Love Goes On: Krystal's Wedding Day in Reem Acra
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
In February 2016, I started working at a law firm in the Gables. The last thing that was running through my head, was that I would meet my husband that day. He had just returned from a month-long trip to Australia and as I’m standing at the reception desk, he greeted me super casually and turned the corner. He quickly took two steps back to the reception desk to properly introduce himself AGAIN. It really was love at first sight. The rest is history after that!
So while we were dating, he asked me what places were on my bucket list. I told him I’ve always wanted to visit Cuba and see where I came from. I’ve always wanted to see where my mom and dad grew up. Jorge planned the entire trip to Cuba and just told me to pack light. On June 14, 2019, we arrived in Havana, Cuba. I had no idea that the entire way there the ring and box were in his pocket. We arrive at the hotel to drop our things off and go straight to sightsee. Our first stop was at Morro Castle “Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro”, named after the three biblical Magi. It is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana bay in Havana, Cuba.
As we walk up the stairs to the top of the castle, there was a truck selling fresh coconuts with rum. So of course, Jorge buys us a couple and tells me to stand at the top for some pics. I’m standing there when all of a sudden he takes the coconut away. I was left puzzled when he immediately pulls the ring out gets on one knee. I was speechless and all that would come out was “are you serious!!” Well, he was serious!
When you started planning your wedding - what did you envision?
I envisioned myself walking down the aisle in a beautiful traditional, yet breathtaking wedding gown.
I envisioned a lush and elegant ballroom with all whitener decor - simple, yet elegant and romantic. I wanted to make sure we included calla lilies everywhere to honor my late father - it was his favorite and also the flower he and my mom used at their wedding.
I saw myself having my first dance with my husband, as everyone lovingly looked on.
How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
The fact that we are going through a pandemic, I knew there were certain aesthetics that weren’t going to be possible (i.e. a dance floor, long rectangular tables with candles to name a few).
I was able to walk down the aisle at the Church of the Little Flower in the dress I so desired to wear.
My wedding planner made sure to make my wedding look as breathtaking as possible.
She created a structure where my husband and I would sit under - with hanging callas and gorgeous florals all around. She also created a mirrored backdrop with more hanging callas for the cake display.
These alone helped create the look I was going for - clean, elegant, and definitely a “wow” factor.
It also served as a backdrop as my husband and I had our first dance that I so dreamed about.
Aside from that dance, because of COVID, we were not allowed to have dancing overall - however, my mother surprised me with a trio consisting of 2 singers and a guitarist. They were able to liven up the night and create an ethereal vibe as guests sang along to the music.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
My husband’s only request was that we get married in the Catholic Church. We chose the Church of the Little Flower because my parents got married there and also my son attends the school. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful churches. The Priest who married us was, Father Manny. He was the sweetest and most caring with my husband and I. He got to know us along the way so that he could make our wedding ceremony very special for us. Another request I had for the wedding was that i would be surrounded by callas. My dad passed away when I was 20 years old from cancer and I wanted to honor him somehow. Callas were his favorite flower and also the flower my he & my mom used at their wedding. Petal Productions alongside my wedding planner created the most beautiful calla wedding. I am forever grateful.
How did you decide on the location?
My original location was The Ritz Carlton in coconut grove, but COVID shut them down. The team at The Ritz was so amazing and flawlessly set us up at The Ritz in Key Biscayne. It was the most magical weekend of our lives.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
My amazing gown was by designer Reem Acra. My veil was by designer Ines De Santo. It’s a sweetheart-shaped A-line gown with silk flowers. The veil is all hand sewn with pearls and diamonds.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My friends and family were super supportive throughout the entire planning process. I’m not going to lie and tell you that it was the most magical experience planning this wedding because it was not. Covid-19 came in like a wrecking ball and changed everything around. I originally had 200 people invited and about 110 came. I’m super thankful for my amazing mother and super comforting wedding planner, Marylen Exposito. All of the vendors were super accommodating to all of the changes. My flowers were by Petal Productions. My photography was Rodrigo Varela and my videography was Osiris Photography.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
One specific memory that I will never forget about was when the church opened up the curtain to reveal me to my husband. The look on his face was absolutely priceless. Once he laid eyes on me, he couldn’t control his emotions anymore. He looks so dashing in his Sartori Amici custom navy tux. I couldn’t wait to stand next to him.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
My hair and make up was done by Marz & Co. Marz & Co. is a squad of some of South Florida’s most sought after (and fierce) makeup and hair professionals. While all different, in personality and technique, the incredibly talented members of the Marz Makeup + Hair team share the common goal of making women feel the most stunning they have ever felt. They live (and die!) for the moment when a woman looks into the mirror and lights up from the sight of her own vibrant beauty, all while ensuring your hair and makeup lasts all day and night. Marz & Co. work alongside the most elite wedding vendors and are consistently considered a “preferred vendor” at many of South Florida’s finest venues. I chose a timeless sleek part down the center with a criss cross low bun in the back.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
My wedding planner, Marylen Exposito. She never gave up hope that this wedding was going to happen and was my voice of reason. She would calmly update me on the current phases Miami-Dade was going through and held my hand through the entire process. She made sure we were compliant with all social distancing standards, while still creating the wedding of my dreams with no detail overlooked.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
Our original honeymoon had to be completely canceled due to Covid-19. We went on a Plan B honeymoon to the most beautiful new resort in Key Largo called Bungalows. It is an only adult and all inclusive resort. I really felt like I was transported to Bali for the week. 45 minutes from my house and the most relaxing and gorgeous honeymoon.