A connection to the beginning of the relationship, a conscious approach, a focus on the guest experience, and the vibrant, tropical, natural essence of modern Miami are just a few of the highlights that describe Greg and Lauren's beautiful wedding. Read our interview with the bride below to find out how not to get bogged down in the planning process, how to think through the perfect wedding and decor, and get the couple's music wedding recommendations. Also, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy photos from our talented member, Lauren Alatriste.
Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?
Greg and I met almost five years ago in the classic Millennial way, on Hinge! He’d been on the app for a bit while I’d had it for only a week when I decided to delete it, but not before we exchanged numbers. He sent the first text and soon after, we made plans to meet at a great wine garden in Miami called Lagniappe. We talked late into the night- first over a bottle of white, followed by a bottle of red and listened to live music in their indoor living room — these elements have become strong themes in our relationship. Greg is a real estate development attorney and I am a Learning Director for a French fashion house. In our free time we love hosting friends and family in our new home (Greg loves to cook!), experiencing new restaurants, traveling, going to concerts, spending time with our rescue pets and being outdoors. We are both born, raised and based in Miami.
Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?
Our wedding took place about a block away from where our relationship blossomed. During our first years of dating, Greg lived in the eclectic Miami neighborhood, Coconut Grove. It’s really where we slowly got to know one another and before long, fell in love. Coconut Grove is one of the oldest parts of modern Miami and that character resonates throughout with its thoughtfully curated homes and bungalows, century-old banyan trees, peacocks roaming the streets and sailboats dotting the bay—not to mention the great restaurants, bars and shops. During the early days of the pandemic when the streets were quiet, we’d take long walks and enjoy it almost all to ourselves. During those walks, we’d always pass The Mayfair House Hotel & Garden and admire its unique design elements and surrounding environment. It was a full circle moment when we chose it for our wedding celebration. The Mayfair originally opened in 1985 and was reimagined in 2022, staying true to architect Kenneth Treister’s original features. Instead of a proper lobby, you can get lost in its tropical botanical courtyard overflowing with balconies of monstera, bird of paradise plants and mosaic fountains. This boutique hotel really pays tribute to everything the Grove embodies.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
At the center of all our planning was the experience of our guests. As much as it was “our day” it was also a day to thank our friends and family for their unwavering support in our lives as individuals and now, as a married couple. We didn’t take lightly that this was our one opportunity to bring together all our loved ones who shaped us through the different chapters in our lives to celebrate together. What a gift! Our venue, The Mayfair House Hotel and Garden truly set the tone for the inspiration, paying tribute to The Grove’s bohemian nature and tropical botanical essence. Our favorite details included the lushly landscaped courtyard and hand-painted mosaic tiles, reminiscent of those in Porto, Portugal where we got engaged. Our favorite surprise element was discovering the oxidized bronze Great Blue Heron sculptures hidden throughout the property. The Great Blue Heron became the mascot of our wedding featured on our printed stationery! Now, whenever we see one in the wild, it is a beautiful reminder of our wedding day.
How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?
The full process took a little over a year. While we did enjoy our engagement, it was also a very intense time planning a wedding while renovating a home, tending to our careers, traveling, and doing our best to maintain social lives. In retrospect, we were so incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to intentionally shape our future over the year+ of planning. As much as it taxed us, we learned a lot about patience, communication and supporting one another… And when all else failed, we could count on a good bottle of wine to reset our perspective. It was a struggle at times not to feel consumed by the expectations of the wedding industry standards, endless Pinterest boards and perfectly written Bridal articles. If you are reading this and feeling it too, you aren’t alone! We made it a priority to remain honest with ourselves about what was truly important to us and let that guide the way. In the end, it’s only one day of your life so don’t sacrifice your sanity at the expense of the many other beautiful days you get to live and enjoy, together!
How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?
We had 175 guests. Our wedding dinner, speeches, and first dances were in the Mayfair’s ballroom, which we worked to transform into an intimate (yes, even at 175 people!) dinner party with a modest opening at the center for our first dances. Between spotlight moments and meal courses, guests got up and mingled throughout the room. This organic and social atmosphere became everything we’d hoped it would be. We wanted to intrigue our guests with the seeming lack of dance floor and surprise them with what came next. As dinner ended, a three-piece Latin brass band entered the ballroom and had everyone on their feet. Greg and I led a procession across the hotel’s courtyard garden where we danced our way into a glowing lounge-style space that was a popular nightclub in the ‘80s. Here, the events of the day would culminate in the dance party of our dreams!
Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles have you tried?
Creating our wedding looks was probably our favorite part of the planning process! I’ve worked in fashion for almost 15 years and dressing has become a really fun element in our relationship. We approached our looks through the lens of individuality, quality and sustainability. For me this meant, trying to avoid having something custom made that I would only wear once. I found the most beautiful garment I’ve ever worn at La Vie en Blanc, a luxury bridal sample sale boutique in South Miami. I purchased it off the rack after falling in love with the ivory guipure lace and drop waist silhouette in an appointment with my mom and “mother-in-love” (law). In staying true to a three-generation family tradition that began with my maternal grandmother (shout out, Abuela!) my mother and I hand embroidered thousands of tiny pearl beads from collar to hem. For Greg, his wedding day look search meant finding a classic suit with a bit of subtle flare he could keep in his rotation forever. Greg’s suit was creamy summer wool with a broad lapel- a tribute to the birth decade of the Mayfair. This time, we shopped together and made memories while going to fittings and selecting his finishing accessories. It was the perfect representation of his style and he looked so handsome!
What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?
Our first dance was to 'For your Precious Love' by Otis Redding. Greg chose it long before we were even engaged. While the dance wasn’t choreographed, we’d dance to it in our living room each time it played in our home throughout the year of planning. Just like much of our wedding, we wanted our first dance to be organic and reflect how we were feeling in the moment.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
I can answer for both of us when I think back on a moment during our ceremony when the sun shifted and came in through the stained glass windows of the church.. I have a perfect memory in my mind of the way the golden light looked on our interlocked hands that is as clear as any photograph. It’s hard to describe the experience in words but reflecting back, it felt like time stood still for us.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Our vendors were so much more than just vendors. They were truly visionary partners whose creativity and passion led the way in bringing our dream to life. From our DJ to our videographer and amazing florist, we put all our trust in their hands and are so proud of what came of it. Among them, we felt truly privileged to have our photographer, Lauren Alatriste document our day. She pours herself into her art and captures the unspoken feeling beyond the frame. From our engagement shoot to our first look, she brought a level of ease and empowerment to the other side of the lens that made shooting on the most emotionally intense day of your life feel calm and sincere.
Additionally, having our event designer and coordinator, Cristy Lloveras of MCL leading the charge was like working with a long-time friend. Her taste is impeccable and her ideas and creative solutions were brilliant. Having her as a partner in this journey made all the difference in realizing an experience that was true to Greg and I. We couldn’t have done it without her!
What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
The wedding industry is going to try to sway you in many directions. In every decision you make, find what feels like you and stay true to it!
Did you make a gift for guests, and what was it? What did you give each other as a gift?
Our love for music was an important element of our wedding experience. As soon as we got engaged, Greg began to curate a Spotify playlist of songs representative of our love and taste in music, priorities, am I right? From Tyler, The Creator to The Marias, Khruangbun, Simon Grossman and Omar Apollo, there was no shortage of jams by our favorite artists. This playlist was included in each invitation via a QR code for guests to enjoy in the weeks leading up to the big day. Many of our family and friends still listen to it and it’s on regular rotation in our home to this day!
What gift from guests do you remember the most?
Physical gifts aside, our coffee table guest book, which symbolized the gift of everyone’s presence, was the most meaningful token of our day. We visited our favorite local bookstore, Books and Books several times during the months leading up to our wedding until we finally found the perfect one, 'The Birds of America' by John James Audubon. On our wedding night, we sat and read messages from loved ones; each signature and note on the page of a specially selected bird. Today it’s a key feature in our living room and guests enjoy flipping through the messages and images.
What helped you cope with the anxiety before the wedding?
Have you heard of a baby-moon? Do that, but for your wedding! Take time to disconnect, even if you can’t physically get away. Designate guilt-free wedding planning down time, it’ll be more valuable than you know!
Bride: @laurenvaldes
Groom: @gregfontela
Venue: @mayfairhousemiami
Event Design: @m.c.l
Photography: @laurenalatriste
BTS Content: @btsbysonja
Videography: @katiarepinafilms
Florals: @luceloflor
DJ: @carluba
Dress Boutique: @vieenblanc
Dress Brand: @vagabondbridal
Groom Suit: @satori_amici
Hair & Makeup: @theclyque
