Alexa Starr + Juan Roa by Louise Golding

We wanted everyone to feel like the best version of themselves.

We have always believed that the magic of our relationship lies in the mix of what we love doing together and the passions we enjoy on our own. Some days that means watching early-morning Formula 1 races over coffee, listening to Juan yell at the TV during Liverpool matches, cheering on the Knicks in the playoffs, or playing pickleball, sometimes as a team and sometimes as rivals. Other days, it is long walks with our dog, Indiana Jones, talking about life. These little moments are our favourites.

When it came to our wedding, we wanted everyone to feel like the best version of themselves. It was never about following tradition for the sake of it, but about creating a personal, effortless celebration centred on connection. The bridesmaids chose their own shades of pink and dress styles, the groomsmen wore classic tuxedos, and our guests were encouraged to wear whatever made them feel beautiful or handsome.

Florals were kept minimal, letting the garden speak for itself. Long tables invited easy conversation, styled simply with single-stem flowers, fresh grapes, peaches and strands of pearls. It was elegant, organic and warm. Rita and Patricia from Portugal Wedding Planners understood exactly what we wanted and brought it to life in the most magical way. To be completely honest, we were winging it. I had never been to Lisbon until the weekend of the wedding, and Juan’s only visit was a layover en route to Madeira for a bike race.

We saw our venue, Vandelli, for the first time over FaceTime and booked it immediately. The same went for the food tasting and design previews; everything was done remotely. With little direction from us, our planners created something beyond anything we could have imagined. And then there was Louise, our photographer. I told her I had no idea what I wanted, and she somehow gathered all my half-formed ideas into something beautiful and cohesive. She became more than a photographer; she was a guide, a sounding board and a friend. The planning process itself was a joy because it brought us together in a new way. We loved blending our Colombian and American backgrounds with Portuguese culture, discovering local food, customs and traditions along the way.

Our biggest tip for other couples is to let go a little. Especially for a destination wedding, be open to new ideas and opportunities. The less rigid you are, the more you will enjoy the ride. We truly had the dream team. Rita and Patricia were the heart of it all. Louise captured the day with such authenticity. And DJ Paul Soir with White Sax Events created a party no one wanted to end. People still talk about the energy that trio brought to the dance floor.

Juan wore a custom suit made in Colombia, timeless and perfectly tailored. I wore the Margot gown by Ines Di Santo, a strapless design with an open back, dramatic bow and extended train. From the front, it was minimal and classic with delicate tulle gloves, but the back was a bold fashion statement. It felt like me. Our three non-negotiables were the planner, the photographer and the music. We invested in the people who could make the experience unforgettable, and they did exactly that.