A Bold Cherry Red Wedding Amongst a Spanish Garden Villa
An unforgettable affair dotted in metallic hues, artistic catering, and exotic flowers
Paula and Ugaitz’s love story began on a plane, in a twist of fate that felt as though it had been straight out of a movie. It was only fitting that their wedding would break tradition, blending bold, fashion-forward elements with a contemporary approach. From the striking red color palette to the artistic food displays and vegetable centerpieces, every detail was meticulously curated to bring their vision to life. Set in a secluded Spanish villa, their celebration was more than just a wedding—it was an experience, a true reflection of love, connection, and creativity, where each guest felt as cherished as the couple. With a team of exceptional vendors and a daring yet intimate vision, Paula and Ugaitz’s day unfolded as a chic masterpiece, unforgettable in every way.Feel the unique atmosphere of the day through the movie created by our member, wedding videographer Slowl.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
We met on a plane on December 19, 2019. At the time, we were both living in New York City. I (Paula) was traveling with my mom, who had come to visit before Christmas, and we were heading home to Madrid for the holidays. Ugaitz was also flying home to San Sebastián, with a layover in Madrid. But here’s where fate stepped in. Ugaitz wasn’t even supposed to be on that flight—he had requested to fly the next day, but his company accidentally booked him for the 19th. And I wasn’t supposed to be in that seat. I had tried to switch with my mom so she could enjoy my premium economy spot, but for the first time ever, she won that argument. We ended up in the middle row, in the two middle seats. I got there first and noticed Ugaitz as he stepped onto the plane, saying goodbye to a friend. He smiled, and something about that moment made me think, Huh. He’s cute. I wonder if he’ll sit next to me. He did.
Months later, Ugaitz told me he had seen me board too and had hoped we’d be seated together. And somehow, we were. After takeoff, I was desperate to start a conversation but had no idea how. Then, an opportunity—my footrest wouldn’t budge. A second later, I noticed Ugaitz adjusting his. So, seizing the moment, I turned to him. “Hey, sorry—how did you do that? Mine’s stuck.” He helped me, and as soon as I heard his Spanish accent, I said—in Spanish—“Spanish, huh?" And that was it. From that moment on, we never stopped talking. We spent the entire eight-hour flight sharing stories—our lives in New York, what had brought us there, our favorite restaurants, our workouts. It felt effortless, as if we had always known each other. As we began our descent, I took a chance. “I’m going out with friends tonight,” I said. “If you want to join…” I got his number and sent him the location later that day. He didn’t make it that night—but the messages never stopped.
We met twice in Madrid after Christmas, then again back in New York. I was still in my last year of college, juggling two jobs, barely finding time for anything. But, by another twist of fate, Ugaitz’s office was just two blocks from my school. And as if the universe wanted to make sure we crossed paths, we even lived on the same street—just five avenues apart. We snuck in coffees, short dates, and moments stolen between busy schedules. Then, suddenly, the world changed. COVID hit. Lockdowns began. My friends left the city; Ugaitz’s friends lived across town. And when restrictions eased just enough for brief walks, we realized we were the only people either of us could see. And so, step by step, our story unfolded. Somehow, two complete strangers—who had no one in common, no reason to ever cross paths—found each other as if it was always meant to be.
The Proposal
We met on a plane, so Ugaitz decided to propose on a plane as well. It was a 6 a.m. flight to Cartagena, Colombia, for a friend’s wedding. I was half-asleep, focused on surviving the early morning travel, completely unaware of what was about to happen. Ugaitz, however, had a plan. The only problem? He had ended up with the window seat. Needing to be in the aisle for his grand gesture, he turned to the man sitting there and, with the most convincing expression, asked if they could switch seats because he "wasn’t feeling well." The guy agreed, unknowingly becoming part of the setup.
