the very start of the day. By that point, the reception had transformed into an unforgettable celebration where no one wanted the night to end.
Looking around the room, it was impossible not to smile. The laughter, the dancing, and the genuine happiness shared by every guest made it clear that this wasn’t just a wedding reception. It was a celebration of two incredible people beginning their new life together.
Congratulations, Erika & Duane
Erika and Duane,
Thank you for trusting Shots By Xyan to document one of the most meaningful seasons of your lives. From your save-the-date session to the day you said “I do,” it has been an incredible honor to walk alongside you and preserve each chapter of your journey.
Your kindness, genuine love for one another, and the incredible community surrounding you made this a wedding we’ll always remember. Watching your story unfold from the excitement of your engagement to becoming Mr. and Mrs. Cash has truly been a privilege.
We wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, endless adventures, and beautiful new memories together.
Congratulations once again, Mr. and Mrs. Cash.
Wedding Vendor Team
Venue: Briza On The Bay | Miami, Florida
Planner: @nellysevents
Photography: @shotsbyxyan
Videography: @goodfaithproduction & @the.weddingproduction
Content Creator: @theemaidofcontent
Florist: @casadirisfloraldesigns
Hair: @theprettyfier
Makeup Artist: @yazmineartistry
Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: @earthandsugar
DJ: @djqwon
Looking for a Briza On The Bay Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning your wedding at Briza On The Bay or anywhere throughout Miami, we’d love to help tell your story in a way that feels authentic, timeless, and true to who you are. At Shots By Xyan, we believe every wedding deserves to be documented with intention, emotion, and artistry so you can relive every moment for generations to come.
