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Giada and Gorke
Destination wedding in Varadero
In the iconic Casa de Al Capone in Varadero, Giada and Gorke celebrated an unforgettable destination wedding, surrounded by a tropical setting that blended Italian and Cuban traditions. This day brought together family and friends, many of whom traveled from Italy to be part of this unique celebration in such a special setting.
Caja en blanco
A place full of meaning in a destination wedding in Varadero.
Varadero, known for its natural beauty and beaches that captivate any visitor, holds an even more special meaning for Giada and Gorke. This place not only represents a paradisiacal destination; it is also a setting deeply connected to their personal history. Here, Gorke experienced key moments in his life, working as a lifeguard on these shores, which have now become the backdrop for their union. Therefore, celebrating their destination wedding in Varadero allowed Giada and Gorke to link their lives to this significant setting in their journey together. For Giada, bringing her family and friends to experience this essential corner of Gorke's life was much more than a symbolic act: it was a way to share what this place represented for both of them.On the other hand, the choice of Al Capone's House could not have been more perfect. This iconic place, built of stone and with a privileged location by the sea, offered the ideal backdrop for their wedding, perfectly combining a coastal and natural ambiance.
A memorable start to a destination wedding in Varadero: the arrival of the guests.
The experience began with an elegant transfer in classic cars, which took the guests to Al Capone's House. Upon arrival, an outdoor bar set up in the garden welcomed them, while live saxophone music, accompanied by a DJ, offered a fusion of classical pieces with a modern style. This vibrant and stylish atmosphere marked the beginning of a day designed to surprise and move at every turn.
Cultural symbolism: A union of roots and traditions.
The wedding of Giada and Gorke was much more than a celebration of love; it truly represented a meeting of cultures that honored their origins and beliefs. Undoubtedly, one of the most significant moments of the ceremony was the invocation to Jesus, reflecting Giada's Catholic faith, alongside the invocation to Santa Bárbara-Changó, the spiritual protector of Gorke. This gesture not only symbolized the union of two different religious traditions but also highlighted how couples can strengthen each other even in their differences. On the other hand, the sand ceremony, inspired by ancestral rites of Native American peoples, added a visual and emotional layer of symbolism. Using sand from the beach of Varadero, a place deeply significant to Gorke, this ritual represented the fusion of two lives into one path. In doing so, Giada and Gorke sealed their commitment, reaffirming the essence of marriage as a shared journey.
A tropical bar at a destination wedding in Varadero: Cocktails and an unexpected start to the party.
After the ceremony, the guests headed to the outdoor bar, strategically set up on the beach. This space was designed for cocktail time and relaxation, ideal for sharing photos and enjoying the sea view. Here, tropical cocktails took center stage, featuring delights like piña coladas, mojitos, saoco, and coconut water. Many were served directly in fresh pineapples and coconuts, surprising and delighting everyone with their freshness and originality. However, the music began to liven up the atmosphere more than expected. A saxophone, accompanied by a DJ, created a rhythmic combination that invited guests to form circles and start dancing in the sand. What was supposed to be a quiet cocktail moment quickly transformed into an early party. From that moment on, it was clear that this wedding would be an unforgettable celebration, full of energy and fun.
Luxury gastronomy at a destination wedding in Varadero.
A banquet by the sea: Luxury gastronomy in Varadero. The celebration continued with a seaside lunch that offered guests an exceptional dining experience. Led by the renowned Havana restaurant Iván Chef Justo, the team traveled to Varadero to provide exclusive service. The carefully designed menu included a variety of dishes that highlighted the best of Cuban cuisine, combining traditional flavors with modern presentations. Additionally, to complete this culinary experience, dessert tables, coffee stations, and a selection of Cuban cigars were offered. Guests also enjoyed a late-night snack that capped off the day perfectly, ensuring that every detail was tailored to satisfy their tastes. Undoubtedly, this banquet was not only a delight for the palate but also a demonstration of how flavors and aromas can elevate a destination wedding celebration to a whole new level.
Tropical decoration at a destination wedding in Varadero.
The wedding decoration was a reflection of the richness and diversity of the Cuban environment, highlighting elements that integrated the natural with the sophisticated. From the altar to the banquet tables, every detail was carefully planned to harmonize with the tropical landscape of Varadero. For example, the altar was adorned with vibrant flowers and large leaves, creating a visual impact that connected with the surrounding nature. On the wooden tables, details included handmade straw doilies and napkins in orange tones, adding a warm, artisanal touch. Additionally, the warm lighting from wicker lamps reinforced the intimate and cozy atmosphere that the couple wanted to create. This decoration not only beautified every corner of the wedding but also captured the tropical essence of the location, highlighting the couple's desire to showcase Cuba's natural beauty. Undoubtedly, the decorative design was a perfect extension of their love for the environment and their cultural roots.
Teamwork: A perfect international collaboration.
The organization of this destination wedding was a true example of teamwork. Aire de Fiesta worked closely with Desstour, Giada's travel agency, to ensure that every detail was perfectly coordinated. From live music to decoration and transportation, everything was carefully designed to provide an exceptional experience for both the couple and their guests. Additionally, the logistics involved a level of meticulous planning, considering the transportation of equipment from Havana to Varadero and the adaptation of services for an outdoor event. This joint effort allowed every element, from the ceremony to the banquet, to unfold seamlessly.
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Suppliers:
Coordination, Decoration, and Floristry:
Aire de Fiesta
International Collaboration:
Desstour
Photography:
Maiquel García
Location:
Casa de Al, Varadero
Catering:
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


