Michelle and Wilfredo
Getting married at the Xanadú Mansion, in Varadero
Returning to Cárdenas, this time with her and all their people, was already special. But doing it to get married at the Xanadú Mansion in Varadero, by the sea and in a place full of history, made that return unforgettable.
Suppliers:
Wedding Planning, Design and DecorationAire de Fiesta
Photos:
Maiquel García
Video:
Manuel Paneca
Location:
Michelle is from the Netherlands. He’s Cuban and had emigrated years ago. When they decided to get married, they chose to return to Cuba and celebrate in a place filled with history, beauty, and sea views. They dreamed of getting married at Xanadú Mansion, Varadero, and sharing more than just a ceremony — an experience.
And so it was. A tropical, vibrant, and intimate wedding where roots, families, and everything they are now building came together.
Getting ready at the Xanadú Mansion itself
The morning began in different rooms of the Xanadú Mansion, but under the same roof. Michelle got ready alone with her mother and our makeup artist Michel, in a calm and special atmosphere. The rest of the group —friends and close relatives— were in another room, attended by a second makeup artist we brought for them. Later, they all gathered for a joint session just before the ceremony.
Wilfredo, in another room of the same house, enjoyed his own quiet moment with his mother, Milagros, who would later walk in with him to the ceremony.
Having everything in one place allowed them to enjoy the preparations without rushing or moving around. Plus, the mansion’s architecture and natural light made it the perfect setting for those first photos: elegant and full of character.
Tropical ceremony over the sea of Varadero
The ceremony was held on the cliff of the Xanadú Mansion, one of the few places in Varadero with natural gardens directly above the sea. The chairs were arranged in a semicircle, with a tropical floral arch at the center and a wide-open view of the horizon.
Casarse en la Mansión Xanadú es, para muchas parejas, una decisión marcada por este lugar exacto: por la vista y su altura sobre el nivel del mar.
The sound of the saxophone opened the ceremony
A live saxophonist welcomed the guests and played throughout the ceremony. A subtle presence, yet essential to set the tone of the moment.
Walking in with her: the other key moment
Wilfredo entró con su madre, Milagros. Ella había regresado a Cuba solo para acompañarlo ese día. Caminar juntos hacia el altar en Varadero, cerca del lugar al que pertenece su familia, fue uno de los momentos con más carga emocional de toda la boda.
The kiss, a perfect ending.
After the vows and the ring exchange came the kiss. Beside them, the nieces who had carried the rings remained attentive, as if they knew that moment belonged to them too.
An emotional ending that summed up their dream of getting married here — with their roots close and the sea of Varadero as witness.
Photos after the “I do”
After the ceremony, it was time for family photos. In front of the floral arch and that unique garden by the coast, with the sea as backdrop. Then, just the two of them. With the sunset light, they ended the moment with a session that captured some of the most memorable images of the day.
Cocktail with music, views and memories
The cocktail was served in the garden, right in front of the main terrace, while the couple took their photo session. With a sea view, guests enjoyed live Cuban music and a tropical cocktail bar.
Uno de los rincones más especiales fue la estación de recuerdos: una mesa llena de fotos instantáneas de cada invitado, impresas con pequeños mensajes y colocadas junto a los regalos. Más que un detalle, fue una forma de agradecer y hacerlos parte real de ese día.
Dinner by the sea, with flowers as the main feature
Dinner was served on the terrace, always with a view of the sea. A long table brought all the guests together and became the centerpiece of the setting. But what truly stood out were the floral arrangements: tall, lush, aligned like palm trees repeating in perfect rhythm along the table. Tropical, elegant, and consistent with everything experienced throughout the day.
Cake, gifts, and a party that lasted late into the night
After dinner, it was time for the cake—a gift from the groom’s mother. The perfect way to close that part of the day before heading back to the now-lit garden. There, with a DJ and lights, the party began: music, constant energy, and a full dance floor well into the night.
Un photocall que se volvió el alma de la fiesta
When the party was already in full swing, the photo booth appeared — along with the custom sunglasses the couple gave to their guests. Everyone wanted a picture. Everyone joined in. The result? A trending reel and one of the most shared memories of the wedding.
Do you know the services we offer for your wedding in Varadero?
Do you know the services we offer for your wedding in Varadero?
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.SHARE THIS MOMENT