Real Bride Domenica in Monique Lhuillier and Ines Di Santo at her Wedding in Ecuador

Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?

We met at Equinox in the most natural and unexpected way, and from the very beginning, something felt different. There was a calmness to him, a quiet confidence that made me feel instantly at ease.

On our first date, it was the small details that stayed with me. The way he spoke about his family, his dream of becoming a family man like his father, and the way he treated me, so intentional, thoughtful, and kind.

Growing up, the only man I had ever known with that level of genuine kindness was my father. It was something I had always admired and quietly hoped to find one day. From the very beginning, I could see that same quality in Beau, a kindness that felt natural and effortless, like it was simply who he was.

Shortly after we met, I had a trip planned to France with my best friend, and I remember wondering if the momentum would fade, but it didn’t. He was incredibly consistent. When I came back, he cooked for me, and from then on, everything felt easy. We laughed constantly, and being together felt natural, like something that didn’t need to be forced.

After a couple of months, he asked me to be his girlfriend and planned the most thoughtful trip to Deer Valley. Every detail was intentional, from the reservations to the way he made each moment feel special. We both poured into the relationship in meaningful ways. I would write him letters, wanting him to remember those early moments as something truly meaningful.

As our relationship grew, we became best friends. Even though our careers are both very demanding, we always made time for each other, whether it was dinner or simply being together.

What made everything even more special was the way he loved me. He allowed me to be fully myself, unconditionally. There was never a moment where I felt I had to change or hold back. With him, I felt safe, understood, and completely at home.

I truly believe he is my soulmate. It feels like we had to wait for each other, because we were both looking for something real and lasting. When we finally found each other, it was even better than anything I had ever prayed for.

We later traveled to Italy, and I thought he might propose during a romantic moment on Lake Como, but instead, he chose to wait for something even more meaningful.

On a trip to Ecuador that I thought was for my birthday, he asked for my father’s blessing. Shortly after, with the help of my sister and my best friend, he planned the most beautiful proposal on the beach in Key Biscayne, one of our favorite places. It was incredibly thoughtful, with a hidden photographer, the most romantic setting, and every detail perfectly curated.

It was everything I could have dreamed of and more.

When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?

From the beginning, I envisioned something timeless, romantic, and deeply intentional. I wanted every detail to feel elegant and refined, but also warm and full of meaning, something that would never feel dated.

I was very mindful about avoiding trends that might not stand the test of time, and instead focused on classic elements, flowers, lighting, and thoughtful design that would always feel beautiful.

We also incorporated a tradition that is very popular in Ecuador known as the “crazy hour,” but we reimagined it in a way that felt elevated and intentional.

Instead of it feeling over the top, we designed three distinct moments within it. The first was inspired by Miami Vice, guests wore chic accessories we provided, and we played a series of Miami inspired songs that set a vibrant and stylish tone.

Later in the evening, we transitioned into a New York inspired moment, honoring my husband’s family and especially his grandfather’s New York roots. It was more classic and refined, with elegant Lady Liberty crowns worn by my closest friends, music inspired by New York, and fireworks that made the entire moment unforgettable.

We also included a brief country inspired segment, which brought another personal and playful energy to the celebration.

To honor Ecuadorian culture, we incorporated a coffee experience, which later transitioned into a late night golden Ecuadorian breakfast served around 2 a.m., something our guests absolutely loved.

When the day came, it was beyond anything I had imagined. It felt like stepping into a dream, where every detail came together perfectly, but more importantly, where the emotion and love in the room made it unforgettable.

How did you decide on the location?

We were incredibly fortunate to celebrate in two places that are deeply meaningful to us.

We had a civil wedding in Sarasota's field club, where my husband is from, thoughtfully planned by the Barnetts. For this celebration, I also wore a Monique Lhuillier old couture dress, which made it feel just as special and meaningful.

We then celebrated our church wedding in Ecuador, a religious ceremony, followed by a 300 guest reception. Being able to gather so many of our loved ones in a place that means so much to me made the celebration even more meaningful.

Having both an intimate and a larger celebration was truly a blessing. Each had its own atmosphere, and together they told our full story in the most beautiful way.

