David comes from a large Cuban family, so even though Hilary’s family is small, they always knew a big wedding would be inevitable. Although their guest count was high, they wanted the day to feel intimate + warm for everyone in attendance. To make the celebration special + reflective of them, they went with a fun “Havana Nights” theme, which included a perfect blend of tropical foliage + metallic decor. And they tied the knot on what some may say is the most romantic day of the year: Valentine’s Day! A perfect feature for this week ♥
On their inspiration, Hilary + David share, We were inspired by the location of our wedding: a beautiful, tropical island just east of downtown Miami. Surrounded by palm trees and dense mangroves, in the shadow of an old lighthouse, we wanted our wedding to incorporate the setting’s beautiful flora and fauna with a touch of Old World glamour.
Thanks so much to Haydee of Sweetest Celebrations for the gorgeous design and Katherine + Luke of Max & Friends for the beautiful images below!
Yes to those red lips, courtesy of Jen + Eva of IGK Salon. We’re stealing that look for V-Day this weekend!
Our ceremony was led by my dear friend and former coworker, TODAY Show correspondent Kerry Sanders, who is fluent in Spanish. Even though I do not speak Spanish, David and I recited our vows in both languages. We also incorporated some of my family’s Jewish traditions and blessings into the ceremony and the reception
Our Favorite Memory
From David: Watching Hilary say her vows in Spanish. It wasn’t perfect, but it was somehow more than perfect.
Hilary: After the ceremony, David and I had a few minutes alone together. We were able to process (in some small way) the promises we had just made to each other. It was the most romantic moment of my life.
Our Musical Choices
We’re in love with Hilary’s Claire Pettibone wedding dress + the romantic bridesmaid dresses, too (which included finds from BHLDN + Adrianna Papell). Shop their look in our guide below!
This tropical-styled sweets cart, with treats provided by Earth & Sugar, fit right in with the lush, Cuban theme.
See even more in the amazing film below by Wade + Robert of Sharkpig!
Our Advice
Make a timeline or to-do list that realistically works around your life. If you know there’s a busy time at work ahead, do as much as you can in advance so you can coast through stressful times while still feeling good about the wedding. We hired our wedding planner, photographers and videographer SO early, but it was during a period when I had more time to research everything and meet with multiple vendors. We also planned our wedding from afar, while living in Los Angeles. Hire one or two vendors (like our planner, Haydee Durate) with good contacts in the city of your wedding, and you’ll be set.
Featured in This Wedding
Earth & Sugar
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Other Vendors in This Wedding
Photography: Katherine & Luke Griffin of Max & Friends // Venue: ceremony at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park; reception at Lighthouse Café // Event Design: Haydee Duarte of Sweetest Celebrations // Wedding Planner: Haydee Duarte of Sweetest Celebrations // Florals: Julia Rohode Designs // Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone // Hairpiece: Claire Pettibone // Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Hair Stylist: Jen Taylor & Eva, IGK Salon // Makeup Artist: Jen Taylor & Eva, IGK Salon // Groom Attire: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Videography: Wade Koch and Robert Ingaham of Sharkpig // Catering: Lighthouse Café // Music: DZA // Officiant: Kerry Sanders // invitations: Llorente Designs // day-of paper goods: The Windmill Paper Boutique // rentals: Unearthed Vintage // string quartet: Juan Carlos trio // live band: Jacuzzi Boys
