ABOUT THE WEDDING…

Our wedding was the best day of my life! It was full of love, excitement, meaningful details and above all, it was shared with our closest family and friends who traveled from all over the world. We put a lot of thought into the details of our wedding because we wanted our day to be a unique and truly memorable event. Eric is Puerto Rican, I am half Argentine, and we met while attending college in Florida so our guest list was full of travelers to say the least and we wanted to make sure they knew we appreciated the money and time spent on traveling.

As our guests entered the patio area, there was a wooden sign handmade by my brother which labeled each city (outside of LA County)  in which our guests came from along with the miles traveled. We also added, Lakeland, FL to the sign which is where our college is located. Instead of a guestbook to sign, we looked for something less common that we could also display in our home and we found a very creative and fun alternative. We had our guests sign their names & messages onto pink or white wooden hearts and then drop them into a black shadowbox frame which had and a large heart in the middle with an inscription of our names and wedding date. For us it was really hard deciding on a wedding favor that our guests wouldn’t leave behind and would cherish forever so we had a couple of gifts for them that we thought would be a big hit. On display, we had a mason jar for each person with their names written on a wooden heart so that they could use that all day/night. We also hand-made personalized coasters for each wedding guest. This was probably the most time consuming project of our wedding details but I think it was the most rewarding one. Instead of making items with our names and wedding date, we wanted it to be something special customized for each individual so each coaster had a photo for the guest. Photos included their family, significant others, etc. Something that they could use in their home but still remember the wedding and where it came from.

When deciding our theme and colors, I was torn. I am a PINK FANATIC but at the same time, having pink bridesmaids dresses was just too predictable. Instead, I decided on doing a Black & White Striped theme after finding the most beautiful sequined BCBG dresses for my bridesmaids and adding pops of color throughout the event. Everybody thought I was crazy for having them wear dresses with a “print”, let alone STRIPES and that’s when I KNEW it was going to happen! It’s not the “typical” bridesmaids dress and that’s why I loved it. The sequined dresses were short but I had always imagined my bridesmaids walking down the aisle with flowy dresses so for the ceremony so we added long double layered chiffon skirts and then for the reception they removed the skirts and walked in with the short dresses and matching black/white heels…it was perfect! Our groomsmen and both of our fathers wore Black and White striped bow ties to match the bridesmaids and theme of the wedding. They also sported super hero socks, each one wearing a different character that Eric picked out for them.

My bouquet was to die for, I was so in love with it because it was even better than what I had imagined: big, full pink peonies, succulents and a large crystal brooch at the bottom to finish it off. I lost both sets of grandparents years ago and really wished they could have been there to share in the happiness of this special day so to have them be part of my wedding, we added each of their photos, a rosary of each of my grandmas, and one of my parents’ wedding picture because they are a perfect representation of what I want my marriage to become and having their picture there as I looked down, put the biggest smile on my face. The bouquet was finished off with a huge back and white striped bow, of course.

Overall, it was the happiest day of our lives, sharing it with those closest to us. We still get compliments from our guests on how beautiful, fun and detail-oriented the event was. We were blessed to work with such great vendors, have our family members contribute to the small details that held meaning to us and have our wedding at the most beautiful venue we’ve ever stepped foot on. I wish I could do it all over again!

Super Suppliers:

Photographer: Leah Marie Photography// Floral Design: Soiree Design and Events// Venue: Villa de Amore// Cake: Elegance on Display// DJ: ROSS CREATIONS// Videography: Le Reve Productions (Watch the video here!)// Photo Booth: Advantage Photo Booths// Invitations: No Design Boundaries// MUA: Chelsea Pagnini// Hair: Allie Liliokalani// Jewelry & Accessories: EM by Elaine Moreira//

Why Villa de Amore is an Amazing Place for Weddings

Villa de Amore in Temecula, California, is an idyllic choice for a wedding venue, offering a picturesque and romantic setting that perfectly encapsulates the essence of a dream wedding. Nestled in the heart of Southern California’s renowned wine country, this estate provides a stunning backdrop of rolling vineyards, lush gardens, and breathtaking mountain views, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere for your special day.

One of the standout features of Villa de Amore is its exclusive use policy, ensuring that your wedding day is both private and personalized. The entire estate is reserved for you and your guests, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and amenities without any interruptions. This exclusivity creates an intimate and tailored experience, making your wedding day truly unique and memorable.

The venue’s architecture and design are nothing short of spectacular. The elegant villa exudes European charm with its Tuscan-inspired architecture, complete with stone courtyards, ornate fountains, and vine-covered pergolas. The outdoor ceremony site offers panoramic views of the Temecula Valley, providing a breathtaking backdrop as you exchange your vows. The indoor spaces are equally impressive, with beautifully decorated rooms that seamlessly blend classic elegance with modern comfort.

Additionally, the location of Villa de Amore in Temecula’s wine country adds an extra layer of allure. Your guests can enjoy wine tasting at nearby vineyards, explore charming local shops, or simply revel in the natural beauty of the area. This not only makes for a fantastic wedding day but also provides an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.