Tucked away in a tranquil valley in the Basque Country, a stunning wedding unfolded, combining timeless elegance with whimsical, mermaid-inspired touches. The vision was clear: an intimate celebration infused with a Basque essence and a dash of sea-inspired magic. Set against the rustic charm of a 15th century farmhouse, the outdoor ceremony was a dream, with a shell-decorated altar surrounded by vibrant pink florals. The bride, radiant in a romantic silk drop-waist gown, embodied the spirit of the day. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the table settings and graphic designs – created by the bride herself – to the soft pink vegetables and lush greenery that adorned the room, complemented by flowing pink drapery. It was a day where love, tradition and creativity came together in perfect harmony. Experience a stunning wedding video created by our members PaiPai Prod.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
We met at a music festival in Panama City. We are both architects and discovered we have some mutual friends. We instantly clicked and love spending time together, meeting new people, and experiencing different things.
The Proposal
During a trip to my hometown, Mutriku – a beautiful little town on the coast of the Basque Country – Chimi took the step. It happened during a family lunch at a gastronomy club we have in town, which offers an amazing view of the port and the sea.
The Engagement Ring
The engagement ring features a classic princess-cut diamond, perfectly suited to my style.
Our Wedding
The Vision
Our vision was simple: a cozy, family-oriented, and well-designed wedding with a Basque touch and mermaid-inspired elements. The decor featured shells, and plenty of pink. We drew inspiration from the sea to create a magical atmosphere for the celebration.
Our Team of Vendors
We had the best team to make our wedding a success: Casamenteras Wedding Planner, a unique and traditional Basque venue, and distinctive graphic design, all created by me.
The Location
The event took place at Caserio Olagorta. Nestled in a small valley, just a step away from civilization, Olagorta is a Basque-French-style farmhouse with a rich history. In 1960, the painter Antonio Echévarri restored the ruins of a 15th-century farmhouse with the dream of creating a paradise that would inspire and captivate all who visited. Over the years, many notable figures praised the beauty and tranquility of this unique Basque retreat.
Today, the next generation has adapted the farmhouse to meet modern needs while staying true to its origins and respecting the natural environment it was designed to embrace. The house and its kitchen reflect Basque tradition and heritage, while the pool and lush green exterior spaces brought to mind memories of Servando’s family home in Panama. The ceremony was held outside, with a large shell behind us, that we exchanged our vows and began our journey together.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was incredibly special, emotional, and unique – filled with so many meaningful sensations. We decided that our closest friends and family should lead the ceremony, and it was my best friend, Altru, who had the honor of officiating.
Family members and close friends shared heartfelt words with us, making the ceremony feel truly personal. The cherry on top was when my closest friends performed traditional Basque dances and sang as I made my entrance with my father, Kepa.
The Reception
After the ceremony, we moved the reception inside the Olagorta restaurant. As architects, we truly appreciated the space, with its old wooden beams, floors, stairs, and ceiling, along with the furniture that complemented the lush green landscape visible through the restaurant's glass facades.
Dancing around the tables, while our guests waved their napkins as is traditionally done at Spanish weddings, was an incredibly emotional moment for us. The flowers, designed by Lora Floral Art, were stunning and perfectly complemented my graphic designs.
Our Favorite Moment
It was a truly special moment when we gave gifts to our mothers and best friends, and when all of my friends began reciting Basque verses in Euskera.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I wore two dresses, both designed in Panama by me and my dressmaker, Jean Mackens. I accessorized them with a statement necklace created by Sarah, a creative studio partner of mine. The necklace was made with freshwater pearls, and my earrings, also featuring pearls, were from Faris. My shoes were a vibrant pink from Miista.
The second dress was a white lace design, which I wore to kick off the party.
The Groom Looks
Chimi's look featured a suit made by Oskar Lopez, a renowned tailor from Bilbao, known for his custom-made suits crafted with layered fabrics. His ensemble included a vest, tie, and braces, all perfectly coordinated with a Rolex watch from the Panama Canal collection.
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
Choose your wedding planner carefully, select a location that truly represents you, and enjoy the process. Invest in a good photographer and videographer – these are the elements that will help you remember that special day for years to come.
For On The Day
Go with the flow and smile – it will be the best day ever.
For Post-Wedding
Be grateful, cherish the beautiful moments, stay happy, and relax.
Vendors
Photography: Días De Vino Y Rosas
Videoography: Paipai Prod
Wedding Planner, Stylist & Coordinator: Casamentera's Event Design
Florals: Lora Floral Art
Venue & Catering: Caserío Olagorta
Stationery: Saioa Lizardi
Hair & Makeup: Martha Garay
Style
Bridal Dress: Jean Mackens Riviere
Bridal Jewelry: Faris