Sitting down with Julia and Maria of La Federica, it becomes immediately clear that their success lies in the seamless interplay between structure and soul. As sisters and co-founders, they bring contrasting yet complementary strengths: Julia anchors the logistical framework of each wedding, while Maria leads the creative charge. Their work is defined by a commitment to deeply personalized experiences—weddings that reflect not just current trends, but the emotional truth of each couple. Whether navigating the complexities of destination planning or weaving cultural narratives into their event designs, the duo approaches every challenge with a rare blend of intuition and intentionality. For them, beauty isn't just a layer to be added—it's something revealed through thoughtful problem-solving, familial synergy, and a deep reverence for storytelling.
You are both sisters and business partners.Tell us a little bit about your bakgrounds and how that has shaped La Federica?
Yes, we’re sisters and destination wedding planners based in Spain, working with couples around the world. Our backgrounds are quite versatile: I come from HR, so managing people comes naturally to me, which really serves our business today. Maria studied advertising and specialized in arts and culture, so she brings something more artistic and creative to the table.
How did the business evolve from flowers to wedding planning?
We both love flowers and working with our hands. From the beginning, we knew we wanted to focus on wedding florals, but as the business evolved, we were clear we wanted to be involved in the entire wedding process—not just the flowers. Over the years, we saw so many missed opportunities and felt we had something to contribute. We would create something beautiful with the flowers, but then the table settings, lighting or set-up would be a disaster, so we wanted to take responsibility for everything for a full elevated vision. We began offering styling for other planners and eventually, it just felt natural for us to take over the whole event.
How do you balance creativity with the logistical demands of planning a wedding?
I think one of our strengths is that we balance both sides. I’m focused on planning and logistics, and Maria is incredibly creative. She’s also my sister! Creativity is really what defines La Federica. But that’s also the most difficult part—creativity within the limits of logistics. You have to be even more creative to work around those constraints and still make something beautiful and unique for each couple.
What fuels your creativity to create something unique for each couple?
Trends are always there, but more than anything for us, it’s crucial that the wedding reflects the couple’s identity. Some couples come with no plans at all for their first consultation—not even a venue—and that’s actually quite fun! Others have something really specific in mind, like wanting to get married in their hometown or where they spent holidays as kids. These kinds of personal details are so inspiring.
What are some of the biggest challenges planning a destination wedding?
One of the hardest parts, especially when it’s a country we’ve never worked in before, is finding the right suppliers. We work with some amazing vendors who travel internationally, like chefs or lighting teams. But still, choosing the right team is critical. We do a lot of research and sometimes reach out to local planners for insight. Having a strong network is everything. Our background in florals also really helps and sets us apart. We know what’s possible, what questions to ask, and what to avoid.
How do you weave in culture with wedding planning?
It really depends on the couple. We always want the event to reflect them—their backgrounds, their cultures, their personalities, and it’s beautiful when families see themselves reflected in the celebration. We always try to blend the destination’s essence—whether it’s Spain, Italy, or France—with the couple’s own identity, and that combination makes each wedding unique.
Do you incorporate Spanish traditions into your events?
We love Spanish culture, there’s so much for us to be proud of. When international couples visit Spain for tastings or venue tours, they always comment on the warmth of the people, the delicious food, and how welcome they feel. The hospitality is something couples really connect with here, so we like to include small Spanish touches when it feels right—especially when the couple connects with the destination in a meaningful way. It also connects us to our roots and adds a layer of cultural richness to the design.
Tell us more about the philosophy ’Sobremesa’?
Sobremesa is a Spanish word for what happens after a meal when everyone is enjoying themselves so much, the conversation just keeps going and suddenly it’s dinner time. It’s about connection, relaxation, and not wanting the moment to end. We always try to create an atmosphere that invites guests to linger—to stay at the table, keep chatting, and enjoy themselves. It’s a vibe we love and one we work hard to design into our events.
What is something that is truly inspiring you right now?
We’ve been thinking a lot about more unexpected venues, like quarries or wide open natural spaces. Those kinds of places let you build everything from the ground up, which is really exciting. They usually attract clients who are creative and open-minded—people who’ve travelled, experienced different cultures, and want something totally unique.
What advice do you have for couples who are just starting their wedding journey?
When you’re looking for a planner, I think the most important thing is to find someone who understands your dream—and can help you bring it to life. When we meet a couple for the first time, we ask how they want to feel on the day. We ask them to imagine: where are you? What kind of setting do you see—a beach, a castle, a forest? Who’s with you? What music is playing? Those small things help us understand their vision and create something authentic. That emotion guides the entire process. It helps us shape the style, choose the right vendors, and build a concept that feels true to them. And if things go wrong, don’t panic because with the panic you solve nothing.
Talent: La Federica
Videography: Anastasia Kurys
Photography: Tipos & Anastasia Kurys
Creative Direction: Daria Latysheva
Venue: La Baronia
Stationery: De Pluma Y Petras