Let’s talk dress! Give us all the deets!

I knew from the very beginning that I wanted a Monique Lhuillier dress. I have always admired her designs because they are timeless, feminine, and incredibly elegant.

I was drawn to something inspired by Grace Kelly, classic, refined, and effortlessly beautiful. When I found my dress, I just knew. It felt like everything I had envisioned.

One of the most special details was the bolero, which I also got at Chic Parisien. It was a beautiful piece that wrapped around the dress for the church ceremony, giving the look an even more timeless and refined feeling. It matched the dress perfectly and truly felt like having two dresses in one. When I removed it, the dress transformed beautifully while still feeling completely cohesive.

It became one of the most talked about details of my bridal look.

For one of the wedding events, I also chose a mini dress by Ines Di Santo, which I also found at Chic Parisien. It felt modern, fun, and unexpected while still elegant, and I loved bringing that fashion element into the celebration.

The details made everything even more special, and to this day, people still talk about both looks. I feel so grateful to have worn pieces that felt so true to me.

How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?

Our families played an essential role in every part of the planning process, which made the entire experience even more meaningful.

My whole family helped us plan the wedding. My sister, who is very talented in digital marketing, led many of the creative elements, including the invitations and overall communication. My mom was also deeply involved in bringing everything together with so much care and intention.

My husband’s family, the Barnetts, also played a beautiful role, including planning the Sarasota civil wedding and the ring ceremony.

For the wedding itself, we were very intentional about how guests experienced the celebration. In Ecuador, weddings are not traditionally structured around a formal sit down dinner, but we created thoughtful seating arrangements with tables named after Ecuadorian flowers. We placed guests in a way that ensured they were near people they already knew or would naturally connect with.

We also gave certain guests meaningful roles throughout the night. Some were fun captains, helping bring energy to the celebration, and others helped ensure different groups felt integrated. For example, because I have cousins from Germany, we made sure the German speaking table felt especially welcomed and connected.

At each table, we included letters sharing why we loved that group so much. It was a very personal touch that made every guest feel truly seen and appreciated, and it added a level of intention that made the celebration feel even more special.

What’s one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don’t think you’ll ever forget?

One moment I will never forget is dancing with my husband.

We had taken dance lessons, and during the dance, there was a moment where he lifted me into the air, and it felt so joyful, playful, and full of love.

It perfectly captured who we are together, not just romantic, but lighthearted and deeply connected. It is a feeling I will carry with me forever.

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?

I wanted my look to feel timeless and true to me.

For my hair, I worked closely with my stylist Cenya in Miami to make sure the color and overall look felt classic and would never go out of style, something soft and elegant without following trends too closely.

One of the most meaningful elements was wearing a family heirloom, a crown that has been passed down through generations in my Spanish family. It was incredibly special to wear something with so much history and meaning, especially knowing it had been given to me by my grandmother.

For makeup, I wanted a soft, no makeup - make up look, something natural, polished, and elevated.

I worked with Maria Teresa Betancourt, one of the most talented makeup artists in Ecuador, and we went through multiple trials to perfect the look. Every detail was intentional, and that made the experience even more special.

Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?

Our videographer, Aroca Proknown for capturing weddings like Yasmin Tookes’ celebration featured in Vogue and our internationally awarded photographer, Christian Bruckman, documented every moment with such artistry and emotion. Our decorator, Paula Cesa, one of the most recognized designers in Ecuador, brought our entire vision to life with unmatched elegance and impeccable taste, curating every detail, including her stunning furniture pieces, so beautifully.

And of course, the energy of the night would not have been the same without the band Rewind. With their incredible range, they brought every moment to life seamlessly performing everything from Latin classics to American favorites. At one point, if you closed your eyes, it truly felt as though Freddie Mercury himself was in the room.

Each of them played such an important role in making our day feel as magical, emotional, and unforgettable as it was.

Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?

We have not gone on our honeymoon yet, but we are planning a trip to Courchevel later this year.

After the intensity of planning an international wedding and celebrating the wedding, we wanted to take our time and choose something truly special. It feels like the perfect way to continue the celebration, just the two of us.