X & J -  Wedding

First Look, Private Vows & Photos

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour in The Gardens

Reception

Cake, Champagne & Celebration

Farewell

Our Wedding

We met 12 years ago in the most unexpected way — at a NASCAR race. Neither of us had planned it, but a last-minute twist put us both there. Nothing really happened that day, just a quick crossing of paths. It was a little later, at a birthday party, that things truly began. We talked, exchanged numbers, and soon realized how natural it felt to be around each other. From there, conversations turned into friendship, and friendship into something more — built on shared values, trust, and laughter. Not long after, we moved in together. A couple of years later, our family grew when Eko, our cocker spaniel, came into our lives. From day one, he became the most wonderful four-pawed son — loved beyond measure and the heart of our home. We’ve always been a grounded, relaxed couple. For a long time, marriage wasn’t really on our minds — we felt happy and fully committed as we were. But as the years passed, we understood that love also grows through the steps you take together. In 2025, while celebrating a birthday in Paris, came the surprise: the proposal. It was thoughtful, heartfelt, and perfectly us. Now, as we prepare for this new chapter, we do it with gratitude, with faith, and with the same love that has guided our story since the beginning.

Our Story

The Ancient Spanish Monastery, originally built in the 12th century in Sacramenia, Spain, began as a&nbsp;Cistercian Catholic monastery. The Cistercians, a Catholic monastic order that grew out of the Benedictine tradition, were known for their devotion to simplicity, discipline, and prayer. Their philosophy is reflected in the Monastery’s stone architecture: austere yet monumental, serene yet deeply spiritual. In the 1920s, the Monastery was dismantled stone by stone, shipped to the United States, and eventually reassembled in Miami. Nearly 900 years of history live in its cloisters, archways, and gardens, making it one of the most extraordinary structures in the Western Hemisphere. What drew us to this venue is not only its story, but also its character. The Monastery offers multiple chapels and gardens to choose from for ceremony and celebration, each space carrying its own atmosphere. Built in&nbsp;Romanesque-Gothic architecture, its arches and cloisters carry a mystical, castle-like quality, while the gardens bring softness and romance. It felt perfect for our vision: magical and full of love, elegant yet private — a setting where we can share a simple but deeply meaningful moment with only the most important people in our lives. The Ancient Spanish Monastery gives us the intimacy we dreamed of, wrapped in beauty, history, and a timeless Catholic heritage.

Image Credits:Some of the images shown here are from Pinterest and are used only as inspiration. All credit belongs to the original creators and photographers.

The Venue

Floor-length gowns, chic cocktail dresses, and refined accessories are perfect for the ladies. Tuxedos or dark suits with ties are ideal for the gentlemen. Think timeless, sophisticated, and polished — a look that complements the beauty of the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

Style InspirationThe dress code for our wedding is&nbsp;Formal, with&nbsp;Black Tie Optional. Formal Attire: For women, this means floor-length gowns or chic cocktail dresses. For men, a dark suit and tie is perfect. Black Tie Optional: Guests may also choose to elevate their look with a tuxedo or an evening gown. This setting — the Ancient Spanish Monastery — is a place of history, stone cloisters, and timeless architecture. Its beauty naturally calls for a polished, formal atmosphere. To give you a sense of the style, we’ve gathered some images from Pinterest as inspiration. Photo CreditsSome of the images shown here are from Pinterest and are used only as inspiration. All credit belongs to the original creators and photographers.

Dress Code

Eko has been part of our lives for over 10 years, filling our days with joy, loyalty, and unconditional love. From countless adventures to quiet moments at home, he has been with us through it all. It means the world to have him walk down the aisle as our ring bearer, sharing in this new chapter of our journey together.

Eko 

Our niece, María Paz, will walk ahead of the bride, filling the aisle with grace and charm as our flower girl.

Maria Paz

Our nephew Emmanuel will join Eko in carrying the rings, making the ceremony even more meaningful for us.

Xiomara & Juan

Xiomara & Juan

Dress Code