A colorful tropical bouquet
Giada wanted a bouquet that would perfectly integrate with her wedding decoration. Therefore, we decided to work with flowers in reddish, pink, and intense fuchsia tones. These flowers not only added vibrant color but also stood out for their diversity. As a result, the bouquet became an element that elevated the design of the wedding.
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
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A ride in classic cars, a must-have for destination weddings
Traveling in a caravan of classic cars from the fifties was an unforgettable experience for the guests. These iconic vehicles, characteristic of Cuba, were carefully chosen in pink and pastel tones to reflect the wedding's color palette.
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

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A modern and tropical ceremony for this destination wedding in Varadero:
The altar, with a golden metal structure, was the centerpiece of the ceremony, accompanied by a pathway adorned with tropical flowers in reddish, pink, and fuchsia tones. The decoration was carefully chosen to complement the natural surroundings, highlighting the beauty of the beach and coastal landscape. The transparent chairs, arranged on the sand, blended subtly, allowing the flowers and the sea to be the stars of this special moment.





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
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The Sand Ceremony: a moment full of meaning
On the beach in Varadero, Giada and Gorke held the Sand Ceremony, an emotional ritual that symbolized the union of their lives into one path. Moreover, to do this, they used the very sand from Varadero, where Gorke grew up and worked as a lifeguard, adding a personal and deeply meaningful touch to this ritual.
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
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The energy of this destination wedding in Varadero.
After the ceremony, the guests gathered on the sand for group photos with the couple while enjoying tropical cocktails served in coconuts and pineapples. What began as a quiet moment to capture memories soon turned into a spontaneous celebration, where live music encouraged the guests to form a circle around the bride. Thus, dancing barefoot in the sand, the guests experienced a party even before moving on to lunch.
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
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
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A personalized gift station on the sand
On the sand, next to the main ceremony area, a personalized gift station was set up that delighted the guests. Handcrafted Cuban hats and wooden fans, typical of outdoor weddings, were part of this space. The fans, hand-engraved with each person's name, added a unique and special touch that the guests greatly appreciated. Additionally, bilingual booklets were provided with the ceremony's details, songs, and other information for the day. This allowed everyone to follow each moment easily, regardless of the language. This space reflected the care and dedication in every detail planned for the guests.
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



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Black and white moments: Love and complicity
Giada and Gorke's photo session captured their love in artistic black and white images. From a romantic kiss with the sea in the background to spontaneous moments on the sand of Varadero.






Roast pig: A traditional touch in destination weddings
Roast pig, a typical Cuban dish, has become a highly sought-after option in destination weddings like that of Giada and Gorke. Carefully prepared by the restaurant team, this delicacy not only delighted the guests but also added an authentic cultural touch to the culinary experience of their wedding in Varadero.








Ambiente festivo y decora ción nocturna espectacular
Giada and Gorke's party on the terrace of the Casa de Al Capone turned into a celebration filled with energy and fun. From the "Macarena" to other popular dances, Giada led her friends in a choreography that energized all the guests.






Wedding cake and tropical decoration in Varadero.
The wedding cake, made by La Habanera de Aguacate, was a semi-naked design decorated with tropical flowers. To complement this central element, the cake table was a unique rustic-style piece made from wooden crates, adorned with an abundance of tropical flowers that harmonized perfectly with the tropical setting of this wedding in Varadero.







