

Gabriela and Sheyla
Wedding in Cuba under the most beautiful dome.
Sheyla was traveling in Cuba and stopped by to meet Gabriela's mom, whom she had become friends with on social media. She didn’t expect that the one opening the door would be her.
Gabriela and Sheyla didn’t meet on a date, nor was it love at first conversation. But from that moment, something settled. The rest came later: the signs, the doubts, the decision.
And just like that, what started with a visit ended in a wedding in Cuba under the most beautiful dome.
Caja en blanco
A wedding at the Hotel Nacional shaped by its roots
For Mara, getting married at the Hotel Nacional wasn’t just any choice — it meant returning to the place where she spent her childhood with her mother, a press correspondent. Although she’s not Cuban, we didn’t find out until well into the planning process — we all thought she was. In fact, after seeing her dance at the wedding… we still have our doubts.
This hotel and Cuba are part of her story, and Brett supported her in that deeply meaningful decision. Together, they offered their guests a unique celebration in one of Havana’s most iconic venues.
Getting ready with a view of the Malecón, Havana’s famous seafront boulevard.
Mara got ready in a place with direct views of the Malecón, the same one that would witness her ceremony just a few hours later. She spent the morning with her bridesmaids, laughing, sipping, and taking spontaneous photos on the balcony.
In the same way, Brett experienced his getting-ready moments calmly, surrounded by his crew, in a laid-back atmosphere that still reflected the emotion of the day. Everything felt natural, intimate, and joyful — a relaxed start, but with that unmistakable excitement that comes when the wedding day starts to feel real.
Lush tropical decoration
Mara and Brett’s wedding embraced a tropical, elegant style — immersive and deeply connected to the character of the Hotel Nacional.
The ceremony was designed to blend into the surroundings: set at ground level, with no structures blocking the open view of the sea. Tropical greenery and bold-toned flowers framed the moment without taking attention away from the landscape.
Then, the seating chart set the tone for the celebration from the garden. Placed on a wooden structure and framed by a large-scale tropical floral display, it became a standout piece designed to welcome guests with the same visual strength as the rest of the event.
It was inside the hall where the decorative intervention made the biggest impact. The ceiling was high and dark, which could make the space feel empty. At first, the couple wasn’t fully convinced about changing it—but they trusted our proposal and agreed to work on that area.
We designed a hanging installation with large tropical leaves and woven lamps that visually lowered the ceiling and created a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. Each centerpiece was lit from above, highlighting the color of the flowers. The result was just what the room needed—it felt as if the greenery had grown down from the ceiling and taken on a life of its own.
One of the most striking elements was the couple’s area. Behind their table, we built a wooden wall with their initials, framed by greenery and warm lights hanging from the ceiling. In that space, the floral installation had extra volume, turning it into a key visual highlight of the wedding.
A wedding cake with a taste of the sea
While the overall decor embraced a lush tropical style, the cake had a language of its own. Blue and inspired by the beach, it was a direct nod to the Cuban coastline that shaped Mara’s childhood.
And it wasn’t a coincidence: the vintage car, Brett’s blue suit, and Mara’s wedding party — dressed in different shades of the same color — reinforced the use of blue as a symbolic nod, naturally woven into the tropical style, even if it wasn’t the main color of the wedding. It wasn’t about strictly following an aesthetic, but about adding elements that told their story, their connection to the sea, and that Cuba Mara carries within her.
Rum and cigar pairing: a truly Cuban moment
During the cocktail hour, one of the most special moments was the pairing experience with Cuban rum and cigars. Incorporating symbols of Cuban culture was just as important to them as getting married at the Hotel Nacional. For the bride, this moment held deeply personal meaning — it was a way to share her intimate Cuba with the guests who had come from afar. A pause where aromas and flavors became a bridge between cultures.
The musical experience was unforgettable
To close the night, El Septeto Santiaguero —one of the most renowned groups in traditional Cuban music— took the celebration to another level.
Having such a prestigious band was a true luxury for the international guests. With two Latin Grammys and a magnetic presence, El Septeto Santiaguero didn’t just get the party started — their music connected everyone with the island’s culture and closed the night with unforgettable energy.

Suppliers:
Wedding Planning, Design and Decoration
Aire de Fiesta
Photography:
Estudio Aires
Floristry:
MUA:
Michel Rego
Location:
La Casona
Gabriela was the first to write to us. The message was direct, but also cautious:
“We love what you do… but we have to tell you it’s a wedding between two women.”
They had gone through an unpleasant experience — some mariachis had refused to sing for them, and even though they liked what they saw on our social media, they weren’t sure if it would be a safe space for them.
The response didn’t come as an argument or a promise, but as what we truly are: a diverse team, where many people from the community are part of it—not just as clients, but as professionals. That gave them confidence. Gabriela says that after that first exchange, she knew she had found the right place.
The connection was immediate. The meeting lasted for hours—with us and with Islaflor, with whom we designed this event from the very beginning. It felt like we had known each other forever.
We ended that meeting thinking we’d visit different venues. But when they stepped into the garden, it was clear. The dome was right there. And Sheyla, without hesitation, said it: “This is it. This is the most beautiful dome in Cuba.”



