Venezuelan Traditions and a Family Ranch Were the Backdrop for This Beautiful Wedding

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"Francisco and I met in Boston while I was a freshman at Northeastern University, and he was a senior. Despite having mutual friends back home in Venezuela, our paths had never crossed," tech chief of staff Alexandra Pueyo Linares shares as she recalls the chance moment she met her husband. She was standing in line on a freezing winter night in 2018 when she noticed Francisco López Pietri, an entertainment professional at Amazon Prime Video. "Although I recognized one of his friends and exchanged greetings, Francisco and I weren't introduced. However, we kept looking at each other throughout the night," Pueyo Linares shares. "As my friends and I decided to leave due to the cold, we got into an Uber, and just before it drove off, I impulsively blew a kiss to Francisco as our eyes met through the window. It was uncharacteristically bold of me, but something inside urged me to do it. When we were finally introduced weeks later, we clicked instantly."

Just a week into dating, the couple met unexpected obstacles. "I felt an immediate connection to him, but little did we know that our relationship would soon face a significant challenge. A week after we started dating in May 2018, Francisco was diagnosed with cancer. This difficult chapter brought us closer and deepened our bond in ways we hadn't imagined," Pueyo Linares explains. "Despite the challenges, we look back on those days as a time when we celebrated life and connected on a profound level. Today, Francisco has been cancer-free for five years. We've been together for six, and we now live in Miami with our beloved son, our dog Obi Juan."

In June 2023, the couple had a trip planned to visit their families in Venezuela at the Canaima National Park. "It was purely a coincidence that the trip coincided with our five-year anniversary and my birthday—it was simply the only weekend everyone could make it," Pueyo Linares says. "During those times, the idea of a proposal didn't even cross my mind. I wasn't in a rush and knew it would happen when the time was right, but on the final day of our trip, during a visit to a breathtaking waterfall in the sacred Indigenous caves of Kavac, Francisco proposed. I was completely caught off guard and utterly thrilled. The surprise proposal—surrounded by my family in one of the most beautiful places on Earth—made the moment even more extraordinary and unforgettable."

The couple then decided upon a wedding in Yaracuy, Venezuela, in February 2024 at a sprawling cocoa ranch built by López Pietri's grandmother half a century ago to celebrate their love among family and friends. Every detail, from the décor and the dress code to the cuisine, was infused with their shared Yaracuyan traditions.

"The welcome event was held at La Antigua Misión, a beautiful colonial hotel where many of our guests stayed. It was a white party, and I wore a Zimmermann outfit that blended perfectly with the setting—a choice I made to complement the venue's atmosphere. Francisco wore a stunning blue guayabera."

"The event featured an open bar, buffet-style dining, live local music, and a DJ. Although we had to end the party at 1:00 a.m. to ensure everyone, including ourselves, was well-rested for the ceremony the next day, it was an incredibly fun evening. We were thrilled that most of our guests arrived on Friday, even those who traveled from different countries and hadn't been to Venezuela in years. It was a heartwarming reunion with many of my high school friends and family members who hadn't visited the country in a long time."

"Getting ready was a calm and special time, shared mostly with my mom. I chose not to have my 25 bridesmaids get ready with me, as I wanted those moments to be intimate with my mom, as I am an only child, and she is basically my everything. Although we ended up running a bit late, the time spent with my mom was precious, and her presence calmed me down during those final emotional moments before the ceremony."

"The dress I wore while getting ready was a beautiful white linen piece gifted by Patricia Pietri, Francisco's cousin who also designed all the bridesmaids' dresses and the groomsmen's shirts. The morning was emotional, especially when I was given a small medal with a photo of one of my dear friends who passed away two years ago. It was attached to my bouquet, and I couldn't help but shed some tears."

"For the ceremony, Francisco wore a tailor-made elegant liqui liqui—a nod to Venezuelan sartorial heritage."

"I wore the Anika gown by designer Danielle Frankel. I didn't try many dresses on, actually. My first bridal appointment was in Miami at a boutique called Ever After. I already had Danielle Frankel in my mind, and as soon as I tried the Anika gown, I just knew. I later went to her atelier in NYC with my mother-in-law for the full DF experience, and there, I confirmed this was my dress. As for jewelry, I kept it minimal, wearing only my rings and a pair of vintage earrings lent to me by my mother-in-law."

"The most memorable moment from our wedding day was, undoubtedly, the ceremony itself, which took place at the Hotel Antigua Misión, where most of our guests stayed and and where the welcome event took place. Surrounded by towering royal palm trees, we found ourselves immersed in an ethereal cathedral shaped by nature itself. Local wildlife joined us—with monkeys swinging through the branches, exotic birds soaring overhead, and majestic peacocks adding their splendor to the scene."

