In enchanting Venezuela, where the colors of the sunset sky blend with the scent of flowers, the setting where Francisco and Alexandra entwined their hearts. Their wedding ceremony was like an enchanting work of art, where every detail is full of meaning and nostalgia. The floral decorations on the cake, the matching bridesmaids' dresses, and the ceremony under the palm trees — every detail poetically bloomed with vibrancy as symbols of love and renewal, embodying not only the beauty of nature, but also the tender ties that bound the bride and groom to their childhood memories and cultural heritage.
Francisco and I met while I was a freshman at Northeastern University and he was a senior. Since we met, something about him really sparked my attention, it had been a while since I felt so alive while getting to know another person... but little did we know, a few months later, not only would we start dating but also he would receive some news that would change everything…very quickly I knew Francisco was the love of my life. It’s been 6 years since we met, we live in Miami, we are married, and have a son (our dog named Obi). Fran works in the entertainment industry at Amazon Prime Video and I work for the largest delivery and ridesharing company in Venezuela alongside the CEO as Chief of Staff.
Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?
In a world where weddings often blend into a sea of trends and expectations, Francisco and I dared to dream differently. We wanted a celebration that was not just about saying "I do," but about weaving a tapestry of memories rooted deeply in our heritage and shared experiences. Though we met in Boston and our whole relationship developed in the USA, we never doubted about getting married in Venezuela, where we were both born and raised. Specifically, somewhere truly special and virgin, surrounded by nature and away from the city. For Francisco, Hacienda Guaquira has always held a special place in his heart, reminiscent of the enchanting moments of his childhood. Nestled in the picturesque and unique state of Yaracuy (a 3.5 hour drive from the capital city), this sprawling cocoa ranch his grandmother built half a century ago became the canvas for our love story to unfold.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
From the outset, we envisioned a wedding that would be a testament to our creativity and cultural pride. Every detail, from the décor and the dress code to the cuisine, was imbued with the essence of Yaracuyan traditions. It was a celebration that honored our roots while embracing the beauty of nature and the warmth of our closest family and friends, many who had never even set foot in Venezuela.
How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?
We got engaged in June 2023 and the wedding was in February 2024. We actually started planning in July 2023, so we had 7 months to put together a 450 people wedding from abroad… being away was probably the most challenging aspect, but our mothers and team of wedding planners were crucial and helped us tremendously. 450 people might sound crazy, and it is, but to give you some context on Francisco’s family, my mother in law has 13 brothers and sisters and my father in law has 6… huge family, and they are all extremely close. Mine on the other hand is small but very close, and I do have a lot of friends who I’m able to call my chosen family.
How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?
We don’t usually do seated dinners in Venezuelan weddings, especially when having so many guests. Bars are open and food is available as soon as the reception starts, canapés are served nonstop throughout the night (tequeños are a must) Though it might feel informal, it allows for people to choose their own pace for the night.
Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles did you try?
I wore the Anika gown by designer Danielle Frankel, though tempted to change into a second outfit, this was my one day that I would get to wear this dress, so I wanted it to last as much as possible. Francisco, donned in a tailor-made elegant liquiliqui — a nod to Venezuelan sartorial heritage (liquiliqui, our country’s traditional men’s suit). Our wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen), adorned in custom Costaiia pieces, who were designed by no one else than Francisco's talented and beloved cousin, Patricia Pietri. These garments also paid homage to both “La Guaquira” and the rich cultural fabric of Venezuela, as this has always been Patricia’s north star as well with Costaiia.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
The most memorable moment from our wedding day was undoubtedly the ceremony itself. Picture this: surrounded by towering royal palm trees, we found ourselves immersed in an ethereal cathedral shaped by nature itself. As if scripted by fate, local wildlife joined us, with monkeys swinging through the branches, exotic birds soaring overhead, and majestic peacocks adding their splendor to the scene. However, the true magic unfolded when the band, in a moment of serendipity, unveiled a song my husband had penned six years prior — a heartfelt tribute to our journey through adversity and the unyielding love that bound us together. His unfinished melody found its completion that day, resonating with the depth of our shared experiences and the promise of forever. Then, Francisco surprised me again with a soul-stirring speech, weaving words of love and devotion that moved us all to tears. Not to mention how special it was to see our dearest friends and family gliding down the aisle, adorning the path with their affection, love truly hung in the air, mingling with emotions too profound to articulate. It was a day suffused with beauty, where every element harmonized to create an atmosphere of sheer bliss and undeniable enchantment. Truly, it was a day where love reigned supreme, and the vibrancy of life itself danced in celebration around us.
But beyond the aesthetic beauty and delights, our wedding was a testament to our love story — a journey that transcended obstacles since day 1, when Francisco was diagnosed with cancer as we began dating, a chapter in our lives that we overcame together and bonded us unconditionally. It was a celebration of unity, resilience, and the power of love to gather so many cherished people in such a special place. As the night unfolded beneath the starlit sky, laughter and music filled the air, weaving a symphony of joy and celebration. And in that moment, amidst the timeless beauty of Hacienda Guaquira, we began our new chapter together — hopefully, a union forged in love, rooted in tradition, and destined to last a lifetime.
What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?
For our first dance, we selected 'Brillas' by León Larregui. It’s not a typical wedding dance song but we felt really connected to the lyrics. We thought we could improvise the dance but then the week of the wedding came, and thankfully my mother in law made us take one 30 min class in which the choreographer saved us from looking like fools.
What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
Our advice to other couples would be to stay true to their personalities, their roots and their genuine taste, but still open to collaboration and external advice that will ultimately enhance their vision for the better. Your wedding doesn’t have to be over-the-top for it to be magical, the secret is leaving a testament of your love in every small detail.
Photo: @latxina & @silviasanchezfotos
Bridesmaids' and Groomsmen's Outfits: @costaiia
Hair & MUA: @wilannymeza_mua
Venue: @haciendaguaquira
Dress: @daniellefrankelbride & @daniellefrankelstudio
Planners: @personalplus1
Invitations & Stationery: @papeleria_papieri
Video: @eternalmovies_
Catering: @festejosmarve
Cake: @jaquematedr & @studio__sunrise
