Happy 2019! And if you are newly engaged, Mazal Tov – we’re so happy to have you, and to be a part of your wedding planning journey. If you’re new to all of this and feeling a little overwhelmed, do check out all our resources, from our archive of thousands of beautiful real weddings (from shoestring budget to super luxe) to our recommended vendor directory to our private, members-only Brides Club.
So on to our first real wedding of 2019… just give us a minute to pick our jaws up off the floor, because the truly epic florals at Diana and Sonny’s mega-luxe Jewish wedding are unlike any we’ve seen before.
Between the amazing hanging flowers (and chandeliers!), the white blossoms lining the aisle, the rose-studded backdrop walls and the abundant tabletop arrangements, it’s hard to believe these two didn’t wed in the midst of the Chelsea Flower Show.
Every one of Ruben Parra’s masterful shots is a testament to the lush fantasyland Carlos Mastellari created within the halls of the Hebrew Club of Panama City (where the bride’s parents AND grandparents married — isn’t that lovely?).
And then there’s the chuppah. It’s got a super distinctive architecturally inspired design, full of columns and arches (and flowers, obvi), ingeniously set up with enough room on each side to accommodate the couple’s families, who stood under the marriage canopy together with them.
We love that the couple were equally as attentive to the spiritual side of their wedding as they were to the gorgeous dà©cor, too. When Diana made her entrance at the start of the ceremony, she paused to share a blessing for her guests, and prayer was a key part of her pre-wedding prep routine.
Now over to the bride, who looked like such a princess in her classic gown from Saiid Kobeisy Haute Couture…
Keeping It in the Family
Diana, the bride: The wedding took place at the Hebrew Club of Panama City, Panama, because of community and family tradition – my grandparents, parents, and other relatives also wed there!
Light and White Flowers
We asked our decorator, Carlos Mastellari, to design a classic wedding with whites and golds, with am emphasis on white flowers and a play of lights.
A Saiid Kobeisy dress
The dress was designed by Saiid Kobeisy Haute Couture from Porta Romana.
An Architectural Chuppah
After coming across some postcards, we got the inspiration for our design – it featured classic arches and columns.
Bridal Blessings
A special part of the wedding was when, while entering at the start of the ceremony, I blessed everyone present. There was also a recording o my parents and grandparents sharing some words with all the guests.
Our fabulous photographer
Two years ago, my sister wed; Ruben Parra was already very popular in the city and thus, she chose him as her wedding photographer. As we loved his work and professionalism, I decided to hire him for my own wedding.
A spiritual wedding
On my sweets table, there were some candies with phrases related to us. Also we chose a wedding date a week before Rosh Hashanah, which heightened the spirituality of the day.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Plan your wedding ahead of time, and make sure that all the suppliers are on the same page (and schedule!). Also, pray a lot before the wedding.
Diana & Sonny’s little white book
Photography – Ruben Parra
Wedding planner – Orovida Ostrowiack
Videography – Enrique Toscano
Dress – Saiid Kobeisy found and fitted at Porta Romana
Flowers and decor – Carlos Mastellari (Pompa)
Cake – Leida Mislov
Band – Orquesta Zafiro
Sweets Table – Candies Bazaar
This is very interesting! I remember how far away from ready I was when I first got proposed to. lol.
My husband and I just had our wedding at a wonderful Paradise Wedding Chapel in Vegas ( http://paradiseweddingchapel.com/ ) and they are truly amazing !