A Top Hollywood Costume Designer's Fairytale Wedding in a Spanish Monastery

A cinematic celebration steeped in fantasy flair and couture style

Rob and Karla’s wedding was a cinematic masterpiece of design, where history, fantasy, and personal storytelling merged into one unforgettable celebration. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Monestir de Sant Salvi in Spain, their special day unfolded like a grand production – every element deliberate, every detail layered with meaning. Inspired by the monastery’s medieval architecture, Karla infused the design with a period aesthetic brought to life with modern flair. The transformation was striking: oxblood velvet draped across banquet tables, custom red leather luggage tags embossed with each guest’s initials, and lavish candelabras flickering against stone walls. Karla’s modular gown, evolved throughout the evening into multiple looks, while Rob’s fashion-forward ensemble of Maison Margiela mirrored the same balance of modernity and tradition. The celebration was captured through the lens of Cybele Buffile, whose artistry preserved every layer of cinematic detail, from the monastery’s sweeping grandeur to the intimate, candid moments of joy.

A Top Hollywood Costume Designer's Fairytale Wedding in a Spanish Monastery

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

We live in Los Angeles, California, and both work in the film and entertainment industry. Rob is a director of photography and has shot music videos, commercials, and films with some of the world’s most prominent artists, including Billie Eilish, Rosalía, Dua Lipa, and Kendrick Lamar. Karla is a costume designer who has worked on videos, commercials, films, and live shows for artists such as Jennifer Lopez, BLACKPINK, Shakira, and Tate McRae.

We first met briefly on the set of a music video and reconnected through a friend in 2016. Since then, we’ve been inseparable. Together, we’ve created memorable events over the years—most notably our annual “Sock Soirée,” a winter tradition where guests arrive in their favorite festive socks while raising donations for a local charity. After eight years of creating countless unforgettable memories, we finally decided it was time to embark on our most spectacular event yet—our wedding.

^{The Proposal}

The proposal took place in Palm Springs, California, at the Palm Springs Art Museum on December 22, 2022. I told Karla she was going to brunch with her sisters, but when we arrived downtown, I stalled, saying her sister was running late. We strolled over to the museum, and to her surprise, I had reserved it for just the two of us.

I didn’t have a set spot in mind, but when we reached a corner with perfect light, Karla said, “This is nice light, let me take your picture.” After she snapped my photo, I asked to take hers—only I kept my phone on video. I quickly propped it against the wall, got down on one knee, and proposed. Afterward, I led Karla into the sculpture garden, where her family and our closest friends were waiting to celebrate with us. Surrounded by incredible art and an outpouring of love, it was truly the perfect day.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

Karla: There wasn’t really a set theme—we let the location inspire us. Rob gave me the lead on décor decisions, and initially I leaned toward a monochromatic white aesthetic. But about three months before the wedding, I pivoted. I wanted something that truly reflected the location and my love for fantasy.

^{The Location}

Rob: From the beginning, we knew the destination had to be Spain. Karla’s Mexican heritage made it important for us to host in a Spanish-speaking country. Over the years, we’ve worked and vacationed in Spain, falling in love with the culture—and of course, the food. When we discovered Monestir Sant Salvi, we knew it was the perfect venue. It had the uniqueness, character, and “wow” factor we wanted to share with our guests from around the world. Karla’s love of fantasy shaped the design of the monastery with a royal, period-inspired aesthetic—contrasted with a modern flair. Think medieval drama with cinematic elegance.

Karla: The monastery’s historic architecture felt like the perfect canvas: a touch of Game of Thrones, a hint of Harry Potter, and a whole lot of drama. No one tells you that planning a wedding is essentially curating an experience that reflects who you are as a couple. That’s exactly what we did—from the oyster shucker to the orange wine, down to the Mexican candy in the welcome bags. We wanted the entire celebration to reflect both the grandeur and the simple joys that define us.

^{Our Favorite Moment}

Karla: We had the venue for the week leading up to the wedding, and honestly, that was my favorite part. By the wedding day, our friends and families had already spent so much time together and built connections. To this day, those friendships continue to grow—and that’s been such a gift.

Rob: For me, the whole week was the highlight. From our welcome lunch at Martínez in Barcelona, to the gondola rides, bar crawls, karaoke night at the monastery, and a family outing to the historic town of Besalú—it was all incredible. Watching our loved ones bond, laugh, and create memories together was everything we hoped for.

Another favorite element was the photo call. After attending so many weddings without ever getting a great photo with the couple, we wanted to give our guests that opportunity. It was fun, organic, and captured everyone’s best looks. And, of course, our own version of the Baile Sorpresa, choreographed by world-class dancers in attendance, was the perfect way to ignite the dance floor.

^{The Special Touches}

Karla: At first, we envisioned a white and cream palette, but eventually we introduced a bold and opulent oxblood velvet. We had four rolls of the most exquisite fabric shipped to Girona, and it became a signature element of the day.

Rob: Fabric is powerful. The deep Catalan red was both a nod to our host country and a way to heighten the cinematic tone of the event. The velvet was draped across two long banquet tables and even the DJ booth, seamlessly tying the space together. When guests entered the monastery, they were met with an unexpectedly lavish tablescape. Each silver plate was set with a custom red leather luggage tag embossed with the guest’s initials and a personal photo inside. Tall silver candelabras, crystal glassware, and burgundy fruits completed the look.

A Top Hollywood Costume Designer's Fairytale Wedding in a Spanish Monastery

Our Style

^{The Bridal Look}

I knew exactly what I wanted in a dress, and the only way to achieve it was to make it. I collaborated with Cristina Padilla and Arturo Padilla Jr. of Rancho Tailors in Los Angeles. I’d met Cristina years ago while working for Beyoncé, and I always felt she was part of my creative family. We had two intimate fittings—just Cristina, Arturo, and me.

The dress was designed to be modular, with pieces that could be removed or transformed throughout the evening. Each look came from the same foundation, allowing me to avoid unnecessary consumerism while ensuring I could repurpose elements of the dress later.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

Do what you truly want. Don’t let others talk you out of the dream you have in your head. There are no obligations—make it your own.

A Top Hollywood Costume Designer's Fairytale Wedding in a Spanish Monastery

^{For On The Day}

We chose to wake up together the morning of the wedding, and it was such a beautiful way to release emotions before the day swept us away. Many couples only process everything at the altar, which can feel overwhelming. Sharing that moment earlier allowed us to feel relaxed and present.

^{For Post-Wedding}

If possible, avoid traveling immediately after the wedding. Give yourself and your guests a buffer of time. Weddings are unpredictable—people get sick, injured, lost, or even fall in love. A little extra time makes all the difference.