A Miami wedding brimming with tropical elegance and Cuban charm, Nicole and Francisco’s day was a vibrant masterpiece of culture and style. From cherished family traditions to a high-energy reception, every detail was thoughtfully designed to honor their roots while celebrating their love. Captured beautifully by David Abel Photography, this unforgettable celebration brought their vision to life with stunning detail and emotion.
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Style: Tropical chic, elegant
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 340
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – ballroom
Season: Spring
Nicole and Francisco’s love story began in 2019 at Soho House in Miami Beach, just days before Nicole moved to New York City. Despite the timing, Frankie’s determination was clear—when she initially declined his dinner invitation, he didn’t give up. They kept texting, and soon after, he flew to New York to take her on their first date. That weekend laid the foundation for a connection that couldn’t be ignored.
Nicole moved back to Miami a few months later, and the two spent a year and a half building their life together before Frankie proposed during a trip to Montana in November 2021. Their journey, filled with adventure, persistence, and undeniable chemistry, inspired a wedding that honored their love and the vibrant culture they both cherish.
Location & Planning
The couple knew from the start that Miami, their beloved hometown, was the perfect setting for their wedding. Deeply connected to their Cuban-American heritage, they envisioned a celebration that would weave tradition, culture, and tropical elegance into every moment. Their dream was to create an event that felt like a glamorous homage to an old Havana nightclub, filled with vibrant energy, lush greenery, and heartfelt details. With 340 guests and a planning journey spanning 18 months, they crafted a day that was as meaningful as it was stunning, blending their shared roots with a chic, modern twist.
Bridal Morning
Nicole stepped into the breathtaking “Marthe” gown by Vera Wang, sourced from Ever After Miami, and immediately felt like a queen. The gown’s intricate macrame lace bodice, paired with a modern pleated tulle skirt, perfectly captured her vision of timeless elegance with a contemporary flair.
Nicole completed her look with delicate Aquazzura shoes and a bouquet of pristine white tulips and lisianthus, adding a soft touch of romance to her ensemble. Her makeup, crafted by Lindsay Brooke Reyes, highlighted her natural beauty with a soft, glowing finish, while her sleek updo by Sildi Hair kept the focus on the intricate details of her gown.
Groom's Fashion
Frankie looked effortlessly sophisticated in a custom black tuxedo from Aziari. He added a refined touch with classic Mont Blanc cufflinks, while his personalized socks, embroidered with the wedding date and their initials, brought a playful and sentimental detail to his look.
Ceremony
Nicole and her father shared a heartfelt drive to the ceremony in a classic car. As they arrived at the historic Our Lady of Belen Chapel, the moment was filled with emotion and anticipation. The 14,000-square-foot chapel, a cornerstone of Nicole’s family history, holds deep meaning—her father graduated from Belen Jesuit in 1987, and her brother followed in 2019. Originally established in Havana, Cuba, in 1854 and re-founded in Miami in 1961, the church stands as a testament to cultural heritage and resilience.
The chapel’s timeless architecture, soaring ceilings, and intricate niches, including one dedicated to the Cil family, provided the perfect setting for Nicole to step into this significant moment.
Officiated by Father Willy Garcia-Tuñon, a lifelong family friend and president of Belen Jesuit, the service carried deep significance for both Nicole and Francisco. As they exchanged vows, the chapel’s grandeur and history enveloped their promises, creating a ceremony that was both meaningful and unforgettable.
The couple honored their Cuban and Spanish roots with two cherished traditions: the blessing of the arras and the mantilla. The arras—13 gold coins symbolizing shared prosperity—were passed down through Nicole’s maternal family, first brought to Miami by her grandmother fleeing Cuba during the revolution. The mantilla, a delicate veil placed on the couple by their mothers, represented their union and love. These heirlooms, steeped in history, were also used in Nicole’s parents’ wedding, adding an even deeper connection to the moment.
Private Moment
After exchanging their vows, Nicole and Francisco shared a private, intimate moment as they drove together in a stunning vintage red convertible from The Garage Miami to their reception. The quiet ride gave the newlyweds a chance to soak in the magnitude of the day and relish their first moments as husband and wife.
The stunning photography by David Abel Photography captured every meaningful moment of Nicole and Francisco’s wedding with unparalleled artistry and attention to detail. From the tender, intimate moments during their vintage car ride to the grandeur of the ceremony and the vibrant energy of the reception, each image tells a story.
His ability to seamlessly blend emotion with composition brought their day to life in a way that feels timeless and authentic. Every frame reflects his talent for preserving memories with elegance and precision, making the couple’s wedding day unforgettable not only for them but for all who witness his work.
Decor & Setting
The reception was a stunning homage to tropical elegance, transforming the historic space into a vibrant oasis reminiscent of an old Havana nightclub. Designed by Aniska Creations, lush greenery cascaded from towering centerpieces, while bold, tropical blooms added bursts of color. Velvet table linens in rich tones and gold-backed chairs elevated the setting, creating a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere.
Every detail reflected Nicole and Francisco’s vision of a celebration steeped in heritage and style. The lighting and production by We Are Touch Me added an electrifying energy, with dramatic effects that transported guests into a glamorous, immersive experience. The reception space felt alive, perfectly balancing tradition with modern sophistication.
Reception
Nicole and Frankie’s reception began with a burst of energy as the couple was led onto the dance floor by The Gypsy Queens, a vibrant band flown in from France. Their first dance set the tone for an unforgettable evening, as the band roamed among the guests, playing lively tunes and interacting with the crowd. The historical venue, The Hangar at Dinner Key, added depth to the celebration, with its ties to Pan American World Airways and flights to Cuba—a meaningful connection to the couple’s heritage.
As the night progressed, the “hora loca” – “crazy hour” – brought a playful twist to the festivities. Guests danced wearing Cuban hats, tropical sunglasses, and floral headbands, waving Cuban flags in celebration. Nicole and Frankie surprised everyone with late-night snacks from Burger King and Popeyes, nodding to Nicole’s father’s legacy in the food industry. To honor their roots, coffee from Frankie’s grandparents’ farm in Panama was served, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to an evening filled with culture, laughter, and joy.
"They created some of the most unique and incredible content/stage/screen designs, which had their guests feeling like they were in an Ultra music festival."
Advice from the couple:
• We had dinner alone, just us two, in a hidden room. I can’t recommend that enough! Your wedding day can be overwhelming with saying hi to people, the pictures, etc. – taking time alone allows you both to soak it all in and ground yourselves in the significance of the day and the commitment you are making to each other.
PHOTOGRAPHER David Abel Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Al Agua Cinema | PLANNER Red Velvet Productions | CEREMONY VENUE Belen Jesuit | RECEPTION VENUE The Hangar at Regatta Harbour | FLORALS Aniska Creations | DRESS Vera Wang via Ever After Miami | PARTY DRESS Filomena Fashion | SUIT Aziari | HAIR Sildi Hair | MAKEUP Lindsay Brooke Reyes | SHOES Aquazzura | STATIONERY Alibombo | BAND The Gypsy Queens | DJ Cesar Arellano | CATERING MAR International Catering | LIGHTING & PRODUCTION We Are Touch Me | CAR The Garage Miami
