When Monica and Victoria began envisioning their wedding, they knew they wanted an experience that reflected not only their deep connection to each other, but also the places and cultures that had shaped their lives individually and as a couple. The result was a breathtaking, three-day destination celebration at the picturesque Cigarral de las Mercedes in Toledo, Spain, bringing together 115 of their favorite people from across the globe.
The choice of location held profound personal significance. With Victoria possessing Spanish roots on her mother’s side and Monica having spent a memorable period studying in Toledo during her college years, the couple was eager to weave the elements of Spanish culture they cherished most into every single day of the itinerary. Nestled on a sprawling estate, the venue offered an ideal backdrop for the multi-day affair. It was capable of hosting the majority of their guests directly on-site, providing lush gardens to wander, a sparkling pool for lounging and reconnecting after long-haul travels, and a dramatic viewpoint that overlooked the historic, walled city of Toledo. Having exclusive use of the estate allowed the brides to introduce their international guests to several distinct spaces across the property over the course of their stay, creating a dynamic and immersive environment.
True to their philosophy as a couple, Monica and Victoria kept with tradition only where it felt right to them and willingly departed from it where it did not. From the outset, they were determined to see themselves reflected in every single element of the celebration. Breaking with convention well before the wedding day itself, they chose to attend each other’s wedding dress appointments together, turning what is often a secretive process into a shared, collaborative joy. They also wrote their vows side by side and decided to trade the lead during their first dance, symbolizing their partnership in every movement.
The planning process was a collaborative and enjoyable journey from the very beginning. It commenced with the guests’ very first impression of the wedding: the custom stationery, handled by Dinglewood Design and Press, which artfully previewed the sophisticated ivory, dusty blue, and burgundy color palette that would define the aesthetic of the weekend.
The multi-day celebration officially opened with a lively welcome party that immediately immersed guests in the local atmosphere. Set to the spirited sounds of live Spanish guitar, the evening featured touching tributes delivered by each bride’s mother alongside a few of their closest friends. The culinary spread boasted all the hallmarks of a traditional Spanish tapas party, offering guests a true taste of the region. Refreshing pitchers of red and white sangria flowed freely, complemented by a live jamón ibérico carver who served one of the couple’s absolute favorite foods, setting a warm, festive tone for the days ahead.
The wedding day itself began with a series of intimate, private first looks before the entire gathering assembled by the lakeside for the late-afternoon ceremony just as the sun began to set over the Spanish landscape. The surrounding gardens glowed warmly in the evening light, featuring delicate white flowers that lined a wooden aisle leading up to statement floral arrangements displayed on pedestals at the altar.
Personal touches were woven deeply into the ceremony proceedings. A close friend officiated the union, lending an air of intimacy and familiarity to the proceedings, while the brides recited the vows they had thoughtfully written together. Music played a pivotal role in the ceremony’s emotional resonance; a string quartet performed a hand-picked processional melody for each bride as she made her way down the aisle. Later in the ceremony, a special song was performed to honor beloved family members and friends who had passed on, ensuring they were present in spirit.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests transitioned to a vibrant cocktail hour. Set around the estate’s central fountain, the gathering was filled with signature Spanish-themed cocktails, flowing conversation, and plenty of laughter as attendees mingled in the golden evening light.
As night fell, dinner was served at the estate’s scenic viewpoint, which offered a sweeping panorama of Toledo’s historic Old Town. Long tables, exquisitely dressed in soft linens and abundant white flowers, were illuminated entirely by candlelight, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere. The evening’s program of speeches began with a heartfelt welcome from each bride’s father, echoing the loving maternal tributes delivered at the welcome party. Over dessert, dear friends and Monica’s sisters raised additional heartfelt toasts, celebrating the journey of the couple and the strength of their bond.
The reception honored local heritage in a uniquely dramatic fashion when Monica and Victoria partook in a classic Spanish wedding tradition: they cut their multi-tiered wedding cake using a sword that had been authentically forged in Toledo. Their highly anticipated first dance followed, set to King Harvest’s "Dancing in the Moonlight," a track that has held a special place in their hearts as their favorite song since the early days of their relationship. True to their collaborative spirit, the dance featured a few playful lead changes between the brides.
After completing traditional dances with each of their fathers, the celebration shifted into a high-energy dance party when a saxophonist suddenly burst in from the wings, immediately filling the space with infectious rhythms and packing the dance floor.
More than anything, the three-day affair stood as a joyful, heartfelt celebration of Monica and Victoria, the depth of their love, and the dedicated family and friends who had traveled from all corners of the world to share in the milestone with them.
The journey toward this momentous celebration began long before their arrival in Spain, rooted in a thoughtful and collaborative proposal story. Monica and Victoria first set the wheels in motion by designing their custom engagement rings together in Chicago, working closely with Bryn Mawr Jewelry. With the rings securely in hand, they planned a getaway to London—a vibrant city where each of them had previously lived for several months and to which both feel an enduring, deep connection.
Once they arrived at the historic Cliveden House, situated just outside the bustling city, the trip transformed into a lighthearted race to see who would find the exact right moment to propose first. In the end, Monica made her move and proposed first, quickly followed by Victoria in a mutual expression of commitment. The newly engaged couple celebrated the milestone by wandering the expansive, manicured gardens of Cliveden and taking a quiet boat ride along the picturesque River Thames, savoring the beginning of the next chapter in their lives together.