"Though we met in Boston and built our relationship in the United States, there was never any doubt that we would get married in Venezuela, where we were both born and raised. We wanted a location that was truly special, untouched, and surrounded by nature—away from the bustling city. We chose Hacienda Guáquira in Yaracuy, a state three hours from Caracas. This sprawling cocoa ranch, built by Francisco's grandmother half a century ago, holds a special place in his heart, filled with enchanting memories from his childhood."

Guests arriving for the ceremony.

"Our wedding-party bridesmaids and groomsmen [were] adorned in custom Costaiia pieces that were designed by no one else than Francisco's talented and beloved cousin, Patricia Pietri. These garments also paid homage to both La Guáquira and the rich cultural fabric of Venezuela, as this has always been Patricia's North Star as well with Costaiia. Though 25 bridesmaids sounds like a lot, each one of them is incredibly special to me, and having them with me on that day was so important to me."

"The true magic unfolded when the band unveiled a song my husband had penned six years prior—a heartfelt tribute to our journey through adversity and the unyielding love that bound us together. His unfinished melody found its completion that day, resonating with the depth of our shared experiences and the promise of forever. Then, Francisco surprised me again with a soul-stirring speech, weaving words of love and devotion that moved us all to tears."

"Beyond the aesthetic beauty and delights, our wedding was a testament to our love story—a journey that transcended obstacles since day one."

"[Our wedding] was a celebration of unity, resilience, and the power of love to gather so many cherished people in such a special place."

"Our wedding invitations were particularly special because they were a collaborative effort with my mother-in-law, who owns a renowned paper firm in Venezuela, Papelería Papieri. With over 30 years in the business, she's the leading provider of invitations and stationery in the country. Together, the three of us designed invitations that were timeless and classy yet uniquely ours. We incorporated watercolors depicting various aspects of Hacienda Guáquira, including the main house where the reception was held. We also included a map of the location and nearby hotels, all wrapped in a beautiful watercolor-painted wrapper featuring Yaracuyan flowers and vegetation. Our monogram—combining the initials L and P for López and Pueyo—cleverly served as the 'and' in 'Alexandra and Francisco.' The result was a truly beautiful and meaningful invitation."

"From the beginning, we envisioned a wedding that would reflect our creativity and cultural pride. It was a celebration that honored our roots while embracing the beauty of nature and the warmth of our closest family and friends, many of whom had never set foot in Venezuela. We wanted a celebration that was not just about saying 'I do,' but about weaving a tapestry of memories rooted deeply in our heritage and shared experiences."

"As our guests gathered amid the lush surroundings of Hacienda Guáquira, they were enveloped in an atmosphere of magic and nostalgia."

The couple and guests arriving at the reception.

"The air was filled with the aromas of Yaracuyan dishes—each plate a masterpiece crafted with love and care—with flavors that evoked cherished memories of shared meals and familial bonds. There's no formal sit-down dinner during the reception. Instead, a buffet opens at a certain point, and guests can eat whenever they like. From the moment guests arrive at the reception, they're treated to canapés, various food stations including traditional Venezuelan dishes, and bars that remain open throughout the evening."

The couple celebrating with family and friends at the wedding reception.

"Since Hacienda Guáquira is such a beautiful place, we didn't really need a lot of décor. Flowers were all sourced from locals in Yaracuy. We wanted everything to feel extremely organic but elegant."

"Ultimately, we really wanted our guests to have the best time and to appreciate the beauty of Hacienda Guáquira. After the first dance, the dance floor was open, and everyone literally danced the night away."

"A unique feature of Venezuelan weddings is the 'crazy hour,' a tradition also common in other parts of Latin America and Spain. During this time—late into the night but not quite at the end—party props are handed out, and classic songs are played. It's an incredibly fun part of the evening, with everyone donning props and taking shots.

"For our wedding, we wanted to highlight Venezuelan culture, so instead of the typical glow sticks and glasses, we sourced traditional Venezuelan items. The highlight was the masks from a Yaracuyan tradition called 'los diablos danzantes de Nirgua,' a colorful and lively custom. We also handed out sombreros llaneros, traditional hats from the Venezuelan plains, and other regional headpieces. To add to the fun, we had a percussion group perform during the crazy hour, creating an electric atmosphere that was both beautiful and culturally rich. We danced until 7 a.m. when our wedding day was officially over."

Photographers: Monika Frias and Silvia Sanchez

Videographers: Eternal Movies and J. Leo Weddings

Wedding Dress Designer: Danielle Frankel

Bridesmaid Dress and Groomsmen Shirt Designer: Costaiia

Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Wilanny Meza

Venue: Hacienda Guáquira

Wedding Planner: Personal Plus

Invitation and Stationery Designer: Papelería Papieri

Caterer: Festejos Mar

Baker: Jaquemate

Florists: Alfonso Vivas and Clementina Cuesta Viso

Light Designer: Iluminacion