Real Bride Lissette in Emilia by Monique Lhuillier

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

We met during the pandemic, November 2020. I was still in college in Colombia and he was living and working in Miami, but that month he traveled to Bogotá with some friends. We’re both from Santa Marta and share so many mutual friends, which makes it even crazier that we had never met or even heard about each other before (which in Santa Marta is almost impossible!).

We met at a party in Bogotá, and then in December we both went back home to Santa Marta for the holidays. We saw each other every single day for a month and immediately clicked. The only “problem”? We were both completely against long-distance relationships. But somehow, we decided we were worth the risk.

We did Santa Marta–Miami long distance for four years. We made it a priority to see each other almost every month, so we traveled a lot and became experts at airports and countdowns. It wasn’t always easy, but it made us so strong.

In December 2024, he proposed in Santa Marta on December 21st, the dreamiest surprise. We had talked about marriage and building a family, and I absolutely knew he was the one, but I thought the proposal was at least a year away. It was perfect, emotional, and so us, in the city where everything started.

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

Honestly? I didn’t have a vision at all. At first, I wasn’t even sure I wanted a big party. But then I started thinking — when in my life would I ever have all of my friends and family and his, together in one place celebrating our love? That changed everything.

I initially wanted an all-green tropical wedding. And it ended up being the complete opposite! Halfway through planning (I decided to be my own wedding planner), I called my decorator and told him I wanted to change everything. Luckily, he didn’t kill me!

We pivoted to a classic, traditional all-white wedding with green and gold details. It felt timeless, elegant, and so special. In the end, it was far more beautiful than anything I could have imagined.

What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?

The guest list was our biggest priority. In our culture, it’s very common to invite a lot of people — even if you’re not that close — just because of family connections. But we knew from the beginning we wanted only our closest friends and family there. That was non-negotiable.

And honestly, it made the night unforgettable. It felt intimate, safe, and so full of love. Everyone there truly mattered to us.

Another must? A coffee room. My husband’s family owns a coffee company, so we created a coffee lounge serving their coffee all night — espresso, carajillos, espresso martinis, and more. It was such a personal touch and definitely helped keep the party going until 8am (along with the tequila, of course).

How did you decide on the location?

It was actually very easy. In Santa Marta there are usually two main venues for big weddings, and one of them is outdoors. But October is rainy season, and I was terrified of planning for months just to stress about the weather.

Also, Santa Marta is HOT — it’s on the Caribbean coast of Colombia — and I knew I wanted air conditioning and zero weather anxiety. A beach wedding was never really an option for me.

That’s why Club Santa Marta was always our first choice. For a second we considered a destination wedding in Italy, but most venues had a maximum capacity of 180–200 guests… and Santiago has a huge family. So we quickly let that idea go.

At the end of the day, we’re both from Santa Marta. Getting married in the city where we were born and raised just felt right.

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

In March 2025, I came to Miami with my mom and sister and scheduled a full week of dress appointments. I had two options: buy a dress or have one custom-made by an amazing Colombian designer. My only fear with custom was that I tend to stress during the process and sometimes the final result isn’t exactly what I imagined. For my wedding, I didn’t want that pressure.

I saved Chic Parisien for last because I knew I would find something I liked there, but I never imagined what would happen.

When I got engaged, I randomly saw a bride on Instagram wearing a dress I fell in love with. I screenshot it without even knowing who the designer was. When I arrived at the store, I met Irina, she was incredible. She asked if I had inspiration, and I showed her the screenshot. She looked at it and said, “We have that exact dress here. It’s Monique Lhuillier.”

It felt like fate.

I tried it on the Emilia dress and instantly fell in love. I tried five or six more, but kept going back to that one. I wanted long sleeves, delicate lace, a long dramatic silhouette for the ceremony, a removable jacket for the party, and something comfortable enough to wear from 7pm to 8am (because Santa Marta weddings are no joke!).

I always knew I didn’t want a second dress. I wanted to enjoy one dress from beginning to end. Irina and I made a few small adjustments, chose the veil, and that was it. My dream Monique Lhuillier dress.

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

My mom and sister were everything. We did absolutely everything together — from decisions to details — and they were by my side the entire time.

My husband’s family took charge of the pre-wedding party and the church ceremony, so my mother-in-law was also a huge part of the planning. It truly felt like both families building this together.

And our friends? We had so many showers thrown by family and friends that they basically helped us set up our new home through all the gifts and love.

What’s one specific memory you’ll never forget?

Walking down the aisle.

The cathedral doors opened, the trumpets started playing, and I saw Santiago waiting at the end. I saw my school friends — some I’ve known since I was two years old — my siblings crying and smiling at the same time, my mom glowing with happiness, my dad holding me tightly as we walked.

The violins were playing live. I saw my new brothers and sister-in-law, my father-in-law. It was surreal.

After four years of long distance, we were finally there, getting married in the place where it all began.

Those few seconds walking toward him, and then holding his hand at the altar, that’s a feeling I’ll carry forever.

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?

Hair was easy: a sleek bun. Classic, elegant, timeless — and the safest option for a wedding that lasts until 8am without ending up with messy hair halfway through the party.

Makeup was harder. For every elegant event, I usually do the same look — matte eyes and pink cheeks — but I didn’t want to look like I always do. I wanted something softer and different.

We chose a golden, glowy eye with peachy cheeks. It was such a change for me, but it ended up being my favorite makeup look ever.

And my makeup artist made the entire getting-ready process calm, fun, and special. Everything turned out exactly how I dreamed, and more.

Was there one vendor you wish everyone knew about?

My photographer, Jesús Rincón.

Photography was one of the most important things to me because I truly believe pictures are how you preserve memories. I have very specific taste when it comes to editing styles, so I was nervous about whether I would love my wedding photos.

From the moment we met Jesús, we clicked. He was warm, genuine, and you could tell he cared more about your memories than just closing a deal. He showed us countless examples, gave us so many options, and works alongside his wife — which we thought was so special.

On the wedding day, he was with me getting ready while his wife was with Santiago. It felt so organized and seamless.

It was hot, it rained a little, we were running behind schedule — and yet he kept us calm and laughing the entire time. The photos were beyond anything I ever imagined. If you have the chance to work with him, don’t think twice.

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

We split our honeymoon into two parts: adventure and relaxation.

First, Japan — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima. We walked over 20,000 steps a day, ate everything, explored temples and cities, and immersed ourselves in a completely different culture.

Then we went to the Maldives to rest after a year of wedding planning and two intense weeks in Japan. There, we did absolutely nothing — massages, margaritas, Aperol spritz, lots of sleep, and just enjoying each other.

The best part wasn’t even the destinations. It was realizing that this is our forever. That we get to do life together from now on.

And… that we never have to plan a wedding again.