Vows that Wow – Kirsten & Hermès

Kirsten and Hermès’ celebration unfolded as a layered, deeply emotional day where legacy, love, and intentional craftsmanship met in a way that felt unmistakably personal. Set against the romantic backdrop of Villa Woodbine, every detail told a story. From heirloom elements woven into Kirsten’s gown to vows that crossed languages and generations, their wedding honored the past while thoughtfully stepping into the future.

The celebration began with pre-wedding portraits at Vizcaya, the perfect setting to showcase Kirsten’s stunning dress — because there is truly no such thing as too many portraits. On the wedding day, both the bride and groom prepared at The Biltmore before gathering with loved ones for a ceremony and reception held at the timeless Villa Woodbine.

A Presence Felt in Every Moment 

At the heart of the day was the loving remembrance of Kirsten’s late father, Paul Coe, whose spirit was thoughtfully woven throughout every moment. Though his passing in March of 2024 was unexpected and deeply felt, Kirsten ensured his presence remained constant and meaningful.

An antique locket holding his photograph was tied with ribbon around her bouquet, carried with her down the aisle. After her mother gave her away, Kirsten placed the bouquet into her hands, allowing her mother to carry that symbol forward. An empty seat was reserved where the father of the bride would traditionally sit, marked with a calligraphed name card and Kirsten’s bouquet resting beside her mother. Quiet, intentional, and deeply moving, it was a tribute that spoke volumes without saying a word.

The morning itself unfolded with equal symbolism. The groom and groomsmen prepared in the Biltmore Hotel’s Golf Suite, overlooking the rolling greens that reflected Paul’s life as a golf professional. Kirsten prepared just above in the dramatic Everglades Suite, sharing that same view. With makeup artist Lindsey Brooke Reyes by her side, Kirsten described feeling her father’s presence strongly in those early hours — a calm, steady reassurance that carried her into the day.

Heirloom Details 

Family history played a starring role in Kirsten’s wedding gown. In the 1980s, her grandmother handcrafted her mother’s wedding dress, carefully preserving unused sequins and beads from the original design. Decades later, discovering those embellishments felt like uncovering a piece of family history waiting to be reborn.

Kirsten entrusted Australian twin designers Margaret and Michelle of MXM Couture to bring that vision to life. The heirloom beads were mailed across the world and hand-stitched into her custom gown, woven through the bodice and train. Every detail was crafted by hand on a mannequin built to her exact measurements, creating a gown that felt intimate, intentional, and beautifully full circle. What a tribute to the women who shaped her life!

The Wedding Shoes

As Miami’s Store Director for luxury Italian maison Gianvito Rossi, Kirsten has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship — but even she was surprised when Gianvito himself offered to create her wedding shoes. What followed was a months long collaboration resulting in bespoke heels that felt like a modern Cinderella slipper: refined, romantic, and unmistakably timeless.

Handcrafted by Italian artisans and finished with her initials stamped inside the sole, the shoes arrived alongside a handwritten note from Gianvito wishing her well. It was a gift of beauty, yes — but also of kindness.

Stationary As Art

Kirsten’s artistic background came to life in the wedding stationery. Since she was unable to find an illustration of Villa Woodbine that captured its true character, she created one herself, spending 18 hours sketching and coloring every architectural detail by hand.

The illustration became the centerpiece of the Save the Dates and invitations, debossed onto blush cotton-rag envelopes in an antique metallic brown. Antique stamps — curated and arranged individually by Kirsten — adorned each envelope, featuring birds, florals, writers, and French motifs. No two were alike, turning every invitation into a keepsake.

Vows That Truly Wowed

The most unforgettable moment came during the vows. Wanting to honor Hémes’ Corsican roots and the many French-speaking guests present, Kirsten surprised him by reciting a portion of her vows in French — a language she does not speak.

The effect was immediate and emotional. Tears filled Hémes’ eyes, as well as those of his family, hearing words of love spoken in the language of his childhood. In a day filled with beauty and motion, that moment felt suspended in time — a gesture that spoke directly to his heritage, his family, and his heart.

It was, in every sense, vows that wowed everyone.

A Thoughtful Layered Celebration

The reception space was elevated with thoughtfully curated Mi Vintage rentals, adding warmth, texture, and old world charm that perfectly complemented the venue. Each piece felt collected rather than staged, enhancing the atmosphere with character and history — a natural extension of the couple’s approach to design. Guests were treated to a Dipp Photo Booth, which kept the energy high and the memories flowing well into the night, while Cloud 9 Bakery delivered a cake that was as beautiful as it was delicious.

Culture Woven Into Their Wedding Celebration 

French culture was not just incorporated; it was truly the heart of their wedding. Hermès is 100% French, born and raised in Corsica, while Kirsten is partially French-Canadian on her father’s side. They both share a deep appreciation for the elegance, old world romance, and organic simplicity of French sophistication, naturally becoming the guiding inspiration for their wedding.

“Guests were greeted with glasses of Veuve Clicquot, and we continued the French influence with dinner selections inspired by classic French cuisine, including filet mignon. My bespoke wedding gown featured intricate French lace as its defining detail, bringing the theme into the fashion as well. A favorite personal touch, was surprising Hermès by ending my vows in French—honoring his heritage and the culture that played such a meaningful role in our love story.” says Kirsten.

In the end, Kirsten and Hémes’ wedding wasn’t defined by a single moment, but by the care behind every one of them. It was a day built slowly, deliberately, and with deep respect for where they come from and where they’re going. Love showed up in many forms — memory, language, artistry, and family — and together, they created a celebration that felt less like an event and more like a living keepsake.