An hour before landing, I was deep into work on my laptop while Ugaitz had supposedly gone to the bathroom. Suddenly, a voice echoed through the plane’s speakers. "Attention, please. This is a message for passenger Paula Fernández." I froze. It was Ugaitz. My heart dropped as I looked up to see flight attendants recording from both sides of the plane. Passengers turned to me, whispering, smiling. Then I spotted him—at the back of the plane, holding the megaphone, eyes locked on mine. As he started walking toward me, the entire cabin erupted in cheers, claps, and phones being pulled out to record the moment. I was shaking. My mind was racing. And then—he kneeled. I was already on my feet, hands covering my mouth in disbelief, when he asked the question: "Pau, would you marry me?"
The Engagement Ring
A yellow sapphire, emerald cut, set on a simple gold band.
Our Wedding
The Vision
We wanted something different. We told Aroa, our wedding planner, that we didn’t want people to think of it as a typical wedding. We envisioned something more like a JACQUEMUS x LOEWE event—something no one had ever seen before. A bold red color palette, artistic catering, and exotic flowers set the tone. We wanted elegance with a modern twist, a night where everyone felt incredibly loved, ate exceptionally well, and had an unforgettable time. We wanted to break away from the traditional Spanish wedding and make red the defining color. Our goal wasn’t just to host a celebration; we wanted to create an experience—one that truly reflected who we are as a couple. Something modern, intimate, visually stunning, and emotionally rich—a night that our guests would remember and talk about for years to come.
Our Team of Vendors
For our wedding, we were lucky to work with an incredible team of vendors. Our photographers were Monika Frias, who captured every moment perfectly, with Ana Hinojosa joining as the second photographer. For videography, we had the talented Alexis Alcázar from Slowl. Our amazing wedding planner, stylist, and coordinator was Miss Little Things, who made sure everything went smoothly. We held our celebration at a beautiful venue, with the stunning florals provided by Estudio Sauvage. Our stationery was designed by Better With Co., while for the catering, we trusted 21 de Marzo, who delivered exceptional food. We had amazing music from Lenus, and my hair and makeup were done by the incredibly talented Eli Garcia.
The Location
We held our wedding at the beautiful Mas de les Voltes, a stunning venue that provided the perfect backdrop for our special day. Its charm and elegance truly set the tone for the entire celebration, making it a place we’ll always cherish.
The Ceremony
One of Ugaitz’s childhood friends officiated the ceremony. We wanted it to be beautiful, inspiring, and deeply moving—like a graduation speech. It was a ceremony that truly reflected us: youthful, personal, and heartfelt, with a message that extended beyond just our love story—and, of course, a touch of humor. It was a civil ceremony featuring heartfelt speeches from one of the bride’s closest friends and one of the groom’s best friends, making the moment even more intimate and special. As we walked down the aisle as a married couple, New York, New York by Frank Sinatra played—a perfect tribute to the city where it all began.
The Reception
The reception was set among four water fountains, forming a perfect cross, creating a striking and unforgettable backdrop for the evening. Cocktail hour took place on the open grounds in front of the masía, where three beautifully designed food stations offered a curated selection: grilled meats, rice dishes, and a dedicated vegetarian stand.
Each station was a work of art, with one displaying intricate rice patterns and another featuring carrots suspended from a tree, creating a whimsical, organic installation. To complement the spread, waiters circulated with an exquisite selection of elegant, innovative tapas. The cocktail area, designed for relaxed conversation, featured low sofas draped in white linens, tall bar tables with high stools, and striped red-and-white tablecloths under sun umbrellas—setting the tone for a chic yet inviting evening.
Dinner was hosted in the second garden, accessible by a staircase that created a sense of arrival. Long tables, draped in crisp white linen and set with minimalist silver flatware, allowed the table décor to take center stage. The look was modern yet timeless, like something straight out of a Jacquemus event. Menus, personalized with handwritten notes for every guest, were placed on each plate. The bold and unexpected tablescapes featured deep red anthuriums, artichokes, exotic greenery, and oil candles designed to melt into dipping oil for the bread—an intentional nod to our love of hosting, where food is always an experience.
