Miami’s Historic Oceanfront: A Miami Wedding at the Deering Estate
By Kastina / January 6, 2026
On January 6, 2024, Lauren and Peter celebrated their marriage with a destination wedding at the historic Deering Estate in Miami, Florida. Set along the shores of Biscayne Bay, the iconic oceanfront venue provided a breathtaking backdrop for a celebration that felt timeless, elegant, and deeply intentional.
With palm trees overhead, the ocean just steps away, and a classic palette of whites and soft greens, the wedding balanced refined design with the natural beauty of South Florida. While much of the planning was led thoughtfully by the bride, Kastina & Co. supported the process from Minnesota — assisting with logistics, vendor coordination, and intentional decision-making to ensure the weekend unfolded seamlessly from start to finish.
*All Photos by Eclectic Elegance
A Destination Wedding Planned with Intention
Lauren and Peter envisioned a wedding that felt elevated yet relaxed – a weekend where guests could slow down, gather meaningfully, and enjoy Miami’s natural beauty. Hosting the celebration in Lauren’s hometown allowed friends and family to experience the city through a personal lens, with many guests traveling from Minnesota and beyond.
Planning a destination wedding from afar requires a unique approach. Rather than taking over creative direction, Kastina & Co. partnered closely with Lauren to act as a sounding board and logistical guide – double-checking details, reviewing timelines, coordinating vendors, and helping ensure every decision aligned with what mattered most to the couple.
This collaborative planning style allowed the wedding to feel deeply personal, while still benefiting from professional structure and experience.
The Venue: Deering Estate Wedding in Miami, Florida
Nestled along Biscayne Bay, the Deering Estate is one of Miami’s most sought-after historic wedding venues. Its preserved architecture, expansive lawns, and unobstructed waterfront views make it an ideal setting for couples seeking a destination wedding that feels both elegant and grounded in place.
The venue’s natural beauty allowed the design to remain timeless and understated – letting the surroundings speak for themselves while elevating the guest experience.
An Oceanfront Ceremony, Close to the Heart
The ceremony took place at the water’s edge, framed by palm trees, soft greenery, and sweeping bay views. Guests were seated facing the ocean, creating an immersive and serene atmosphere.
Lauren wore a flowing white gown with a long veil that moved effortlessly in the coastal breeze, paired with a bouquet of white florals and soft greenery. Peter stood beneath the open sky in a light-toned suit, perfectly suited to the Miami setting. The bridal party wore light green dresses, bringing depth and cohesion to the overall design.
The ceremony was officiated by Kastina Morrison, adding a personal layer to the day. As a close friend of the couple, Kastina brought warmth, familiarity, and a thoughtful understanding of their story – creating a ceremony that felt authentic, and meaningful.
Reception Design: Elegant Outdoor Dining – Rain Included
Following the ceremony, guests transitioned to an outdoor reception under a clearspan tent on the Deering Estate grounds. The design reflected the couple’s desire for refined simplicity: white linens, lush white florals, soft greenery, and natural wood chairs created a setting that felt elevated without losing its relaxed coastal feel.
In the days leading up to the wedding, weather forecasts remained uncertain – an everyday reality when planning outdoor destination events. With careful monitoring and advance planning, the decision to tent was made several days prior. When a Florida rainstorm arrived just after cocktail hour, the celebration continued uninterrupted.
As rain fell during dinner, the tent created an intimate, candlelit atmosphere that felt cozy, romantic, and unexpectedly magical – a reminder that proactive planning allows couples and guests to stay present, no matter the conditions.
A Night of Celebration: Toasts, Cake & Dancing
The evening unfolded with heartfelt toasts, shared laughter, and meaningful moments as guests enjoyed dinner together. Lauren and Peter later cut their classic white cake before opening the dance floor with their first dance as newlyweds.
With great music and a full dance floor, the celebration carried late into the night – the kind of evening that feels effortless when logistics are thoughtfully managed behind the scenes.
Favorite Moments from the Day
- An oceanfront ceremony framed by palm trees and bay views
- Dining under a clearspan tent as rain fell around it
- A packed dance floor filled with guests who traveled near and far
This wedding was not only a beautiful celebration – it was an experience that continues to shape how Kastina & Co. approaches destination weddings today. Working alongside Lauren throughout the planning process reinforced the value of intentional collaboration, proactive logistics, and honoring a couple’s vision while providing expert support.
Lauren is now one of Kastina & Co.’s lead day-of coordinators, bringing both her Miami roots and destination wedding experience to the clients she supports. For couples planning weddings from afar – whether in Miami, Minnesota, or beyond – that firsthand perspective helps ensure celebrations feel seamless, personal, and well cared for.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding and want a planning partner who understands both the logistics and the emotional investment behind it, Kastina & Co. is here to guide the process – wherever your celebration takes place.