The perfect bouquet for her
Still in her robe, Sheyla holds her finished bouquet.








Two brides at home, one makeup artist
Normally, during wedding preparations, we have one bride at home. That day, we had two. And both wanted to get their makeup done by Michel. It was wild.
They both got their makeup done in the suite’s bathroom, which luckily has two entrances. To keep them from seeing each other, we came up with a sort of choreography: they went in and out from opposite ends, timing every move.
While one was getting her makeup done, the other waited. As one stepped out, the other stepped in.
And even though they usually show confidence and strength on social media, in reality, they’re both very sentimental. They were emotional from early on. They cried at every little detail.
The plan worked: there was a photo session, a first look with the bridesmaids—everything without them seeing each other.



All white, except for the bouquet
Gabriela was sure about one thing: everything would be white. Her bouquet was the exception. The only colored flowers in the entire wedding.


The dome that defined the place
The search for a venue ended without searching. After the first meeting, while walking through the garden of our house—which is also our office—Sheyla saw the dome and didn’t hesitate: “This is it.” She had never seen anything like it.
That comment was decisive. From that moment on, the entire decoration revolved around that imposing space: a tall iron structure, fully covered in flowers. Like an English garden that climbs, embraces, surrounds.
The path to the altar was marked by a wooden walkway flanked by a flower-covered arch and a carefully designed garden. And since the day began cloudy and dim, we installed overhead lamps to warmly light the entire space. Solutions that, beyond being necessary, added beauty and coherence to the decoration.



The beginning of an unforgettable ceremony
Both mothers were the first to walk in, side by side. A gesture that said a lot.
Then it was Sheyla’s turn. She walked in on her father’s arm… already in tears. As soon as she reached the altar, she wrapped her mother in a long hug. It was emotion, nerves, love. All at once.
While they were waiting for Gabriela’s entrance, an audio was heard. She had recorded it for her grandmother, but it also became a kind of early vow.
She said she had fallen in love with a woman. That she had learned to love beautifully, just as her grandmother had taught her. That she loved well. And that she would go all the way to the moon for her.
Sheyla couldn’t hold back her tears.






An entrance with two companions and the greatest blessing
Gabriela walked in on her father’s arm. Her brother was waiting ahead, with tears in his eyes. As she made her way forward, her grandmother’s voice was heard, giving her a blessing.
She couldn’t be there in person, but from afar she sent her blessing. She’s a nun, and with the tenderness and faith that have always defined their bond, she blessed her granddaughter and this union.
Gabriela took her brother’s hand, and they walked the rest of the way together.
After those intense moments, the ceremony continued with laughter, tears… and became one of the most moving we’ve ever witnessed.













After the ceremony, the dome became the center of attention once again.
No more nerves, emotions still running high, and full of joy—Gabriela and Sheyla wanted to take some photos.
The dome was still there, but now it was just for them. It was the same space where minutes earlier they had said yes, but now it looked different.
They saw themselves. Radiant. Triumphant.
They had made it there, together.
And that place, which had meant so much throughout the process, now became part of their memories too.








The party: two bouquets in the air and no excuse not to dance
After the ceremony, they changed outfits. No longer in long dresses, they wore two similar suits that gave them total freedom to dance.
Two bouquets thrown in the air. And zero protocols to hold back the joy.
Just the desire to celebrate. Like them. Like their story.









Between rain and racing the clock: we made their wedding under the dome happen
It rained nonstop. It rained so much that part of the setup was ruined. The backup plan was an arch under a roof, but they wanted to get married under the dome. We even considered using umbrellas if needed—just to try.
The rain stopped with just an hour to go. And even though the easiest option was to stay under the roof, we chose to reset everything. Because we knew that if there was a chance to bring back plan A, we had to try.
Having a plan B is essential. But having a professional team willing to go all in to make plan A happen can also make all the difference on your wedding day.
Do you know the services we offer for your wedding in Havana?
Do you know the services we offer for your wedding in Havana?
Full planning and coordination: We support each couple throughout the entire process — from early planning to full coordination on the day of the event. We work with a trusted network of vendors, allowing us to manage every part of the wedding with confidence, efficiency, and quality.
Learn more about our coordination service.Wedding decoration: This is our signature and our greatest strength. Events — especially the most exclusive weddings in Cuba — carry our stamp. We design spaces with attention to every detail and have our own furniture collection that reinforces our style and production quality.
Learn more about our decoration service.