It was fate that brought Alexandra de Ledebur and Néstor Hernández together for the first time. Néstor, who had been living in San Francisco, was attending a bachelor party in Miami. He spotted Alexandra, hanging out with a group of girlfriends outside a nightclub in South Beach, and they immediately hit it off. Two weeks later Néstor was back in Miami to “see what it was all about.” Thus began a two year long-distance relationship!
Néstor proposed one beautiful day in October 2011, as the two walked down a scenic canal near Alex’s home. The unexpected and wonderful proposal was followed by a champagne toast from Alex’s closest family members and dinner at the Delano Hotel, where the couple had really connected after their first meeting.
A wedding was then planned for November 2012. The day began early for the bride and groom, as each had much to prepare for the events ahead. Bridesmaids and groomsmen joined them in their last moments before the ceremony, offering up advice and toasts. Néstor sent Alex a love note as she was getting ready, sharing his love and excitement to be marrying her that day. Along with the notes was a small pocket watch, given as “a reminder that time is precious.”
The wedding ceremony was held at a small, traditional church in Coral Gables. Two large, modern arrangements of hydrangeas, roses, calla lilies and amaryllis were placed at the altar. The bride wore an ivory ball gown dress and carried a bouquet of ivory vandella roses and amaryllis. The groom donned a formal black tuxedo and bow tie. The bridesmaids wore violet-colored long chiffon dresses with bouquets of purple orchids and calla lilies.
A reception followed at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, a modern venue near downtown Miami. The wedding décor was modern with arrangements of hydrangeas, roses, calla lilies and amaryllis in shades of coral, ivory, white, and pink, surrounded by floating candles. Amber uplighting created an elegant feel to the room.
Says the couple, “The wedding itself was very meaningful and included participation from the mothers, and readings from Alex’s brother. Our chaplain made a show of the kiss, warning us that we would have to do it again if the audience wasn’t satisfied. We had a good one right away and after pictures headed by car to the reception.”
Nestor and Alex’s first dance was a choreographed waltz to Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be,” ushering in the start of a fabulous party. “Late into the night we had ‘hora loca’ (or ‘crazy hour’) with hats and masks for all to use,” the bride recalls. Some of the women attending surprised Alex by picking her up and throwing her into the air at one point, with Nestor’s groomsmen following suit. “Overall a lot of fun was had by all and the dancing never stopped,” the couple says of their unforgettable nuptials.
More Photos of The Bride and Groom’s Happy Day Below
Photographer: Rodrigo Varela Photography
Ceremony Site: Coral Gables Congregational Church; Reception Site: The Four Seasons Hotel; Planner; YardiRose Events; Bridal Gown: Chic Parisien; Florist: Parrish Designs; DJ: AA Musicians; Video: DVP Studios; Hair: Naivi Hernandez; Makeup: Jessie Sierra Diaz
