Photo: BlueSpark Photography
Kristen Quintana and Rodrigo Rincon's story started in high school in El Paso, TX. "We went to rival schools," she says, "and met briefly at a party after our senior year." But the couple didn't see each other again for years, since Kristen headed to Miami for college and then stayed for a few years after she graduated. But in 2011, she moved back to El Paso, and she and Rodrigo bumped into each other again. "We've been together ever since," Kristen says.
Over Memorial Day Weekend in 2013, Rodrigo surprised Kristen with an overnight trip to the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. After a delicious brunch, he proposed with ocean views in the background. The pair spent the next 11 months planning their May 3rd, 2014 wedding in Coconut Grove, Florida, with Paper Rock Sisters Inc. doing the planning and coordination, and BlueSpark Photography behind the camera.
Kristen kept her bridal look timeless, choosing an A-line gown with a lace neckline from Rosa Clará. "I knew I wanted lace and didn't want straps," says Kristen. "The handmade lace on the neckline was gorgeous!" She paired her dress with ivory satin Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and a chapel-length veil. Her ivory headpiece was borrowed from her matron of honor, who'd worn it at her own wedding (as did the MOH's mother!).
Rodrigo wore a classic tuxedo with a vest, while his groomsmen wore suspenders.
The bride carried a lush bouquet of peonies and garden roses, all in white and blush. The bridesmaids, in coral cowl-neck gowns, carried all-white bouquets of tulips and hydrangeas.
Kristen's brother walked her down the aisle at the ceremony. "My father passed away six years ago, so my brother gave me away. I had my dad's wedding ring pinned inside my dress as a memento," says the bride.
The reception took place under a clear-topped tent hung with chandeliers. Chairs and vases added a touch of gold to the white tables, while arrangements of hydrangeas, tulips, and stock flowers were a lush finishing detail.
Photo: BlueSpark Photography
The four-tiered wedding cake featured layers of rum and key lime cakes, frosted with buttercream and piped with lace-inspired details. The topper was a handmade sugar peony to match the bride's bouquet.
Photo: BlueSpark Photography
An amazing DJ had guests on the dance floor all night. As the party wrapped up, Kristen and Rodrigo headed outside for their bubble send-off. "We absolutely loved it," she says, "but once we got to the parking lot, we realized we'd never arranged transportation back to the hotel!" Thankfully a groomsman was able to sneak the couple back inside, then they loaded into an SUV with their friends for their real getaway.
The couple honeymooned in Paris and Nice, France, and planning a great trip is one of Kristen's top tips. "We really appreciated having a vacation, and some alone time together!"
Ceremony Venue: St. Hugh Catholic Church || Reception Venue: Villa Woodbine Estate || Wedding Planner: Paper Rock Sisters Inc. || Bride's Wedding Dress & Veil: Rosa Clará || Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti || Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBG || Groom & Groomsmen's Attire: Black by Vera Wang || Wedding Bands: HH Jewels || Florist: Landy's Flowers by Gerardo || Invitations & Paper Goods: Paper Rock Sisters Inc. || Music: True Audio Miami || Catering: Bill Hansen Catering || Cake: Edda's Cake Designs || Favors: Sharp Cookie || Photography: BlueSpark Photography