A Romantic, Vintage-Inspired Wedding At Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico

With their families being friends, Cynthia Matosantos and Federico Cardona first met during childhood. Rather than growing up close, however, they took two separate journeys in life. It wasn’t until 22 years later that they were reacquainted serendipitously at the Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Resort. According to Federico, “Cindy was the most beautiful woman he had seen in his life – she resembled an angel.”

After reconnecting over some delightful dates and hours of phone conversations, Federico decided to take things to the next level. Cindy’s family had planned a trip to Peru, and he plotted with her siblings to join their trip after the fourth day. At the end of the trip, Federico told Cindy he wasn’t coming back to Puerto Rico until she agreed to become his girlfriend. A year later, he proposed during an epic helicopter ride in New Zealand.

For her wedding dress, the bride-to-be visited Chernaya Bridal in Miami with her friends, and found the perfect gown during her third visit. The Alon Livne number was rich in detail, elegant and sumptuous. It took a bit more effort to choose her bridesmaids dresses, as it was difficult for all ten bridesmaids to agree on a style, but it made the whole experience even more fun and entertaining.

The wedding day itself was emotional and nerve-racking, yet completely unforgettable. An ambiance of romance, elegance and luxury was created, and tables were decorated with chandeliers, flowers, and candles floating on water. The floral arrangements also included peonies, roses, baby roses, Phalaenopsis, hydrangeas and baby’s breath, and a gorgeous wall of flowers was displayed behind the sweetheart table.

At the reception, live music provided guests with entertainment along with champagne and appetizers. Everyone enjoyed tasty nibbles such as heirloom tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and a spicy tomato sorbet, pumpkin soup, and a main course of beef fillet with a creamy Yukon puree, crispy onions and mushroom escabeche. The wedding cake was a complex and detailed masterpiece as well, inspired by the bride’s wedding gown design.

As most of the newlyweds’ friends and family enjoy dancing, a vast dance floor was set up, and a local group called “Cuenta Regresiva” played all types of music. During a “Crazy Hour,” the party was heightened with a Batucada (a type of Samba performance), two stilt robots, and live splash drummers. Guests were also given flashy hats, LED sticks, LED sunglasses, and LED ice for their drinks.

“We felt ecstatic and delighted that our guests had enjoyed a wonderful evening,” the couple says. “We also felt fulfilled and thankful for being able to celebrate our wedding day to the fullest.”