When most people hear the words “luxury wedding,” their minds immediately jump to the image of extravagant budgets, lavish floral arrangements, or the latest designer gowns. But after years of photographing high-end weddings, I’ve come to realize that true luxury is far more than the size of the price tag—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that feels personal, intentional, and perfectly tailored.
(Hint: A “Luxury Wedding” Is Not Just About the Budget!)
To gain a deeper understanding of what defines luxury in the wedding world, I sat down with one of the people I recently had the privilege to photograph—Victoria Dubin. Victoria is the founder of Victoria Dubin Events, along with her daughter, Amanda.
Over the years, Victoria and her daughter Amanda have masterminded several stunning weddings, proof that they’re true experts at orchestrating celebrations that echo sophistication and elegance while remaining deeply personal to each couple. In other words, she’s the kind of planner who doesn’t just think about the color of the napkins but how the couple will feel when they sit down.
In this exclusive Q&A, Victoria shares how her approach to luxury wedding planning is rooted in thoughtfulness, personalization, and deep hospitality. Whether you’ve just been engaged or in the final stages of planning, this conversation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at what thoughtful, high-touch wedding planning looks like from one of the best in the business.
Q: What inspired you to expand your planning services to South Florida?
A: “I’ve always had a business base in New York City, with clients from the surrounding areas like Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut,” says Victoria. “As the business has grown over 25 years, I’ve seen a shift where many of my clients, who are primarily from the New York area, started moving to Florida. So, we saw an opportunity to expand there.”
Victoria explains that the idea of Florida as a destination market is no longer applicable. “Now that many of my clients have made Florida their home, it’s not a destination for us anymore—it’s a natural extension of the work we’ve already been doing.”
With her presence now split between New York and Florida, she is able to offer a seamless transition for her established clientele who are looking to host elegant, high-end weddings in the Sunshine State. “We’ve built our reputation around serving a certain market, and that same market now wants to entertain in Florida,” she adds. “But whether it’s in Florida, New York, or any destination, we provide the same level of luxury, and we have access to top-tier venues and resources that make it possible to maintain our brand consistency.”
Q: How do you tailor your planning approach for destination or out-of-state clients who want to have a luxury experience in the Florida market?
A: “I don’t think the Florida market is any more challenging than the New York market. The sensibility is the same. We look at the venue, and we spend a lot of time with our clients getting to know them, understanding their vision,” explains Victoria. “From there, we put a plan in place that we can implement anywhere by finding the right resources.”
She adds that her background in design plays a significant role. “Our background in design really helps with this because we already have established relationships with many vendors in the Florida market, such as our linen providers and furniture suppliers. Additionally, many of our key partners, including tabletop companies, are already based in Florida.”
Victoria goes on to highlight that the need for external help is minimal due to the talent already available. “So when it comes to working with a photographer like yourself, there’s no need to bring in external help—Florida has some amazing talent.”
Ultimately, Victoria emphasizes that the process remains the same, regardless of location. “The process of planning and creating a luxury experience isn’t different in Florida. It’s about making sure that we’re connecting the client’s vision to the right local resources. We are able to bring our established, high-end brand to the Florida market seamlessly, which makes it an easy transition for us. It’s the same level of luxury, the same thoughtful approach, whether we’re planning in New York, Florida, or any destination.”
Q: Luxury means different things to different couples. How do you define luxury in the context of wedding planning?
A: “Luxury is a word people use to describe an elevated experience and a bespoke event,” explains Victoria. “In my opinion, however, it’s more about creating a customized event where you’re not just taking the client to various vendors—whether that’s designers, lighting companies, venues—and letting these vendors take the lead. Instead, you’re managing the entire process from start to finish, ensuring that there is a consistency in the sensibility and style of the event.”
Victoria highlights that her team’s approach to luxury goes beyond just the final product, focusing on the intricacies that elevate the experience. “We pride ourselves on crafting unusual aesthetics, incorporating unique details, and ensuring that everything is personalized.”
She then shifts to discussing how luxury is tied to service. “Luxury means taking very good care of your clients. It’s about providing a level of service that’s not just about the outcome, but also about the journey. People are willing to pay a premium for someone who can not only take the stress out of the planning process but also offer expertise they may not have themselves. It’s about being there every step of the way to make their lives easier, respecting their time, and ensuring that they don’t have to sweat the details.”
