An Elegant Panamanian Wedding with Rich, Burgundy Décor Comes to life with timeless romance
Andreina and Felipe’s love story began on New Year’s Eve 2017, when they were introduced through a mutual friend. Immediately, something clicked; there was an undeniable spark, and the two felt a natural connection that was both effortless and familiar.
“But as the night faded, life moved on,” Andreina shares. “Months passed and we didn’t speak much beyond the occasional Instagram like or casual response to a story. It wasn’t until about five months later that Felipe told our mutual friend he wanted to take me on a proper date. He reached out, and fate worked in our favor — I happened to be in Miami with my family, and he was finishing his architecture degree at the University of Miami. That’s where we had our official first date.”
From Miami to Panama
As soon as Andreina met up with Felipe in Miami, she knew it “just felt right.” Having already developed a crush on him, spending that quality time together simply allowed the puzzle pieces to fall into place.
“He was thoughtful, confident, and knew exactly what he wanted,” she describes. “Even though I was on a family trip and coordinating a date wasn’t easy, he made it happen and made me feel like the most special girl in the world. We both returned to Panama shortly after and began dating officially — and the rest is history.”
“The whole night was a sensory experience.”
Later on, Felipe decided to surprise Andreina with an unexpected proposal at his family’s beach house in Buenaventura, Panama. It happened to be Andreina’s father’s birthday – a strategic choice, as it was the one day when Andreina wouldn’t suspect a thing. Before heading to the party, Felipe suggested they stop by his parents’ house to say hi. Having anticipated that Andreina would want to look her best for the proposal, he timed everything perfectly and she was already dressed for the celebration.
“When we arrived,” says Andreina, “I found the space beautifully decorated for the big moment. I had absolutely no idea. It was private, personal, and full of joy — and to make it even more special, my father was overjoyed that such a meaningful event happened on his birthday.”
An Elegant Panamanian Wedding
“Planning the wedding was a dream,” Andreina states. “We had the best wedding planner in Panama — truly the best of the best — and she made every step smooth, stress-free, and actually fun. My mom and my sister were my partners in every detail, from flowers to menus to music. We were hands-on, but never overwhelmed, because the planning process was handled with such care. It was a time filled with laughter, bonding, and a growing excitement for the day we had long dreamed of.”
From the moment the bride and groom awoke on their wedding day, every moment unfolded perfectly. Thanks to the intention and attention to detail that was put into the wedding planning process, the couple felt calm and was able to be fully present for each magical moment.
“Every part of the day felt like it had been curated just for us, and we could feel the love and warmth surrounding us,” says the bride. “The reception ambiance was elegant and timeless. We chose a monochromatic design centered around the color burgundy — a rich, classic hue that brought warmth and sophistication to the space. For the music, we had live instrumental musicians welcome our guests, followed by a live orchestra when the party began, and then two DJs who kept the celebration going late into the night. The whole night was a sensory experience — romantic lighting, exquisite food, and heartfelt moments with our favorite people in the world.”
Right before walking down the aisle in her Monique Lhuillier wedding gown, the bride and her father shared an especially emotional moment together. Trembling with nerves, she asked him repeatedly if everything was okay. He looked at her calmly and reassured her: “Don’t worry, my darling. You are marrying the best man in the world for you. I am at peace — because the only man I could give you away to and feel good about it is Felipe.”
“That moment will live in my heart forever,” says Andreina.
A Two-Part Honeymoon Adventure
After their flawless Panamanian wedding celebration, Andreina and Felipe set off on a beautiful, two-part honeymoon adventure. Their first stop included a visit to Carmel, Napa Valley, and San Francisco. Finally, they flew off to Bora Bora for the ultimate honeymoon in paradise.
“Each destination was unforgettable in its own way,” Andreina adds, “but the most memorable part was simply being together, just the two of us, soaking in the joy of our new chapter. Bora Bora was absolutely magical — Four Seasons Resort we stayed at was enchanting and beyond anything we could’ve imagined. It felt like we were living in a dream.
“From that first party in 2017 to the day we said, ‘I do,’ every part of our story has felt like it was meant to be — full of serendipity, laughter, and unconditional love.”
>Written by Lauren Malamala
WEDDING TALENT
Ceremony Location: Catedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, Panama City, Panama; Reception Location: Casa Veranda Hotel; Planner: Judy Amado; Floral & Event Design: Alex Gaudiano; Invitations: Paper Lab; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Bridal Salon: Chic Parisien; Reception Dress: Tal Kedem; Hair: Javier Velazquez; Makeup: Miranda Makeup; Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers: Groom’s Watch: Rolex; Honeymoon Destination: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; Photography: Ruben Parra