Romantic Gothic Wedding at The Cruz Building | Samantha & Paul

Some weddings don’t feel like events.

They feel like worlds.

Samantha and Paul’s romantic gothic wedding at The Cruz Building in Miami was exactly that—a fully immersive, intentional story brought to life.

From the beginning, the vision was clear: Victorian gothic romance inspired by Crimson Peak, Phantom of the Opera, and Dracula. Candlelight, rich textures, moody florals, and a ballroom that felt like it belonged to another time. Dramatic, elegant, and deeply personal—never overdone.

While getting ready, Samantha embodied that balance perfectly. Her vintage floral wedding dress hung nearby while she wore her Fallout jacket, sipping sodas straight out of the video game. Soft and romantic, playful and bold—all at once. Paul committed fully to the mood too, later appearing in a red cape, because when you lean into the aesthetic, you really lean in.

They chose to share private vows before the ceremony—quiet, grounding, and just for them. No audience. No distractions. A moment to settle into the day together before stepping into the spotlight.

The ceremony transformed The Cruz Building ballroom into something cinematic. Guests didn’t just attend—they participated. Everyone arrived dressed to match the moment, fully embracing the gothic wedding style, making the space feel cohesive and alive.

Dinner felt like a proper feast. And tucked into the wedding table settings was a subtle nod to an inside love Samantha and Paul share. No explanation needed. Just a quiet “if you know, you know.”

Dessert featured one of the most charming traditions of the night: Victorian cake pulls. Ribbons were drawn, fortunes revealed, and laughter filled the room—an old-world detail that fit seamlessly into the romantic gothic theme.

Instead of a bouquet toss, guests were each given a key and invited to try unlocking a birdcage holding the bouquet inside. Anticipation built with every turn, turning a classic moment into something interactive and memorable.

The night closed with the perfect surprise. The final song was “I2I (Eye to Eye)” from A Goofy Movie. Samantha and Paul stood in the center of a circle, pulling each guest in one by one—for a twirl, a hug, a shared moment. No one left watching from the edges.

They were sent off by candlelight, flames flickering as they stepped into the night, closing a wedding day built entirely on intention, connection, and character.

This wasn’t a wedding designed to follow rules.It was designed to tell their story—and those are always my favorite ones to photograph.