By Nora Sullivan
October 26, 2026
Some love stories begin with a chance encounter, unfolding over time into a romance destined for a grand celebration. For Layla Farah, the daughter of renowned Jacksonville attorney Chuck Farah, and Jack Hanania Jr., the son of prominent automotive entrepreneur Jack Hanania of Hanania Autos, their journey to the altar was nothing short of cinematic. Blending high-end design, deep family roots, and effortless modern elegance, the couple’s wedding stands as one of the most talked-about celebrations of the season.
The couple first crossed paths in December 2021 after running into each other at a restaurant in Jacksonville. While that initial meeting planted a seed, fate had much bigger plans for the pair. They officially met a few months later at a joint bachelor and bachelorette celebration in March 2022, where sparks flew instantly during a lively pool party at Wet Republic in Las Vegas. From that defining moment onward, Layla and Jack proved to be entirely inseparable.
Over the course of their relationship, Layla and Jack built a partnership centered on cherishing every moment together. Whether they are exploring new travel destinations around the world, taking long evening walks followed by a visit to a favorite dinner spot, relaxing quietly by the beach or pool, or simply spending a cozy evening binge-watching television shows on the couch, they genuinely love doing life side by side.
When the time arrived for Jack to pop the question, he ensured the moment would be unforgettable. Convincing Layla that they were simply attending one of his business events, he orchestrated an elaborate surprise in the very heart of Miami Beach. Standing directly in front of the iconic Setai Hotel, Jack got down on one knee and asked Layla to spend the rest of her life with him. It was everything Layla had ever dreamed of, marking a picture-perfect beginning to the next major chapter of their shared story.
When it came time to plan the wedding itself, the couple envisioned an aesthetic defined by elegance, timelessness, an elevated sense of class, and a subtle touch of modern sophistication. Every detail, from the fashion to the decor, was curated to reflect this distinct vision.
For her walk down the aisle, Layla made a timeless bridal statement in "The Caroline," a breathtaking creation by celebrated New York bridal atelier Mark Ingram Bride. Hailing from the designer’s highly anticipated Spring 2025 collection, the gown masterfully blended regal elegance with old-world romance. Crafted from exquisite French Alençon lace, the dress featured a classic strapless ball gown silhouette that immediately commanded the room. A meticulously corset-constructed bodice paired with a softly sculpted basque waist created a refined, undeniably feminine shape. Covered buttons cascaded gracefully down the back to the hemline, flowing smoothly into a dramatic chapel-length train that added an extra layer of grandeur.
To complete her bridal look, Layla wore a coordinating lace jacket finished with a delicate satin bow at the neckline, alongside a matching lace-edged veil that added an ethereal, angelic touch. Sophisticated, deeply romantic, and effortlessly timeless, the gown perfectly mirrored Layla’s signature personal style while delivering the sheer magnificence required for such a monumental celebration.
The celebration continued at the TPC Sawgrass Marriott, where guests were treated to an immersive sensory experience from the moment they arrived. The culinary program was designed to reflect an atmosphere of luxury and abundance, beginning with a lavish cocktail hour. Attendees enjoyed an impressive display of elevated hors d’oeuvres alongside an indulgent raw bar overflowing with fresh seafood, including chilled crab claws. The offering was further enhanced by savory bacon-wrapped seafood, perfectly prepared lamb chops, handcrafted gourmet tacos, and a carefully curated selection of signature cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits.
As the evening progressed into the reception, guests experienced an expansive dining program highlighted by an elegant Italian station. This savory hub served creamy vodka pasta, hearty braised beef Bolognese over cavatappi, and delicate cheese tortellini, all expertly paired with a selection of fine red and white wines. Alongside these refined offerings, comforting favorites like gourmet macaroni and cheese were introduced to balance the menu, creating a dining experience that was both sophisticated and warmly inviting. Every aspect of the food and beverage schedule was thoughtfully executed to encourage guests to indulge, mingle, and celebrate well into the night.
Under the expert creative direction of Cassandra of Flaire Weddings, the ballroom at the TPC Sawgrass Marriott underwent a breathtaking transformation, morphing into a sophisticated garden-inspired setting that bore virtually no resemblance to the original venue space. To establish an immaculate foundation, the existing flooring was completely concealed beneath a custom white carpet, instantly elevating the room and allowing every subsequent design element to pop.
At the very center of the ballroom sat a bespoke white dance floor, custom-embossed with the Hanania family’s elegant "H" crest, serving as the visual anchor of the celebration. Suspended directly above the dance floor was a dramatic floral installation overflowing with cascading white blooms, framing the space and turning every special dance and emotional moment into a scene straight out of a grand European gala.
The room itself was dressed in a refined, harmonious palette of ivory, champagne, blush, and warm caramel florals arranged in lush abundance. An artful mix of towering and low centerpieces—bursting with premium roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, stock, and delicate seasonal botanicals—introduced remarkable depth and dimension across the expansive ballroom. Grand crystal chandeliers hung suspended beneath layers of cascading white florals, drawing the eye upward, while crystal candleholders and floating glass hurricanes bathed the entire reception in the warm, romantic flicker of candlelight.
Long estate tables were meticulously layered with luxurious floral runners, countless glowing candles, gold-rimmed scalloped china, rich espresso satin napkins, crystal stemware, and refined gold accents. The final result successfully married classic European elegance with modern sophistication, creating a space defined by soft textures, sparkling crystal, and abundant florals.
Complementing the evening’s aesthetic, the couple opted for a classic four-tiered wedding cake, elegantly decorated with natural florals that tied back into the reception’s overarching botanical theme. To keep the energy high and the dance floor packed throughout the night, the entertainment lineup featured a dynamic combination of a live band, a high-energy DJ, and traditional cultural drummers, ensuring a vibrant and unforgettable celebration for all in attendance.