Victoria adds, “At the end of the day, luxury means that the clients feel like guests at their own event. They should be able to enjoy the process rather than feel like they’re working for it. The experience of being fully immersed in their celebration, while someone else takes care of the complexities—that, to me, defines true luxury.”
Q: As far as 2025, what trends are you looking and loving right now in the luxury wedding space?
A: “We’re not necessarily a trend-focused business,” explains Victoria. “We don’t look at trends to differentiate ourselves as style makers in the industry. However, one trend that has definitely stuck is the love for nature-inspired aesthetics. Since the pandemic, many people have gravitated toward the concept of being outdoors, and that has translated into weddings. Even if they’re held in an indoor venue, people love the idea of bringing the outdoors indoors and replicating the beauty of nature throughout their celebrations.”
She also pointed out another shift: couples looking for alternatives to traditional florals to help their events stand out. “People are looking for unique floral choices, as well as interior design-related elements—like fabric, structures, and candles—to make their events different from others.”
Luxury Means Everything is Personalized
Victoria emphasized that the biggest trend right now is the desire for personalization. “What’s truly on trend is the need to stand out in the wedding industry, which is so vast. Couples want their weddings to feel unique and personal to them. That comes down to planning and design, and getting to know the couple deeply to create something that reflects who they are.”
At this point, I mentioned how I’ve noticed more weddings lately are starting to look like art installations—there’s a kind of museum-like quality to the styling and overall experience, similar to this wedding I recently shot in Coral Gables.
Victoria agreed that for some couples, that aesthetic is definitely part of their vision. “It really depends on the venue and what the couple is looking for. But everything should tie together. When a couple works with us, we identify their vision and assemble the right vendor team to support it. You can build an aesthetic and experience not just for the couple but for their guests too—starting with a beautifully designed invitation that hints at what’s to come. Something that feels detailed and personal.”
She added, “That level of personalization is what’s exciting a lot of brides and grooms right now. It’s about having their voices heard and their vision shared—and that’s a big part of the experience.”
Q: What are the two or three things you wish couples would know or prioritize during their wedding planning?
A: “I think the biggest thing couples should prioritize is being properly educated from the very beginning,” Victoria told me. “That means making informed decisions early on—especially when it comes to hiring the right professional to lead the process. Essentially, someone who can act as your general contractor for the event.”
She emphasized how important it is to choose a planner not based on the price tag, but based on their work, style, and how well they understand and represent your vision. “I really wish couples would select their planners based on fit and trust, not just fees. There’s often a misunderstanding when it comes to pricing in the planning community, and I think if clients came into the process with a more open mindset about the overall experience and aesthetic—and how that connects to the budget—it would make a huge difference.”
Here’s why you need to trust your planner
Victoria also talked about the importance of letting go of the need to micromanage each vendor or cost. “Trust your planner to manage the team and the overall budget. Let them use their relationships and expertise to get you the best outcome. That transparency from the beginning is so important, and we work hard to educate our clients on that.”
She added that the timeline is another area where couples tend to get overwhelmed. “Clients will say, ‘Am I late? Should I have done this already? My friends already booked theirs…’ And that’s where the planner steps in. A great planner knows the timing, and knows when the right moment is to engage vendors. It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about understanding the rhythm of the event industry.”
Victoria pointed out how wedding planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. “It’s not like walking into a department store and picking a dress off the rack. You’re handcrafting an entire experience—a Broadway show, really—where every piece needs to be thoughtful and intentional. That’s why patience, trust, and letting the professionals do their work is everything.”
And of course, I couldn’t help but chime in because I felt it so deeply! As a wedding photographer, I told her how much that philosophy resonates with me too. Trust is everything. When couples give their team the creative freedom to do what they do best, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when the real, meaningful, spontaneous moments get captured. It’s all connected—and it all starts with letting go a little and leaning into the people you hired.
And speaking of hiring the right people…
Victoria is exactly that—one of the best in the business, with over 25 years of experience designing unforgettable celebrations that are as intentional as they are breathtaking. Her approach is rooted in trust, collaboration, and artistry—and it shows in every event she brings to life.
Click here to connect with Victoria and learn more about her luxury wedding planning services.
Whether you’re a couple just beginning your planning journey or a creative in the industry, hearing from someone like Victoria is grounding. Her thoughtful, heart-led approach is a reminder that the most beautiful weddings are about more than design—they’re about the people who bring them to life.
And if you’re still searching for the Photographer who will capture your day with emotion, intention, and a whole lot of love—I’d be honored to tell your story.
Can’t wait to be part of something beautiful!
Claudia
