Wally and Frankie’s wedding in the colonial city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was a celebration that blended history, romance, and tropical elegance.

We want to use this post to show you a bit of the behind the scenes of our design process for their main celebration (the wedding reception).

See full Wedding Day album here.

The Venue: Casa de Bastidas in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City

Nestled within the charming streets of Santo Domingo’s colonial zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wally and Frankie chose this location for their love of its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lush greenery, as well as the family connection on the Groom’s side to Dominican culture.

The Design & Concept

The concept for their wedding was a hidden tropical garden for guests to go on a journey of discovery as they entered the venue. The setting was this temporary garden filled with a mixed of botanicals and soft, romantic lighting that framed the entire space.

What made this wedding truly unique was how it celebrated the fusion of two worlds: the tropical allure of the country and the historical significance of a venue that has stood for over five centuries. The design seamlessly integrated the architectural marvels of the spanish courtyard full of arches and timeless stone structures with the introduction of more contemporary (and ephemeral) elements.

Wally and Frankie, who are both professional chefs, placed immense importance on the culinary experience at their wedding. Guests were treated to a feast that reflected not only their love for each other but also their dedication to the culinary arts. 

The choice of shapes, textures, and materials for decor and furnishings was a blend of contemporary elegance and historical reverence, creating a blended ambiance.

This destination wedding in Santo Domingo was not just an event; it was a captivating narrative of W+F’s love, the city’s history, and the celebrations’ tropical constructed beauty.

See full wedding day album here.

Credits:

Wedding Planning, Design and Production: Claire Duran Weddings & Events

Photography: Karla García

Videography: Live StoryTellers

Reception Venue: Casa Rodrigo de Bastidas

Tent, Lighting, Sound: Prodigium

Flooring, Greenery Tunnel and Legs Covering: Frankeli Decoraciones

Custom Structures: Eccentrico Studio

Catering: Ambrosia

Flowers Wedding Day: Carmona Decor

Stationery: Alison Pennline

Cake: Noah de Bari

Linens: Nuage Designs

Rentals 1: Divano

Rentals 2: Eventos del Cibao

Custom Lamps: Resolto

Custom Bar: MF Concepts

Plant Rentals: Argenis Bargas

Custom White Pedestals: Manuel Vasquez