Article Detail

Real Wedding at The Highland Manor – Chrystyna Suarez and Rafael Arvelo

At Dubsdread Catering we love being dedicated members of the team that makes your big day your best day. While we are masters at the planning and executing the behind-the-scenes work, we know our clients have their own unique perspective on their event. We thank recent couple Chrystyna Suarez and Rafael Arvelo for graciously sharing their experience to benefit others.

BRIDE AND GROOM: Chrystyna Suarez and Rafael Arvelo
WEDDING DATE: April 29, 2022
VENUE: The Highland Manor
EVENT COORDINATOR: Bonny Bailey-Finck, Senior Wedding and Event Coordinator

VENDORS: 

Photographer/Video: Lillie Shawn Photo & Video 
Florist: Something Borrowed Blooms 
DJ: Xclusive Dee Jays 
Dessert: Morgan Hunter Desserts 
Officiant: Taylor Crocker
Hair & Make Up: Beaute Especiale 
Rentals: Ocean Hawk Rentals 

ONE YEAR OUT:

How/where did you get engaged? 
We got engaged in Key Biscayne while on a weekend vacation with both of our families. Both of our families were involved in the whole surprise proposal. I was told that we had trouble getting a dinner reservation at 7 p.m. so it was moved to 5 p.m. As I was rushing to get ready for dinner, he was getting the proposal set up. Neither my family nor his gave anything away, everybody was just ready for dinner. We were told the table was ready, so headed out to the top pool deck where it overlooked the ocean. There were roses and candles on the deck with a huge "Marry Me" sign. At first, I didn't think it was for me, so I casually kept walking, but it was in fact for me and it was perfect!!

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?
We are most excited about getting to call each other husband and wife! We're also excited to experience this with our families, and ready for the next big milestone in our lives.

What aspect are you excited to plan the most? (Ceremony, food & beverages, photographer, DJ)
We're excited to plan everything! We've booked an amazing photographer and an awesome DJ! We are excited to plan our playlists for the reception, our first dance song, and excited to plan our must-have photo list. Another thing we are excited to plan is our grand entrance to the reception! 

A FEW MONTHS OUT / PLANNING PROCESS:

How do you feel the planning is going?
Planning has been going fairly well for us. I have the privilege to work from home, so I am to handle all calls and emails for the wedding more easily. I am extremely organized –Type A Bride – so I am on top of the planning. 

What have you found to be more difficult than you expected?
The most difficult part for us during the planning process that I didn’t expect to be as difficult is picking songs, ensuring we have covered all the needed decor items/areas and coming up with our wedding day timeline to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. 

What has been more fun about the process than you expected?
The most fun part of planning is having our friends and family ask us about it throughout the entire process. It makes time go quickly and gets everyone just as excited along with us! Time is flying by so fast, and I am doing my best to document the planning process so we can reflect on it after the wedding.

WEDDING DAY:

What was the best, most memorable part of your big day?
Our first look. That was so incredibly special to us. Seeing each other before our ceremony was the perfect and intimate moment for us and in that moment, we knew nothing else mattered. 

If you could change one or two things about your event, what would they be? 
We would've assigned two of our friends to be in charge of taking more candid photos. Everybody was having such a great time that we completely forgot to take photos of ourselves on our own phones or friends’ phones so we can look at them the next day. Or maybe we should have made a shoutout to our guests to take more photos and send them to our phones!

Is there any advice you would give other couples planning their event that you wish some-one had told you?
The day comes and goes so quickly. Take moments throughout the day to take a step back and look at your dream wedding all put together. Cherish the small moments with your new partner, dance as much as possible, and cherish all your friends and family that come to celebrate with you!

Photos courtesy of the bride, groom, Prizma Photography, and Lillie Shawn Photo & Video.

When you book a wedding with Dubsdread Catering at one of our exclusive venues, we provide wedding coordination at no additional charge. Our coordinators become dedicated members of your team bringing experience and expertise to help you execute your vision. Contact them today via our Contact Us page to make our team your team in making your dreams come true.