By Harper for Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio – Naples Florida Wedding Photographer
A Love Story Rooted in Persistence and Passion
Persistence is the heartbeat of every great love story. For Marvin and Melissa, their journey wasn’t a straight line-but rather a dance, full of resilience, laughter, and the kind of chemistry that only grows stronger with time. Marvin’s unwavering pursuit, paired with Melissa’s warmth and grace, created a romance that was as much about tradition as it was about new beginnings.
Their wedding at Hotel Escalante (290 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102 | @hotelescalante) was a vibrant celebration of their Latino heritage and sophisticated taste. As a Naples Florida Wedding Photographer, it was an honor to capture every moment of this unforgettable day.
Hotel Escalante: Naples’ Hidden Gem for Luxury Weddings
Tucked just off Naples’ iconic Fifth Avenue South, Hotel Escalante is a boutique oasis where Mediterranean elegance meets tropical beauty. The venue’s lush gardens, sun-drenched courtyards, and romantic poolside settings create a sense of privacy and exclusivity that’s perfect for intimate, high-end weddings.
Venue Details:
- Address: 290 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
- Website: hotelescalante.com
- Instagram: @hotelescalante
Why It’s Perfect for Sophisticated Celebrations:
- Private buyouts for full exclusivity
- Mediterranean-inspired architecture and lush tropical gardens
- Steps from Naples’ best dining, art, and nightlife
- In-house culinary team for bespoke menus
- Impeccable service for you and your guests
The Wedding Day: A Tapestry of Culture, Family, and Joy
Getting Ready: Family, Music, and Anticipation
The day began with laughter and music as Melissa and her bridesmaids prepared in a sunlit suite, surrounded by family and the scent of fresh florals. Marvin, with his closest friends, toasted to love and perseverance. The air was filled with excitement, tradition, and the vibrant energy that defines Latino celebrations.
The Ceremony: A Garden of Emotion
Set in Hotel Escalante’s lush courtyard, the ceremony honored both family and faith. Melissa walked down a petal-strewn aisle to the sounds of a live guitarist playing classic Latin ballads. The vows, spoken in both English and Spanish, were heartfelt and personal-a true reflection of their bicultural love story.
The Reception: Sophistication Meets Fiesta
As the sun set, the gardens transformed into a candlelit wonderland. Tables were adorned with elegant linens and bold, colorful florals-a nod to both Naples luxury and Latin vibrancy. The menu featured a fusion of local and traditional dishes, and the open-air dance floor was alive with salsa, merengue, and laughter late into the night.
Honoring Latino Traditions
Marvin and Melissa’s wedding was a masterclass in blending sophistication with cultural heritage. From the lasso ceremony to the joyful “La Hora Loca” (the crazy hour), every detail was a tribute to their roots. The celebration included:
Cultural Cuisine: A menu blending Latin favorites with Naples’ finest ingredients.
Bilingual Ceremony: Vows and readings in both languages for inclusivity.
Traditional Music: Live Latin musicians and a DJ spinning a mix of salsa, bachata, and reggaeton.
Family Blessings: Elders offered prayers and blessings, a cherished Latino custom.
La Hora Loca: Guests donned masks, hats, and glow sticks for a high-energy dance party.
The Creative Team: Naples’ Best Planners & Florists
A wedding of this caliber requires a team that understands both luxury and culture. Here are the top planners and florists who can bring any Naples or Hotel Escalante wedding vision to life:
Wedding Planners
Kelci Leigh Events | @kelcileighevents
Innovative design and warm, collaborative service.
Anna Lucia Events | @annaluciaevents
Timeless elegance and seamless execution for luxury weddings.
Lark & Willow Events | @larkandwillowevents
Modern romance and personalized details for sophisticated celebrations.
Jet Set Wed | @jetsetwed
Destination expertise and creative flair for multicultural events.
Margaret Events | @margaretevents
Classic luxury and meticulous attention to detail.
SBS Weddings & Events | @sbsweddings
Full-service planning for high-end, high-energy weddings.
Florists
- Tom Trovato Event Floral & Design | @tomtrovatofloral
Lush, elegant arrangements with a modern twist. - Naples Picasso Flowers | @naplespicassoflowers
Bold, creative designs for statement-making weddings. - Kaleidoscope Floral | @kaleidoscopefloral
Organic, romantic arrangements perfect for garden settings.
Planning a Luxury Latino Wedding at Hotel Escalante: Pro Tips
Trust Your Creative Team: Invest in the best planners and florists to bring your vision to life.
Book Early: Hotel Escalante’s exclusivity means dates fill quickly, especially for high season and cultural celebrations.
Consider a Full Buyout: For maximum privacy and a true family fiesta, reserve the entire property.
Blend Traditions: Work with your planner to weave cultural rituals into your ceremony and reception.
Golden Hour Portraits: Schedule sunset photos in the gardens and on Fifth Avenue for editorial-worthy images.
Why Choose Stills by Hernan for Your Naples Florida Wedding?
At Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio, we specialize in capturing the energy, emotion, and elegance of multicultural weddings. Our editorial approach, deep respect for tradition, and experience with Hotel Escalante and Naples’ top venues ensure your story is told with artistry and authenticity.
- Editorial, timeless photography and cinematic videography
- Experience with Latino and multicultural weddings
- A seamless, boutique experience from inquiry to album delivery
- A passion for capturing the joy, beauty, and culture of your day
Explore more Naples wedding inspiration:
Naples Luxury Beach Wedding Photography
Marco Island Fine Art Wedding Photographer
Editorial Engagements in Naples & Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many guests can Hotel Escalante accommodate?
A: The venue is ideal for intimate weddings, with options for full buyouts for larger celebrations.
Q: Can we have a bilingual ceremony?
A: Absolutely! Hotel Escalante and Naples’ top planners are experienced in bilingual and multicultural celebrations.
Q: What’s the best season for a Naples wedding?
A: November through April offers the most pleasant weather, but Hotel Escalante is a year-round oasis.
Q: Are there accommodations for guests?
A: Yes, the hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites for your wedding party and guests.
Ready to Begin Your Naples or Hotel Escalante Wedding Journey?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends culture, sophistication, and unforgettable moments, Hotel Escalante in Naples is your destination. With the right creative partners-planners, florists, and a photography and videography team who understand your vision-your celebration will be as extraordinary as your love.
Ready to make your wedding dreams a reality? Contact Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio to begin planning your luxury Naples wedding at Hotel Escalante.
Harper, for Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studio
Your Naples Florida Hotel Escalante Wedding Photographer & Filmmaker
Let’s capture your love story with the sophistication, color, and joy it deserves.
If you’d like to add more on Latino wedding traditions, real couple testimonials, or a sample timeline for a Hotel Escalante wedding, just let me know!