Yunior and Yasiel
The challenges of planning a big wedding in Havana
Planning a big wedding in Havana is always a challenge. But this time, the stakes were even higher: two venues as iconic as they were massive, over 300 guests, a nationwide blackout… and still, a celebration overflowing with joy.
La Divina Pastora hosted the ceremony and dinner, with an overwhelming view of a city that remained in darkness that night. And La Cabaña Square became the perfect setting for an intense, vibrant party that lasted until dawn.
One of those stories that can only be written when there’s love, people who stand by you, and a team ready to give their all—even in the face of the unexpected.
Suppliers:
Wedding Planning, Design and Decoration
Aire de Fiesta
Photography:
Estudio Aires
Floristry:
Outfits of the bride and groom:
Venues:
La Divina Pastora and La Cabaña
Different rhythms, same direction
Yasiel started the day surrounded by his people, wearing a custom-made suit by Color Café Habana, a boutonniere from Islaflor, and facing a huge banner outside the balcony where he was getting ready that read: “Yasi, I love you.” It was Yunior’s doing, of course—one of his fearless, tender ways of loving.
Yunior, on the other hand, turned his getting ready into a party. Toasts, music, friends, and that energy of his that fills every moment. He also wore a suit by Color Café and was ready to celebrate early. Each in their own rhythm. Each true to himself.
The designer, the sketch, and the message that came with the suit
Yunior with the creator of the suits. In his hands, the sketch and the dedication that came with each piece.
A classic ceremony by the sea
The ceremony followed a classic style: pastel-toned flowers, a circular structure framing the altar, and the sea in the background. Everything spoke of them—without going overboard.
Live music set the tone with elegance: piano, violin, cello, and voices accompanied every moment. Always Remember Us This Way for the entrance, Ave María to carry the most solemn moment, and Hallelujah to close with quiet emotion.
A shared entrance, like their journey
They chose to walk in together. Because that’s how they live, how they move through life, and how they wanted to begin this day.
It wasn’t a traditional decision, but it made perfect sense to them. There was no reason for one to wait for the other. There were no hierarchies or protocols to follow. Just two people choosing each other every day, meeting halfway to move forward hand in hand.
Yasiel arrived first. Yunior followed shortly after, accompanied to that point by his mother. It was his way of honoring the woman he calls his “eternal girlfriend,” who has always been by his side.
Because there’s no single right way to walk into a wedding. Rules aren’t mandatory. Every couple can — and should — do it in the way that makes the most sense to them.
And this entrance was just that: a quiet, powerful statement that the day belonged to them.
And just as they entered, they also walked out: together, in sync, heading the same way.
The first kiss as husbands.
After all the emotions and uncertainties of the day, this was a moment lived to the fullest. A gesture that captured everything it meant to have made it this far.
Telling a story in every corner
From the very first sign, everything spoke of Yunior and Yasiel. The decor was conceived as a reflection of the blend that defines them: classic in form, but with unexpected twists. The logo, designed by a friend, was present throughout. The ceremony followed an elegant line, with pastel-toned flowers and carefully balanced details. But even then, we knew the party would break all expectations. Here begins the journey through every corner that helped tell their story.
An elegant dinner on the terrace of La Divina Pastora
La Divina Pastora’s terrace hosted the dinner with an exquisitely elegant setup: very tall centerpieces, burnt pink velvet tablecloths, a soft color palette, and flawless floral arrangements. Everything was designed to be shared with their closest guests and to toast before the night shifted pace.
A quiet pause for them, with the city behind
After the ceremony, they stepped out for a moment—just the two of them, Havana in the background and the sunset light all around. It wasn’t a perfectly planned photo session, just a moment to be together, laugh, hug, and enjoy that first breath as husbands.
An entrance that set the tone
They entered the dinner dancing while guests waved their napkins. The entrance was a party in itself—a spark that was enough to ignite everything. Because when you have a group ready to live the night to the fullest, that’s all it takes for the celebration to begin with full force.
From an intimate ceremony… to an unstoppable party
After an intimate ceremony and an elegant dinner, it was time to change the pace. And they sure did.
The party moved to La Cabaña Square, inside the Morro-Cabaña complex, where over 300 guests joined in. From the very entrance, it was clear this was serious: period characters welcomed the attendees, trumpets marked the beginning—and suddenly, everything went dark.
At the perfect moment, a spotlight lit up the couple as they entered in a horse-drawn carriage. It was a movie-like scene with a Havana flair—and the signal that the real party had just begun.
A grand entrance for a grand wedding
Trumpets held high, period characters, and the sound of hooves marking the beginning. Yunior and Yasiel arrived in a carriage, lit at just the right moment. It was an epic scene — one you don’t forget.
From the first dance step to full-on celebration.
The dance started with just the two of them, but it took only a moment for the wedding party to join… and the dance floor to explode. Lights, screens, multiple DJs, and a disco vibe kicked off a night with no brakes.
It couldn’t have been any other way. Yunior is the founder of King Bar, one of Havana’s bars where the party truly comes alive. And of course, his wedding was no exception.
The party lasted until dawn.
This grand wedding took place in the midst of the unexpected: a nationwide blackout.
The night before the wedding, the national power system collapsed. All of Cuba was left without electricity. We had just finished the final rehearsal, with both venues partially set up and the food already in progress. This was no minor setback.
Without electricity, everything becomes more complicated. Networks fail, phones don’t respond, messages don’t go through. And in that scenario, the only thing that keeps a wedding on track is a professional team and committed vendors.
Many teams would have canceled due to force majeure. We didn’t.
That very morning, the couple had doubts. They cried. They wondered if they should go on. But most of their loved ones were already in Cuba. Many were flying back the next day. And that weighed heavily.
The decision wasn’t easy, but they chose to move forward.
And we, as a team, committed to seeing it through to the end.
We reorganized everything, looked for solutions, and adapted every part of the plan without losing sight of what mattered most: that they could fully experience their wedding.
It was a huge challenge, but also a clear example of what a team can achieve when working with dedication, experience, and responsibility.
We came out stronger. Proud of… our coordination and setup teams
You don’t organize a grand wedding in Havana with over 300 guests every day… let alone under those conditions.
Because some days feel just like a wedding.
And there are weddings that feel like a true test of life.
This was both.
How do we create spectacular weddings even in the midst of extreme circumstances?
We work with a trained team, trusted vendors, and a workflow that adapts to each wedding — even under extreme circumstances. If you’re interested in how we organize and decorate events at this level, visit our pages on Wedding Coordination and Wedding Decoration
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