Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami on the pristine white sand beaches of Sunny Isles, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is an enchanting Mediterranean villa with an atmosphere that embodies the spirit of luxury, serenity and enjoyment.
Susan Wesselhoft is the Director of Catering and Conference Services at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach. Susan has been working in the industry for 20 years and the past 3 have been at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach. It was an absolute pleasure working talking to Susan. Thank you for giving us the inside scoop on what is it like planning a wedding at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach.
GO: What is your unique role when it comes to a couple’s wedding day and how does your property distinguish a couple’s experience as opposed to getting married somewhere else?
SW: From the moment of the first visit, the couple is welcomed to the resort with a Champagne Bellini and a Cold Towel and welcomed by name. The attention to every detail is felt from the initial interaction. When they have their wedding event at Acqualina Resort, it is the ultimate in exclusivity for their family and friends, since we only host 1 affair at a time; they truly are the king and queen of the castle for that night.
GO: From start to finish, what can a couple expect if they choose to get married at your property?
SW: The couples can absolutely feel very special, as thought they and their guests are in a private Mediterranean Villa on the Sea, since their wedding will be exclusive to the resort their family and friends will be in an intimate venue where they can celebrate in luxury. All guests will remember their affair for many years to follow…
GO: If you had to describe your property in three words, what would they be?
SW: Elegance on the Beach, Romance, Luxury!
GO: What are the unique locations that a couple can host their ceremony and reception at in your venue?
SW: The Ocean Front Lawn – this lawn is unique to Acqualina and south Florida where the garden meets to sea – this lawn can be accommodated for up to 200 guests or as small as 20 guests. Full panoramic ocean view, the ideal setting for a ceremony or reception. All the benefits of a beach wedding without the challenges. Acqualina Resort sits on 4.5 oceanfront acres of lush tropical landscaping and gardens.
GO: Do you have areas where a couple can elect to take their wedding pictures at your property?
SW: The entire resort is available for couples to take their photography on the day of the wedding. From the Porte Cochere entrance to the beach and ocean all areas provide a wide variety of photo opportunities, from formal to playful.
GO: Do you have customizable packages? Tell me a little bit about them?
SW: At Acqualina we specialize in custom designed packages to suit the couples individual tastes and styles. Since we can accommodate 1 wedding at a time, we try to create the feeling of truly personalized services and items that are favorites of the bride and groom. All of our packages include complimentary accommodations (based on availability) for the bride and groom. All guestrooms are oversized rooms & suites all with water views and spacious terraces.
GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding; tell me about your menus/culinary team?
SW: Executive Chef Christopher Blum is incredible and all of our wedding clients and guests are thrilled with his food presentation, taste and quality. A wedding at Acqualina Resort is synonymous with the highest level of luxury and Chef Blum’s cuisine is second to none. Although we do customize dishes to suite the preferences of our clientele, many of our most discerning guests opt for one of our most popular dishes such as the Salad Sampler Trio, SeaBass en Papilotte and the Macadamia Nut crusted Grouper.
GO: What is the first thing a couple should do if they are interested in getting married at your property?
SW: Please visit our web site at www.acqualina.com for more info and submit a request for a proposal. Or, call me directly anytime for a personal custom package at 305-918-6774.
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach
17875 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
T: 305.918.8000
acqualinaresort.com
Tags: acqualina resort, Beach Weddings, champagne bellini, elegance, florida ceremony & reception, fort lauderdale, mediterranean villa, miami, porte cochere, sunny isles
