Luxury Event Havana Club 1519 at the Grand Theater

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.