We really enjoy sharing the end results of our months of careful planning and designing an event. But we also love taking you, our readers, in our behind the scenes journey. And M+R’s private villa wedding is one we can’t get over it, especially since it was our biggest structural undertaking to date!

To see this wedding gallery, click here. And for the behind the scenes details, keep reading here!

So, what was it all about? Design wise?

The civil engineering and architectural work took over 30 days to complete. It began with the construction of a mulit-level platform on the sand that extended into the beach. To ensure the stability of this platform, two materials were used: wood on the sand area and metal in the beach area.

Once the support structure was completed, the flooring platform was placed unifying all sections at three different levels via steps. On this platform, the stage was oriented towards the sea, and the tables and buffet area were positioned towards the house, with design elements that highlighted the change in floor levels.

Subsequently, a metal roof structure with columns and beams was constructed, which had exterior legs in the sea and on the sand, as well as interior legs resting on the platform. A covered walkway was also built along the beach, connecting the patio of the house where guests were enjoying cocktails to the reception area.

ENTRANCE

To connect the balcony where the cocktail hour was held with the location of the reception, a walkway was created that bridged the two spaces via a custom-designed portal that used a repetitive geometric language in different design elements (the custom lamps on the dancefloor and stage , the totems to cover the legs of the roof, the sides of the planter).

THE PLATFORM

At the back of the bride’s family home, you can find different balconies that are staggered following the direction of the downward slope towards the sea. For the construction of the platform, this same concept was integrated, designing a stepped platform that went from the beach to the sea.

THE STAGE

Since bougainvillea is the bride’s favorite flower, it was integrated on the dancefloor in spiral-shaped structures to give it a character of importance and to place it in an area that has visual hierarchy.

CUSTOM INSTALLATIONS

Decorative and technical details were carried out, such as the installation of lighting and sound, and the decoration of the roof legs with geometric shapes carved in foam, and the covering of the exterior legs and beams with jute fabric.

Before the event, a first coat of paint was applied to the platform, decorative elements were hung, and tables and chairs were arranged according to the layout design. The night before the event, the lights were adjusted, and the decoration was distributed on the tables.

THE STRUCTURE

The general concept was to create a space that felt like an extension of the bride’s family home by integrating beach elements to elements designed specifically for the event. Moreover, the clients wanted to have us design their day using blue and green tones in combination with the vibrant pink tone of bougainvillea, the bride’s favorite flower.

Finally, on the day of the event, the finishing touches were made, glassware and cutlery were placed on the tables, they were adorned with flowers, candles and the decorative details were finalized to create a spectacular environment for the wedding.

Lights up!

See full wedding blog: here.

CREDITS

Planning & Design: Claire Duran Weddings & Events
Photos: David Abel
Video: Live StoryTellers
Flowers: Omar Garrido
Rentals: Divano, Eventos del Cibao & Nuage
Stationery: Alison Pennline Designs
Calligraphy: Isabel Lee
Custom Installations: Eccentrico Studio
Tenting, Sound, Lighting: Prodigium
DJ: DJ Rascal
Reception Band: Glamband
Ceremony Quartet and Cocktail Hour Mobile Band: Batuta by Pablo Polanco
Soprano: Paola Gonzalez
Ceremony Venue: Altos de Chavón
Reception Venue: Client’s Family’s Villa in Casa de Campo
Catering and Service: Casa de Campo
Cake: Bake Artistry
Sax Player and Violinist: Entertainment Department of Casa de Campo
Hora Loca: Crew Up