A striking red LED installation illuminated the pathways between tables, and at the heart of the setup, a custom silver structure—designed exclusively for the wedding—connected the four tables, casting a soft glow over the space. It was a standout element, both visually and symbolically, reinforcing the sense of connection among our guests. At the end of the garden, a candlelit pathway led guests to the dance floor, where a circular silver bar stood at the entrance, serving drinks as they made their way in.
Music wove through every moment of the evening. A live band performed acoustic versions of well-loved songs during cocktail hour, followed by a mix of bossa nova and jazz during dinner. As the night unfolded, the celebration seamlessly transitioned into a high-energy party, with an electrifying band and a Latin DJ keeping the dance floor alive. Dinner was filled with heartfelt surprises: songs dedicated to the newlyweds, bouquets presented to the mothers and two close friends, and moving speeches from the bride’s father and best friend. It was, without a doubt, the kind of night where one feels at home—warm, exquisite, and effortlessly joyful from beginning to end. We didn’t just want people to attend our wedding; we wanted them to feel it.
The Special Touches
We had so many special touches for our wedding! Our wedding planner, Aroa, had the incredible idea of designing a silver structure that connected all the dining tables, which were arranged in the shape of a cross. It served as both a unifying element and a support for the lighting, making it a true showstopper. We also had a silver backdrop behind us during the ceremony, which added to the modern, elegant aesthetic of the day.
Our invitations were designed to resemble flight tickets, with a distinctive Jacquemus-inspired touch as a nod to how our love story began. Since we had such an international guest list, we provided an English script during the ceremony for our non-Spanish-speaking guests, ensuring everyone could follow along and feel included. As a personal gesture, I gifted my mom, dad, in-laws, and bridesmaids personalized embroidered cotton tissues, each with a special note—an intimate and emotional touch that I cherished.
For the cocktail hour, we wanted the atmosphere to feel architectural, so the 21deMarzo team curated an artistic food display. One of the highlights was carrots hanging from a tree at the vegetarian station, adding a whimsical touch. At the dining tables, each guest received a personalized note, making them feel truly special and connected to the moment.
Our Favorite Moment
There were two moments we’ll never forget. During the ceremony, Xavi, our officiant, asked our friends and family—before we said our vows—if they promised to emotionally support us, help us, and guide us in our life as a couple. In unison, they all responded, "I do." It was powerful, emotional, and deeply moving. Just before walking down the aisle as a married couple, we turned around and took a selfie with all our guests behind us. It was the perfect way to capture the love and joy surrounding us in that moment.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I wore a dress from Millanova and shoes by Amina Muaddi for the ceremony. For the rest of the wedding, I switched to red Jacquemus heels.
The Groom Looks
Ugaitz wore a dark blue BOSS suit with a crossed jacket and Oxford shoes.
Our Bridesmaid’s Looks
I had just two rules: first, I wanted the color palette to resemble Jacquemus' SS19 fashion show; second, I wanted them to feel sexy and powerful.
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
Allocate a budget for each part of the wedding (party, food, decorations, flowers, etc.), keeping in mind that these numbers will likely increase. When cutting down on costs, consider how much of a difference it will actually make when you look back at your wedding in a few years if you decide not to include something or choose a cheaper option. Also, be quick when deciding on the location, photographer, and videographer, as they get booked very quickly!
For On The Day
Be present and don’t worry about not spending enough time with everyone. They all understand that it’s a very hectic day, and you have to be with a lot of people. As a bride, delegate tasks to your bridesmaids! At first, I didn’t want to ask for help because I wanted them to enjoy the day, but they all loved to help! I asked them to manage their hair and makeup schedules, hand out the cotton tissues for me, make sure I drank water, and even fix my veil during the ceremony. If you can, try not to spend too much time taking pictures during the cocktail hour. It’s the time you need to say hello and be with your loved ones. Also, even though it may seem like common sense, make sure to break in your shoes before the wedding (for both the bride and groom!). There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable on your big day.
For Post-Wedding
If you can, try to organize a casual after-party where you can actually talk and spend quality time with all of your loved ones. On the wedding day, everything flies by, and you’ll feel like you only had two minutes to talk to each person (sometimes, not even that!).
